Visibility doesn’t happen by accident. For many women, it takes intention, the right support system, and a community that believes in their story as much as you do.
That’s exactly why we created the Women of Rubies Collective Community (RCC), a paid membership designed for women who want consistent visibility, media clarity, and real opportunities, not one-off features.
Why the Rubies Collective Community Exists
Over the years at Women of Rubies, we noticed a recurring question after spotlight features and bootcamps:
“What’s next?”
Women wanted more than a single feature. They wanted:
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Ongoing visibility
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Media positioning support
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Strategy and accountability
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Access to opportunities and collaborations
RCC was created to bridge that gap, a space where women don’t just get seen once, but are supported to show up confidently all year long.
What Is the Rubies Collective Community (RCC)?
The Rubies Collective Community is a year-long visibility and media support membership for women building brands, businesses, careers, and impact-driven initiatives.
It brings together women who are ready to:
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Own their story
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Position themselves for media and speaking opportunities
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Build credibility and authority
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Stay visible without burning out
This is not about chasing clout. It’s about intentional visibility that opens doors.
What You Get as an RCC Member
When you join RCC, you receive:
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One guaranteed Google-optimized spotlight feature on Women of Rubies (live permanently)
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One private 20-minute media clarity & strategy session with our team
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Year-long media visibility support across our platforms and communities
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25% discount on all Women of Rubies events and bootcamps
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VIP access to select Women of Rubies and partner-led sessions
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Access to the Rubies Resource Vault (media pitch templates, brand audit tools, replays, and resources)
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Private WhatsApp & Telegram communities for high-level networking
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Digital RCC Member Badge + welcome shoutout
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Priority access to spotlight opportunities, collaborations, and campaigns
In short, you don’t walk this visibility journey alone.
Who the Rubies Collective Community Is For
RCC is for you if:
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You’re tired of being excellent in silence
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You want your work to be seen, shared, and respected
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You’re building something meaningful and want the right audience to find you
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You value strategy, community, and alignment over noise
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, coach, nonprofit founder, or professional — your story deserves space.
How to Join the Rubies Collective Community
Joining RCC is simple:
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Choose your Annual Membership
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Complete your registration and payment
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Receive your welcome email, intake form, and onboarding details
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Begin your visibility journey with us
Once you’re in, we guide you every step of the way.
Why Now?
Opportunities don’t always come when we feel “ready.” They come when we decide to show up.
If 2026 is the year you stop hiding, stop shrinking, and start positioning yourself intentionally, RCC was built for you.
Your story matters.
Your voice matters.
And visibility, when done right, can change everything.
👉 Join the Rubies Collective Community today: www.womenofrubies.com/rcc
This February, as part of Black History Month, Women of Rubies is hosting the Media Pitch Challenge , a Black woman-led visibility and media empowerment initiative designed to amplify the voices, stories, and impact of women founders, creatives, and changemakers.
Building on the success of our Media Visibility Bootcamp, delivered in partnership with platforms such as Montreal Vendors, WinTECH Community, and other media and visibility partners, this challenge creates a direct pathway from preparation to exposure. The Media Pitch Challenge was designed to address a critical gap: women are doing powerful work, but too often lack access to the platforms, media, and decision-makers that can help scale their impact, and many others continue to join this ecosystem of support.
What Is the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge?
The Media Pitch Challenge is a curated visibility opportunity where women are invited to pitch their story, brand, or initiative for media exposure and strategic amplification.
Unlike traditional pitch competitions focused solely on funding, this challenge centers visibility as currency, because being seen creates access to funding, partnerships, credibility, and long-term growth.
Why This Matters, Especially During Black History Month
Black History Month is not only about reflection, but it is also about recognition, representation, and elevation.
This initiative:
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Celebrates Black women’s leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship
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Highlights underrepresented voices doing meaningful work
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Aligns with broader goals of economic empowerment and inclusion
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Creates tangible visibility opportunities, not just conversations
The Media Pitch Challenge positions Black History Month as a moment of action and amplification, not symbolism alone.
How the Media Pitch Challenge Works
The process is intentionally structured to be accessible, fair, and impactful.
Step 1: Registration
Participants register to secure their spot in the challenge.
Step 2: Video Pitch Submission
Each participant submits a 2-minute video pitch sharing:
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Who they are
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What they do
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Why their story or work deserves visibility
Step 3: Review & Shortlisting
All video pitches are reviewed in advance by a panel of media and industry experts.
Step 4: Live Pitch Event
A select group of shortlisted participants pitches live during the virtual event on February 28, 2026 and receives feedback.
Step 5: Winner Selection
One standout pitch is selected to receive a premium media visibility package.
What the Winner Receives
The selected winner will receive a $2500 worth of Premium Media Visibility Package, including:
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Feature spotlight on Women of Rubies and other top media platforms like Guardian, Associated Press, Canada News Journal, Business Insider, podcasts, and strategic visibility amplification across partner platforms.
This package is designed to elevate visibility, credibility, and reach, long after the event ends.
Who Should Apply? This challenge is for:
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Women founders and entrepreneurs
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Creatives and storytellers
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NGO leaders and social impact builders
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Women-led brands and initiatives
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Changemakers ready to be seen
If visibility, credibility, and access are part of your 2026 goals, this opportunity is for you.
Our Esteemed Panel of Judges
Wendy Nwajiufor, popularly known as Chylove, is a tech leader, successful YouTuber, and founder of WinTECH, an initiative dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology through mentorship, scholarships, and career development. With a background in Computer Science and Human Capital Management, she uses digital media, storytelling, and strategic partnerships to empower women globally and drive inclusive innovation.
Dr. Oluwanifemi “Niffy” Fagbohun is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, five-time bestselling author, and global beauty and wellness expert. As Founder and Director of Montreal Vendors, she empowers over 17,000 entrepreneurs through visibility, inclusion, and growth. Through Niffy Signature and Niffy Wellness Foundation, she champions safe beauty, wellness education, and women’s empowerment worldwide. Featured in CityNews Montreal, Ticker News Australia, and The Guardian.
Event Details at a Glance
Event: Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge
Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Format: Virtual
Theme: Black History Month, Visibility, Leadership & Impact
Registration: womenofrubies.com/mediapitch
The Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge is more than a pitch event.
It is a visibility accelerator. A platform for stories that matter.
And a step toward ensuring that women’s work is not just done, but also seen.
Esther Ojo, a Canada-based registered nurse, cultural entrepreneur, and community wellness advocate, has officially launched DUURA, a premium medical and professional apparel brand designed for individuals who spend long hours on their feet, working under pressure and constantly in motion.
Built at the intersection of design, technology, and function, DUURA was created to meet the real-world demands of healthcare professionals and performance-driven individuals who require more from what they wear, without compromising comfort, structure, or style.
At the core of the brand is Motion Engine™, DUURA’s proprietary performance system that guides how each garment is shaped, how fabrics stretch and recover, and how long-lasting comfort is maintained through extended shifts and high-demand environments. Every seam, fabric choice, and silhouette is intentional, engineered to support movement, confidence, and endurance.
“DUURA was born from my lived experience in healthcare,” says Ojo.
“I know what it feels like to work long, demanding shifts while constantly moving. I wanted to build apparel that truly supports the body, not just aesthetically, but functionally and sustainably.”
Unlike trend-driven fashion labels, DUURA is built on systems, not seasons. The brand focuses on longevity and performance, creating garments that adapt to stress, movement, and real-world use while maintaining structure over time.
Introducing DUURAFIT
DUURA’s flagship performance collection, DUURAFIT, is designed for high-demand environments where mobility, durability, and function are essential. Powered by the Motion Engine™ Performance System, the collection features ergonomic patterning, technical fabrics, and functional design details engineered to support full-range movement throughout long and demanding shifts.
The DUURAFIT collection is built to perform under pressure — without sacrificing comfort or form.
A Founder Rooted in Purpose and Community
Beyond her career in nursing, Esther Ojo is the founder of Teoafrocarib Market, a cultural store that celebrates African and Caribbean culinary traditions while serving as a hub of identity and belonging for immigrant communities. Her work consistently reflects a deep commitment to service, culture, and community empowerment.
“DUURA represents care in motion,” Ojo adds.
“It’s a reflection of my belief that the people who give so much of themselves deserve apparel that supports them at every step.”
A true Woman of Rubies, Esther Ojo continues to lead with compassion, excellence, and purpose. With the launch of DUURA, she introduces a new standard in performance apparel, one that honours the resilience and dedication of professionals who show up every day under pressure.
Learn more about Duura here
Follow Duura on Instagram here
Access to funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing women entrepreneurs in Canada. While talent, innovation, and ambition are not in short supply, knowing where to find funding and how to apply strategically can make the difference between survival and sustainable growth. Many founders miss out not because their businesses lack potential, but because they’re unsure how to position their story, financials, and strategy in a way funders understand.
To support women navigating this process, Women of Rubies is hosting a Funding Masterclass focused on helping women entrepreneurs prepare for grants and other financial opportunities. The session will be facilitated by Sola Oluwole, an experienced entrepreneur and development finance specialist who has supported women founders in navigating funding readiness and access to capital.
As we step into 2026, several grants and funding opportunities for women-owned businesses are currently open or accepting rolling applications. Below is a curated list of funding options women entrepreneurs should explore, whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale.
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
The Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant is a $5,000 grant designed to support women entrepreneurs who are actively building and scaling their businesses.
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Grant amount: $5,000
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Who can apply: Women entrepreneurs with an existing business
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Requirements: Applicants must be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter
This grant is ideal for founders who are beyond the idea stage and need funding to unlock their next phase of growth, whether for marketing, operations, or product development.
Amber Grant for Women (Rolling Monthly Grant)
The Amber Grant is one of the most accessible funding opportunities for women-owned businesses in Canada and the U.S.
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Grant amount: $10,000 awarded every month
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Additional opportunity: Monthly winners are eligible for a $50,000 annual grant
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Who can apply: Women-owned businesses (minimum 50% ownership)
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Deadline: Rolling — apply before the end of each month
Because this grant runs monthly, it’s a strong option for women entrepreneurs who may not be selected the first time but want to apply consistently throughout the year.
Visa “She’s Next” Grant Program
Visa’s She’s Next Grant Program supports women entrepreneurs with funding and mentorship. In Canada, the program is delivered in partnership with York University’s YSpace.
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Grant amount: $10,000 CAD
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Additional support: 4-month mentorship and business acceleration program
Eligibility includes:
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Women-owned businesses (at least 50%)
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Operating in Canada
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Minimum revenue threshold applies
This program is well-suited for founders who want both capital and strategic guidance to strengthen their business in 2026.
Zensurance Small Business Grant
The Zensurance Small Business Grant is a $25,000 funding opportunity for Canadian small businesses, including women-led and women-owned ventures that are actively operating and registered in Canada (though applicants from Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories are generally excluded from eligibility). To participate, businesses must complete an online application, provide a brief explanation of how they would use the funds, and follow specific participation steps outlined by Zensurance. A shortlist of finalists is selected, and the grant winner will receive $25,000 in funding, with additional smaller grants awarded to runner-ups.
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Grant amount: $25,000
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Who can apply: Canadian small business owners (operating, registered, and with annual revenue within eligibility criteria)
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What’s required: Complete application, compelling business story, and participation steps (such as following Zensurance’s social channels)
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Status: Application currently open for the most recent cycle (with winner to be announced January 27, 2026)
This grant can be a significant boost for small business operations, marketing, equipment investments, or scaling initiatives, and is a great opportunity to share with your audience in addition to the women-focused funding options above.
Government of Canada Funding for Women Entrepreneurs
Through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), the Government of Canada continues to invest in women-led businesses across the country. While not all opportunities are direct grants, funding streams include:
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Non-repayable grants
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Micro-loans and growth loans
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Capacity-building and ecosystem programs
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Sector-specific and regional funding opportunities
Application periods vary depending on the delivery organization, so founders are encouraged to check federal and regional partners regularly for new intakes.
These programs are particularly valuable for women entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth support, financial readiness, and credibility.
Preparing to Win Funding in 2026
Accessing funding is not only about finding the right opportunity, it’s about preparation. Understanding what funders look for, how to communicate your impact, and how to present your financial readiness can significantly improve your chances of success.
That’s why our Funding Masterclass is designed to help women entrepreneurs move from uncertainty to clarity, and from preparation to opportunity.
