Women In Business - 2026

Women in Business Symposium

This signature RHBOT event brings together influential speakers, industry experts, and business leaders for an inspiring day of thought-provoking discussions, meaningful networking, and practical insights. Attendees will explore leadership strategies, personal and professional growth, innovation, and the evolving role of women in today’s business landscape.

Whether you are an emerging entrepreneur, established executive, or aspiring leader, this symposium offers a powerful platform to gain perspective, build confidence, and expand your professional network.

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, 600 Hwy 7, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1B2

Tickets

Members: $98 +HST, Lunch Included.

Non-Members: $135 +HST, Lunch Included.

Corporate Table of 8 (Member) - $720 +HST

Corporate Table of 8 (Non- Member) - $960 +HST

Display Booth Opportunities:

• Members Display Booth- $220 Members (includes 1 event ticket)

  Non-Member Display Booth - $280 Non-Members (includes 1 event ticket)

Meet Our Master of Ceremonies

Rose Paemurd

Clinic Owner, UROSPOT Richmond Hill & Barrie | Educator | Community Builder

Rose Paemurd is a business owner, educator, and community builder who believes that every woman's story holds a lesson worth sharing. As the first in her family to graduate high school, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Education. She spent 20 years teaching secondary Math, followed by four years as a guidance counsellor, helping students find their path and believe in what they could become.

Today, Rose owns the UROSPOT clinics in Richmond Hill and Barrie, which offer non-invasive pelvic floor strengthening. Her Barrie clinic was the first UROSPOT franchise to open in Canada, and the network has since grown to 25 locations across the country. Through her work, she helps men and women regain their confidence and feel strong in their bodies at every stage of life.

A mother of four young adults and a lifelong learner, Rose brings warmth, curiosity and a teacher's heart to every room she walks into. She loves hearing people's stories: what excites them, and the path that brought them to where they are today

Keynote Speaker

Manisha Chen

Partner, PwC Canada 

Manisha Chen is a Partner at PwC Canada with more than 20 years of experience providing assurance services to organizations across the real estate sector.

She works closely with REITs, developers, property owners, private companies, family-owned businesses and family offices on complex business, financial reporting, governance and strategic matters. Known for her practical insights, collaborative approach and deep understanding of the industry, Manisha is a trusted advisor to business leaders who brings together diverse perspectives to explore the trends, opportunities and challenges shaping the future of real estate. 

Guest Speakers

SANAZ HOOMAN

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OPULENCE GLOBAL &

CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FERI DESIGNER LINES

Sanaz Hooman is a testament to resilience, compassion, and determination. Born in Iran and immigrating to Canada in 1987 as a young girl, she overcame language barriers and cultural differences to build an impressive career from the ground up.

Inspired by the supportive network of newly immigrated women and by witnessing her parents’ struggles—especially her father’s journey in building his business from scratch—Sanaz developed a deep desire to uplift and empower others. From a young age, she worked with young and autistic children, developing a profound empathy for vulnerable communities.

Today, Sanaz is the Senior Vice President of Opulence Global and Chief Creative Director of the FERI Designer Lines. An accomplished entrepreneur and award-winning designer, her innovative work has earned industry recognition including Designer of the Year and Handbag of the Year, with Jennifer Lopez among her fellow nominees. She has also been featured in notable publications, including Oprah Winfrey’s Women of Wealth Magazine.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sanaz is deeply committed to philanthropy. She supports initiatives focused on empowering women in need, orphanages in Africa, and charitable causes across Canada, Iran, Kenya, Uganda, and beyond.

Sanaz also mentors and inspires entrepreneurs around the world, bringing her passion for inclusivity, empowerment, resilience, and community building into everything she does.

Pavla Van Zyl

Business Builder | Educator | People-Centred

Pavla Van Zyl combines an entrepreneurial mindset, an educator's commitment to developing people, and a leader's ability to turn vision into action. Over more than 25 years, she has helped businesses grow, operated her own ventures, forged strategic partnerships, and led teams large and small across industry and higher education.

Her career has taken her from Canada's food industry to corporate training in Japan, and into higher education as a faculty member at Durham College and later Dean of Business at Georgian College. Today, she leads graduate student recruitment and admissions at Niagara University Ontario.

An MBA graduate and Project Management Professional, Pavla brings strategic thinking, creative problem-solving and a people-centred approach to leadership, with candour and humour along the way. She values the opportunity to contribute beyond the workplace, believing that strong communities grow through meaningful connections, mutual support and a willingness to give back.

Her guiding belief: "Your day is not complete until you make someone else's day

LENA GUIRGUIS

Entrepreneur | Real Estate Investor | Community Leader

Lena Guirguis is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community leader with more than 20 years of experience building businesses and investment portfolios in Canada and the United States.

Her entrepreneurial journey began in her early twenties and has since taken her through real estate investment and property management, business consulting, coworking, and community development.

She is the co-founder of Flex Space Inc. in Richmond Hill and the founder of Stilettos & Hammers™, a women’s network she created in 2012 after experiencing firsthand the need for stronger support and connection among women building businesses and investing in real estate.

Today, Lena also serves as Vice-Chair of the Village of Richmond Hill BIA, where she works alongside local businesses and community partners to support a stronger downtown.

At the centre of Lena’s work is a belief in the power of connection, collaboration, and community. She is especially passionate about women supporting one another, sharing what they’ve learned, and creating opportunities for the women coming up behind them.