THR Women in Entertainment Canada Reveals 2025 Summit Speakers

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada announces an exciting lineup of powerhouse speakers at this year’s second annual event on Thursday, May 29th, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto.

Hosted by Canadian comedian and YouTube creator Julie Nolke, this year’s event will feature a series of dynamic, women-centred sessions designed to inspire, inform, and ignite meaningful action. These sessions will explore key issues, opportunities, and challenges unique to women across the entertainment industry — on screen, behind the scenes, and in executive leadership roles:

The Art of Leadership, presented in partnership with Blink49 Studios:

Moderated by Global Media and Tech Leader Kirstine Stewart, this session offers a compelling conversation with the women driving strategy, innovation, and influence across film, television, and digital media, including: Valerie Creighton, C.M., S.O.M., President & CEO, Canada Media Fund; Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President Distribution, Canada, International, Fremantle; Carlyn Klebuc, General Manager, Original Programming, Bell Media; Kat Kowalski, Senior Vice President, International Content Programming and Acquisitions, Pluto TV; Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, Toronto International Film Festival; and Kerry Swanson, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO).

The Power of Music, presented in partnership with FACTOR:

Moderated by Music Trade Journalist, Karen Bliss, this engaging panel presents the leaders shaping Canada’s music landscape who are setting the agenda and amplifying new voices. Speakers include: Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada; Jully Black, Canada’s Queen of R&B and Soul; Kristen Burke, President, Warner Music Canada; Keziah Myers, Executive Director, ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective; Meg Symsyk, President and CEO, FACTOR; and Patti-Anne Tarlton, Vice-Chair, Live Nation Concerts Canada.

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and Awards bringing the industry together across television, film, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

This year’s honourees include Margaret Atwood, recipient of the ICON Award; Tantoo Cardinal, receiving the Equity in Entertainment Award; Jeanne Beker, honoured with the Impact Award; Amrit Kaur is named the Breakthrough Award honouree; and Christina Jennings, this year’s Glass Ceiling Award honouree.

For tickets and more information, including the day’s full schedule and programming details, visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.