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The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce's SHE LEADS is an inspiring evening dedicated to connecting and learning from influential women in leadership roles. This event highlights the remarkable contributions of women who thrive in male-dominated industries and diverse leadership environments, driving positive, lasting change. Attendees will engage with women who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and the power to mobilize others -- qualities that enable them to make a meaningful impact. This is an opportunity to also share your own experiences and engage in thought-provoking discussions. The event is a excellent opportunity to network and showcases women-led and diversity-driven businesses and organizations at our 'SHE LEADS vendor exhibition'.
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 The Water Tower Inn | 360 Great Northern Road
TICKETS:
- Chamber-member single ticket: $59.99+hst
- Chamber-member table of 8: $439.99+hst (includes complimentary vender table - limited availability / 1st come)
- Chamber-member single ticket with vender table: $159.99+hst
- NON Chamber-member single ticket: $69.99+hst
Register at https://www.ssmcoc.com/events/details/she-leads-the-difference-makers-1051
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Laura Dawson is one of North America’s leading experts in U.S-Canada economic relations. She leads the Future Borders Coalition, an organization dedicated to business and government cooperation on trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada. In recognition of this work, she received the 2025 King Charles Coronation medal and was named one of Canada’s Top 50 Foreign Policy Influencers by the Hill Times. She is a frequent commentator on Canadian, U.S. and international media and is a trusted advisor to governments in both countries.
Previously, Dawson was director of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington DC, senior economist at US Embassy Ottawa, and ran a think tank on government digital transformation for Amazon Web Services. She has taught graduate courses in international economic policy in universities around the world. At a practical level, she has advised on NAFTA/USMCA trade negotiations, regulatory cooperation, border security and facilitation, and helped launched new programs for secure and efficient movement of people and cargo between countries.
A proud Sault Ste Marie native, Dawson holds a PhD in political science and is married to U.S. Ambassador (ret) Charles Shapiro.
Laura will join our She Leads Panel, also including Karen Bird and Donna Hilsinger for a discussion moderated by La-Na Fragomeni.
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Event venue
The Water Tower Inn, 374 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste Marie, ON P6B 4Z7, Canada, Sault Ste. Marie
Tickets
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