Join us for an inspiring and transformative evening at Trailblazers and Pathfinders 2026, the second event in this powerful series, where young Black girls and women aged 16–26 will gather to connect, learn, and grow alongside some of the most accomplished and influential women across a range of industries.

This intimate and intentional networking experience is designed to spark possibility, build confidence, and provide practical, real-world guidance to help shape the next generation of leaders.

Date: March 5, 2025

Venue: Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway Conference Centre, St. Catharines

Dress Code: Professional

As part of the Black Women’s Economic Security (BWES) Project, Trailblazers and Pathfinders creates a meaningful bridge between aspiration and access. Throughout the evening, Pathfinders aka mentees, will engage in guided conversations, storytelling, and interactive exchanges with Trailblazers aka mentors: seasoned professionals who have navigated their fields with resilience, purpose, and impact.

A defining feature of this event is what happens at the end of the evening: each Pathfinder will leave intentionally matched with a Trailblazer mentor aligned with her career interests, goals, or areas of curiosity. These mentor matches are designed to extend the impact beyond the event itself, fostering ongoing relationships rooted in guidance, encouragement, and accountability.

Trailblazers, leaders in their own right, will share invaluable insights, lived experiences, and hard-earned lessons, offering Pathfinders both inspiration and actionable advice as they begin or refine their career journeys. From navigating education and employment pathways to building confidence, networks, and long-term vision, this event is about more than connection, it’s about continuity.

Trailblazers and Pathfinders 2026 is a celebration of connection, shared learning, and intentional mentorship. It creates space for honest conversations, meaningful relationships, and continued support, ensuring that Black girls and young women leave not only inspired, but equipped with guidance, networks, and confidence to move forward on their chosen paths toward economic security and leadership.