March 2026 | HER Collective Note
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
March is a powerful moment for reflection and celebration.
International Women’s Day reminds us of the voices that paved the way, the progress made, and the responsibility we carry to continue creating environments where leadership, equity, and opportunity can grow.
At HER Seat at the Table, the meaning of HER has always extended beyond gender. It represents the values that guide how we show up in community.
Honouring the experiences and voices that came before us.
Empowerment through collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth.
Resilience in how we navigate change and continue moving forward together.
This month is not only about celebration. It is also about recognizing the power of community and the role each of us plays in building stronger spaces for others.
Upcoming Events
The Power of HER | GIVE & GAIN - March 11, 2026, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Join us for The Power of HER | GIVE & GAIN, a virtual International Women’s Month gathering bringing together leaders and allies for an evening of conversation, reflection, and action.
Together, we will explore four powerful themes:
• Giving Voices
• Taking Space
• Giving Support
• Taking Action
This conversation will feature insights from an incredible group of leaders:
Connie Cay-Santos - Founder of CAY VII INC and HER Seat at the Table
Courtney Stanley - Founder of Women to Watch
Devon Montgomery Pasha - Founder of DMP
Laura Armstrong - Founder of Wealth Mastery Systems
Donny Mangos - Speaker, Wealth Strategist &
Author of Get Wealthed Up! and founder of Mangos Management Group Inc.
Each speaker brings a unique perspective on leadership, empowerment, financial wellness, and the importance of community support.
Whether you are joining us to reflect, learn, contribute, or simply connect with others who are navigating similar journeys, this gathering is designed to create meaningful dialogue and inspiration.
POP-IN Session | March 25
Our next HER Seat at the Table POP-IN Session takes place on March 25, and we are delighted to feature Lauren Pattison as our co-host.
POP-IN sessions are open community conversations designed to create space for connection, shared insight, and real dialogue.
Together, we invite you to share your voice, listen to others, and contribute to the conversations shaping our leadership journeys.
We look forward to welcoming you into the conversation.
Community Reflection and Circle of Trust Spotlight
International Women’s Month reminds us that leadership is rarely a solo journey.
Behind every step forward are mentors, collaborators, and trusted partners who help open doors, challenge our thinking, and support us as we grow.
This is exactly why the HER Seat at the Table and our Circle of Trust exist. To highlight organizations and leaders who believe in collaboration, creativity, and meaningful partnership.
This month, we are proud to spotlight GiftGuru.ca, founded by Zachary Diamond, alongside Sarah Hebert, Director of Operations. Their work reflects the power of combining creativity with strategy to deliver thoughtful gifting experiences that strengthen relationships and elevate events.
Partners like GiftGuru.ca remind us that strong communities are built through collaboration and shared purpose.
As you move through this month, we invite you to reflect on two simple questions:
Who helped open a door for you?
How will you help open one for someone else?
Leadership is not only measured by titles or achievements. It is reflected in the way we lift others as we rise.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Welcoming the Year of the Horse
Earlier this season, members of the HER Seat at the Table community gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a moment rooted in renewal, reflection, and connection.
We began the lunar year by gathering for a special dinner celebrating community and the traditions that bring us together.
As we welcomed the Year of the Horse, we shared stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations with members of the HER Seat at the Table community.
The evening was a reminder that leadership and growth are strengthened through connection, culture, and the spaces we create to come together.
The Horse symbolizes energy, courage, and forward momentum, a fitting inspiration as we step into the year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate and start the year surrounded by community.
Introducing Sanctuary - Launching April 27 at CSE Live
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of SANCTUARY, a new leadership and creative development experience designed to redefine leadership, creativity, and wellbeing in the events industry.
SANCTUARY is the intersection of Strategy and Soul.
Co-created by Canadian event leaders Carly Silberstein, Samantha Mele, Stacy Wyatt, and Connie Cay-Santos, this experience brings together our collective strengths to design something truly different for the industry.
SANCTUARY is not a conference session or a retreat. It is an intentionally crafted leadership experience where event professionals can step away from the constant pace of delivery to reconnect with their creativity, leadership voice, and sense of balance.
Through expert-led conversations, creative exploration, guided reflection, and powerful community dialogue, SANCTUARY invites participants to reset how they think about leadership, collaboration, and sustainable success in events.
The inaugural SANCTUARY experience will take place on April 27 during CSE Live, and we look forward to welcoming leaders who are ready to reimagine how they lead, create, and thrive in our industry.
HER Note
March reminds us that progress is never built in isolation. It grows through conversations, shared experiences, and the courage to support one another along the way.
Whether it is gathering around a table to celebrate the Lunar New Year, joining the conversation during our Give & Gain event, or popping into a community session to share perspectives, each moment strengthens the relationships that make this community meaningful.
Thank you for continuing to show up with openness, generosity, and a willingness to support others as they navigate their own journeys.
I look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the month. at HER Seat at the Table
Warmly,
Connie Cay-Santos
CEO & FounderCAY VII INC | HER Seat at the Table
If this newsletter resonated with you, we invite you to share it with someone who would benefit from joining the conversation.
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