Levelling the Playing Field: Advocating for Yourself with Grace & Grit
✨ About the Event
Join us for an inspiring evening of connection, conversation, and career growth at Levelling the Playing Field: Advocating for Yourself with Grace, hosted by the BC Chapter of Women in Tech Canada!
This event is for women and allies in all stages of their tech journey—from students and career changers to seasoned leaders and executives. Together, we’ll explore how to speak up, stand tall, and move forward in your career—without sacrificing your authenticity.
You'll hear a powerful keynote from Minister Brenda Bailey, followed by a panel curated to spark discussion and questions from you, featuring more trailblazing women in tech. The conversation will dive into real-world strategies for advocating for yourself, navigating leadership, and tackling the challenges uniquely faced by women in the tech space.
🎙️ Keynote Speaker
Minister Brenda Bailey - Minister of Finance, Government of BC
🎙️ Panel
Minister Brenda Bailey - Minister of Finance, Government of BC
April Hicke - CEO @ Toast
Jill Tipping - CEO @ BC Tech
Jillian Frank - Law Partner @ KPMG
Come ready to network, learn, and be inspired 🌼
🎙️ About Our Speakers
Minister Brenda Bailey is British Columbia’s Minister of Finance, and a longtime advocate for equity in the tech sector. Before entering politics, she co-founded Canada’s first women-owned-and-led video game studio, led DigiBC (the Interactive & Digital Media Industry Association of BC), and worked on policy to promote inclusive innovation. Her unique background—spanning tech entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, and public service—gives her a rare and powerful lens on how women can thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Jill Tipping is the President and CEO of the BC Tech Association, where she leads initiatives to grow British Columbia’s tech ecosystem. With a background in finance, economics, and global business, and previous executive roles at Schneider Electric and the BC Business Council, she is passionate about driving innovation, supporting tech adoption across industries, and championing diversity in the sector.
April Hicke is the Co-Founder of Toast and a prominent advocate for diversity in tech. Named Royal Roads University's 2023 Changemaker, she is committed to dismantling systemic barriers for underrepresented communities in the tech sector. With a TEDx talk focused on rethinking success and belonging, she blends leadership, storytelling, and lived experience to inspire inclusive change in technology and beyond.
Jillian Frank is a Partner at KPMG Canada and National Leader of Legal Operations and Strategic Services. With over 20 years of legal experience, she specializes in operational transformation, regulatory risk management, and social sustainability compliance. A people-first leader, Jillian is dedicated to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility within organizations and the broader community.
🗓️ Agenda
5:00 PM – 5:50 PM | Registration & Networking
Arrive, grab a drink, and meet fellow professionals from across the industry.
5:50 PM – 6:00 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
Kickoff by Bibi, Head of BC at Women in Tech Canada. An overview of the organization’s mission and what to expect during the evening.
6:00 PM – 6:20 PM | Keynote
The Honourable Brenda Bailey will give us an introduction to her personal story and experience in advocating for oneself.
6:20 PM – 7:00 PM | Panel & Audience Q&A
Moderated by Bibi, featuring Brenda, Jill and April. Audience questions will be selected from pre-submitted and live entries.
👉 Submit your questions to the panel in advance here: https://forms.gle/q34zWyP2fantYzkM7
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Breakout Group Discussions
Led by our fantastic mentors, you will get a chance to hear from their experience and receive mentorship in a safe group environment. Participation in this exercise is not required, you can just listen in!
7:30 PM – 8:00 PM | Closing Remarks & Open Networking
Final thoughts, group photo, and open networking with panelists and attendees.
🔗 Why Attend?
Hear from leaders reshaping the future of tech and public service
Learn practical strategies for self-advocacy and career growth
Connect with an empowering community of women and allies
Leave feeling seen, heard, and ready to take the next step in your journey!
🤝 Event Sponsors
KPMG Canada offers professional services for businesses across industries.
GREYDATA Consulting transforms ideas into fully compliant apps, designing experiences that keeps businesses ahead.
Atono is an all-in-one platform to plan, build, run, and improve software built for cross-functional teams.
✨ Event Partners
The venue capacity is 90 persons, entry will be granted on a first come, first serve basis. Spots are limited, and to ensure a fair mix of professionals in all fields and stages of their career, attendees will be pre-screened.