SVIW Virtual is a 2-day online program featuring True Confessions speakers, interactive case studies, skill building workshops, peer learning and 1-on-1 consulting woven together with a somatic based approach. Support, uplift, and work together to eliminate barriers to equity and economic access for women and non-binary entrepreneurs.
SVIW Virtual is proudly shaped by an advisory circle of entrepreneurs and business leaders who are committed to convening, building access and opportunities for women-identifying business leaders, and dismantling oppression everywhere.
True Confessions We start each SVIW with a True Confessions presentation because it helps create a safe environment for truth telling, and people usually learn the most from hearing other people’s stories (not from listening to a lot of theories that aren’t linked to real experiences).
Case Studies At SVIW we will feature case studies chosen from our attendees that have identified a specific strategic challenge to a panel of experts, who along with all attendees, will help provide invaluable insight, considerations and support. The Case Study model provides an opportunity for all attendees to strengthen their business acumen and learning while providing feedback and advice to a fellow business leader attendee. It’s a structured format with proven results.
Workshops 90 minute interactive skill-building workshops. Receive practical skills through the generous sharing of knowledge and expertise throughout our time together on topics like marketing, HR, finance, leadership, operations.
Peer Coaching We gather in small groups for these interactive problem solving sessions. Each person can share a challenge and receive loving peer reflection in a safe, intimate space with support from SVIW leaders and experts.
Marketplace of Ideas Fast paced two-minute presentations allow SVIW attendees to pitch an idea or make that ask for what you really need.
Entrepreneurship can feel isolating, especially in this unsettled world. The magic of SVIW is in the people you meet. This is an inclusive cross-generational, cross-cultural, cross-sectorial gathering, designed to generate insights and real connection.
Sample agenda from 2023, 2024 program agenda coming soon!
At our opening circle we will set our intentions for the gathering, go over our agenda and community agreements, and connect for the first time. This session is available as a walk and talk, it will also be recorded and archived here following the session.
Chrystel Cornelius Since the pandemic began Oweesta Corporation has raised $100 million dollars to support economic growth in Native American, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities through the creation, development and capitalization of Community Development Financial Institutions. Chrystel has worked with Native communities the entirety of her professional career, with more than 26 years of direct experience working within the Native economic development field. She is an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians located in North Dakota
Chrystel is also a founding steering committee member for the Native CDFI Network (NCN), a former board member of Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), a current board member of the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF) and holds the position of Board Chair for the Red Feather Development Group. She is a BALLE (Common Future) Fellow, Skoll Fellow, and recipient of the 27th Heinz Award for the Economy in 2022.
Closing circle, reflections, and plans for tomorrow before breaking for the day.
Megan Sheldon is the co-founder of Be Ceremonial, the world's first guided ceremony app and online community. Be Ceremonial inspires and empowers people to create their own ceremonies across the life cycle, with a focus on grief, loss and end of life. As a Cultural Mythologist, Secular Celebrant and End of Life Doula, Megan is also striving to change the cultural conversation around death and dying.
With a background in journalism and marketing, Megan ran a successful brand storytelling agency for 13 years. Her own experiences with grief and loss led her to explore the role of ritual in a secular society. She has since co-created hundreds of ceremonies for people around the world, exploring the essential elements of ceremony. These experiences led her to build Be Ceremonial with her husband, making these tools, techniques and rituals accessible to anyone wanting to acknowledge a time of change in their lives with intention and meaning.
About the Case Study format:
At SVIW we will feature two entrepreneurs chosen from our attendees that have identified a specific strategic challenge to a panel of experts, who along with all attendees, will help provide invaluable insight, considerations and support. The Case Study model provides an opportunity for all attendees to strengthen their business acumen and learning while providing feedback and advice to a fellow business leader attendee. It's a structured format with proven results.
Take a quick movement and body break then rejoin us ready for a fast paced Marketplace of Ideas session!
This is your opportunity to share in front of the entire group. These fast paced presentations allow you to share inspiring news about your business. This is your chance to pitch an idea or make that ask for what you really need. What have you come to SVIW to raise awareness about?
Registered participants are invited to sign up to host a casual, unstructured conversation with your fellow participants. Whoever shows up for the conversation are the right people there, and people are welcome to pop in and out.
The SVIW Producer team curates workshops so that we have a mix that includes a variety of skills (e.g. marketing, HR, finance, leadership, operations.) Please note that we continuously strive to uplift the voices and leaders from equity-denied communities and will prioritize submissions from these communities.
Some of our SVIW 2023 workshops include:
Breaking Cycles & Moving out of Survival Mode
Presenter: Amrita Ahuja, Groundwork
We’ve inherited a survival pattern from generations of being in survival mode. But the pathway to greater creativity, joy and productivity requires us to move out of survival mode and into more ease. When there is a lot at stake, how do we shift out of the vicious cycles that perpetuate our stress, overwhelm and worry?
What if we could get things done from a place that is not based on survival mode?
Join us in exploring and unlearning your survival pattern. Learn some new practices that help cultivate more well-being, clarity and joy. This workshop is a live discussion with a workshop component and Q&A session.
Financial Empowerment Workshop: Unlocking the Secrets to Thriving Business Finances
Presenter: Jacinthe Koddo, Koddo & Co. Consulting Inc.
In this interactive and empowering workshop, we will dive into the essential knowledge and skills needed to take control of your business finances. We will address the common challenges faced by small business owners when it comes to financial management, and equip you with practical knowledge and tools to navigate this crucial aspect of your business, enabling you to take control of your finances with confidence.
We will cover a wide range of topics, including bookkeeping, tax management, and business financial planning. Our focus is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of these areas, breaking them down into digestible concepts that you can apply directly to your own business.
“It is not just a business — it is a moral imperative.” Caryl Levine, Lotus Foods
What happens when business is a moral imperative and force for good?
We are honoured that Caryl Levine is joining us to share her journey as co-founder and co-CEO of Lotus Foods as a True Confessions speaker in conversation with Konda Mason of Jubilee Justice.
Lotus Foods is one of the most innovative, organic and fair trade specialty rice brands in the country. Since 1995, along with husband Ken Lee, they have reshaped how Americans think about and eat rice. Their vision was to preserve the biodiversity of rice by partnering with small family rice farmers who were growing rice more sustainably, and by giving them access to a global marketplace at a fair-trade price.
Caryl was responsible for leading Lotus Foods’ marketing and sales, including the image and positioning of the Lotus Foods brand, the development of all packaging and merchandising materials, and new product development. Lotus Foods products have received many awards from the Specialty Food Association and Natural Products trade groups. Caryl holds a MPA in Public Administration from the University of Hartford.
Closing circle, reflections, and plans for day 3 before breaking for the day.
Meet our SVI Women Case Study: Dominique Waters of Ziva Naseer!
At SVI Women we feature two entrepreneurs that have identified a specific strategic challenge to a panel of experts, who along with all attendees, will help provide invaluable insight, considerations and support. The Case Study model provides an opportunity for all attendees to strengthen their business acumen and learning while providing feedback and advice to a fellow business leader attendee. It's a structured format with proven results.
Dominique Waters is a trailblazing entrepreneur, founder, designer, and CEO of Ziva Naseer, a luxury brand that specializes in unique and one-of-a-kind mosaic handbags. With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for design, Dominique has turned her love for refurbishing vintage handbags into a thriving business that has gained attention from fashion lovers around the world.
Born and raised in San Mateo, CA, Dominique spent her early years traveling across Asia with her mother and sister before settling in Sacramento, CA. She holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from UC Davis and a masters in applied mathematics from Hampton University. In 2014, Dominique moved to Abu Dhabi where she worked as a professor of mathematics and engineering before launching Ziva Naseer.
Inspired by her love of travel and art, Dominique's handbags are designed to be an expression of wearable mosaic art. Each bag is meticulously crafted with exquisite detailing, beautiful symmetry, and luxurious lining, making them truly unique and special. Dominique's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned her a reputation as a leader in the luxury fashion industry.
As the CEO of Ziva Naseer, Dominique is dedicated to growing her brand and inspiring young creatives to pursue their passion for design. She aims to continue creating beautiful and innovative handbags while providing mentorship and encouragement to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs
We gather in small groups for these interactive problem solving sessions. Each person can share a challenge and receive loving peer reflection in a safe, intimate space with support from SVIW leaders and experts.
Take a quick movement and body break then rejoin us ready for peer coaching circles
Closing circle, reflections, and goodbyes before ending SVIW
Tuition: $200 CAD
Scholarships are available:Our scholarship program is one of our key strategies to expand program access to underrepresented and marginalized communities. A limited number of scholarships are available per program with awards ranging from partial to full tuition. We encourage applicants from those whose identities intersect with, but are not limited to: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, newcomers, youth, and elders. Learn more and apply here
Thank you to our community partners for helping support, uplift, and work together to eliminate barriers to equity and economic access!
Thank you to our 2023 community amplifiers for helping support, uplift, and work together to eliminate barriers to equity and economic access!
