6 Women You Should Follow on LinkedIn for International Women’s Day!

All across Canada, women are paving the way for a future that offers equal opportunity and possibility. Standing up for their beliefs and breaking barriers in the workplace, these women are leaders, business owners, decision-makers, mothers, wives, and friends. Finding ways to celebrate these Canadian women while also promoting the values of diversity, equality, and inclusivity is all part of the reason we celebrate #internationalwomensday.

International Women's Day is a day of celebration that helps to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges, both personal and professional, faced by women around the world. For the 2022 International Women's Day, the chosen hashtag is #BreakTheBias. This hashtag represents the need for a world where differences are valued and celebrated for the individuality they represent. By breaking the bias, women are not only supporting themselves but setting a new standard for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and community.

Here are a few inspiring Canadian women that you can follow and learn from on LinkedIn:

Sarah Clark, Partner at Jelly Digital Marketing & PR:

Sarah Clark is a proud Partner at Jelly Digital Marketing & PR, a boutique agency based out of Fort Langley, BC. One of the agency’s first employees, Sarah was hired in 2014 as Social Media Coordinator, where she quickly climbed the ranks within the company. Under Sarah’s leadership, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR was named one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies in 2020, became Great Place to Work Certified, BCorp Rookie of the Year and most recently, was named a Workplace Culture Leader by the Canadian Workplace Culture Index. To encourage more diversity in the industry, Sarah has overseen impactful projects such as providing over $160,000 in scholarships to Indigenous Peoples across Canada for Jelly’s digital marketing training program, Jelly Academy, and the launch of the Women in Digital scholarship to support more women joining the very male-dominated industry.

“There’s a famous quote that we repeat at our agency to encourage collaboration - “a rising tide raises all boats”. This outlook can relate to every aspect of life, but for me, it’s especially true when it comes to women in leadership and what’s needed to #BreakTheBias. Focus on having unwavering support for those around you - check in with them, support them, lift them up and be the one to say their name in a room full of people. Keep yourself surrounded with a circle of people who have the same, or complimentary values as you, and together, you can help others grow despite the many barriers that exist.” --- Sarah Clark, Partner at Jelly Digital Marketing & PR

Katie Stevens, Managing Partner at Talk Shop:

Katie Stevens is the managing partner at Talk Shop, an award-winning PR agency based in Toronto and Vancouver. Formerly the Vice President of Operations at the firm, Katie has overseen acquisitions and developed an industry-leading culture. Recently, she led the growth of talent and service expansion in Vancouver and Toronto, which under her leadership grew more than 30% in a single year. Talk Shop has spent the past 10 years helping clients in the technology, lifestyle and real estate sectors meet business objectives through smart communications. For three consecutive years, Talk Shop has been ranked as one of the Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Top Employers.

"Get curious - ask questions to yourself, your team, your mentors, business leaders, others in your industry, and those you care about. Being a leader or entrepreneur doesn't mean holding the answers or truths and is shortsighted in the long run. Remaining curious and keeping an open mind is a surefire way to guarantee growth." — Katie Stevens, Managing Partner at Talk Shop

Priya Chopra, Founder and President of 1Milk2Sugars Communications and double shot

Priya is the founder and CEO of 1Milk2Sugars, a bilingual communications agency specializing in digital marketing and public relations for global lifestyle brands. Priya launched 1Milk2Sugars in 2012 and hasn’t looked back since. She’s grown the agency into a multi-city operation with hubs in Montreal and Toronto and has surrounded herself with a team of passionate doers known industry-wide as “The Sugars.”

Priya’s passion for excellence has positioned 1Milk2Sugars as a rising star in the business world. The agency has grown by over 300 percent and was proudly named one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies by the 2020 Growth List. In 2021, 1Milk2Sugars was certified as a Great Place to Work and a Best Workplace Managed by Women. Priya is an outspoken advocate for equality who's weaved her passions for diversity, social awareness and female empowerment into the fabric of her agency’s DNA. This includes the 2020 launch of her most purpose-driven initiative yet — double shot¸ a talent management agency aimed at amplifying BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and underrepresented voices in lifestyle marketing.

“Women have always been visionaries and vectors of change in the workplace despite the obstacles that have historically stood in our way. And while those impediments are gradually coming down, the glass ceiling remains stubbornly unbreakable in too many countries and across too many industries — especially for women of colour. My hope is that this year’s IWD theme, #BreakTheBias, will inspire a renewed commitment from the global business community to promote a culture of inclusion and opportunity so that all women are given the chance to reach their goals and realize their full potential.” --- Priya Chopra, Founder & President, 1Milk2Sugars Communications and double shot

Crystal Kwon, Principal at Front + Centre PR

Crystal Kwon is the Principal of Front + Centre PR, a boutique PR firm based out of Vancouver, BC. As a seasoned communications consultant, Crystal has worked with some of the world's biggest and best-known brands. Her work allows her to share compelling stories and help brands grow through a combination of PR, influencer marketing, and social media. Crystal has been named one of the Top 30 under 30 by PR in Canada and was named one of BC’s Most Influential Women by BC Business Magazine.

Focus on a positive mindset. Many women struggle with imposter syndrome, minimizing their wins or working within limiting beliefs. Instead, own your intelligence, be confident in your abilities and take credit for the impact you're making. —- Crystal, Principal at Front + Centre PR

Aly Armstrong, Owner/Principal Planner at Aly Armstrong Event Planning & Design

Aly Armstrong is the owner and principal planner of Aly Armstrong Event Planning and Design, a Vancouver-based event planning design group. Aly has grown her business and reputation as a coveted event planner and designer, working with countless clients throughout North America. She is also the founder and producer of Fleur, one of the most prestigious wedding showcase events in the industry. Aly now continues to distribute her wealth of knowledge and wedding experience amongst others through a new podcast and workshop series. She also is the Executive Director for the Entrepreneurs'​ Organization of Canada. By supporting groups and associations that are inclusive of other women, Aly has been able to build an ecosystem of brilliant minds. Working with these other women, she has been able to break barriers and grow her career alongside other women.

Women are shaping the future of business and I’m here for it! I believe the introduction of social media has offered a space for women entrepreneurs to be celebrated and has expanded the conversation around gender bias and inequality. We are also seeing celebrities like Rihanna, Reece Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow build empires and prove to the world that women really can have it all. Long gone is the idea that women can’t work while raising children should they choose. I’m a firm believer that as I grow, and my community grows, it’s my responsibility to lift others up in the process; to support and advocate for female entrepreneurs and executives. — Aly Armstrong, Owner/Principal Planner at Aly Armstrong Event Planning & Design

Kate Elliot: Founder of Up Public Relations:

Kate Elliot is the founder of Up Public Relations, located in Halifax Nova Scotia. Kate runs her business and life with the motto - Do good things with good people. Since starting Up in January 2015, Kate has focused her power of digital communications for good to help connect a wide array of organizations to those who matter most to them. Specializing in digital communications, as traditional marketing and communications development, Kate and her team at Up strive to bring an innovative, authentic and flexible approach to every project. She has a huge heart (and an even bigger laugh for such a small person) and loves working with small businesses and not-for-profits who she feels make a real difference in our world.

“You can have it both ways. You can be kind, approachable and caring, while still being a badass leader with sound judgement and the skills to take on the world.” — Kate Elliot: Founder of Up Public Relations

Written by Emma Whiten, Editor of Marketing News Canada