As the countdown begins, anticipation is building for one of the most impactful gatherings for women and mothers in Canada, Mom On Mission 5.0, hosted by A Sacred Motherhood, founded by Oyin Isaac.
Now in its 5th edition, this milestone event is more than just a conference. It is a sacred space intentionally created for women to reconnect, realign, and rise into the fullness of their purpose.
Taking place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel, this year’s experience promises to be deeper, richer, and more transformative than ever before.
Meet the powerful voices behind Mom On Mission 5.0—women leading with purpose, faith, and impact.
Theme: Empowered – Walking in Purpose, Raising Legacy
In a world that constantly places demands on women, the theme “Empowered” is both timely and necessary.
Mom On Mission 5.0 is rooted in a powerful truth: Your identity is not defined by your roles, but by who you are created to be.
Meet the Speakers
This year’s lineup features powerful women who are leading, building, and creating impact across different spaces:
Each speaker brings lived experience, wisdom, and practical insight that will challenge, inspire, and equip you for your next level.
Why You Should Attend Mom On Mission 5.0
This is not just another event—it is a transformational experience designed to nurture the whole woman.
1. Renew Your Mind and Spirit
Experience powerful, faith-centered conversations that bring clarity and direction.
2. Gain Practical Wisdom
Learn actionable strategies for motherhood, leadership, and personal growth.
3. Build Meaningful Connections
Connect with women who are intentional about growth, purpose, and impact.
4. Step Into Confidence and Clarity
Leave empowered to lead your life and calling with boldness.
Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM 📍 Location: Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel 5400 Dixie Road, Mississauga, ON
What You Will Experience
Rediscover your identity and purpose Experience transformation and renewal Gain practical tools for life and leadership Build powerful connections Leave confident and empowered
Secure Your Spot
This is your moment to pause, reset, and step into your next level. Register now and be part of a life-changing experience. Mom On Mission 5.0 is more than a conference. It is a call to become everything you were created to be.
NASAastronaut Christina Koch is once again at the center of history, becoming the first woman to travel around the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program.
The Artemis II mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a four-person crew on a 10-day lunar fly-by covering approximately 685,000 miles. It marks the first human mission to orbit the Moon in more than 50 years.
The crew includes Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Artemis II Mission Overview
Artemis II is a critical test mission for NASA’s long-term goal of returning humans to the Moon and preparing for future deep space exploration.
The mission focuses on validating spacecraft systems, life support, and human performance in deep space conditions. The crew will travel aboard the Orion spacecraft on a lunar fly-by before returning to Earth.
Unlike previous missions, Artemis is designed to build long-term exploration capability rather than short-term lunar visits.
Christina Koch’s Path to Artemis II
Christina Koch’s selection for Artemis II is built on a strong foundation of experience and achievement.
She was first selected as a NASA astronaut in 2013 and quickly established herself as one of the most capable astronauts of her generation.
In 2019, she completed a record-breaking 328 consecutive days in space aboard the International Space Station during Expeditions 59, 60, and 61. This remains the longest single spaceflight by a woman.
During that mission, she also participated in the first all-female spacewalk alongside astronaut Jessica Meir and completed multiple additional spacewalks totaling over 42 hours.
Her scientific work included robotics operations on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, protein crystal experiments for pharmaceutical research, and testing 3D biological printing in microgravity.
Christina Koch Artemis II Moon Mission NASA Astronaut
Experience Beyond Spaceflight
Beyond her missions in orbit, Koch has held leadership roles within NASA, including serving as branch chief over the Assigned Crew Branch in the Astronaut Office.
She has also worked in technical integration roles at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Before becoming an astronaut, her engineering background included space science instrument development and fieldwork in extreme environments such as Antarctica and the Arctic. She also supported search and rescue and firefighting operations in Antarctica.
The Artemis II Crew
The Artemis II crew represents a new era of space exploration. Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen were selected for their operational expertise and experience in spaceflight.
Together, they are tasked with testing the systems and procedures that will support future lunar missions and long-duration exploration beyond Earth orbit.
Why This Mission Matters
Artemis II is the first crewed mission to travel beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era. It represents a major step toward establishing sustained human presence on the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars.
The mission will help NASA understand how humans can live and work in deep space over extended periods.
Historic Achievement
With Artemis II, Christina Koch becomes the first woman to travel around the Moon, adding another milestone to an already groundbreaking career.
Her journey reflects the growing role of experienced astronauts in shaping the future of human space exploration.
From Earth orbit to lunar space, Christina Koch continues to play a defining role in space history. Alongside Victor Glover and the Artemis II crew, she is helping lead a mission that marks the beginning of a new era in exploration. The Moon is now a gateway to the future of human spaceflight.
Women entrepreneurs in Canada have an exciting opportunity to access funding and scale their businesses through the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program, delivered in collaboration with Deloitte.
This initiative is designed to support women and non-binary entrepreneurs who are building impactful businesses and driving meaningful change in their communities.
What is the BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program?
The program will award 10 Canadian small businesses with $10,000 CAD each to help accelerate growth, strengthen operations, and expand their impact.
Beyond funding, this initiative recognizes businesses that are not only profitable but also aligned with global impact goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Who Should Apply?
This grant is ideal for established women-led businesses that can clearly demonstrate:
What they are building
The impact they are creating
How funding will help scale their business
Applicants should be ready to connect their work to 2–3 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and show how they measure their impact.
What You Need to Include in Your Application
When applying, you will be required to:
✔️ Provide basic information about yourself and your business ✔️ Answer questions about your business model, growth plans, and impact ✔️ Identify 2–3 UN SDGs your business aligns with and explain why ✔️ Share how you measure your impact (results, metrics, and targets) ✔️ Explain how the $10,000 grant will support your business growth
Selected semi-finalists will be invited to submit a 60–120 second video explaining:
Their SDG focus
Their business impact
How the grant will help them scale
Key Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
Clarity and strength of SDG alignment
Measurable impact and results
Strategic use of funding
Overall potential to scale and create impact
Alignment with inclusivity and global impact goals
Eligibility Criteria
For Applicants:
Must be a resident of Canada
Must have reached the legal age of majority
Must have authority to apply on behalf of the business
Must not have received a previous BMO Celebrating Women Grant
For Businesses:
At least 51% owned by women or non-binary individuals
For-profit and actively operating in Canada
Minimum 2 years in business
Annual revenue of at least $50,000 CAD
At least 50% of revenue from Canadian customers
Head office located in Canada
Application Time
📅 Applications Open: April 2, 2026 (8:00 a.m. ET) 📅 Applications Close: April 23, 2026 (8:00 p.m. ET)
What Happens Next:
May: Semi-finalists selected
June: Finalists announced
Mid-July: Grant recipients revealed
Mid-September: Winners attend the Grant Summit
Why This Grant Matters
This is more than funding, it’s a chance to:
Increase visibility for your business Align your brand with global impact goals Strengthen your growth strategy Join a network of impactful women entrepreneurs
If you’re building a business that is not only generating revenue but also creating meaningful impact, this is your opportunity to be recognized and supported at the next level.
At Women of Rubies, we encourage women entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities like this, not just to grow their businesses, but to amplify their visibility and position themselves for greater impact.
Need Help Positioning Your Application?
If you’d like support refining your brand, impact story, or visibility strategy before applying:
In the global fight for gender equality, few voices carry the depth of experience, influence, and impact as Patricia Elias.
An international lawyer, former UN Women Senior Advisor, and globally recognized gender expert, Patricia Elias has spent her career advancing women’s participation, leadership, and protection through law, diplomacy, and advocacy.
Her work sits at the intersection of women’s rights, peacebuilding, and global policy, with a strong focus on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and ending violence against women and girls.
A Leader in Global Advocacy and Diplomacy
Patricia’s career reflects a rare combination of legal expertise and diplomatic influence. As the former Chief of Global Diplomatic Campaign at Every Woman, she represented the organization at the highest levels, engaging with:
World leaders
Governments
United Nations entities
and civil society organizations
Through her leadership, she successfully expanded support for global advocacy efforts from 4 to 18 countries, while growing a powerful coalition of over 4,000 NGOs and activists across 164 countries. Her work demonstrates that policy change is not just about conversation, it is about coalition, negotiation, and sustained action.
Driving the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
At the core of Patricia’s mission is a fundamental belief: Sustainable peace is impossible without the inclusion of women. Through her advocacy, she has consistently pushed for:
Women’s participation in decision-making
Gender-responsive governance
Protection of women and girls in conflict settings
Legal reforms that uphold justice and equality
Her work reinforces a global truth that empowering women is not just a social priority, but a strategic necessity for peace and development.
A Humanitarian at Heart
Beyond global policy and diplomacy, Patricia’s impact extends to grassroots humanitarian work.
She has:
Built an orphanage in Cameroon
Worked directly with street children in Gabon
These efforts reflect a leadership style grounded not only in influence but in compassion and direct community impact.
Global Recognition and Leadership
Patricia Elias’ contributions have earned her international recognition.
She was awarded the French Medal of Associative Commitment by the Mayor of Paris and Île-de-France, a testament to her dedication to social impact and advocacy.
She currently serves as the G100 Global Chair for Governments and Ministerial Advocacy, where she continues to influence policy, leadership, and global partnerships for women’s advancement.
The “No Peace Without Women” Movement
One of Patricia’s most powerful initiatives is the Global Petition: No Peace Without Women — a call to action for governments, institutions, and global leaders to prioritize women’s inclusion in peacebuilding and decision-making.
The petition emphasizes a simple but transformative truth:
From international law to grassroots advocacy, Patricia Elias represents a new model of leadership, one that bridges policy and people, diplomacy and action, global influence and local impact.
Her work continues to shape conversations, influence decisions, and build systems where women are not just included but empowered to lead.
In every community, every nation, and every global conversation, there can be no lasting peace without women.
In a world where women have historically battled for visibility, opportunity, and influence, Sabah Hussain stands as a testament to what is possible when purpose, strategy, and courage converge.
Sabah isn’t just a business leader; she is a visionary strategist, a community builder, and a champion for women’s economic empowerment. Her journey bridges entrepreneurship, neuroscience, leadership development, investment, and advocacy, all grounded in the belief that when women rise, communities, economies, and generations rise with them.
From Entrepreneur to Strategist
Sabah Hussain is a five‑time entrepreneur whose experience spans multiple industries and business cycles. She has been at the forefront of building, scaling, and restructuring ventures with a focus on measurable outcomes. But what sets her work apart is not just her experience; it’s her lens.
As a business neuroscience strategist, Sabah applies insights from human behaviour, decision‑making science, and cognitive resilience to help leaders and organisations perform at their best. Her work goes beyond traditional management consulting; it aligns human potential with business growth in ways that are strategic, sustainable, and transformative.
Her unique skill set has made her a sought‑after executive board advisor and angel investor, guiding startups and seasoned enterprises alike toward paths of growth, clarity, and impact.
Investing in People and Purpose
Sabah’s investment philosophy is rooted in more than financial returns. She believes in investing in human capital, in leaders, in founders, and in changemakers who are committed to impact.
Her portfolio includes startups and small businesses with potential for exponential growth, as well as businesses driven by purpose. Through her strategic support, founders gain not just capital, but clarity, confidence and community.
Founder of the Federation of Women Empowerment and Support
One of her most impactful contributions is the Federation of Women Empowerment and Support, an initiative dedicated to expanding access, visibility, and opportunity for women entrepreneurs and leaders.
Under Sabah’s leadership, the federation:
Creates mentorship and leadership development pathways
Builds networks that amplify women’s voices
Connects women with strategic partnerships and scalable opportunities
Provides platforms for women to be seen, heard, and valued
The federation operates with a clear ethos: empowerment is not a slogan, it is a structure for sustainable progress.
In line with this mission, Sabah has intentionally shaped programs that address real barriers women face:
• Lack of access to capital • Limited networks • Visibility gaps • Mentorship deserts • Opportunity exclusions
Her approach ensures that empowerment is not surface‑level, but rooted in actual, measurable outcomes.
Legacy in Motion
Sabah is not just building businesses; she is shaping ecosystems. From startup founders to corporate leaders, from emerging entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, her influence spans borders and sectors.
She is proof that leadership is not about positions held, but about impact created, and more importantly, she shows that when women are equipped, connected, and empowered, the possibilities are limitless.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, The Guardian WomanFestival has launched a month-long programme in Nigeria, marking a bold shift from celebration to sustained impact.
Unveiled at a media parley held at the Federal Palace Hotel, this year’s festival is themed “Give to Gain”, a concept rooted in reciprocity, investment, and long-term value creation for women.
At the heart of this initiative is a clear message: empowering women is not charity, it is strategy.
From One-Day Celebration to Month-Long Impact
According to Anita Athena Ibru, Executive Director at Federal Palace Hotel and Chief Strategy Officer (Global) at The Guardian Nigeria, the expansion to a month-long activation is intentional.
Rather than a single day of enthusiasm that fades quickly, the goal is to create structured, sustained engagement that drives measurable outcomes.
The Role of Hospitality in National Storytelling
Ibru also highlighted the unique role of hospitality in shaping Nigeria’s global image. Describing the Federal Palace Hotel as “a living property”, she noted that spaces like these do more than host events; they shape experiences, narratives, and perceptions.
From international guests attending Nigerian weddings to the global rise of Afrobeats, she pointed to culture as one of Nigeria’s strongest exports, one that must be intentionally presented and preserved.
Rethinking Corporate Social Responsibility
A key focus of this year’s festival is redefining how organisations approach Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). According to Ibru, CSR must go beyond symbolic gestures. “It is not a logo on a banner or a one-time donation,” she stated.
Instead, strategic giving should focus on: leadership development, skills acquisition, enterprise support, and women’s wellbeingand earning long-term trust
A Platform for Real Opportunities
The month-long format also creates space for practical engagement. Participants will have opportunities to:
Connect with decision-makers
Access mentorship and partnerships
Gain visibility for their work
and secure tangible growth pathways
With partners like Zoho Corporation supporting the initiative, there is also a strong emphasis on technology as a growth equaliser for women-led businesses. Additionally, organisations like Female Techpreneur are ensuring that women are not just present, but positioned in rooms where decisions are made.
As the month unfolds, organisations and individuals are invited to move beyond passive participation and actively give, invest, and build.
To learn more about the Guardian Woman festival, follow @guardianwoman or check www.guardianwomanfestival.com/
ABCD Africa is proud to announce the release of the 4th edition of the 100 Most Impactful Voices List, released to mark 2026 International Women’s Day. This list recognises female changemakers, leaders, and community builders of African descent who leverage their voices and digital content as tools for impact.
We release this edition at a significant moment. The conversations shaping our world, around equality, technology, governance, and the future of the African continent, are being had right now, and the women on this list are at the centre of them. Africa is home to bold, visionary women who are not only shaping narratives but building the platforms, policies, and technologies that will define what comes next.
In this year’s edition, we celebrate 100 extraordinary women of African descent who use their influence to educate, advocate and inspire. Through their work across digital platforms, and through leadership, governance, policy, and published works, they are breaking barriers, amplifying marginalised voices, and leading movements that redefine the future.
“It is an honour to unveil the 4th edition of the ABCD Africa 100 Most Impactful Voices List and amplify the contribution of these remarkable women. In a world where the spaces for women’s voices are being contested, this list is a reminder of what is possible when African women are given their flowers. We hope it inspires more women to use their voices, create impactful content, and shape conversations that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society,” says Joke Pearl Oyebamiji, Founder of ABCD Africa.
The selection process was rigorous and thorough, with nominations received from digital experts and the general public. Finalists were evaluated based on their creativity, impact, authenticity, and engagement. Visit voices.abcdafrica.co to view the full list
The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge 2026 brought together visionary women founders ready to elevate their brands through clarity, confidence, and strategic storytelling.
While Dr. Omo Ogbamolaemerged after thoughtful deliberation, every finalist moved her brand forward. Each pitch reflected courage, innovation, and the power of intentional visibility.
Here are the remarkable women who took the stage.
Dr. Omo Ogbamola | Founder & CEO, Tripplemos Food Processing Company
Dr. Omo Ogbamola |Founder & CEO, Tripplemos Food Processing Company
Dr. Omo Ogbamola is a Nigerian-born Canadian entrepreneur building a nationally distributed food manufacturing brand producing authentic African spices locally in Canada. Tripplemos Foodproducts are available on Amazon Canada, Walmart Canada Marketplace, and over 20 retail stores, with expansion underway. Her pitch reflected strong operational structure, manufacturing growth potential, and a clear media positioning strategy.
Victoria Ekwenuke, Founder, FASS
Victoria Ekwenuke |Founder & CEO, FASS (For A Short Stay)
Victoriais a hospitality-tech entrepreneur reimagining airport lodging through luxury micro-suites for modern travellers. With over 15 years of global brand management experience at companies including Colgate-Palmolive, Unilever, eBay, and Meta, she brings corporate precision and inclusive innovation into the travel space. Her pitch demonstrated scale, strategy, and strong market positioning. Learn more about her work here
Life & Transformational Coach | Host, Stretch Street Podcast
Widely known as The Energetic EJ, Ejiro is a certified transformational coach dedicated to helping women rediscover abandoned dreams and step into renewed purpose. Her pitch centered on clarity of voice, measurable impact, and long-term community transformation through coaching and media. Learn more about her work here
Julieth Agbo |Founder, A-Aston Technologies & Data for Her
A digital and data inclusion advocate, Juliethequips women and young people with practical digital literacy skills for the future of work. Through her remote business support company and data initiative, she is closing access gaps and building sustainable systems. Her pitch highlighted impact-driven technology with strong scalability. Learn more about her work here
Oluwabunmi is a community builder and digital marketer empowering women and newcomers across Canada to build sustainable, profitable businesses. Through Canada CEOs, she creates visibility, collaboration, and business growth opportunities. Her pitch showcased community-driven entrepreneurship with measurable impact. Learn more abou her work here
Beyond the Pitch: A Room Full of Momentum
The Media Pitch Challenge was not just about winning. It was about positioning.
This is what happens when women are given both the platform and the preparation. At Women of Rubies, we believe visibility is not accidental — it is intentional, strategic, and transformative.
To our finalists: your courage to step forward has already created momentum. And this is only the beginning.
For over two decades, Bukola Adeolu-Dele has been dedicated to helping women achieve emotional clarity and purposeful living. As a Counseling and Educational Psychologist, she blends faith, psychology, and practical insight to guide women through life’s challenges, equipping them with the tools to thrive personally and professionally.
Founder of The Single Ladies Preparatory School of Marriage
Bukola’s passion for strong marriages led her to establish The Single Ladies Preparatory School of Marriage, a unique platform designed to prepare women for intentional and fulfilling relationships. Through this initiative, she empowers women with the mindset, practical skills, and wisdom needed to build healthy, lasting partnerships.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Coaching
Over the years, Bukola has coached and mentored countless women, helping them navigate relationships, discover purpose, and embrace their worth. Her approach emphasizes clarity, confidence, and actionable steps, ensuring that each woman is equipped to step into her future intentionally.
Bukola Adeolu-Dele, Educational Psychologist
Prolific Author and Thought Leader
Bukola is also a prolific author of 20 books covering relationships, personal growth, purpose, and life transformation. Her work has reached thousands of women worldwide, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical strategies to cultivate meaningful lives and thriving marriages.
Impacting Generations of Women
Through workshops, coaching, and publications, Bukola Adeolu-Dele continues to make a lasting impact on women globally. Her teachings inspire confidence, self-worth, and purpose-driven living, helping women navigate love, life, and career with intention.
Celebrating Women and Strong Marriages
Bukola’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, faith, and strategic guidance in transforming lives. She continues to empower women to embrace their worth, step boldly into their future, and build strong, fulfilling relationships that stand the test of time.
In celebration of Black History Month, Women of Rubies is hosting the Media Pitch Challenge, a visibility-focused initiative spotlighting women whose work deserves greater recognition. This challenge creates intentional space for women to confidently share their stories, articulate their impact, and position themselves for meaningful media exposure.
Ahead of the live virtual event on February 28th, 2026, all registered participants will receive structured guidance and direct access to expert coaches who will host a live group pitch session to prepare them for the challenge.
Esther Ijewere – Award-Winning Media Strategist & Founder, Women of Rubies
Esther Ijewere is an award-winning media strategist, coach, and Founder of Women of Rubies, a global platform and community of over 200,000 women dedicated to amplifying female voices. She has been a columnist with The Guardian Newspaper for 10 years and facilitates workshops for managers and emerging leaders, helping them sharpen communication, visibility, and leadership skills.
Through strategic storytelling, editorial features, and impact-driven initiatives, Esther has supported thousands of female entrepreneurs in gaining credibility, recognition, and growth opportunities.
During the pre-challenge coaching session, she will guide participants on refining their message, strengthening their positioning, and understanding what makes a pitch compelling within competitive media spaces.
Dr. Oluwanifemi Fagbohun – Business Growth Strategist & Founder, Montreal Vendors
Dr. Fagbohun is a dynamic entrepreneur, business growth strategist, and coach dedicated to helping founders scale strategically. As the Founder of Montreal Vendors, she supports over 17,000 entrepreneurs across Canada through visibility, strategic growth opportunities, and advocacy for inclusion.
In 2026, history was made at Montreal City Hall as Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun signed the Canadian Historic Golden Book as a laureate during Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs (Black History Month). Recognized alongside the Mayor of Montreal and directors of the Round Table for Black History Month, she became the first Nigerian in Montreal, Quebec, to receive this prestigious honor, cementing her place in history while celebrating Black excellence and cultural legacy.
She is also the force behind Niffy Signature and Niffy Wellness Foundation, championing empowerment rooted in sustainability and impact. In the live group pitch session, she will help participants align media exposure with long-term business growth and brand authority.
Wendy Nwajiufor – Founder, WinTech & Digital Influence Coach
Wendy Nwajiufor, fondly known as Chylove, is a remarkable force in today’s digital age, where technology and innovation are key drivers of change. She is a visionary entrepreneur, successful YouTuber, Executive Director, and coach whose influence extends across the globe. Her journey is one of passion, dedication, and a relentless drive to empower others, especially women in the tech industry.
Her YouTube channel, which boasts over 50,000 subscribers, began as a platform to share unique and delicious meal recipes inspired by her Nigerian heritage and immigrant experience in Canada. Today, it has grown into a community where people from all walks of life find educational, inspirational, and practical content.
As part of the Media Pitch Challenge preparation, Wendy will guide participants on confident delivery, digital storytelling, and leveraging online platforms to amplify their voice and visibility.
On the day of the event, participants will have the opportunity to pitch directly to our distinguished panel of judges, gaining real-time feedback and exposure within a visibility-focused ecosystem.
What Participants Will Receive
All registered participants will gain access to practical tools and guided support designed to ensure they pitch with clarity and confidence:
Media Pitch Workbook – A structured guide to clarify your story, message, and impact.
Live Group Pitch Coaching Session – Direct access to the coaches for guidance on pitching fundamentals and visibility best practices.
Exposure to Industry Judges & Media Partners – Pitches reviewed within a curated visibility-focused ecosystem.
Certificate of Participation from Women of Rubies – Official recognition of participation in the Media Pitch Challenge.
How the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge Works
Get Shortlisted – A select group of standout pitches will be invited to present live.
Pitch Live & Get Feedback – Receive real-time feedback from media and industry experts.
Winner Selected – The winner receives a premium media visibility package featuring Women of Rubies, The Guardian, Canada News Journal, podcasts, and strategic amplification across partner platforms.
