Key Note Address
Chris Salloum - Director, Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke, Board of Directors
Chris Salloum is the Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Therme Canada, where he leads national market entry and expansion efforts. He brings a strong background in strategy, operations, and service delivery from previous roles at Monitor Deloitte, StrategyCorp, and KPMG. Chris has worked across multiple industries, contributing to major strategic policy projects. He holds an MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa.
Why We’re Gathering
International Women’s Day is more than a celebration — it is a call to action.
While we honour women’s leadership across sectors, we also recognize that celebration without systemic change is not enough. Gender-based violence continues to impact women, children, and families in our communities.
This leadership breakfast reflects Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke’s Shifting Gears approach — moving beyond awareness and allyship toward accountability, prevention, and structural change. We are convening leaders who are ready to move from conversation to action.
Meet Honourees
Meet the Panelists
Closing Remarks
Charmaine Williams- Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity
Charmaine Williams was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2022 provincial election. She represents the riding of Brampton Centre as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. She is currently the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity and is the first Black woman to be appointed to a PC Cabinet. Prior to provincial politics, she was elected to the Brampton City Council.
Williams has also had a 19-year career as a certified Multi-Systemic Therapist, Behavioural Consultant, and Counsellor. As a mother of five children, she understands the importance of advocating for those who cannot always advocate for themselves.
As a Brampton City Councillor, she had the opportunity to spearhead numerous economic, social, and cultural initiatives that benefited Brampton communities. Her track record of success is testament to her ability to help communities thrive, build programs and institutions to support vulnerable populations, and provide dependable leadership.
She now carries her passion and experience into her new role as Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, where she intends to make lasting effort that positively impacts women and families across Ontario.
