For All Who Believe in Elevating Women in Business
At its core, Women in Business is about fostering relationships, sharing knowledge, and providing tangible tools to elevate both individual careers and the broader business community. This is not just a space for women; it’s for anyone who wants to step into supporting women led businesses —those who champion and advocate for the advancement of women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
What started as a vision—a dream brought to life by the Executive Director of the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce—has quickly become a thriving community, highlighting the strong demand for meaningful connections and learning opportunities among women in business in the Bow Valley.
Thanks to the incredible support of Field Law, our main sponsor, we’ve expanded from two to three events per year, ensuring even more opportunities to learn, reflect, and take action. Each event is intentionally designed to spark insight and inspire momentum—whether through expert panels, keynote speakers, or interactive group sessions. Our hope is that every attendee walks away with something valuable: a new perspective, a fresh idea to bring into their business, or a connection that leads to future collaboration.
More than just events, Women in Business is a movement—a place to engage, be mindful of the path you’re carving, and find the support and resources needed to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re here to explore new ideas, take meaningful steps in your business, or simply be part of an uplifting community, this is your space.
With deep gratitude to everyone who makes these events possible—our sponsors, speakers, and attendees—thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we grow, we learn, and we support one another.
WOMEN WHO LEAD SPEAKER SERIES
Born to Lead Differently:
The Road I Made, the Advice I Unlearned, and Leading with Heart.
In this candid and inspiring talk, guest speaker Mary Tidlund shares her journey from co-founding an oil and service business in the 1990’s to leading with purpose on the global stage of philanthropy—focused on supporting women and children. She reflects on the advice that shaped her, the instincts she chose to trust, and how authenticity became her compass. With lessons drawn from both the boardroom and the Bow Valley, she reveals how embracing every part of her business—and unlearning what didn’t serve her—paved the way for a leadership style rooted in courage, connection, and lasting impact.
Mary A. Tidlund C.M.
Mary Tidlund is an experienced Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist with extensive international experience. She was the co-founder and CEO of Williston Wildcatters Oil Corporation, a public oil and gas exploration and service company that pioneered horizontal drilling. In 1998, Mary transitioned from the energy industry to philanthropy and founded and led The Mary A. Tidlund Charitable Foundation, a global not-for-profit that from 1998-2018, delivered 90 separate programs in 29 countries focusing on empowering women and children to make lasting changes to health and education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Her philanthropic experience has given her the opportunity to develop a strong global understanding of innovative, relationship-based strategic conscious leadership on a global level. Mary has a demonstrated ability to motivate, inspire and foster cohesive direction to a diverse set of teams, stakeholders, and international community partners. She is a past Director with Women Moving Millions, Tostan International, Grace Institute NYC and the Alberta based Strategic Advisory Board of the O'Brien Institute for Public Health and is currently a Director of the Dallas, Texas-based public corporations Valhi Inc. and CompX International Inc. and a trustee at the NYC based Grace Institute Foundation.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary. Mary is a member of the Order of Canada. She is the recipient of the Global TV Woman of Vision, Black Business and Professional Development Harry Jerome Presidents Award, Calgary Black Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Award and is a Mount Royal University Honorary Growth Catalyst.
In addition, Mary is the author of the recently published Memoirs of a Wildcat: Unadoptable, Unstoppable, Unconditional Love and is an inspiring public speaker. Mary is an avid skier, hiker, tennis player, traveler, reader, pilot and lives in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
The Finer Details
June 5, 2025
Communitea Cafe (117-1001 6 Ave, Canmore, AB)
---
Doors at 6:30pm
Speaker at 7:00pm
Networking 8:00-9:00pm
---
Please plan to arrive at 6:30 to give yourself ample time to grab a beverage and a snack before the presentation begins.
Coffee, tea and desserts are provided | Cash bar available for alcoholic beverages.
---
Your Investment
Members: $45
Future Members: $85
BONUS: All registered guests will receive a signed copy of Mary's book "Memoirs of a Wildcat: Unadoptable, Unstoppable, Unconditional Love"
---
Is This Event Only for Women?
No! This event is open to anyone who wants to step into supporting women led businesses —those who champion and advocate for the advancement of women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Thank you to Field Law for your continued sponsorship and dedication to the
BVCC Women in Business initiatives.
Thank you to Communitea Cafe for donating the use of their space for this event.
Enjoy these photos from our previous BVCC Women in Business Events!
Photo Credits: Lauren Hollamby Photography