West Coast Wildflowers is sharing BIG NEWS with this community today. Shopify has sponsored an organization called Accelerate Her Future which is a career accelerator providing tailored programs for self-identifying Black, Indigenous and women of colour to launch their careers in business and STEM while building networks of solidarity and action. As part of the sponsorship of Accelerate Her Future, they have committed to providing attendees of their Leading with Audacity Virtual Summit with a gift card to an Indigenous Women owned Shopify business.
As the conference organizers state: "As BIWOC, we know that not enough of us are advancing in business and STEM. This gap starts very early in our careers due to a myriad of barriers including the “broken rung.” Whether it is landing your first job or getting that promotion you deserve, or being compensated fairly in comparison to your male and white counterparts, we understand the challenges our communities have faced for decades and decades. We don’t need to hear the reports, studies and statistics again and again - we experience them everyday.
It’s time we redefine our future on our own terms. As a community, let’s ensure that we have a full range of opportunities to thrive in post-secondary institutions and workplace environments. We believe in the philosophy of “nothing for us, without us.” Let’s reimagine intentional spaces that are more equitable, inclusive and sustainable where BIWOC are fully participating at all levels. Through our theme of Leading with Audacity, we aim to provide a strength-based counter-narrative and redefine our futures on our own terms - with the inspirational speakers who are boldly innovating, leading, and disrupting the status quo.
Join us for an inspiring and purposefully curated 3-day virtual Summit that will include powerful changemaker talks, learning sessions and meaningful networking and conscious connections. Enjoy inspiring and revitalizing live spoken word and creative performances. Visit our expo booths to connect with leading companies or take a break at our self-care booth facilitated by entrepreneurs, supporting you in your wellness journey.
Connect with your community to feel energized, grounded, and get clarity on how to propel forward. Together, let’s lead with audacity and redefine our future on our own terms."
What’s in it for you!
- Expand your network of peers and industry leaders in business and STEM
- Hear from dynamic and inspirational speakers who are boldly innovating, leading and disrupting the status quo
- Enhance your knowledge of gender and racial equity in the postsecondary and workplace environments
- Participate at our Career Expo with employers, and career and wellness professionals
- Experience energizing live performances and win prizes and giveaways
- Receive an exclusive digital swag bag showcasing women entrepreneurs
To register, please click the “JOIN EVENT” button on the top right. NOTE: We highly recommend registering using a desktop, and Chrome to avoid any technical difficulties.
In case of any questions, drop us an email at info@accelerateherfuture.com.
West Coast Wildflowers is humbled and honoured to be selected as the Indigenous business to assist with accelerating our future growth in business.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT?
West Coast Wildflowers is redefining Indigenous women owning and operating lifestyle boutiques. Creating a space in competitive retail markets that highlight and share the stories of authentic Indigenous businesses. Our collective voices, culture and handcrafted pieces deserve full range of opportunities that are often reserved for non-Indigenous people. As AHF summit defines, "We believe in the philosophy of “nothing for us, without us.” With that being said, I am holding my head high and heart open as I disrupt spaces to continue creating more equitable, inclusive and sustainable opportunities for Indigenous women. Diminsing the trauma-narrative that is often reserved for Indigenous peoples in media, the next generation of Indigenous women in business will begin showcasing our strength-based counter-narrative and refine the future for all Indigenous children.
ADVICE TO BIPOC BUSINESSES:
WCW advice to other BIPOC women in business: build your home, build your business, build your space, build your relationships with intention. The intention of @westcoast.wildflowers was built on a mission to support BIPOC makers and other talented makers, increasing low waste options, and focusing efforts on sustainability. I believed in this SUPPORT LOCAL mission so strongly, I quit my career suddenly and without question November 2020. 
When you are creating with AUTHENTICITY, you’ll soon enough find yourself no longer doubting your creations.You’ll stop the comparing. You’ll be creating with purpose, with passion and with soul.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am creating something special.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am growing a unique space.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am carrying out my creative ideas, in my own personalized way.
Write it down. Affirm it. Believe it. And build that house with some strong foundations based on compassion, honestly and integrity 
Misiyh (Thank you),
Ali Assu