THUNDER BAY — “I know that I can call anyone at PARO and have that support system that I need," said Anna Sinclair, CEO of Total Mom Inc., “I think of it as my village”
Sinclair was one of the keynote speakers at PARO's annual summit, held Tuesday at the Superior Inn.
She said that PARO has been a big help to her as she’s navigated through the world of entrepreneurship.
“Even though I’m someone that is doing big things, I still need help, I still get lonely and I feel like I need that community and village around me for support, which is what PARO offers me.”
Since starting three decades ago, the PARO Center for Women’s Enterprise has worked with women to help them start and grow their businesses.
Those efforts were on full display on Tuesday
“Seeing all these women entrepreneurs here is what it’s all about,” said Rosalind Lockyer, who is the founder and CEO of PARO.
“I’m so happy that so many came here in person, but also that we had so many that joined us online. We had some virtually join us from British Columbia and Nova Scotia and it’s really heartwarming to see that.
“In the past, we had people who couldn’t come a lot of the time, but now with the virtual element, people can be here.”
Tuesday’s conference recognized and celebrated women entrepreneurs who are making contributions and impacts in their communities.
There were also workshops, panels and a trade show that were held during the course of the day.
Maria Parysz, who is the CEO of multiple AI companies, was one of the keynote speakers and said it was great to see so many different groups represented at Tuesday’s event.
“Everyone here is wanting to learn more, no matter their background or what they have done in the past,” Parysz added.
“We’ve seen women that are just starting, are in the middle of their career or are just about to retire. They all have this power and energy to do something.”
