Garden of Growth - Women's Symposium

Garden of Growth – Women's Symposium 2025

Presented by the Richmond Hill Board of Trade

Date: Wednesday, 19th, November, 2025.

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites, 175 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1J3

About the Event:

Join us for the 2025 Women in Business Symposium, themed "Garden of Growth." This empowering event brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to celebrate the diverse journeys and strengths of women in business. Through impactful keynotes, insightful panels, and dynamic networking, attendees will gain inspiration, tools, and connections to support personal and professional growth.

Elissa Lansdell

Master of Ceremonies

When she’s not guiding others to step into their presence, you can find her sharing insights on Instagram @elissa_lansdell or on YouTube at @Intuition_Influencer.

Amy Siu

Keynote Speaker

Business Centre Manager, Markham Region – Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)

With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Amy Siu brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and passion to her role as Business Centre Manager at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), serving the Markham Region. Throughout her career, Amy has been a steadfast champion of Canadian entrepreneurship, working closely with startups and established businesses to deliver tailored financial solutions and strategic guidance that drive sustainable growth.

Amy’s commitment to business success extends beyond the boardroom. She is a familiar face at industry events, workshops, and seminars, where she shares her insights and expertise with fellow professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her ability to connect, inspire, and empower others has made her a respected voice in the business community. She actively volunteers with local organizations, dedicating her time and knowledge to initiatives that uplift underserved communities and promote inclusive economic opportunities.

Dr. Guang Ying Mo

Panelist

Dr. Guang Ying Mo (she/her), Director of Research, Diversity Institute

Dr. Guang Ying Mo obtained her PhD in Sociology from the University of Toronto. Her research fields are organizational communication, collaboration and innovation, social support for underrepresented groups, and social media. Her expertise also lies in research design, mix-methods, and social network analysis. Prior to joining the Diversity Institute, she conducted research projects on organizational communication and technology use by underrepresented groups, such as older adults, adolescents, and caregivers of people with dementia. Her current work is focusing on entrepreneurship and employment equity for underrepresented groups.

Usha Srinivasan

Panelist

Usha Srinivasan is the Founder and CEO of BReady.ai, a talent platform connecting immigrants and underrepresented communities to meaningful employment. She previously led the Brampton Venture Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University, launching and managing the incubator for five years. A seasoned innovation leader, she held senior roles at Elevate Tech Fest and MaRS Discovery District. Usha has co-founded ventures in foodtech, retail, and music, and is an angel investor and LP at Flair Ventures. She holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences, a BSc from the University of Bristol, and has completed the Stanford LEAD Corporate Innovation program.

Event Agenda:

• 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Registration, Breakfast & Networking

• 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Welcome Remarks & Keynote Speaker

• 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch

• 1:20 PM- 1:30 PM: Guest Speaker

• 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Panel Discussion & Q&A

• 2:30 PM- 3:00 PM: Networking.

Consent:

I consent to receive, via email, information about business advice, solutions, and events from BDC, located at 5 Place Ville Marie, Ground Floor, Montreal, Quebec H3B 2G2, www.bdc.ca, 1-877-232-2269. I understand that I can withdraw my consent at any time. - Je consens à recevoir par courriel des renseignements sur les conseils d’affaires, les solutions et les événements de la part de BDC, située au 5, Place Ville Marie, rez-de-chaussée, Montréal, Québec H3B 2G2, www.bdc.ca, 1 877 232-2269. Je peux révoquer mon consentement à tout moment.

Photo Disclaimer:

By attending this event, you consent to be photographed or filmed. Images may be used by RHBOT for promotional purposes. Contact details may be shared with fellow attendees for networking.