Standing Out

Having founded Open Door Educational Services in 2013, Heather Desjardins felt as if she was just getting started in a field filled with possibilities. So, she was especially honored to be named a finalist in the Established Entrepreneurs category for the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. After leading a small academy’s special education program, Heather combined her spark for business strategy with her desire to help a broader range of special ed. students. The results were Open Door’s private tutorial services for children struggling to learn how to read and write. Her super power? It’s her team of tutors, who are “super invested in each student they work with.” Join us for today’s superlative Standing Out conversation with Heather Desjardins.

Born to deaf parents, Roxanne Whiting knows the challenges deaf people face as they struggle to hear and be heard. She’s also familiar with the inexperience most people have at interpreting sign language. As co-owner and director of video interpreting for SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ASSOCIATES OTTAWA (SLIAO), Roxanne is harnessing the latest technologies to bridge these critical communication gaps. A 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Established Entrepreneur nominee, Roxanne explains how Zoom and similar pandemic-related tools have provided several new “Aha!” moments in sign language interpretation. Join us to learn more in today’s Standing Out conversation with Roxanne Whiting.

SLIAO: https://sliao.ca/services/text-to-asl-lsq/

“If we’re doing a great job, you should never know we’re there.” That’s how Meghan Dagenais describes her fascinating career as co-founder and president of Restoration Co. Providing specialized subcontracting services to home improvement contractors across Canada, Meghan and her team do their important work behind the scenes. But that didn’t stop the Women’s Business Network of Ottawa from noticing Meghan’s energy, determination, and team-building skills, and naming her a finalist in its 2020(?)Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category. What’s it like to manage asbestos removal, biohazards, and emergency repairs – while keeping your field technicians upbeat and on the job? You’ll find out in today’s Standing Out episode with Meghan Dagenais.

As a finalist in the 2019 BYA’s in the Professional Services category, Sabrina Fitzgerald describes a scenic view to becoming the Managing Partner of the National Capital Region of PwC. Stemming from early mentorship from her Father, Sabrina opens up to how she consistently discovers ways to be creative inside PwC, including adventure & internal teaching opportunities in Canada. Sabrina’s story contains a fascinating theme of “sticking to work I do best”, namely helping family-owned business and entrepreneurs. Sabrina’s values become evident in this conversation, in how ‘family time’ is strongly prioritized. The Fitzgerald dogs also make an appearance midway through the discussion. Enjoy the episode!

As a finalist in the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category, Jennifer Reynolds shows how a bit of fresh thinking can invigorate even a relatively staid profession, like divorce attorney. Founder of Fresh Legal, Jennifer was determined to provide a fresh-start approach for individuals seeking mediation or legal services during separation or divorce. She also relates how she makes time for self-care, and mentors other young attorneys to do the same. A favorite release? Knitting. “It lets my hands do something,” she says, “while my brain percolates something else in the background.” Podcasts are another good way to de-stress at the end of the day. Join us for today’s Standing Out episode with attorney Jennifer Reynolds.

“Is a little customer service too much to ask for?” Who hasn’t wondered this after hiring a so-so contractor to renovate their home or business? While most of us vent our frustration and move on, Tonya Bruin decided to do something about it. In 2015, she founded “To-Do Done,” a residential and commercial renovation service, and champion of customer care. Woman-owned and operated, culturally diverse, with 1% of its earnings dedicated to community service, Tonya’s business earned her a finalist position in the Emerging Entrepreneur category for the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. How does she ensure her tradespeople shine on the job? Find out in today’s Standing Out conversation with Tonya Bruin

Vanessa Kanu, Chief Financial Officier at Mitel, joins Nancy Graham and Brady Plunkett to talk about her experiences and being a finalist for the WBN Businesswoman of the Year Award in the Organization category!

As a finalist in the 2019 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year- Organization category, and chief advancement officer for the Carleton University Foundation, Jennifer Conley knows what it takes to run a great organization. Beyond “passion and heart,” she suggests using the same best practices found in the corporate world: innovative disruption, creative collaboration, and fiscal accountability. Jennifer describes her own life’s arc as a series of interconnected circles, linking her to her current career. “The reason I'm so passionate about raising funds to support higher education, is because higher education gave me the funds to go to university.” Tune in for more inspiring insights from Jennifer Conley.

Nancy and Brady have a chat with Jacqueline Belsito, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Engagement of CHEO Foundation. Jacqueline is a Finalist in the Organization Category for the Women's Business Network's Businesswoman of the Year Award!

How did Christina Hlusko start out studying marine biology, but become president and CEO of CAA of North & East Ontario? A lifelong learner, active listener, and passionate traveler, she describes her career as an outcome of her genuine curiosity. “Happiness is being able to get up each and every morning and say, ‘I made a difference yesterday and I can make a difference today,’” says Hlusko. She’s also thrilled to see her adult daughter Julia flourish and become “her own amazing person” (with whom Hlusko loves to travel). Named Business Woman of the Year at the 2019 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa award ceremony, Hlukso’s enthusiasm is contagious. You’ll discover this yourself by tuning into today’s Standing Out podcast.