Give to Gain: How Women in Tech Are Building Each Other Up

In celebration of Women’s Month and aligned with the International Women’s Day 2026 Give to Gain theme, this panel brings together women working across tech and tech-adjacent roles to explore how generosity, collaboration, and reciprocity can drive meaningful change. Give to Gain challenges us to rethink success, not as a zero-sum game, but as intentional multiplication. When women are supported through shared knowledge, mentorship, advocacy, resources, and opportunity, entire industries and communities benefit. Through honest conversation and lived experience, our panelists will discuss how giving, whether time, visibility, sponsorship, education, or access—has shaped their careers, strengthened their communities, and helped create pathways for others. The discussion will also explore what organizations and individuals can practically give to help close gender gaps in tech and build a more inclusive, connected ecosystem. Meet Your Panel: Ezinne Onwuekwe: Clinical Informatics Analyst Ezinne V. C. Onwuekwe is a digital health transformation professional with years of international experience reimagining healthcare systems through innovation, data, and people-first transformation. With a background in healthcare, data analytics and program management; she has contributed to large-scale healthcare projects like the province-wide CIS implementation programme (One Person One Record) of Nova Scotia Health, Nova Scotia, Canada. Ezinne’s experience extends to various advisory and mentorship roles, including her work with the International Pharmaceutical Federation's Technology Advisory Group. She has worked with Edu Nova (Study and Stay), Digital Nova Scotia (Skills For Hire), PMI Nova Scotia (project management mentorship) initiatives, where she is committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of professionals in digital health. Her work continues to support innovation in digital health solutions, with a focus on equity, sustainability, and capacity building for future healthIT professionals. Ingrid Deon: Founder + CEO, Word-Craft Inc Ingrid Deon, Founder and CEO of word-craft, started her business in 2019 after having worked at a digital marketing agency in Halifax/Toronto for more than three years. Today, word-craft is a team of five talented women, headquartered in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, who work with clients across Canada. The company specializes in organic social media strategy and content creation, and works with clients such as Nestlé Canada, Crosby’s Molasses and The Handpie Co. Ingrid is passionate about hiring local talent and giving opportunities to people in the Yarmouth area to work in an award-winning marketing agency. Jennifer Hutton: VP Steele Auto Group Jennifer Hutton is a seasoned technology leader with over 20 years of experience guiding teams through complex technology, operational, cultural, and strategic change. Her career spans senior roles in technology, privacy, and enterprise risk, where she has built high-performing teams and strengthened organizational resilience. Known for her collaborative leadership style and practical, people‑first approach, Jennifer brings a broad, executive‑level perspective that connects strategy, governance, and operational excellence to drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes.