SHE LEADS 2025
SHE LEADS 2025
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! On the evening of Thursday, November 13 from 6:00PM - 9:30PM we will be holding our 7th annual She Leads: The Difference Makers Event.
She Leads: The Difference Makers event is an inspiring evening dedicated to connecting and learning from a new generation of 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 do more with less and make a meaningful impact. Join us to celebrate these leaders who exemplify determination, strategic thinking, and the courage to pursue transformative opportunities.
Featuring two panel discussions:
· BEING ATHENA
· GIVE TO GAIN
Food Tables, Dessert Table, and Cash Bar will be available.
🗓 Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00pm to 9:30pm
📍 Where: The Water Tower Inn [360 Great Northern Road]
TICKETS
SSMCOC Member Pricing
One Ticket: $54.99+hst
Two Tickets: $105.99+hst
Four Tickets: $203.99+hst
Eight Tickets: $391.99+hst
NON-MEMBER PRICING
Flat Rate: 64.99 +hst/ticket
Buy 4 tickets to become eligible to receive a free vendor table. First-come first-serve. LIMITED TABLES AVAILABLE. Please mention in registration comments if you would like a vendor table or reach out to Gabriella@ssmcoc.com.
Door Prizes
Kevanna Fine Photography Gift Certificate for Business Portraits (Valued at $125)
Women in Business Breakfast Tickets (Valued at $100)
Gift Basket from Northern Baskets Plus (Valued at $150)
Panel One – Being ATHENA
Hear from four of our graduates of the second running Being ATHENA: Leadership Training. The Being ATHENA Leadership training program brought together 26 women in search of bringing about profound transformations into the lives through the acquisition of knowledge, self-reflection, and the establishment of strong relationships. These remarkable women have experienced significant growth in their self-understanding and acknowledgment, as well begun the journey to reaching unprecedented levels of achievement and success. They have expressed a newfound confidence in advocating for themselves, and attained a self-confidence that will help them in successful negotiations for salary increases, promotions, and increased responsibilities creating new possibilities in their personal lives. In today's extraordinary times of post pandemic, recession, rising costs, conflicts and a global movement to address racial and economic justice, the ATHENA Leadership Model (ALM) offers the skills and attributes for building the successful leaders we need now and for the future. This session will be moderated by Past President of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, Karen Bird a certified trainer of the Being ATHENA program.
Moderator:
- Karen Bird, Certified Being ATHENA Trainer, President and Founder of Nakehndan – Knowing Your Truth, Chief Executive Officer of Batchewana First Nation of Ojibways
- Jessica Casola, Intrinsic Financial Group, CIBC Private Wealth.
- Heather Vommaro, Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology
- Lindsey Onishenko, Delta Hotels by Marriot Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront Hotel
- Linsday Coutu, Great Lakes Honda
Panel Two – Give To Gain
This panel brings together women who embody the power of generosity in leadership — women who understand that true success is amplified when we lift others with us. Rooted in this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give To Gain, the conversation will explore how giving time, knowledge, mentorship, and opportunity can create exponential impact both personally and professionally. These inspiring leaders will share real experiences of how investing in others has shaped their own journeys — from building supportive networks and championing equity in the workplace, to creating space for emerging voices and driving change in their communities. Through their stories, attendees will gain insight into the ripple effects of giving: how acts of support, collaboration, and advocacy not only advance gender equality, but strengthen entire organizations and industries. This discussion will empower guests to rethink leadership through a lens of shared success — reminding us that when women thrive, we all rise.
Moderator:
- Marnie Stone, Owner, Stone’s Office Supply
Panelists:
- Jessica Tett, Communications Manager, Tenaris in Canada
- Tara Lucarelli, Tourism and Partnership Coordinator, City of Sault Ste. Marie
- Julie Premo, Operations Manager, ARCH Hospice
- Jennifer Sarlo, Chair Of The Board Of Directors, Algoma District School Board
Jessica CasolaJessica Casola is an Associate Investment Advisor with the Intrinsic Financial Group, CIBC Private Wealth. She helps high-net-worth families and business owners build clarity and confidence in their financial futures through thoughtful planning, disciplined investing, and personalized advice. With over a decade of experience and both the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designations, Jessica brings a strategic and
relationship-driven approach to wealth management.
A proud advocate for women in finance, Jessica is passionate about breaking barriers in an industry where women remain underrepresented. She strives to create space for more women to lead with confidence in their careers and their financial lives.
Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Jessica is also a dedicated community leader who serves on the KidSport Sault Ste. Marie Board and coaches local girls’ sports. An athlete herself, she continues to play hockey and soccer and believes in the power of sport to build confidence, leadership, and connection both on the ice and in the community.
Heather began her career in Toronto with the Toronto District School Board, working in various positions with students in need in collaboration with provincial and federal partners. Heather sat on various steering committees with community organizations, reflecting a deep commitment to turning ideas into action and advocating for students’ opportunity to thrive.
After being away for almost 18 years Heather moved back to Sault Ste. Marie with her family and found her place at Sault College. For the past 6 years Heather has led and collaborated on a variety of initiatives to support and engage students while building a sense of belonging that enhances their student experience. One of the biggest events she oversees is First-Year Orientation, where staff, faculty and college leaders come together to welcome new cohorts of students each semester.
As the Manager, Student Accessibility Services and Success, Heather leads a brilliant team dedicated to supporting all students from registration to graduation with accessibility supports and student success strategies so that they may achieve their amazing.
Her passion for connections is what lead her to enroll in the Athena Leadership program. The concept of an all-female group of people looking for ways to bring out their best qualities as leaders was exciting. Making connections and fostering relationships within the community was a bonus. The real reward was discovering how her inherent personality traits can be leveraged when communicating and selling, no matter the audience. There may have been mention throughout Lindsey’s life that she’s bossy or direct, which could just be mansplaining the definition of a leader.
One concept that really stood out from the program was giving back. As a busy wife and mom to 3 kids, ranging in ages 5-15, the activities are endless. In what was thought to be an easy way to spend time with her daughter at hockey turned into Team Manager. This role is not for the faint of heart, but she skated through year one and jumped at the chance again in year two. Helping shape these young girls as they discover how to be a team member at the tender age of 4/5 is a beautiful process filled with laughs, tears and the occasional breakdown (usually of a coach or parent).
Lindsey has her sights set on continuing to give back to the community in meaningful ways in the future. She wants to raise her children to be productive, generous global citizens with a thirst for adventure and connection.
Jessica TettJessica Tett is a communications and public relations professional with a strong background in strategic communications, brand management, and stakeholder engagement. Currently serving as the Manager of Communications for Tenaris in Canada, she leads initiatives that connect, engage, and inspire internal and external audiences across the country. Jessica has successfully rebranded corporate identities, managed crisis communications, and driven measurable growth in engagement through creative digital and traditional campaigns.
Previously, she held communications roles with N1 Solutions and PUC Services Inc. where she strengthened media relations, developed strategic reports, and led high-impact campaigns and community events. Dedicated to storytelling, she thrives on translating organizational goals into authentic, relatable content that fosters trust and builds meaningful connections.
She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Public Relations and Event Management from Sault College, and a Digital Marketing Certificate. Dedicated to lifelong learning and leadership, Jessica served as a past Board Director and Secretary for Superior Adult Learning, Communications Officer with Strive Young Professionals, and was an advisor on Sault College’s PR and Event Management program.
Jessica is passionate, collaborative, and committed to advancing purposeful communication strategies that make a lasting impact.
Tara Lucarelli
Julie Premo
Jennifer SarloJennifer Sarlo has been a dedicated leader in public education and community service in Sault Ste. Marie for over 2 decades. Elected as a Trustee for the Algoma District School Board in 2006, Jennifer has since served as Vice Chair and for the past 14 years as Chair of the Board. Her governance experience spans key areas including Finance and Operations, Audit, Discipline, and the Transportation. At the provincial level, she represents the ADSB at the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, where she champions equitable, high-quality education and strong local leadership.
Beyond her work in education, Jennifer is deeply rooted in community service. Since 2013, she has coordinated the Coldest Night of the Year Walk in support of St. Vincent Place, helping raise over $1 million locally to address homelessness and food insecurity. She also volunteers at the St. Vincent Place Soup Kitchen. She has long served in leadership roles at Bethel Bible Chapel and ABK Bible Camp and is an active member of 100+ Women Who Care Sault Ste. Marie. Her dedication was recognized in 2018 when she was named “Friday’s Woman of the Week” by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Sault Ste. Marie during International Women’s Week.
Jennifer and her husband, Andrew are proud parents of two adult children, Nicholas (Esther) and Gabrielle (Derek), and recently welcomed their first grandchild, James Battagin.
Karen Bird
Marnie Stone
