Network with Like-Minded Women, Gain Valuable Insights on Leadership, and Buy Art Made at the Inspiration and Spun Studios, an initiative of Sistering, a United Way Member Agency

The United Way Toronto GenNext Leaders Program invites Women Gaining Ground Members, and GenNext Leaders, to a women's networking event and leadership talk at the headquarters of United Way member agency, Sistering.

Guest Speakers: (Full bios below)

Harleen Bains, Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets shares her views on leadership and philanthropy;

Jane Kali, Director of Programming and Advocacy at Sistering, explains current issues faced by low-income women in Toronto; and

Artists, Deloris Thomas and Claudette Nevins, share their experience with Sistering

Art Sale & Networking Reception 

Pottery and textiles made by women at Sistering’s Inspiration and Spun Studios will be available for sale during the networking reception - prices ranging from $5 to $100 (cash only). Complimentary appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.

WHEN:      Wednesday, May 19, 2010 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm (Speakers to present at 7:00 pm)

WHERE:    Sistering, a United Way Agency - 962 Bloor St West, Toronto, Ontario

RSVP:       Please reserve your spot and indicate the number of guests you are bringing.

If you have further questions about this event or the GenNext Leader Program, please email: gennext@uwgt.org 

*SPEAKER BIOS*

Harleen Bains, CFA - Managing Director, Interest Rate Derivatives, RBC Capital Markets

Harleen has over 13 years experience in the Capital Markets. She joined RBC Dominion Securities in 1996 as a Dealer Trainee in the Dealer Trainee Program. Harleen started her trading career in Interest Rate Derivatives, trading both the front-end of the USD and CAD curve. In 2000, Harleen moved to the Fixed Income Trading Desk to apply her derivatives knowledge to the trading of the Provincial and Crown trading books. Between 2000 and 2009, she held various institutional trading roles and responsibilities in RBC Capital Markets' domestic fixed income business, including building RBC’s Institutional STRIPs business for Provincials and Government of Canada bonds. Under Harleen’s leadership this business quickly grew to rank #1 among its longer standing peers. Harleen was appointed a Managing Director in 2005.

Harleen recently moved from the trading side to the client side of the business by moving to the Interest Rates Derivatives group within RBC with responsibility for the liability side coverage of Insurance and Pension accounts. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Finance) from The University of Calgary in 1996 and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Jane Kali - Director of Programs and Advocacy at Sistering

Jane has been with the agency for one and a half years. Jane has spent the last 20 years involved in community development work both in Canada and overseas, adult education and social services work. Since moving to Toronto in 2000, Jane has worked with Kensington Youth Theatre and Employment Skills (KYTES), Canada World Youth and Street Health.

Deloris Thomas - Owner, Heart and Soul

Deloris is a 57-year old Jamaican immigrant, who has been in business for 2 years. Through her business she makes and sells functional and decorative pottery such as bowls, plates, and plaques and paintings that explore nature scenes. After an accident in her previous job, Deloris suffered from a deep depression.  As she struggled to survive, Deloris put her creative mind to work and started designing ceramics, jewelry and home decorations.  “It gives me great joy when my work goes off to other homes. Not just because of the money, but that someday that very piece may be handed down through generations”

Claudette Nevins

Claudette Nevins makes and sells indoor and outdoor pottery and artwork that reflect the simple blessings in life.  She is an emerging artist interested in presenting her ideas in acrylic, pencil and charcoal drawings and pottery. She is inspired by harmony, wellbeing and peace found in Nature and she tries to inject these feelings into her artwork.  She incorporates her artistic vision into the design of her bowls, and pottery in a manner that she calls inspired visual poetry/pottery.