Every March, ProServeIT gathers our community to celebrate International Women’s Day through a special event we hold close to our hearts: #EmpowerWomen Clothing Drive. It’s more than an event—it’s our annual give-back initiative aimed at creating meaningful impact for women in our community. For the past three years, we’ve proudly partnered with Dress for Success Toronto, helping equip women with the confidence and professional attire they need to re-enter the workforce and pursue economic independence.
This year, #EmpowerWomen2025 brought us together once again—colleagues, friends, allies, and advocates—to reflect, connect, and most importantly, to act.
The theme of International Women’s Day this year, “Accelerate Action,” called on all of us to move from intention to impact. It reminded us that progress doesn’t just happen—it’s something we build, together, one step at a time.
And on that note, this year’s event was a true reflection of what’s possible when community and purpose come together.
A Gathering with Purpose
#EmpowerWomen2025 was held at the Microsoft Toronto office, and from the moment doors opened, the energy in the room was warm, welcoming, and full of intention. This wasn’t just a ProServeIT event—it was a gathering for anyone who wanted to be part of something meaningful. We were thrilled to welcome employees, partners, friends, family members, and supporters from across the broader community.
The space was buzzing with conversation, curiosity, and connection. Whether it was someone attending for the first time or a familiar face returning for the third year in a row, what stood out most was the shared commitment to lifting women up and creating opportunities for growth and inclusion.
A key part of the day, as always, was our Empower Women Clothing Drive. Thanks to the generosity of so many, we collected a wide range of gently used professional attire for Dress for Success Toronto. These donations directly support women preparing for job interviews, starting new roles, and building independence—with dignity and confidence.
It was a day rooted in purpose, and the momentum carried through every moment.
Event Highlights
☕ Coffee & Welcome from Katherine Quon
The day kicked off with coffee, light conversation, and a warm welcome from Katherine Quon, Marketing Coordinator at ProServeIT and LineZero, who hosted the event with grace and heart. Katherine set the tone by reminding everyone why we were gathered—not just to celebrate women, but to actively support and elevate them.
She spoke about the power of collective action, the significance of our ongoing partnership with Dress for Success Toronto, and the importance of showing up—not just for the event, but for each other. Her welcome was equal parts grounding and inspiring.
🎤 Keynote by Mihae Ahn
The keynote address was delivered by Mihae Ahn, VP of Marketing at ProServeIT and LineZero. Mihae’s message centered on the stories we tell ourselves—and how those internal narratives shape our actions, confidence, and paths forward.
Drawing on the concept of neuroplasticity, she reminded us that we have the ability to change our thoughts, reshape our beliefs, and rewrite limiting stories. From letting go of perfectionism to embracing progress over pressure, Mihae shared personal moments with honesty and vulnerability.
She spoke candidly about the challenges many women face—especially in tech and leadership roles—and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who see our potential, sometimes before we do. Her closing message was clear: we all have the power to reframe our inner dialogue and, in doing so, help others do the same.
💬 Women in Tech Panel
Our panel featured four women from different corners of the tech world—each with their own story, and each showing what’s possible when talent, purpose, and resilience come together.
-
Florette Rushike, IT Manager and founder of Command Add Girls, is building pathways into tech for girls from underserved communities through hands-on digital literacy programs.
-
Harmanpreet Multani is a graduate student in cybersecurity and information systems, with a growing career at the intersection of business, tech, and advocacy for women in the field.
-
Gigsi Palacios, now a Senior Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing Consultant, transitioned into tech mid-career and brings a strong message about curiosity, grit, and never being “too late” to start something new.
-
Nardeep Kaur, Solutions Architect at ProServeIT, hosted the panel and shared how she moved from studying mechanical engineering to finding her place in software—led by curiosity and a love for problem-solving.
The conversation touched on career journeys, representation, mentorship, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to constantly prove yourself—especially as a woman in tech.
One message came through loud and clear: say yes to opportunities, even when they feel just out of reach. Whether you’re mentoring someone, learning something new, or simply trying to find your place—action builds confidence.
Their stories struck a chord with the audience, offering honest reflections and encouragement for women at all stages of their careers.
🥗 Lunch & Networking
The event wrapped up with a relaxed networking lunch where attendees continued conversations sparked earlier in the day. New connections were made, stories were exchanged, and the sense of community grew stronger—one shared meal, one conversation, one moment at a time.
Accelerating Action Starts with Us
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day—Accelerate Action—was more than a slogan. It was a challenge. A reminder that intention alone isn’t enough. Real change happens when we take consistent, tangible steps forward—no matter how small they may seem.
For us, that looked like collecting professional clothing for women preparing to return to the workforce. It looked like sharing vulnerable stories, offering mentorship, and showing up for one another—in the room and beyond.
And perhaps most importantly, it looked like doing this together.
Accelerating action doesn’t require a title, a platform, or a perfect plan. It starts with the choices we make each day: to support, to advocate, to listen, and to include. Whether you donated a blazer, volunteered your time, referred a woman to a tech opportunity, or simply encouraged someone to keep going—you’ve already helped move the needle.
Change isn’t a one-day event. It’s something we build—together, one action at a time.
Looking Ahead: Thank You and See You Next Year
To everyone who attended, donated, spoke, organized, or simply shared words of encouragement—thank you. Your presence made this year’s #EmpowerWomen2025 event not only successful, but truly meaningful. It’s your energy, your generosity, and your belief in a more inclusive future that continue to drive this initiative forward.
Each year, this event reminds us of the power we hold as a community—to uplift, to connect, and to take action that creates lasting impact. We’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished together this March, and we’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year.
Until then, we invite you to keep the spirit of Empower Women alive. Keep showing up for one another. Keep mentoring, advocating, and accelerating action in your own way.
Because when we do this together, the momentum is unstoppable.
Stay tuned—and we’ll see you at #EmpowerWomen2026. 💜
Comments