May 29, 2025
The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is back for its second annual event on Thursday, May 29, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto — and it’s bringing a powerhouse lineup of speakers, panels, and honourees to the stage. Hosted by acclaimed Canadian comedian and YouTube creator Julie Nolke, the event will spotlight a series of women-focused sessions that aim to inspire, inform, and ignite meaningful change across the entertainment landscape. With a focus on leadership, creativity, and equity, this year’s programming will explore the challenges and opportunities unique to women in the screen industries — from content creation and production to executive leadership and beyond.
Highlights include:
The Art of Leadership, presented in partnership with Blink49 Studios, will feature an in-depth discussion moderated by global media and tech leader Kirstine Stewart. The panel includes key industry influencers: Valerie Creighton, President & CEO, Canada Media Fund; Michela Di Mondo, EVP Distribution, Canada, International, Fremantle; Carlyn Klebuc, GM of Original Programming, Bell Media; Kat Kowalski, SVP, International Content Programming and Acquisitions, Pluto TV; Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF; and Kerry Swanson, CEO, Indigenous Screen Office.
The Power of Music, presented in partnership with FACTOR, will showcase the women leading Canada’s music industry. Moderated by music journalist Karen Bliss, the panel features: Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada; Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B and Soul; Kristen Burke, President, Warner Music Canada; Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE; Meg Symsyk, President & CEO, FACTOR; and Patti-Anne Tarlton, Vice-Chair, Live Nation Concerts Canada.
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is the first event of its kind in the country. It will unite professionals in television, film, and music to celebrate women’s contributions and catalyze progress.
This year’s distinguished honourees include:
- Margaret Atwood, recipient of the ICON Award
- Tantoo Cardinal, receiving the Equity in Entertainment Award
- Jeanne Beker, honoured with the Impact Award
- Amrit Kaur, named Breakthrough Award honouree
- Christina Jennings, this year’s Glass Ceiling Award recipient
