Breaking Barriers is a peer organization established as a support network for Women in the Sign and Graphics Industry of Canada.

Our Mission: By creating a network through coaching education and mentorship, we inspire and empower women in their ever-changing roles in the Canadian Sign and Graphics Industry.

Join us at Sign Expo Canada 2024 for an inspiring journey into the art of communication and strategic persuasion with Tonia Jahshan, co-founder of a thriving wellness business propelled by a pivotal moment on Dragons’ Den. Gain valuable insights into crafting and delivering compelling pitches that resonate across various fields and contexts. Learn the essential elements of effective communication, strategic negotiation, and seizing opportunities, applicable to professionals in business, academia, nonprofit, and beyond. Whether you’re pitching an idea, project, or yourself, this keynote will empower you to refine your pitch and unlock doors to success in any endeavor.

Start Breaking Barriers Today!

Past Events

  • “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg, January 19, 2024
  • Embracing and Leading with Empathy in 2023, September 20, 2023
  • Breaking Barriers: Challenging Your Sacred Cows, March 8, 2023
  • BCSA Sign & Graphics Expo – Breaking Barriers: Strategies for Self Promotion, April 29, 2023
  • Breaking Barriers Mentoring Program Pilot – Mentee Applications, March 30, 2022
  • The Icebreaker Sessions: Turning Lemons Into Lemonade in 2021, February 11, 2021
  • How To Transform Into A Super Mentee While Growing Your Impact As A Mentor, August 19, 2021
  • The Workplace Shift: Before, During and After Covid
  • Breaking Barriers: How Women Rise, September 15, 2020
  • Breaking Barriers: Building Your Personal Brand, August 12, 2020
  • Breaking Barriers: Dealing with Hard Conversations, July 15, 2020
  • Breaking Barriers: Women in the Sign Industry, September 20, 2019

As always, our Breaking Barriers events, the presentation component of the session will be followed by conversations in smaller facilitated virtual groups where we will delve into specific examples, which will help attendees understand the concept better. By learning how to identify and challenge the things that seem immune in your organizations and life, you open the door to a new era of possibilities professionally as well as within your business.

Past Presenters

Kerri Eady, General Manager, Gemini and Breaking Barriers Task Force member

Alexia Vernon, Founder and President of “Step Into Your Moxie”, author, leadership coach, and award-winning speaker

Glain Roberts-McCabe, Founder & President of The Roundtable and master leadership coach

Tanya Mailhot, 3M Canada

Lee Murphy, Access Signs

Lori Anderson, President and CEO, International Sign Association

Nikki Boechler, Assistant Director of Operations, Western Canada, Pattison Sign Group

Kerri Eady, General Manager, Gemini Canada

Susan Svotelis, Canadian Sales Manager, SloanLED

Build relationships with gain perspective and learn valuable skills from the top industry veterans, leaders and decision makers at various levels in the sign industry. Join a community of passionate professionals dedicated to advancing the position of women in the industry.