We Rise Together: Lessons from the WORTH Leadership Summit

Women from all stages, all ages, and all backgrounds stood together at the WORTH Summit 2025, listening, learning, and lifting each other up.

We are all shaped by different experiences: BIPOC women navigating systemic barriers and underrepresentation in leadership, Gen Z carving out space in industries slow to evolve, Indigenous women reclaiming their rightful leadership, honouring their cultures, and challenging the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Mothers, career changers, entrepreneurs, LGBTQIA+ womxn, and women of all abilities, each facing unique challenges in workplaces that weren’t always built with us in mind.

And yet, one truth remains: we are not alone. When one of us rises, we all do. Together, we are redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and creating an industry where every woman, in all our diversity and strength, has the space to thrive.

Key Takeaways from the Day

• “Take pride in your resilience, for it is building your strength and fire.” – Melanie Mark
  Every setback, every barrier, every moment you thought you wouldn’t make it, those are the very things forging your strength. Own your journey.

• "Tell people what you want to achieve." – Beth Potter
  Speak your ambitions out loud. No one can help you reach your goals if they don’t know what they are.

• "...And more importantly, share people’s stories when they’re not in the room." – Michelle Collens
  Advocate for others the way you’d want them to advocate for you. Elevate voices, especially when they aren’t there to speak for themselves.

• "Build your network." – Joanna Jagger, Beth Potter, Alexandra Gill, and more
  Your network is your power. Lean on it, nurture it, and make sure it includes people who will push you forward.

• Find your voice. (from the "Speak Up" panel)
  Your voice matters. Whether it's in the boardroom, at the negotiation table, or in daily conversations, use it.

It might sound cliché, but it’s true: we are in this together, women and allies alike.

For Those Already in Leadership: What Can You Do?

• "When you raise the bar for yourself, you do it for all of us." – Marion Harper Treskin
  The higher you climb, the more you clear the path for those behind you. Keep pushing, because your success is collective.

• "If you have the capacity to change someone’s life trajectory, do it." – Amal Masri
  Be the person who sponsors, mentors, and lifts others up. Sometimes, a single opportunity or act of belief can change everything.

• "Offer check-ins." – Heidi Murphi
  Take the time to check in, especially with the women on your team. Heidi shared how men often come forward for raises and promotions, while women hesitate. A simple “Have you thought about going for that role?” can be the push they need.

One Final Thought: Don’t Lose Hope

Yes, there are barriers. Yes, the fight is ongoing. But if the WORTH Summit made anything clear, it’s that we are stronger together. The change is happening, and we are the ones creating it.

So hold onto that fire we all felt at the WORTH Leadership Summit and keep it burning. Rise, speak, connect, and uplift one another, because when one of us rises, we all do.