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Funded and led by Queen’s Partnerships and Innovation, the WE-CAN Project inspires and empowers existing and aspiring women-identifying entrepreneurs by providing them with tools, resources, expert mentors, networks and community building to expand existing businesses and to launch new ventures.

On June 3, 2025, women entrepreneurs from across the Kingston area gathered for an in-person WE-CAN Mix + Mingle networking and community event. Hosted at the warm and inviting , the event offered attendees a chance to connect offline and be inspired by their fellow women entrepreneurs.

Martha Williams, founder of Pedal Works Café and Studios and WE-CAN community member, shared her journey to becoming a Spinning® Master Instructor—one of only three in Canada an independent contractor for Mad Dogg Athletics. She used her expertise to open Pedal Works Café & Studios, a one-of-a-kind space that brings together fitness, art, and community. It is also one of the only licensed Spinning® facilities in the country owned and operated by a Master Instructor, making it a truly rare and inspiring destination for movement and connection.

“When people step through the doors of the café, I want them to feel welcome. I want them to feel like they are stepping into my home,” says Martha, who described the intentionality of creating the space, right down to the use of wood and cozy furniture and the promotion of other artists and business owners in the area.

“The space was the perfect spot to hold our spring networking session,” says Kerry Ramsay, Project Manager of the WE-CAN Program. “Inclusivity and connection are at the core of what WE-CAN is about, so collaborating with Martha on this event was a natural decision."

The morning also featured an interactive group discussion on the power of community where several volunteers shared personal stories of how being part of the WE-CAN program has shaped their entrepreneurial paths.

“One of the key things we heard repeated over and over was the importance of stepping outside our comfort zone, and connecting with others. Even though our businesses and backgrounds may be diverse, we can all help support one other, whether it’s a word of encouragement, a referral or contact, or showing up to support each other’s businesses,” says Kerry.

A highlight of the event was a heartfelt talk by Dr. Shyra Barberstock, serial entrepreneur, podcast host and founder of , an Indigenous consultancy, and ., an Indigenous-led coffee and tea brand. Shyra shared her journey as someone who was once socially anxious to becoming an expert consultant, and the role community has played in her success.

“As entrepreneurs, we often feel this pressure to constantly be positive, especially online,” says Shyra. “This community of women entrepreneurs is really powerful because we connect and share our stories and struggles, both the ups and downs. Building your own business can be very lonely but with a great community surrounding you, people you know who are in your corner, it can make all the difference in the journey."

Attendees were encouraged to bring business cards and promotional materials for the Sharing Table, fostering even more opportunities for connection following the event.

As the morning wrapped up, the energy in the room was exactly the atmosphere envisioned by Martha Williams – women entrepreneurs coming together to support one another, create connections and tap into the power of community.