Woman of the Day
- Idalia Obregon
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Today, on International Women's Day, the British Canadian Chamber of Trade & Commerce (BCCTC) is proud to honour four of our members: Laura Albrow, Jeannette Hanna, Liz Palmer and Shannon Skinner as Women of the Day (WoD).
The Woman of the Day campaign was launched on February 25, 2017, during our Women in Business event, in response to a clear demand for greater dialogue, visibility, and support for women in business. Since then, the initiative has profiled remarkable women across industries — from entrepreneurs building innovative ventures to leaders advancing through the corporate world.
Through these interviews, we celebrate the tremendous achievements of women in Canada while also exploring the realities they continue to navigate. Our featured members share their perspectives on critical issues shaping women’s professional journeys today, including:
The most significant barriers currently facing women in business and entrepreneurship
Access to capital and funding for women-led ventures
Practical steps organizations can take to support women’s advancement into senior leadership and decision-making roles
Workplace policies and practices that can help address gender imbalance
The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and professional networks
Advice for building strong support systems
The role of government and public policy in accelerating gender equity
Guidance for the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders entering the workforce
And their personal reflections on the meaning of International Women’s Day
By sharing these voices, the BCCTC hopes to spark meaningful conversations, inspire future leaders, and strengthen the community supporting women in business across Canada.
We invite you to read their stories and join us in celebrating their achievements today.
Laura Albrow
Air Transat
Barriers facing women today
For me, the biggest barrier is still the weight of trying to be all things to all people — trying to prove to myself and others that I can do it all.. Things are improving, but we still have a way to go. The good news is that more women are talking about it and sharing their thoughts and supporting other women’s decisions on what works best for them.
Supporting women into leadership
To remove barriers, leadership candidates should be determined not by their gender, but instead by their abilities. If a woman puts up her hand and says “I can fulfill all the requirements necessary to be an effective leader” then she should be considered equally for the role. I am fortunate that in the Travel Industry there are many successful women in leadership roles that support and inspire their female colleagues.
Balancing career, caregiving, and wellbeing
Whilst we have come along way with things such as parental & caregiver leave, it is still a fact that the majority of these falls on women’s shoulders. We take this on in addition to juggling a career, raising a family and seeking some personal wellbeing. For me a supportive husband, wonderful sisters and great girlfriends that I can talk to make all the difference. Communication and sharing help to prop me up and give me a sense of belonging and knowledge that we are all in this together. There is no such thing as “Wonder Woman”!
Thriving in a tech and AI‑driven world
Things are always changing and what has helped me most is staying curious. You don’t have to be an expert — you just have to be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and also be there to help your colleagues that may be struggling with the same questions that you have. Have fun with it and always question authenticity – use your gut feelings – if it sounds good to be true it probably is!
Mentorship and networks
You can find mentors in all areas of your life… your career, hobbies, fitness, you name it – learn from them, do not try and be like them, instead be your version of what you find inspiring about them. Think about what you want to achieve and then find groups or networks that contain people that have these attributes – my latest one is my Yoga instructor – she has a sense of humour and tranquility that I aspire to!
Role of public policy
Governments can level the playing field through childcare support, parental leave, and pay equity. Policies alone don’t fix everything; they need to be adhered to, promoted, and available to all but they do create the conditions for real change which is encouraging.
Advice to the next generation
Trust in yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek advise, and remember that you will not always succeed the first time that you attempt something but remember the old saying “if at first you don’t succeed, try try again” You only have one life to live and we are all born equal so find what inspires you, challenges you, and go for it!
What International Women’s Day means to me
To me, this day is a reminder that I am strong, I have purpose and I am proud to be a Woman. I belong here and I don’t walk this path alone.
Jeannette Hanna
Chief Strategist
Trajectory
Access to capital and funding remains a challenge for many women-led ventures. What changes—whether from investors, financial institutions, or networks—would make the biggest difference?
Access to capital is a challenge for most entrepreneurs but it is a major barrier for women especially. For women of colour, the stakes are even higher! According to a study by Fundera, women entrepreneurs ask for less financing than men do and receive loans, across every category, at lower levels with higher interest rates. Financial services organizations need to recognize, and capitalize in every sense the drive of women in business.
Workplace culture and leadership expectations are shifting rapidly. What practical steps can organizations take to better support women’s advancement into senior leadership and decision-making roles?
From a leadership development perspective, systematic professional development builds capabilities and confidence. “Stackable” credentials and experiences enable women to curate and build out a portfolio of expertise. It’s important that management recognize and encourage the practice because research shows that women typically undervalue their experience.
There is also a bias in business generally against the “soft” skills that are natural strengths for many women. Senior level communications and marketing often seem like a career “ghetto” for many extremely capable leaders. Organizations rely on their talents but often don’t value that expertise in terms of top C-Suite roles. (This is especially true in many “Bro” cultures across technology, gaming, security etc.) Ironically, women candidates often excel in the kind of holistic thinking that can make sense of complexity and ambiguity in today’s business environment.
Many women continue to navigate the intersection of career growth, caregiving responsibilities, and personal wellbeing. What policies or organizational practices have you seen (or would like to see) that genuinely help address this balance?
Questions 3 & 4 are very related. For early- and mid-career staff, flexibility in terms of hours and in-office days is key. While it’s important to have regular in-person collaboration, the pandemic proved that people can be highly efficient virtually. Organizations should continue to be adaptable to individual needs.
Technology and AI are transforming industries. How can women position themselves— and be supported—to thrive in this changing business landscape?
Figure out smart ways to use AI! What is it good for? Where is it problematic?
Have mentorship, sponsorship, or professional networks played a role in your career? What advice would you give to women seeking to build strong support systems?
I’ve learned so much from woman that I admire that I just reached out to. Don’t be shy about asking to connect. Respect their time but if you are genuinely interested in what they do, you will often find women who are willing to connect.
International Women’s Day often highlights progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. What does this day mean to you personally, and what message would you like to share with other women?
March 8 is my mother’s birthday. For me, it's a good reminder to acknowledge the women who came before me and acknowledge how they have shaped the path I travel.
Liz Palmer
Senior Executive Leader | Wine Tourism Strategist | Destination Branding Advisor
What do you see as the most significant barriers currently facing women in business and entrepreneurship, and how have these evolved in recent years?
While meaningful progress has been made, women in business still encounter structural barriers related to access, visibility, and representation in leadership positions. In industries such as wine, traditionally shaped by long-standing networks and legacy structures, women have historically had fewer pathways into senior decision-making roles.
In recent years, however, we have seen encouraging change. Women are increasingly present across the entire value chain of the wine industry, from vineyard management and winemaking to global marketing, journalism, and entrepreneurship. The conversation has shifted from simply increasing participation to ensuring that women are recognized as influential voices shaping the strategic future of their industries.
The challenge now is ensuring that these advances translate into sustained leadership opportunities and equitable recognition across sectors.
Access to capital and funding remains a challenge for many women-led ventures. What changes—whether from investors, financial institutions, or networks—would make the biggest difference?
Access to capital is often influenced by networks and relationships, and historically those networks have not always been as accessible to women entrepreneurs. Increasing transparency in funding processes and expanding investor networks that actively support women-led ventures can make a meaningful difference.
Equally important is the development of mentorship and advisory ecosystems that connect experienced leaders with emerging entrepreneurs. In sectors such as wine and hospitality, where entrepreneurship is often closely tied to land, heritage, and long-term investment, these networks can be particularly valuable.
Supporting women entrepreneurs ultimately strengthens the broader economy, as it brings new perspectives, innovation, and long-term sustainability to industries.
Many women continue to navigate the intersection of career growth, caregiving responsibilities, and personal wellbeing. What policies or organizational practices have you seen (or would like to see) that genuinely help address this balance?
Flexibility and trust are increasingly recognized as essential components of modern workplace culture. Organizations that provide flexible working structures, supportive parental policies, and a culture that values wellbeing alongside professional achievement tend to foster stronger, more resilient teams.
In the wine industry, where travel, hospitality, and seasonal cycles are often integral to the work, thoughtful scheduling and collaborative leadership models can help create environments where professionals can thrive without sacrificing personal wellbeing.
Ultimately, policies that support balance benefit not only individuals but also the long-term sustainability of organizations and industries.
Technology and AI are transforming industries. How can women position themselves and be supported—to thrive in this changing business landscape?
Technology and AI are reshaping how industries communicate, market, and innovate. For women in business, the most important step is to learn and engage actively with these tools rather than view them as external or purely technical developments.
In the wine sector, digital storytelling, data-driven marketing, and AI-assisted research are already influencing how regions communicate their identity and reach global audiences. Women who combine domain expertise with digital fluency will be particularly well-positioned to lead in this evolving environment.
Equally important is ensuring that women have access to training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities within technology-driven fields so that they help shape how these systems evolve.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders entering the workforce today?
My advice is to invest deeply in expertise and remain intellectually curious. Knowledge and credibility remain the most powerful foundations for leadership.
At the same time, build networks that are collaborative and international in perspective. Many industries, including wine and tourism, are inherently global, and opportunities often emerge through relationships built across cultures and markets.
Finally, persistence is essential. Careers and businesses rarely follow a perfectly linear path, but resilience and long-term vision often lead to the most meaningful achievements.
Shannon Skinner
Award-Winning Broadcaster, Author, International Speaker, Writer
What do you see as the most significant barriers currently facing women in business and entrepreneurship, and how have these evolved in recent years?
I have interviewed many female entrepreneurs and they often say they find it challenging to get capital/funding for their businesses.
Workplace culture and leadership expectations are shifting rapidly. What practical steps can organizations take to better support women’s advancement into senior leadership and decision-making roles?
Organizations could provide executive coaching to help women step up in their leadership roles.
Have mentorship, sponsorship, or professional networks played a role in your career? What advice would you give to women seeking to build strong support systems?
Mentors and professional networks have been helpful for me as I navigated changing of careers and evolving as a professional. I have met many inspiring women in professional networks. While it is essential to have a mentor, it is equally important to mentor someone who is looking to follow your footsteps.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women entrepreneurs and leaders entering the workforce today?
Follow your heart and do what you love. It is the key to a fulfilled and meaningful life and career. Figure out what inspires you and do more of it.
International Women’s Day often highlights progress while acknowledging ongoing challenges. What does this day mean to you personally, and what message would you like to share with other women?
Own your power as a woman. Be a source of inspiration for other women.
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