WE RISE

By Keena Al-Wahaidi @keenaalwahaidi

“We often have accessibility to other summits and platforms that may be mimicking similar synergies, however, we don't have access to that relatability,” she said.

Brown, who is also the founder of the awardwinning Leigh Event Group, changed that with the innovation of We Rise, creating a space where Black women could see themselves represented on stage — without having to take trains and planes across the border just to see it.

“I felt like it was very important for us to have women who look like us [...] that have surpassed all the barriers within their entrepreneurial journey and are able to speak on that, share gems and resources and inspire the women that were there in attendance,” she said.

When Brown founded We Rise, she said her role was to build a community for Black women that isn’t necessarily “tapped into in the Toronto market.”

And thus, We Rise was born — a place where Brown could ensure Black women were set up with all kinds of resources they may not find outside of the summit, even being able to find things like sourcing a grant writer and taking updated headshots.

In that aspect, the event was a hit: Black women from the G.T.A and across the country gathered in Toronto, where they were inspired by entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen.

The beautiful women of the GTA gathered to hear various speakers throughout the day, women at the top of their game in business and other fields — and it radiated motivation to every woman in the room. They included entrepreneurs who could teach a thing or two about making boss moves.

This year’s speakers included influential women like CEO, influencer, and author Claire Sulmers, and was moderated by none other than TV host and producer Kéla Walker.

But We Rise also included nine micro speakers from the local market, showcased in two categories: one representing business and entrepreneurship, and the other in wellness — focusing on taking care of mental health when working in the business field. Those ensured that there were women representing Canadians, those who could “tap into local accessibilities,” Brown said.

The décor was on point with floral pieces, balloon designs, and candles to encapsulate We Rise’s “Bloom where you’re planted” theme. For Brown, who’s an event producer, having an eye for colour is something she’s best at doing.

Other highlights included not one but two swag bags, breakfast, and a fireside chat moderated by Kéla Walker. We Rise also introduced opportunities to connect through a mingling session and a resource garden — a room filled with exhibitors and vendors offering a myriad of services and products. Which was way more than everyone expected.

One response from a guest was that “this was something very much missing from the Toronto market”. The women were happy knowing they had this experience to be heard and to listen to fellow entrepreneurs

The connections made at We Rise spoke volumes about how women were choosing to move forward in their journeys and most of all, allowed them to be in a space where they felt welcomed and listened to.

And better yet, women walked away feeling like they were meant to be there, meant to take up space, and meant to move forward.

The experience of We Rise, helps women step into themselves. There’s something about being around like-minded women doing great things that ignites an unexplainable fire within that can take you to new levels. “Guests said the experience made them feel that they deserve to be in spaces like this,” said Brown. There is nothing more beautiful than a women who has been renewed and recharged. Congratulation to Tressa to a job well done. I hope to see you all there next year.