WOMEN GENERAL COUNSEL CANADA QUASI-QUARTERLY Issue No. 5, December 2024
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As another
year winds down and we reflect on the seasons behind us — whether spent
savouring peaceful moments with loved ones, navigating the joyful chaos of
family life, or tackling the challenges and triumphs of our professional
journeys — we’re reminded of the strength and vibrancy of our WGCC
community. We can’t believe this is the final edition of the WGCC
newsletter for 2024!
As we
embrace the festivities of the season and prepare to welcome a new year, we
want to celebrate the connections we’ve built and the milestones we’ve achieved
together. With a fresh calendar of events on the horizon and even more
opportunities to engage and grow, we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025!
Here’s to a
season of joy, rest, and celebration. We can’t wait to see you in the new year! |
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WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO LATELY
The fall
months have been bustling with activity, offering a dynamic mix of formal
programming and celebrations, and the excitement of welcoming even more new
members to the WGCC community. From insightful fireside discussions with
industry leaders to skill-building workshops to celebratory gatherings and
thoughtful networking circles, the season has truly showcased the energy and
engagement of our membership. We’re delighted to see the community continue to
grow and thrive, making this fall one to remember! |
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On October 9th, the Career Services Office, Centre for Business Law, and Allard Women’s Caucus at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC hosted, "An Evening with Women General Counsel" in Vancouver.
This impactful event offered Allard students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of in-house counsel, learning directly from female and female-identifying legal professionals from a diverse range of Vancouver employers including WGCC members. In doing so, employers were given a valuable platform to connect with future legal talent and raise their profiles within the Allard student community! |
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Our recent exclusive event, hosted in collaboration with WGCC and McCarthy Tétrault, brought together industry leaders for an engaging exploration of the strategic challenges and opportunities shaping the future of our sectors.
The event featured a thought-provoking fireside chat with Jodi Butts, Partner at Watson Board Advisors, moderated by Lara Nathans, Partner and Industry Strategy Leader at McCarthy Tétrault. Together, they delved into pressing issues such as regulatory changes, ESG, and resourcing challenges affecting industries across the board.
Following the insightful discussion, attendees participated in curated roundtable sessions with industry peers. These sessions facilitated the exchange of ideas, perspectives and best practices, fostering collaboration on strategies to navigate emerging trends. The event concluded with a lively networking reception, fostering further opportunity to connect and build meaningful relationships. A special thank you to our esteemed sponsor for their collaboration and support in making this incredible event possible:
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We recently hosted our very first WGCC Emeritus event, an exclusive kickoff cocktail gathering for Emeritus members! This special evening provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow members, share insights, and explore “the next chapter” beyond our careers as General Counsel. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about ways to maintain ongoing connections, and brainstormed impactful ideas for giving back, including through mentorship and other initiatives.
Adding to the spirit of the evening, many members generously donated gently used items of business attire to Dress for Success. These contributions will help empower individuals on their professional journeys.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this event such a success! We look forward to building on this momentum and to future gatherings that continue to inspire and connect our Emeritus community! |
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The GCU Alumni Launch Party, generously co-hosted by Torys LLP, proved to be a fantastic opportunity for graduates to reconnect and celebrate the launch of the GCU Alumni programming initiative. This event brought together GCU alumni for an evening of networking, celebration and connection. A special highlight of the event was the on-site bracelets and charms generously provided by Dainty Diamond, adding a touch of elegance and keepsake to the festivities.
It was an unforgettable evening setting the stage for the exciting future of GCU Alumni programming! |
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Thank you to our generous sponsor for co-hosting with us!
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We were thrilled to close out the year with a special event hosted in collaboration with Henein Hutchison Robitaille, LLP. Members enjoyed the exclusive opportunity to attend a fireside chat with the amazing Marie Henein, Partner at the firm and one of Canada's most distinguished litigators.
Marie shared invaluable insights from her extensive experience in high-profile criminal, civil, and regulatory cases, including class actions and complex commercial disputes. Beyond her professional expertise, she offered candid advice and compelling anecdotes on harnessing our power as women leaders to drive change, challenge the status quo, and make an impact in our organizations—while always remembering to look the part ;)
It was an inspiring and thought-provoking evening that left a lasting impression, providing a truly memorable close to the year.
Our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsor for their support in making this event possible: |
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NETWORKING CIRCLES
In November
we hosted our 5th Networking Circles of 2024, marking our final
session of the year! Guided by the wisdom of our esteemed Emeritus members, the
discussion centered on the Strategic Importance of Year-End Reflections. It was
a meaningful and thought-provoking conversation, offering valuable insights on
how to close the year with intention and set the stage for success in the year
ahead!
Participants earned CPD credits while sharing perspectives and ideas with colleagues in a safe and collegial environment. And similar to our past networking circles, participants were invited to engage in a coffee connection with another member. Coffee Connections are a great way to take networking to the next level by getting to know a fellow WGCC member better one-on-one. It’s an opportunity to discuss pressing issues that you may be facing in your organization with a fellow GC - share best practices, trade war stories and forge new friendships.
Our first Circles of 2025 will be held in January, so watch your inbox and don't forget to sign up! |
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This fall was brimming with industry forum events, including lunches, socials, and even the launch of a book club. These gatherings provide amazing opportunities for members to build meaningful relationships within their industry peers.
As a member of Women General Counsel Canada (WGCC), you have the opportunity to connect with peers in your industry through our exclusive Industry Forums. These forums are a space for open conversation, support, and learning—curated specifically to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities unique to your industry.
By connecting with others who share a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in their fields, members can exchange ideas, ask targeted questions, and explore strategies tailored to their specific industries. These connections form a vital support network, empowering members to grow and thrive both personally and professionally.
Click HERE to learn more about our Industry Forums, explore the current forums available, and find out how to join. |
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LOOKING AHEAD - MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE WINTER!
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The WGCC Programming Committee is hard at work planning an exciting lineup of CPD sessions, networking opportunities, and social events for the 2025 calendar year! Be sure to watch your inbox and check the Events Calendar on the WGCC website regularly for updates and details. We can’t wait to see you at these fantastic events! |
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Cinda Serianni | WGCC Member & Industry Forums Lead & Chair |
Launching the Simply Cinda Podcast…A Podcast about Hot Flashes, Hard
Truths, and Hilarious Midlife Mishaps - Welcome to the Club! |
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A few years ago, I went through one of the hardest periods of my life—and I didn’t even know why it was happening. I was angry, exhausted, irritable, and plagued by severe brain fog and mood swings. For a year, I wasn’t sleeping, I didn’t feel like myself, and my life felt out of control. My friends knew I was struggling, but even they didn’t realize what was happening. And when I turned to my doctor, I was offered an SSRI without any recognition that what I was experiencing was menopause-related.
It wasn’t until later, when I understood that all of these symptoms were manifestations of menopause, that I felt a wave of sadness. How could I—an intelligent, capable woman—not have known this? More importantly, why hadn’t anyone suggested that perhaps what I was experiencing was menopause related? My symptoms were treatable, yet I suffered in silence. That was the spark for Simply Cinda.
I made it my mission to ensure other women wouldn’t go through the same thing—feeling isolated, misunderstood, and uninformed about what’s happening to their bodies. I wanted to have honest, open conversations about menopause and perimenopause so women could finally connect the dots, seek help, and feel empowered.
As I started to develop the podcast, I realized something beautiful: midlife is about so much more than menopause. It’s a time of reinvention, reconnection, and reinvigoration. I truly believe midlife can be an incredible phase of our lives, full of new opportunities and growth.
That’s why Simply Cinda covers topics that go far beyond health and hormones. Whether it’s navigating a career transition, handling changes in personal relationships, or learning to care for aging parents, midlife comes with its own challenges—and opportunities.
My podcast has become a space where I can talk to experts like coaches, advocates, and inspiring women who are living their best midlife. I want to be the girlfriend who makes great connections for my listeners—whether it’s introducing a resource, sharing wisdom, or just being there with a bit of humour and heart.
I have to say, the journey of creating Simply Cinda has been full of unexpected rewards. For starters, I’ve had to become a techie! I’ve learned how to record, edit, and produce a podcast, and even navigate all the platforms that make it possible. It’s been a fun challenge, and luckily, I have my 20-year-old daughter to help me when I get stuck!
One of the most rewarding parts has been connecting with my listeners. Seeing the podcast grow and receiving messages cheering me on has been incredibly meaningful. Women are reaching out to share their own experiences, give me ideas for future episodes, or even ask to be on the podcast. I love the diversity of voices that are coming my way, and it’s a privilege to share their wisdom with all of you.
At the heart of Simply Cinda, my hope is simple: I want women to feel empowered, understood, and entertained. Whether you’re out for a 30-minute walk, driving to work, or just taking a break, I hope the podcast brings value—and maybe even a little humour—into your day.
I’m so grateful for every person who has listened to an episode, shared their thoughts, or let me be part of their lives. This podcast is for you, and I hope it continues to make a difference. After all, life is too short not to laugh, learn, and celebrate this amazing time of life together.
Thank you for letting me into your world—I can’t wait to see where Simply Cinda goes next. |
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Check out Simply Cinda HERE!
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-- Written by Cinda Serianni
WGCC Member; Industry Forums Chair
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We’re excited to welcome our newest WGCC members to our community of over 200 talented, driven, and future-focused women leaders! We can't wait to get to know you better - and to learn from all the expertise and fresh perspectives you bring!
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Silvi Alzetta-Reali Formerly GC at Coca-Cola
Kerry Austin Mosaic Forest Management Corporation
Simone Cole Choice Properties
Sandra Dos Santos REALPAC (Real Property Association of Canada)
Kelly Kwan Bolt Technologies
Helen Martin Organigram Holdings Inc.
Robyn Miles Bosa Properties Inc.
Megan Radmore Vista Credit Corp.
Jill Schatz Formerly GC with Primus Telecommunications |
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At WGCC, nothing makes us happier than sharing hacks, tips, and must-know recommendations. Whether it’s a brilliant speaker for your next event, a legal app that could save the day, a can’t-miss book or podcast, or celebrating someone who has recently won an award, we’ve got you covered. |
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Congratulations to WGCC member, Ratika Gandhi for being named one of 2024’s Lexpert Rising Stars! This recognition honours leading lawyers 40 and under from law firms, in-house departments, and other practices. To view the full list of winners, click HERE. |
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Have you had an amazing speaker, service, podcast, resource or tool that your fellow GC's may benefit from? If so, please share and contribute to our curated recommendations for WGCC members! Whether it's announcements, awards, or upcoming speaking engagements, allow WGCC to amplify your news and spread the word by emailing: info@womengc.ca! |
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TELUS Health Care Centres | Preventative Health Assessments
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WGCC through TELUS Health has obtained special pricing on Preventative Health Assessments (PHA) for all WGCC members & their guests. Maintaining optimal health is crucial for sustained performance and decision-making. These comprehensive assessments are designed to support the physical and mental well-being of employees. As our healthcare system is overtaxed, having access to preventative health care may be something you are considering for yourself and family members. Check out our website for more information coming soon on how to take advantage of this special pricing. |
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HAVE YOU LOGGED ALL OF YOUR 2024 CPD HOURS YET?!
Did you know that your WGCC membership has given you access to 14.5 hours of CPD-accredited content this year? Don’t miss out on reporting these valuable hours!
For a detailed breakdown and reporting information, click below. |
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MEMBERSHIP AUTO-RENEWAL REMINDER
A friendly
reminder that your WGCC membership will automatically renew for next year—we’re
so thrilled to have your continued support and involvement!
Please take
a moment to review and update your membership account with any outdated
information. If you prefer not to participate in the auto-renewal program, you
can opt out at any time by updating your account settings or contacting us at info@women.gc.ca.
Thank you
for being an integral part of our community—we’re so grateful to have you with
us! |
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OUR SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
WGCC would like to thank its generous sponsors and partners for their ongoing support of the women general counsel community! |
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