Carleton Place Chamber to host International Women’s Day mentorship event

The Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce will mark International Women’s Day 2026 with a special evening event focused on mentorship, leadership and meaningful professional connection.

Set for March 4, 2026, from 5 to 9 p.m at The Grand Hotel, the evening hopes to bring together and connect women leaders, business owners and professionals from across the region, according to a release from the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce.

Centred on the theme “Mentorship Matters: Give to Gain,” the evening is designed to explore mentorship as a reciprocal relationship — one that benefits both mentors and mentees while fostering confidence, growth and long-term success.

The program will feature a keynote address by Shelagh Cummins, a business strategist and advocate for women entrepreneurs, along with a panel of successful women leaders, Tracy Lamb, Shirley Fulton-Deugo and Mayor Christa Lowry, who represent a range of professional and lived experiences.

“Mentorship is one of the most effective — and often underestimated — tools we have to support women in leadership, business, and life,” said Jackie Kavanagh, general manager of the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce in the release. “This event is intentionally designed to move beyond inspiration alone and create space for meaningful connection, shared experience, and momentum.”

Organizers say the event is expected to attract established and emerging leaders, entrepreneurs and community builders from Carleton Place and surrounding communities to partake in networking opportunities and find pathways for continued engagement beyond the event itself. The interactive mentorship circle is intended to encourage open dialogue and authentic connection.

Early bird pricing for chamber members is available until Feb. 6. More information and ticket details are available through the chamber’s website.