Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Women in Leadership Education Forum

This annual conference invites women to “unpack confidence” by exploring personal and professional growth in an empowering, supportive space. Attendees will engage in courageous conversations with themselves and others while building a community rooted in mentorship, encouragement and shared success. It’s all about lifting one another up in joyful, fun and meaningful ways.

Date

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Time

5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Location

8569 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, ON

Our Journey

March 2023

Inaugural Event

April 2023

Zoom Meeting

October 2023

Back In Person

March 2024

CIS Ontario Schools

Event Details

March 4, 2026
Lauremont Lower School Atrium
(8569 Bayview Ave)
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

​All the details:
Panel Discussion, Networking & Mentorship

Purchase Your Ticket Here

Meet our Panelists

Michel Shah

Michel Shah is an internationally recognized leadership strategist and educator-advocate who empowers women in education to lead with clarity, conviction, and confidence. As Founder & President of The UpSkill Corporation Inc., she has spent over twenty years helping organizations embed trust, equity, and inclusion across sectors including education, government, justice, and corporate environments.

Her studies at the London School of Economics and her doctoral research at Western University focus on how systems can better support women’s authentic leadership. She also created The Confidence Formula™, a research-based framework that helps women strengthen confidence, challenge self-doubt, and lead with courage and connection.

A TEDx speaker, published author, and master facilitator, Michel is known for transforming complex ideas into practical strategies. Her keynote invites women to examine and rebuild their confidence to meet today’s leadership challenges with clarity, inclusion, and impact.

Jo-Anne Kingstone

Jo-Anne Kingstone is an experienced leader in the education and non-profit sectors, recognized for her work in strategic planning, leadership development, coaching, facilitation, and governance. Her career spans three countries and senior roles, including Dean of Vivian Webb School, Deputy Head at Shawnigan Lake School and Crofton House, and Head of School at Aspengrove School. She has also supported accreditation and leadership development through her work with TABS and CAIS.

Jo-Anne is now the Principal and Co-Founder of Elarton Point Strategies, a consulting firm she leads with her daughter. Guided by the belief that strong relationships strengthen organizations, she continues to support schools, leaders, and young people while volunteering on two boards in British Columbia.

Anna Lisa Bond

Anna Lisa is the founder of LEAP Professional Coaching and Wellness with over thirty years of experience across education, healthcare, and both public and private sectors. Her work spans Early Childhood to Adult Education as an educator, administrator, and district leader. She supports individuals at all stages of their leadership journey, meeting people where they are and creating conditions for meaningful growth. Through one-to-one and team coaching or needs-based workshops, she helps clients focus their energy, build capacity, and become more effective, fulfilled, and strategic leaders.

A lifelong learner, Anna Lisa describes her presence as grounded, playful, accountable, and gracious. Her commitment to ongoing development enriches every client experience. She is a Certified Coach, a member of the International Coaching Federation, and holds certifications in the Feldenkrais Method, Lumina Spark Assessment, and 360 Feedback Interviews.

Kirsten Eastwood

Kirsten became President of Dress for Success Toronto in 2023, leading programs that help women achieve economic independence through skills development, networking, and professional attire. Previously, she was Executive Director of Community Development at TMS (now Lauremont School), where she oversaw enrolment, partnerships, communications, and advancement, and co-founded the Uplift/Lift Up Women in Leadership movement.

Her past roles include leading the Human Services Planning Board at the Region of York, serving as Executive Director of the Women’s Centre of York Region, teaching business and leadership at Seneca College, and authoring work/life balance policies during her decade at CIBC. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Social Innovation from the University of Waterloo.

An entrepreneur and community leader, Kirsten has launched several businesses, served on multiple nonprofit boards, and mentored young women leaders. She is passionate about building resilient communities and pursuing creative, purpose-driven work.