Senators host business leaders for first Power Play Women in Business event

The Ottawa Senators hosted its first Power Play Women in Business event at Canadian Tire Centre Thursday night. Nearly 200 local business leaders attended the game, which included opportunities for learning and networking. (Shaun Vardon/CTV News Ottawa)

At the first annual Power Play Women in Business event presented by Canadian Tire, almost 200 local business leaders attended the Ottawa Senators game Thursday night.

Before the game, participants had an opportunity for networking and learning, all focused on the unique challenges of being a woman in business.

A panel of local business leaders, including Lucie Andlauer, the wife of Senators Owner Michael Andlauer, spoke about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in business.

The discussion, moderated by CTV News Ottawa’s Patricia Boal, was wide ranging and held in a supportive environment.

Sens fan and Free Form Fitness CEO Ashley Lawrie knows the importance of connecting. Lawrie says this event was the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and other business leaders in the community. She credits the Ottawa Senators for bringing a diverse group of people together who share many of the same struggles.

“It’s great to meet like-minded people trying to make a difference in Ottawa,” Lawrie said. “It’s a hard world out there, you know, when it comes to business so when we can meet people that are doing the same thing.”

Stacey McMillian form KPMG thought the evening was incredible.

"Being in a room filled with other women supporting each other. lifting each other up, is amazing,” McMillian said. “We all work in such male-dominated industries I think have one another to lean on, especially some of these high stress positions we all hold is super important.”

The evening was not just about business, a portion of the proceeds going to the Senators Community Foundation to support women in sports.

“Some of the proceeds will go to women in sports,” says Jacqueline Belsito, president of the Senators Community Foundation, “Kids and women have barriers to access sport so every dollar counts, encouraging young girls in sports, hockey in particular, is a priority of the Senators organization.”

After the panel discussion, a question-and-answer session gave participants the opportunity to focus on their challenges and concerns. The evening was capped off with more opportunities to connect, as guests were served dinner and took in the Sens game against the Buffalo Sabres. Organizers say after listening to the enthusiasm from participants, Thursday night's event was a great success, and it will be coming back net season.