Join us for BOLD: The 2025 Women's Summit—Believe it. Own it. Love it. Do it!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 8th at the Royal Venetian Mansion, where an inspiring lineup of dynamic speakers will empower and engage you with their bold insights and stories. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!
INTRODUCING OUR BOLD SPEAKERS!
Cherry Rose Tan - Innovation & Mental Health Speaker
Fifth-generation entrepreneur Cherry Rose Tan is the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Schulich School of Business, based in Canada's third largest university, where she advises an ecosystem of 250 startups and 3,000 members. She leads Advisory and Fundraising services, where Schulich founders have raised $60M in four years, while teaching three MBA courses...Read Full Bio HERE
Zuly Matallana – Founder & Owner, TIARA
Originally from Colombia, Zuly began her career as a Community Director for a social organization, where she discovered her passion for helping people. However, when her dedication to community work put her life in danger, she made the courageous decision to move to Canada in 2004...Read Full Bio HERE
Rebecca Shields - Community Leader and Advocate for Others
Rebecca has been in senior leadership positions for over 25 years and has earned nationwide recognition for her leadership in community development, inclusion for persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ rights, support for youth at risk, mental health and addictions, equity, diversity and inclusion, and innovation...Read Full Bio HERE
Andrea DeGasperis-Ronco - Principal, Opus Homes
With over a decade of experience in the industry, Andrea's entrepreneurial spirit truly took off as she embraced her family's deep roots in construction. Realizing how overwhelming the journey of buying a new home can be, she combined her passion for the industry with her desire to make a difference. In 2011, Andrea founded OPUS Homes with a vision...Read Full Bio HERE
2025 Women's Summit: BOLD
AGENDA
9:15am: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Deb Wilson, Interim President & CEO, Aurora Chamber of Commerce
Erin Henderson, Founder & Chief Sommelier, The Wine Sisters, MC
9:30am: Keynote Speaker
Cherry Rose Tan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Schulich School of Business
Through her raw and inspiring journey from poverty to success, Cherry Rose Tan offers a proven roadmap and strategies for every individual, especially the underrepresented, to become a “one percenter”- a powerhouse leader in their organization or industry.
10:15am: BOLD Move – Janis Showers, The Car Girls
10:25am: Networking and Shopping
10:55am: Speaker
Rebecca Shields, CEO, CMHA York Region & South Simcoe
Rebecca is an award-winning communications expert who knows that in business, how you say it is just as important as what you say. With a passion for clarity, connection, and impact, she shares practical strategies for leaders to communicate with confidence, build trust, and drive results.
11:25am: BOLD Move – Serena Thompson, Lighthouse Learning & Development Centre
11:35am: Speaker
Andrea DeGasperis Roncom Principal, Opus Homes
Andrea is a trailblazing founder in the construction industry, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. With grit, vision, and a passion for building—both structures and opportunities—she shares her journey of leading with authenticity, overcoming bias, and succeeding on her own terms.
12:05pm: Lunch, Networking and Shopping
1:05pm: Closing Speaker
Zuly Matallana, CEO and Founder, TIARA Bliss Inc.
Founder of TIARA, Zuly is on a mission to empower families with safer personal care choices. From earning U.S. retail recognition to creating a top-rated, patented line of sustainable shower caps, her journey has been marked by innovation—and resilience. After recovering from brain surgery, she brings a powerful message of perseverance, purpose, and the courage to turn ideas into impact.
1:35pm: Closing Remarks and Door Prizes
Erin Henderson
Thank You To Our 2025 Event Sponsors
