Be a part of the conversation about (peri)menopause at work. When stigma ends, solutions begin.
Join us for the launch of a groundbreaking movement that’s changing the way we talk about and understand (peri)menopause at work. Researchers Madeline Toubiana and Jennifer Jennings have spent years talking to women about their (peri)menopause experiences in the workplace, and they are ready to share their insights to create change.
The launch will include:
The premiere of a video illustrating the realities of navigating this critical life stage at work, directed by award-winning creator Firdaus Kharas, OC, of Chocolate Moose Media.
A panel discussion with experts in women’s health, gender inequality and business leadership.
Interactive, hands-on stations for you to tell your story and share your thoughts on how workplaces can better support those experiencing (peri)menopause.
Opportunities to network with like-minded individuals over wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Together, with you, let’s explore creative solutions to the challenges faced by women navigating this critical life stage during their careers.
What to expect
5:30 p.m. – Doors open: registration, food and drink
6:00 p.m. – Opening remarks and video premiere
6:15 p.m. – Panel discussion and Q&A
7:00 p.m. – Interactive stations and networking
Together, we can build workplaces where all women thrive.
Our panellists
Dr. Keiko Chan, MD
Dr. Chan graduated from the University of Calgary and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Ottawa. During her residency, she worked weekly at the Shirley E. Greenberg Women’s Health Center in perimenopause and menopause medicine. After graduation, she went on to offer menopause consults in her own practice and continues to do so at Restore Medical Clinics. She is currently pursuing her certification in menopause medicine from the Menopause Society.
Sarah Kaplan, PhD
Distinguished Professor Sarah Kaplan (she/her) is founding director of the Institute for Gender and the Economy (GATE) and an award-winning professor of strategic management at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Her current research focuses on applying an innovation lens to social challenges like gender inequality. She is particularly interested in uncovering neglected issues such as menopause. She was a strategic lead in developing the Feminist Economic Recovery Plan for Canada and has authored multiple books. She regularly advises corporations, governments and agencies on policies related to environmental, social and governance issues, such as board diversity, board governance, care work, employment, pay equity, gender-based analysis and other topics. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network.
Andrea Morris
Andrea Morris is the founder and CEO of b, halfmoon, a proud B corporation. Andrea has over 20 years of experience in marketing and business development, as well as a deep understanding of yoga. Her mission is simple: to inspire and support people everywhere in finding their pause and living their truths through their wellness journeys.
After endlessly prototyping and fine-tuning, Morris’ B MAT began enjoying commercial success, sparking the creation of B Yoga in 2014. B Yoga continued to grow beyond just mats, creating elevated, performance-driven essentials for all kinds of movement and meditation. In spring 2018, Morris and B Yoga acquired Halfmoon Yoga Products, another female-founded, Canadian yoga and meditation brand. In 2020, the company was listed by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s top growing companies. In August 2023, B Yoga and Halfmoon came together as one, under the refreshed b, halfmoon brand. This beautiful union marks a new chapter in the brand and company’s story.
The concept of meno(pause) is important to Andrea both personally and professionally. In the workforce, she is impacted by meno(pause) as a leader and, more broadly, as she supports other women along their wellness journeys.
The Perimenopause Project Team
Madeline Toubiana, Professor of Strategy and Organization and the Desmarais Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Ottawa
Jennifer Jennings, Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Entrepreneurship, Gender and Family Business within the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta
Trish Ruebottom, Associate Professor of HR and Management at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University
Mikailia Ortynsky, PhD Candidate in Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa
Yaqi Yu, Research Assistant with an Honors degree in Business Commerce, specializing in Business Technology Management from the University of Ottawa
