Carole is a long time resident and volunteer of Oakville, wife, mother of three grown children and grandchildren.  She has spoken to hundreds of thousands of North Americans during her 35 + year career as a professional speaker. Although her topic range is varied, her style remains consistent. She delivers important and usable life lessons in an entertaining manner through the creative use of props, sharing anecdotes and high energy. Regardless of the message, Carole sprinkles each with a taste of her humorous perspective.  As a speaker, she has been described as motivational, inspirational, entertaining and fun thus describing herself as ‘Moodivational.’ You can’t help but ‘get the message’ while you are enjoying yourself … the learning is painless. Her goal is for you to leave her session feeling better than you did when you walked in … invigorated, enthused and excited to glean the upbeat and uplifting elements of life. Carole is equally excited about being a part of our big event … with the added bonus of being able to enjoy her favourite Film.ca popcorn ~!!~

Lara Simonot is an up-and-coming Canadian singer-songwriter whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with modern country-pop sensibilities. Known for her honest lyrics and emotionally rich vocals, Lara writes from lived experience of love, loss and self-discovery. Performing her new, original song “Shoulda Been Mine” Lara will be showcasing her ability to pair catchy melodies with raw vulnerability, creating performances that feel both intimate and powerful. Whether on stage or in the studio, Lara brings authenticity to every song—inviting listeners into her world, one story at a time.

Natasha Meister is a singer/guitarist born in London, Ontario. Natasha started music at the age of 6, singing in her local church and entering competitions which lead her to pursue music full time. With a multitude of  performance experience over the last several years on various stages internationally, she captures audiences wherever she goes with her skilful guitar playing and powerful vocals. She is a versatile artist playing anything from blues, jazz, rock, alternative to pop music. Now under her belt is over a decade of experience in the industry with notable performances opening for The Pixies and LIVE on tour in South Africa 2017.

Nix Ironstone doesn’t just walk into a new era – she sets it on fire. Formerly known as Nicole Rayy, she spent over a decade making her mark in the Canadian country scene, building a loyal fanbase and earning a reputation for championing women in music. Now, with a new name and a bold new rock sound that’s been simmering under the surface, she’s stepping fully into who she’s always been.

Under her new moniker, Nix Ironstone is turning up the heat and letting the darkness speak. Blending indie/alternative rock and goth pop with a fierce feminine edge, Nix is stepping fully into her power with a bold new sound that’s raw, dark and unapologetic.Think Evanescence meets The Pretty Reckless – haunting melodies, cinematic grit, and anthemic hooks that punch you right in the heart.

Rania Walker is a media and PR strategist, storyteller, and the founder of Front Door PR, an award-winning strategic communications and event agency based in Toronto. With more than two decades inside newsrooms and studios as a television producer, director, writer, and host, Rania brings an insider’s understanding of how stories are shaped, pitched, and brought to life on screen, on stage and through immersive events.  Known for her sharp instincts and calm authority, Rania helps leaders, brands, and organizations clarify their message, elevate their visibility, and protect their reputation through public relations, media relations, and crisis communications. She is a trusted advisor to international brands, founders, and executives, and a sought-after speaker and media commentator who teaches clients how to own the room, command the camera, and connect with media professionals using her proprietary WIIFT™ (What’s In It For Them) method—an audience-first framework that helps individuals translate expertise into compelling thought leadership and media-ready storytelling. Connect with her @raniaspeaksofficial and through www.frontdoorpr.com

Sherry Sinclaire – Women In Music Hamilton/Halton Co-Chair Sherry Sinclaire is a dynamic force in the creative industry, with a wealth of experience spanning music, arts, and entertainment. As the owner of Sinclaire Creative Solutions, she empowers artists and creatives to thrive with innovative digital, marketing, and business strategies.

Sherry’s impressive career includes roles at industry giants like Bell Media, TELUS, Virgin Records, Ticketmaster and MCA/Universal Concerts (now Live Nation), and working with global icons such as Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson and David Bowie.

Passionate about content rights management and nurturing developing talent, Sherry serves on the boards of FOLK Canada and the Hamilton Arts Council.

Nix Ironstone doesn’t just walk into a new era — she sets it on fire. As a women who has spent over a decade making her mark in Canadian country, earning 10 CMAOntario nominations, a 2024 Music Video of the Year win, 5M+ streams, and playing stages from Canada to Shanghai, her experience in the music industry is diverse. Nix is a tireless advocate for women in music and is 1st Vice Chair,  of CMA Ontario (Country Music Association of Ontario)., and champions women  as Founder of HarmoniaFest and the Harmonia Songwriter Series, now staples in the Canadian music scene.