IWD 2026: Break the Pattern – A Women Techmakers Calgary Experience

💡 Theme: Break the Pattern

Break cycles of exclusion, invisibility, and survival mode.
Build new systems of visibility, value, and voice — especially for women+, immigrants, and those often underestimated. “Break the Pattern” is more than a theme - it’s a movement.

This year, we are not just talking about change - we are designing it.
From inspiring keynotes to hands-on action labs, we are gathering women+ in STEM, business, innovation, and impact to challenge systemic norms, reimagine visibility, and unlock leadership at every level.

Whether you are building your first career, pivoting into tech, re-entering after a break, or launching something of your own - this space is for you.

• 🔥 Keynotes & Fireside Chats: Real stories from real women breaking real barriers
• 🧠 Breakout Labs & Clinics: Build your resume, brand, roadmap & funding plan
• 🤝 Connection Circles: Find your next mentor, collaborator, or hiring partner
• 🧭 Career Catalyst Tools: Get matched to licensing help, career clinics, and free resources
• 🎤 Lightning Talks & Spotlights: Women+ share what they’re building and why it matters
• 🍽️ Networking Lunch + Marketplace: Connect with community orgs & sponsor booths

This event is open to women+ and allies, including:

• Students & emerging professionals in STEM/business
• Immigrant & newcomer women
• Tech professionals & founders
• Community leaders, educators & hiring partners
• Anyone who believes in equity and action

• General Admission: FREE (thanks to our generous sponsors)
• Optional Donation Ticket: Support another woman’s access to future programming

Lunch included for in-person attendees. Limited seating - RSVP early.

• Women Techmakers Alberta
• Technovation
• TechGirls Canada

Info: Welcome from WTM Alberta Lead
Remarks from City/Tech Leadership
Acknowledgment of Land, partners and community

Info: How women in STEM/business unlearn inherited barriers and rewrite career trajectories.

Info: Topics:

Navigating bias in tech & business
From rejection to redefinition
Immigrant visibility & career relaunching
Systems we must build (not just survive in)
✅ Live Q&A

Info: ? Track A – Visibility & Confidence: Personal Branding, Storytelling, Public Speaking
? Track B – Career Activation: Resume/LinkedIn Clinics, Interview Simulation, Credential Strategy
? Track C – Founder Focus: Starting a Tech/Service-Based Business, Incorporation, Freelancing
? Track D – Systems That Work: Breaking bias in hiring, how allies can open doors

??‍? Facilitated by Career coaches, founders, and hiring partners

Info: lunchboxes. 3–5 min talks from rising voices:
? “What I’m Building & Why It Matters”
Open mic sign-up or curated short talks

Info: An intimate dialogue between a founder + technologist + policy leader on creating spaces where equity isn’t the exception - it’s engineered.

Info:
Attendees rotate in small groups by theme (Tech, Business, Licensing, Career Comeback, Students) to meet mentors, employers, and peer leaders.

Info: Post-IWD Programming:

NewRoots cohort 2 intake opens
WTM mentorship sign-up
Monthly Career Clinics
WTM Kids STEM Days / NextGen Club

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Calgary Public Library - Central, 800 3 Street Southeast, Calgary, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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