WORTH Leadership Summit Takeaways

The WORTH Leadership Summit is Western Canada’s only summit dedicated to women in recreation, tourism, and hospitality. It took place on March 11th in Vancouver with the aim to uplift women, elevate organizations, and drive progress across these industries.

WORTH Leadership Summit Takeaways

Summit attendees enjoyed engaging keynote presentations and breakout sessions with Amal Masri, Haykwhl Ẃii Xsgaak Melanie Mark, Jennifer Heil, Alexandra Gill, Talaysay Campo, Jen Murtagh, Shelley McArthur Everett, Kemi Wells-Conrad, Beth Potter, Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, Judith Kasiama, Lauren Semple, and many more.

“Take pride in your resilience, for it is building your strength and fire.”
– Melanie Mark

Some themes of the day were: BIPOC women navigating systemic barriers and the persistent fight for equitable opportunities, Gen Z challenging outdated workplace norms and carving out space in reluctant industries, Indigenous women reclaiming leadership and driving change with their heritage at the forefront, and all women pushing for progress in spaces that weren’t built with them in mind.

One truth emerged loud and clear: we are not alone. When one of us rises, we all do.

• “Getting through the hustle feels like magic, but you have to make that magic happen in your life.” – Melanie Mark
• “Rely on the strength of someone believing in me, or the strength to believe in someone else.” – Melanie Mark
• “Don’t forget the people who tapped you on the shoulder and gave you that chance, that worth.” – Melanie Mark
• “The Broken Rung isn’t the glass ceiling, it’s the first step.” – Amal Masri
• Burnout “is what happens when highly qualified, educated women are put in environments where they can’t flourish.” – Amal Masri
• Access > Advice. We need to ensure we put ourselves, and the next generation of women, in the room where it happens. Make connections, networks, give access to spaces.
• How to establish a personal brand: “Credibility, visibility, consistency.” – Amanda Ierfino.
• Perfection is the thief of progress. Busyness isn’t the same as effectiveness. – Shelley McArthur Everett.
• Always sleep on it, give it 24 hours then come back with a clear heart, and purpose.
• “Marketing can do a lot of things but it can’t create heart.” – Shelley McArthur Everett.
• “Even in your comfort zone, be prepared.” – Richelle Akimow
• “Build your signature work ethic.” – Kemi Wells-Conrad
• From Judith Kasiama of Colour the Trails:

Additional Resources and Takeaways:

• NetWORTH: How to Talk About Salaries and Raises
• Finding your Voice, even when it shakes
• Dive into our groundbreaking study on the impacts of the Broken Rung

About WORTH

WORTH (Women of Recreation, Tourism, and Hospitality) is dedicated to educating, elevating and engaging women working in recreation, tourism and hospitality to collectively move the dial for equality. The organization is inclusive and welcomes self-identifying women and individuals across the gender spectrum. They offer mentorships, resources, and learning opportunities. Other events WORTH has hosted include Empower Her, Seat at the Table, and Yes Shef which is an annual event that pairs renowned chefs with talented apprentices from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, fostering an environment of mentorship and collaboration.

Follow WORTH on Instagram for updates.