Written by Rosie Martin (Fourth year, F.C. Manning School of Business)

International Women’s Day (IWD) inspired the formation of the Acadia Women in Business Society, so to say that the day means a lot to us is an understatement. This event is the heart of our society.

On February 28th, we hosted An Evening to EmpowHER at Fountain Commons. The night brought together students, professionals, and alumni, creating a room full of inspiration, connection, and celebration. There’s something so powerful about seeing people come together to recognize the achievements of women past, present, and future.

A major highlight of the evening was our panel discussion, featuring three incredible women who brought their unique experiences and wisdom to the table. Moderating the conversation was the accomplished Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo (Provost and Vice-President Academic), who guided the discussion with ease and thoughtfulness. Our panelists, Dr.  Shannon Murphy (Assistant Professor of Medicine, Dalhousie University/Nova Scotia Health), Jo Napier (Creator/Producer, The Great Woman Portrait Project), and Doanya Gholami (Founder, Doanya), each brought something special. Shannon’s story resonated with students as she shared the winding path to finding her career. Jo’s insights, paired with her humor, made the conversation even more engaging. And Doanya, as a young leader in fashion, brought such a fresh perspective. The variety of backgrounds ensured that there was something for everyone to take away.

One thing we love about this event is how interactive it is. A crowd favorite from last year made a return: Banter Boosters. These are conversation prompts (like “Who’s an everyday women in your life that inspires you and why?”) placed on the tables that encourage guests to reflect on and share their own experiences with empowerment. It’s one thing to hear from panelists, and another to hear from the people sitting right beside you.

 

Of course, an evening like this wouldn’t be complete without great food. Chartwells made sure we were well taken care of with delicious canapés and charcuterie, keeping the energy high and the conversations flowing.

But beyond the great speakers and the good food, why do we put this event together?

Because celebrating women is important. Women continue to break barriers, build communities, and redefine industries, but there’s still progress to be made. Events like this not only highlight successes but also spark the kinds of conversations that push us forward. They remind us that every woman’s journey is different, and that’s what makes their stories so powerful.

Looking around that room, you could see the impact, people leaning in, nodding along, and even tearing up at moments. The unscripted, raw nature of the panel made it all the more meaningful. Our panelists didn’t just share success stories; they shared challenges, lessons learned, and the moments that shaped them. And that’s what makes An Evening to EmpowHER so special.

This event is a reminder of why our society exists in the first place. It’s not just about celebrating women, it’s about making space for them, learning from them, and most importantly, supporting them.

If you were there, we hope you left feeling inspired. If you missed it, we hope to see you next year. Either way, let’s keep the conversation going.