Get ready to Connect!
Are you ready for a transformative networking experience that celebrates and connects women in business? Look no further than WESK Connect!
WESK Connect is a monthly networking event designed to spotlight accomplished entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Our aim is to provide a platform for sharing insights, stories, and knowledge, fostering meaningful connections among business professionals. Did we mention registration, appetizers, a beverage of your choice, and entry to win a door prize are all free?
This event is designed to celebrate, connect, and elevate female leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. WESK Connect embodies the spirit of our successful Uncorked and Shaken with a Twist series but with a fresh look and feel. We are bringing you a relaxed and inviting setting, with a more direct focus on connectivity, networking and candor. The format of the event is as follows:
- 5:00 – 5:45PM: Check-in, Networking, Optional Networking Activity
- 5:45 – 6:30PM: Introductions, Candid Conversation with Featured Guests
- 6:30 – 6:45PM: Q&A
- 6:45 – 7:00PM: Networking
This month, we are welcoming Talitha McCloskey and Dr. Marlene, Co-Founders of RaiseHer Community, as our Featured Guests, with Dastu Omer, Marketing Specialist at Citrus Technology, as our Host!
Featured Guests:
Talitha McCloskey
Talitha (she/her) is a relationship builder, advocate, and community enthusiast who channels her passion for connection into meaningful impact. As Co-Founder of RaiseHER Community and Project Lead for the Digital Marketing Skills Canada Program at Growclass, she empowers others to dream big and succeed. A proud board and committee member with organizations like the YWCA and SYPE, Talitha also juggles roles as a freelance writer, Masters student, partner to Mitch, and devoted mama to her sons.
Rooted in a deep love for community and advocacy, Talitha is dedicated to creating spaces where everyone can thrive. She believes in the power of standing up and showing up for others, building a network of women united in mutual support and strength.
Dr. Marlene Smadu
Marlene has been a registered nurse for 45 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles in health, nursing and education during her career. She has practiced nursing in all domains in a variety of settings in Canada, Papua New Guinea and Qatar, and has served on a number of international, national and provincial boards and committees. She enjoys gardening and travelling with her husband, Dr. George Smadu, and her three amazing children, and two grandbabies, Finley and Haven.
Host: Dastu Omer
Dastu Omer is a recent graduate from the University of Regina, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Psychology. A passionate advocate for community development, Dastu is deeply involved in promoting entrepreneurship, supporting the Saskatchewan startup ecosystem, and championing gender equity and women’s rights. She is equally dedicated to youth advocacy, empowering the next generation to create meaningful change.
Outside her professional and advocacy work, Dastu enjoys sports, content creation, and travelling. She embraces every opportunity to learn, grow, and explore.
Without the incredible support of partners and sponsors, WESK would be unable to offer the extensive wraparound support our women entrepreneurs need. It is through our partnerships and sponsorships that we are able to extend our impact far beyond our core services. We would like to thank:
Presenting Sponsor
Networking Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
