AWEC Canada’s inaugural Kingston Women Entrepreneurs Expo 2025: A celebration of vision, innovation, and community

By Kim Pallozzi

On October 25, 2025, St. Lawrence College came alive with energy and possibility as it hosted the first-of-its-kind Kingston Women Entrepreneurs Expo 2025. From 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, women founders, aspiring innovators, and community leaders gathered at 100 Portsmouth Avenue in Kingston, ON, for a full day of empowerment, learning, and connection.

This year’s theme, “The Rise of Female Founders: Turning Vision Into Venture,” captured the momentum building across the region as more women stepped into entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity. The expo honoured not only their achievements, but also the grit, imagination, and courage behind every new idea.

The event featured a well-curated program that included keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, a pitch competition, and a pop-up market, providing insights and inspiration at every turn. The day began with a welcome message from Lev Calang, the Founder of AWEC. Award-winning realtor Shari Doherty served as the engaging event host, introducing an energizing keynote speech by Shari Hughson, a prominent entrepreneur, innovator, professor, and adventurer. Shari's reflections on resilience, leadership, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship set an inspiring tone, encouraging everyone in the room to pursue their visions with boldness and clarity.

A highlight of the expo was the panel discussion, moderated by transformational life coach, Victoria Hirst, which brought together dynamic leaders from a variety of industries, including:

• Agnes Haydock, CEO, Heart to Heart Seniors Services Inc.

• Donna Gillespie, CEO, Kingston Economic Development Corporation

• Julia Woito, Founder, Life+Hope Counselling

• Kerry Ramsay, Project Manager, WE-CAN Project

• Dr. Shyra Barberstock, Co-Founder & CEO, Kebaonish Inc.

• Tammy Watson, Founder, Canadian Handywoman

Their conversation explored the realities of building and sustaining a thriving business. Reflecting on the event’s energy, Agnes Haydock noted: “The chemistry and teamwork provided were just incredible. I would like to see this carried out on a larger scale, so that people of all ages can see what happens when we work together.” Panelist Tammy Watson echoed the spirit of collective growth:  “I loved being part of a conversation that celebrated not just big wins, but the real work it takes to build something from the ground up. Turning Vision into Venture captured exactly what entrepreneurship feels like: bold, messy, and full of possibility.”

Throughout the day, attendees took part in free workshops led by Lightbody Marketing with Matt Hawskley, Author Gaby Pineda, Thrive Wellness Agency with Skylar van Rossem, and Jazzercise Amherstview with Jennifer Savage. These sessions delivered practical tools, from marketing strategies to personal development techniques, ensuring participants left with actionable knowledge as well as renewed inspiration.

The fall pop-up market and exhibitor booths added a vibrant, community-focused element to the event. Local female vendors, as well as community-based businesses and organizations, showcased their products and services, offering meaningful opportunities to shop, network, and support women-led businesses. 

Momentum continued to build during the finals of the AWEC Pitch Your Vision Competition, where emerging entrepreneurs presented their ideas to a panel of judges that included renowned community leaders Nusa Fain, Michelle Lawrence, Alejandra Bouza, and Shari Hughson. The five finalists impressed the audience and esteemed judges with their enthusiasm, vision, and potential for their products and services. The winners were Kathleen Lizotte from Painted Palette Artworks, who received a $250 prize; Briana Godden from Lady Brazen Studios, who won a $500 prize; and Abha Chiyedan from Acoshia, who took home the $1,000 grand prize. Additionally, Doria Medeiros from Euroglam and Victoria Hirst from Victoria Hirst Life Coach received honorable mentions for their strong pitches.

All in all, the Kingston Women Entrepreneurs Expo 2025, which was entirely volunteer-run, demonstrated that the entrepreneurial spirit thrives in the community. The event created a space where women could learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and celebrate not only their businesses but also their personal growth.