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• WGCC Networking Circles - January & February 2026

  • Start
    28 Jan 2026
  •  
  • End
    5 Feb 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    Virtual (access details to follow)

  WGCC Networking Circles
  Invitation: January & February 2026

  WGCC Leadership Series: “How to be Humble Loudly – Elevate Your Impact with Authenticity”

  The WGCC Networking Circles have been thoughtfully crafted to facilitate the discussion and exchange of ideas and insights among WGCC members, with a particular emphasis on legal leadership and professionalism and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). These small, informal groups offer an invaluable opportunity to forge connections with other WGCC members, expand your professional network and support system as you navigate the complex challenges that arise in legal executive roles. 
  
  BONUS: This Networking Circle has been approved for accreditation by the Law Society of Ontario. Click HERE for details.

  Date and Time: WGCC Networking Circles are 60 minutes long and are scheduled as follows:

  
  

  How to Sign up:

  • Send an email to info@womengc.ca indicating which circle you wish to attend, if you can attend more than one time slot, please indicate all that you can attend, along with your preferred time, so that we may adjust the attendees if necessary.
  • Sign up early to avoid disappointment – but no later than 12:00 EST on Friday January 23rd.
  • Once you sign up, ensure to “HOLD” the time/date in your calendar.
  • You will receive a calendar invitation and email containing the call-in information and materials for your chosen circle.
  • Please note that a scheduled Circle may be cancelled if interest is low for that time.

  Directions for Attendees:

  • Note that Chatham House Rules apply to all WGCC Networking Circles.
  • Accept the calendar invitation from your WGCC Networking Circle Lead with the Circle details (Zoom/Teams) (you will get it soon, if you have not already received it)
  • Review the Circle Material – you do not have to review all Circle Material – it is the same theme, just browse until you find something that interests you (if you do not have time to review materials, STILL ATTEND you will still get valuable insight from the discussion
  • On the day of the Circle please sign in using the invitation from your Circle Lead and please be sure to turn on your camera for maximum participation – your Circle Lead will start the discussion.

  Circle Topic: WGCC Leadership Series: "How to be Humble Loudly - Elevate Your Impact with Authenticity"
  

  Start the year with an empowering conversation on “humble loudly”—a leadership approach that blends humility with visibility. Women in General Counsel roles often face the challenge of ensuring their contributions are recognised without appearing self-promotional. This interactive session will provide practical strategies to advocate for yourself, amplify your team, and communicate achievements in ways that demonstrate organisational value while remaining authentic.

  In today’s cost-conscious environment, legal departments are under pressure to “do more with less” and are often perceived as cost centres. Demonstrating impact is essential—not through arrogance, but by making your work visible and meaningful. Together, we’ll explore how to celebrate achievements, reframe challenges as learning opportunities, and strengthen executive presence.

  By the end of this session, participants will:

  • Understand the principle of “humble loudly” and why it matters for women leaders in senior legal roles.
  • Learn practical techniques to showcase impact without compromising humility, including framing achievements in terms of organizational outcomes.
  • Explore strategies for self-advocacy and influence, ensuring visibility in executive and board-level conversations.
  • Discover ways to amplify others while reinforcing leadership credibility, fostering trust and collaboration.
  • Gain actionable insights to overcome visibility challenges and strengthen executive presence.

  Circle Materials:
  

  We anticipate a dynamic discussion as we draw on the collective experience of all attendees to reflect on their approaches and exchange best practices. To facilitate this, we have structured this Circle uniquely. The Sub-Topics/Discussion points outlined below are intended to guide the conversation, from which we believe attendees will gain significant value. We encourage everyone to share their best practices, insights, and even less successful experiences. 

  Sub-Topics/ Discussion Points:

  Embrace the Dual Role: Legal Expert and Strategic Leader.  Modern GCs are no longer just legal technicians—they are strategic business partners. This means:

  • Translate legal advice into business impact: Frame recommendations in terms of risk mitigation, growth, and value creation.
  • Expand your remit: Many GCs now lead on ESG, cybersecurity, and governance initiatives, which enhances influence and visibility.

  Build Executive Presence and Influence. Executive presence is about gravitas, communication, and authenticity:

  • Communicate with clarity and confidence: Use intentional language that reinforces your leadership brand.
  • Lead decisively but authentically: Balance authority with approachability—avoid the trap of being perceived as a “blocker” rather than an enabler.
  • Strategic stakeholder mapping: Identify key influencers in the C-suite and board, and nurture those relationships proactively.

  Advocate for Yourself - Women leaders often face visibility challenges. To counter this:

  • Share achievements in a way that highlights team success and organizational impact.
  • Use executive forums, such as board meetings or leadership sessions as opportunities to articulate your strategic vision and highlight contributions.

  Set Boundaries and Avoid Overcommitment:

  • Women GCs often face pressure to “do it all.” Key practices:
  • Limit office housework: Politely decline tasks that don’t advance strategic goals.
  • Plan breaks and maintain routines: Sustaining energy is essential for resilience and effectiveness.

  Champion Diversity and Inclusion. Integrate EDI principles into leadership decisions:

  • Women leaders often face undervaluation of their contributions. Humble loudly helps counter this by assertively showcasing impact, while DEI strategies dismantle structural biases that limit recognition and advancement. Together, they create a culture where achievements are celebrated equitably, and leadership is inclusive by design
  • Align legal strategies with organizational DEI goals.
  • Ensure inclusive practices in resource allocation and team management.

  Network with Purpose both Internally and Externally:

  • Build a trusted network of advocates who amplify your voice when you’re not in the room.
  • As a senior leader, actively participate in internal executive networks and strategic forums to strengthen influence and share expertise. These platforms offer opportunities to mentor emerging leaders, advocate for organizational priorities, and contribute to initiatives that shape the company’s future direction.
  • Join leadership-focused communities like WGCC to access mentorship, advocacy, and board-readiness programs.

  Don’t Wait! Sign up today!
  Info@womengc.ca

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• 2026 WGCC AGM & Heart & Stroke Presentation: Women’s Unique Health Risks

  • When
    12 Feb 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Hybrid: In-Person Address: Torys LLP | 79 Wellington St. W. – 33rd Floor, TD South Tower, Toronto, ON M5K 1N2
  • Spaces left
    49

  Register

  
  

  Join us on Thursday, February 12th for the 2026 WGCC Annual General Meeting (AGM), followed by a networking lunch and an engaging presentation by Heart & Stroke. This insightful session will explore women’s unique health risks, including women's heart health and stress, the impacts of pregnancy and menopause, and introduce an innovative health & safety risk screening tool designed to support women across life stages. Plus, a special WGCC announcement awaits…stay tuned for the exciting reveal at the event!

  WHEN: Thursday February 12, 2026

  • 11:00 AM (EST) / 8:00 AM (PST) – In-person arrival & registration
  • 11:30 AM (EST) / 8:30 AM (PST) – Annual General Meeting
  • 12:15 PM (EST) / 9:15 AM (PST) – Networking lunch
  • 12:45 PM (EST) / 9:45 AM (PST) – Presentation

  WHERE: The AGM and featured session will be delivered in a hybrid format, with both online and in-person attendance options.
  
  In-Person: Torys LLP at: 79 Wellington St. W. – 33rd Floor, TD South Tower Toronto, ON M5K 1N2 (MAP)
  
  Virtual: Link to follow

  CPD: The Heart and Stroke presentation has been approved for accreditation by the Law Society of Ontario. Click HERE for details.

  ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: Registration opens for in-person attendees at 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PST and the AGM will begin at 11:30 AM EST / 8:30 AM PST.
  
  Click HERE to view the AGM documents.

  PLEASE NOTE: Voting Members who are unable to attend the meeting either in person or virtually are requested to complete the PROXY FORM. To facilitate administration of the upcoming meetings, Voting Members are encouraged to complete and submit their proxies by 12:00 pm (EST) on Friday February 6, 2026.

  

  Heart & Stroke is honoured to join WGCC to share insights on women’s heart and brain health, a critical issue for leaders balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities. This presentation is designed to inform, inspire, and foster meaningful connections!

  Kindly register for this event by 12:00 PM (EST) on Friday, February 6th.

  COST: Complimentary, included in your WGCC membership.

  

  Panel Speakers:
  
  Alexandra Hill-Mann, MHA, CHE (she/her)
  Sr. Specialist, Health Equity, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

  Alex Hill-Mann is passionate about health equity and cultivating knowledge and skills in individuals and organizations to drive change. Prior to joining Heart & Stroke, she applied her professional expertise to health research, hospital care, municipal government, and organizational policy. She holds a Master of Health Administration degree from Dalhousie University and a CHE designation from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Alex was raised in the prairies and now lives in Toronto with her wife.
  
  

  

  Trace Molson
  Lariat Business Services Inc. & Director, Operational Excellence, BGO
  
  Trace joined the Ontario Provincial Board in 2020. She is also Business Manager for Stephen Walters Professional Corporation, a private corporate and commercial law firm in Mississauga and Hamilton.

  From 2003 to 2012, Trace was a General Manager at Bentall Kennedy managing in excess of one million square feet of office and industrial space for one of Canada’s foremost financial institutions. Previously, Trace was with Brookfield Lepage Johnson Controls Facility Management Services. Trace also has experience managing residential long-term care and student housing.

  Like many of us, Trace has numerous family members and friends who have been impacted by heart and stroke conditions. Two of her children were born with congenital heart defects; one was diagnosed in her mid-teens and required open heart surgery. Trace is deeply grateful for Heart and Stroke’s long-standing commitment to research and development.

  Trace earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo and an MBA in Finance from Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

  Moderator:
  

  Melanie Rodriguez
  Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy & Partnerships, Heart & Stroke

  A purpose-driven executive with cross‑sector experience across the Americas, she has built major partnerships that have raised millions for education, workforce development, and health initiatives. Melanie previously managed a $200 million risk analysis portfolio, led an international education foundation, and represented Canada at the G7 Youth Summit. She has completed fellowships with the Forté Foundation and the International Women’s Forum, and executive education at Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Schulich, and Ivey. Her commitment to this mission is personal; she lost her father to a stroke twelve years ago; and it inspires her work to create a healthier future for families across Canada.

  To learn more about the Heart and Stroke Foundation, click HERE.

  NOTE: If you're not yet a member and would like to attend the lunch and/or presentation, please email: info@womengc.ca.

  *For any inquiries and in the event you need to cancel your registration, contact us via email at: info@womengc.ca. 
  
  

  Generously hosted and sponsored by

  
  

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• WGCC Mahjong Night: An Emeritus Social Evening

  • When
    18 Feb 2026
  •  
    6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
  • Location
    Downtown Toronto | Bathurst & Wellington (Address will be shared upon registration)

  Register

  
  

  Emeritus members are invited to a relaxing, social evening of Mahjong, graciously hosted at the home of WGCC member, Jolie Lin. Come catch up with fellow Emeritus members, enjoy light refreshments, and either play or simply observe as you learn about the game. No previous experience is required - this will be a casual and fun evening for all!

  Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

  Time: 6:30 PM (EST)

  Location: Downtown Toronto (Bathurst & Wellington). Address will be shared upon registration.

  Kindly RSVP by Monday February 9, 2026.

  For questions about this event, please contact: info@womengc.ca.

  We look forward to seeing you there!

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