KWBWA member Sylvie Drader - Admin SuperHero, took us on a journey along the path that led to her current calling of virtual assistant.

Sylvie is a long-time member of the KWBWA and current membership coordinator on our board. Her recent transition represents a membership category change for her.

KWBWA member Shannon Acton, owner of (un)Managed Chaos introduced us to her business that involves designing websites and managing social media content for other small businesses.

She led us through a hands-on example of how to post an Instagram carousel, including tips on choosing the best pictures and hashtags.

Shannon presented some great information on how to curate, target, schedule and engage with social media posts to maximize their impact for your business.

Quarterly, the KWBWA has an "Out of the Box" lunch at a local business. Last week we attended Under the Whispering Pines in Blair.

"This versatile Cambridge short-term rental is ideal for anyone looking to recharge over a rejuvenating weekend, host an intimate and memorable event, or find a unique setting for your next team-building retreat. Whatever your vision, we are here to bring it to life."

Our hostess, Niki Dal Bello, anchored the luncheon with an inspiring presentation about her journey from a fierce female in the corporate world to following her intuition with her entrepreneurial vision that is Under the Whispering Pines.

We enjoyed gathering in this beautiful setting, mingling and touring the property.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon @underthewhisperingPines!

Two of our KWBWA members Robin Farrell and Destiny Moser will be participating at The Waterloo Region Women’s Expo being held at Bingemans (Marshall Hall)!

The Waterloo Region Women’s Expo expands the celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to our community. This exciting new event brings together local businesses, leaders, and changemakers to create a dynamic space for connection, inspiration, and empowerment. With engaging speakers, interactive workshops, and a showcase of local businesses, the Expo is designed to honour the incredible impact women have made in the Waterloo Region while fostering opportunities for growth and collaboration. Join us as we continue to celebrate and elevate women’s voices and accomplishments!

Robin will be hosting a session on tips and tricks to giving a great presentation, speech or pitch in Room 2 from 2:00pm-2:30pm. "SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!”, designed to help you build confidence in your presentation style and command attention using your outside voice - inside!

Chef Destiny is an exhibitor/vendor and looks forward to seeing everyone who comes out. Stop by to say "Hi" and grab a free snack that favours whole foods over processed ones that are healthy and delicious!

KWBWA member Destiny Moser, Executive chef and founder of FoodZen spoke to us about starting her own business, on a mission to help busy families source healthy and delicious food. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, FoodZen offers custom meals, tailored to your tastes and dietary needs, that personal chefs either prepare in or deliver to your home. Destiny shared about learning of her Indigenous roots and how her heritage impacts her food choices. She also educates others through her Indigenous food workshops.

Please visit FoodZen's website, https://foodzen.ca/ to check out one of their weekly meal plans and enjoy the ease and health benefits that our Personal Chefs provide delivered right to your door!

UPDATE:
Destiny Moser / FoodZen was featured in the Cambridge Times on May 31, 2025.

Indigenous chef opens teaching kitchen in Cambridge By Prabhnoor Kaur Waterloo Region Record

Previously, FoodZen worked out of a rented ghost kitchen in Kitchener.
One of the few Indigenous chefs in Waterloo Region has opened a teaching kitchen in Cambridge, creating a space where the community can cook, learn, and share meals together.
Destiny Moser celebrated the grand opening of FoodZen’s first brick-and-mortar location at 12 Queen St. E. in Hespeler on Thursday. Known for delivering healthy, ready-made meals across the region, FoodZen has now expanded to offer hands-on cooking classes and pop-up events.
“Opening our first location means we can do more than cook for our community; we can cook with them,” said the Indigenous chef.

Read the full article here!!

UPDATE:
Destiny Moser / FoodZen was featured on the cbc.ca on June 15, 2025.

FoodZen is a ready-to-eat meal service that has opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Cambridge. Destiny Moser, the executive chef, will be hosting cooking workshops that centre Indigenous ingredients and recipes. She gave CBC K-W's Craig Norris a tour of the new kitchen located in Hespeler Village.

Take a tour of this new Indigenous-owned kitchen space in Cambridge
Watch the featured video here!!

Guest speakers Jen Hutton and Jane Adams from Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region joined our April 17 KWBWA lunch meeting.

Jen presented to us about the organization’s resources and support programs, which have been providing essential services to women and children in our community for over 45 years.

While the statistics of intimate partner violence are sadly staggering, donations can help to maintain and expand WCSWR support, prevention and education programs. Website: https://wcswr.org/

Guest speakers Jill Stoddart, Jullie Pfeffer and Sydney Tricand from the Family & Children's Services Foundation spoke to the KWBWA about their wonderful work at FACS Foundation, which supports children and their families through their four pillars of building resilience, poverty mitigation, social innovation and equity in philanthropy.

One of their fundraisers, LemonAID Day, is a great way to get involved in supporting FACS Foundation’s work in our community. The Family & Children's Services Foundation speakers really appreciated the opportunity to meet with and speak to the our members. Their team is so passionate about their work!! Contact them today if you would be interesting in participating in their LemonAID fundraiser! FCSF are happy to connect with anyone interested in learning more.

Website: https://www.facswaterloo.org/foundation

      

KWBWA member Brenda Schrader-Sanders shared the story of her journey from local real estate agent to becoming the founder of Jumpstart Your Success.

Since 2013, she has been working with clients on their mindset, personal growth, and believing in themselves.

Jumpstart Your Success helps women who have plateaued in their career, want guidance on how to switch careers or who want to excel in their current career.

Brenda helps businesswomen step into their power through energy work, guided hypnosis, intuitive mentorship and empowerment coaching. Contact Brenda today and book your FREE 30 minute Consultation!
Website: jumpstartyoursuccess.ca

As part of the KWBWA's, Out of the Box series, we had the opportunity to explore Den 1880, a modern event space and co-working environment in Uptown Waterloo. This unique space seamlessly blends the charm of a historic building with the cutting edge facilities and bold decor.

During our visit, we experienced firsthand how the combination of old world architecture and modern amenities fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

If you were looking for an inspiring place to work or to host your next event, this is definitely want to check out! @den1880.co

Thanks to Meal in a Jar for a healthy and delicious lunch.

Andrea Harding - Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region was our guest speaker and her presentation summarized all the amazing initiatives the BEP team is involved in.

BEP connects Waterloo region students in grades 7-12 with local businesses and professionals, to introduce them to potential future careers and educate them on pathways to get there.

The Youth Creativity Fund also offers grants to students to encourage creativity and entrepreneurship.

Website: bepwr.ca

KWBWA member Emily Boone, Architect, Alter Studio d'Abri, a boutique architectural firm, lead us through a fun and interactive presentation.

She explained what architects do and how her firm approaches a project, from design to build to reveal, including the special connections with clients at each step that makes the Alter experience unique.

Website: alterarchitects.com

Happy New Year and what a great way to start it off!! KWBWA member Jennifer Carter of Grand River Opera, gave us an account of how her business came to fruition.

Grand River Opera is a women-led organization dedicated to enriching Waterloo Region’s cultural landscape by showcasing the exceptional talents of artists who live and work here.

Jennifer share some insight into how talent, community collaboration and creative spirit can result in an amazing production.

Website: https://grandriveropera.com