2026 Ottawa Women Driven

Join us for a fun and informative luncheon, Women Driven – Ottawa on October 7, 2026, 11:30am – 2pm at 50 Sussex (50 Sussex Dr.)

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry professionals, learn how artificial intelligence can simplify your life, be inspired by a panel of leaders, and have a professional headshot taken to upgrade your career profile!

Host – Tara Slone

This year’s event will be hosted by Tara Slone – Canadian broadcaster, actress, former Hometown Hockey host and Juno-nominated vocalist. A powerful advocate for advancement in traditionally male dominated fields, Tara uses her platform to spotlight the achievements of women across the sector and inspire the next generation of female leaders in automotive retail.

Speaker – Artificial Intelligence

Kristina Alexiou, Vice President – Growth at FliteHouse, A practical look at how AI can eliminate the mundane so your time goes where it matters most. From managing kids’ schedules at home to follow-ups, reporting, and strategic priorities at work, you’ll leave with specific strategies you can put into action that same day.

Panel Discussion

We have an exciting panel of industry and non-industry professionals to offer support, words of wisdom and encouragement in your automotive career!

Helen Balraj, Director OCS Canada – Lavazza Group BU Americas
Helen is a senior commercial leader with over a decade of experience transforming sales organizations, elevating performance, and driving sustainable revenue growth across Canadian and global markets. She is known for bringing clarity to complexity, aligning strategy, people, and culture to deliver results that last.

Brigette Goldenshtein, Manager, Marketing & Communications, CADA
Brigette Goldenshtein is the Manager of Marketing and Communications at the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), where she oversees strategic communications, member engagement, and market research initiatives.

Melanie Gagnon, Senior Regional Manager, Sym-Tech Dealer Services
With over 18 years in the automotive industry, Melanie Gagnon has built her career across business development, internet management, service, sales, and finance, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the dealership environment. For more than nine years, she has been with Sym-Tech Dealer Services and currently serves as Senior Regional Manager for Ottawa and Northern Ontario, supporting dealer partners and teams throughout her region.

Kate Harrison, Vice Chair, Summa Strategies
Katlyn is Vice Chair at Summa Strategies, specializing in government relations, public affairs, and strategic communications, with extensive experience helping organizations navigate federal and Ontario government priorities. Kate often provides commentary on current affairs and politics as a guest on CTV Power Play, CBC Power & Politics and has also contributed various articles for iPolitics on involving more millennials and women in Canadian politics.

Headshot Photo

Upgrade your personal brand with a free professional headshot at our Women Driven event. Use this polished photo on LinkedIn, social media or corporate website to boost your career visibility. Every attendee receives a session at no extra cost, so come ready to connect and upgrade your career profile!

Enter to Win!

Attendees can enter for a chance to win a pair of 2027 Canadian International Auto Show VIP gala tickets – valued at $500!

Registration

Don’t miss out, tickets for this informative and interactive event are only $99 – with a delicious hot lunch & mocktail included!

Women Driven makes a great team building activity or incentive. For a limited time, bring your team and purchase a table of 10 for a special price of $799!

Tara Slone is a celebrated Canadian broadcaster, actress, and Juno-nominated vocalist known for her dynamic, storytelling-driven presence in sports and entertainment media. As the guest speaker at MVRO’s Women Driven events, she brings that same energy to the automotive industry, championing a space where women can connect, lead, and grow.

A powerful advocate for women’s advancement in traditionally male-dominated fields, Tara uses her platform to spotlight the achievements of women across the sector and to inspire the next generation of female leaders in automotive retail.

Her presence at Women Driven reflects the series’ core mission: creating community, building confidence, and proving that women are a key driving force of the industry.