She Talks Tech - Women Who Built & Scaled

She Talks Tech: Women Who Built & Scaled 

Scaling a startup is no easy feat—especially in an industry where women founders receive less than 2% of VC funding and face unique challenges in leadership, hiring, and growth. At She Talks Tech: Women Who Built & Scaled, we spotlight the women entrepreneurs who have defied the odds, raised capital, and built high-growth, impactful companies.

What to Expect:

• Founder Panel: Women tech founders share their stories of taking their startups from idea to scale—the wins, the struggles, and the lessons learned.
• Authentic Conversations: Candid discussions on navigating bias, leadership challenges, and imposter syndrome.
• Actionable Advice: Tactical takeaways for scaling sustainably, building a strong brand, and leading with confidence.

Women don’t just launch startups—they build legacies. This event is about celebrating, learning, and lifting each other up to drive more women-led success stories in tech.

Join us and be a part of the movement to change the narrative!

Agenda

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Networking, Light Snacks and Refreshments

5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. | Panel Discussion

6:15 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Audience Q&A

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Networking

Moderator

Tabatha Laverty - COO - Accelerator Centre

Tabatha Laverty is a seasoned executive leader with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and public sectors. Renowned for her data-driven strategies and compelling storytelling, she has a robust history of steering strategic initiatives, driving operational transformations, and building impactful partnerships. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Accelerator Centre, Tabatha leads marketing, communications, partnerships and strategic initiatives; including the AC’s EDI Action Plan.A dedicated volunteer and community leader, Tabatha serves on the board of Women in Communications and Technology - Waterloo Region and mentors mid-career professionals. Her accolades include nominations for the WCT Woman of the Year, Profound Impact: Impactful Actions Award and Ryerson University’s DMZ Women of the Year Award, and winning the Global Women in Leadership Award from the Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade. Tabatha holds certifications from CFRE International and the International Association of Public Participation, along with a Broadcast Journalism Diploma from Seneca College.

Panelists

Julie Ellis - CEO & Founder - Julie Ellis & Co. 

In her early 30's, Julie was no longer waking up with enthusiasm for the workday ahead. She knew she needed a change from her corporate career.

She dreamt of her own big gorgeous goals and with that clarity, she co-founded Mabel's Labels - making personalized labels for all the stuff kids lose as they go out into the world.

The business grew wildly, and Julie became an award-winning entrepreneur, eventually selling the business to an industry giant.

At Mabel's Labels, she learned growing a business to 8-figures was easier with a group of growth-minded women around her. Now, she helps other women get connected, solve problems and grow bigger businesses, reaching their own big gorgeous goals.

Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they are in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with sixteen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories and pairs that with how she built, grew, and sold Mabel’s Labels. On the Figure 8 podcast, Julie has conversations with 7- and 8-figure revenue women entrepreneurs about their growth journeys 

Avvey Peters - Head of Ecosystem Strategy - NorthGuide

Experienced leader in tech-based regional economic development; coach and mentor for several Canadian regional innovation organizations. Experienced leader in brand management, PR and communications with emphasis on strategy development, planning, and implementation. Successfully raised close to $350M to support entrepreneurial and economic development community initiatives. Skilled in strategic communications, fundraising, PR and media relations, speech-writing, government relations and advocacy

Janet Peddigrew - Director Board of Directors at Kindred Credit Union, Enova, AMS, and Grand River Hospital 

Past President with Cowan Insurance Group. Currently enjoying new opportunities as a Business Consultant, working with a variety of Boards and coaching/mentoring senior managers and executives. With a career journey that spans executive roles in both Insurance and Banking, I have gained extensive leadership skills, strategic acumen as well as a proven track record of driving impactful change.

During my tenure with Cowan Insurance Group, our team of over 600 employees provided expertise across Personal and Commercial Insurance, Pension and Group Benefits as well as a significant Third Party Administrative Business. As one of the largest Canadian owned and independent Insurance brokerages, I was very proud of our work on continuing to grow and compete in a rapidly changing and dynamic market place, while ensuring our focus on client, integrity and employee experience were never compromised. Former President of Cowan Insurance Group 

Questions?

For more information, please contact Shriaa Sheth, Events & Community Engagement Specialist, ssheth@acceleratorcentre.com

Special thank you to our sponsors:

*Please be advised that She Talks Tech will be recorded and may be used on our website and social platforms. By attending this session, you consent to be recorded and your comments may be used at the discretion of the Accelerator Centre.