She Speaks: Sharing Stories, Building Confidence
WBN’s event SOLD OUT The Sid Williams Theatre!
Guests from across Vancouver Island gathered to be inspired, empowered, and deeply moved by nine remarkable female entrepreneurs—and they were not disappointed. Our female-led, TEDx-style evening highlighted the honest, unfiltered stories women often carry quietly. Speakers stepped beyond the expected to share the truths that shape their lives, exploring leadership, mental health, identity, motherhood, aging, community, and the invisible pressures women navigate.
Built on a proven framework and launched in partnership with WeBC and the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, this curated event showcased the power of structured support, collaboration, and a stage where women can truly be heard.
You can watch the full stream of the March 2026 event. Click below.
Chrissie Bowker, Comox Valley Women’s Business Network President, She Speaks Event Producer
Pauline Stevenson, WeBC Regional Ambassador, She Speaks Emcee
Dr. Elisabeth Crisci, MD
Pacifica MD - Medical Aesthetics and Wellness
Member: Oceanside Women’s Business Network
Talk Title: When “Normal” Isn’t the Whole Story: The Midlife Drift That Shapes How We Age
Dr. Elisabeth Crisci is a Canadian physician with 25 years of experience, specializing in proactive prevention for women in midlife. She translates complex physiology into practical, evidence-based steps to maintain health, strength, and resilience.
Shannon Donohoe-Simpson
Shannon Donohoe-Simpson | Speaker, Joybringer, Fierce Heart
Member: Comox Valley Women’s Business Network
Talk Title: Brave Enough To Choose Joy
Shannon Simpson is a TEDx speaker, storyteller, facilitator, and joybringer. She helps individuals reconnect with their truth, reclaim joy, and transform fear into courage and authentic living.
Dawn Elgin
Practical Spiritualism
Member: Comox Valley Women’s Business Network
Talk Title: The Aligned Human: Remembering Who We Are Before What We Do
Dawn Elgin is an Architect of Human Alignment, Contrarian Soul Guide, and founder of Practical Spiritualism. She is the creator of The Aligned Human Project, a body of work devoted to integrating science, spirituality, and embodied awareness to restore coherence in how we live, lead, and relate.
Amy Englemark
Keynote Speaker, Author, Business Coach
Member: Comox Valley Women’s Business Network
Talk Title: Restore Your Relationship With Money
Amy Englemark is a keynote speaker, business and leadership coach, and emotional intelligence trainer. She helps entrepreneurs and leaders master stress and increase profit, leading from calm confidence rather than fear or control.
Tracy Holbrook
FCU Community Financial, a division of Vancity
Member: Comox Valley Women’s Business Network
Talk Title: Unapologetically Woman; Redefining Power in a Corporate World
With decades of experience as a Financial Advisor, Tracy delivers talks on financial empowerment, values-driven leadership, and building influence with confidence and authenticity. A former small business owner across wellness, private education, and professional services, Tracy combines disciplined financial insight with a people-centered approach.
