Visionary women leaders and changemakers Dare to Thrive
When the women executives at peopleCare first dreamed up the Dare to Thrive Women’s Summit, they knew they wanted to create something special. An experience where amazing women could gather, be seen and heard by one another, connect deeply and leave feeling revitalized and inspired.
Fast forward to October 2025, when the inaugural Summit was held in the beautiful Blue Mountains of Ontario, and exceeded every expectation.
“Our vision for Dare to Thrive came to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” said peopleCare President Megan Allen-Lamb. “We saw women from across industries instantly connect and share their stories. The energy was amazing, with bold leadership, joyful growth, deep conversation and the beautiful vitality of every woman in the room.”
Over three memorable days of the Summit, more than 100 women leaders came together to explore what it means to lead through change, strengthen their impact and keep growing with purpose. The program was curated by Allen-Lamb, along with peopleCare CFO Iuliana Constantin, and VPs Jenn Killing and Sheena Campbell, who collectively designed an experience focused on wellness, leadership, and building community. All of which reflected the passion and vision with which they lead and inspire at peopleCare.
Immersive wellness experiences, curated alongside transformative leadership conversations, brought together visionaries, trailblazers and world-class facilitators who inspired bold thinking and ignited personal growth. Master-class sessions with Jill Proud, Seth Streeter helped participants think about the impact they want to have in all facets of their lives, while vitality and renewal experiences led by DJ Rae, as well as fitness coaches Amanda Novakowski and Olivia Verbit, and holistic fitness coach Sarah Heipel revitalized body and spirit.
For Jenn Killing, peopleCare’s VP Quality, Research and Strategic Partnerships, being part of curating an experience that was designed by women leaders, for women leaders, was exciting and resonated deeply for her.
“Leadership isn’t a solo journey, it’s built in community. When women come together, not just to network, but to build, share and rise, something transformational happens,” said Jenn Killing. “Some of my greatest growth as a leader has come not from going it alone, but by “trekking” alongside powerful, purpose-driven women.”
From cocktails and canapés in the Blue Mountain village to sunrise yoga on the mountain, every moment was designed to spark connection, insight and joy, all in a circle of trust.
“I had the privilege of moderating, speaking and witnessing countless moments of truth—women naming what’s real, listening deeply and reflecting each other’s strength,” shared moderator Jill Proud. “I’ve heard from women who left feeling seen, renewed and ready to keep the conversations going. That’s the real power of creating a space like this, we remind each other what’s possible.”
Since the Summit, the peopleCare team has been genuinely awed and gratified by the incredible response and the impact it’s clearly made. From “I’m still feeling the energy from Dare to Thrive” to “It was a true recharge for the heart and soul,” feedback has poured in through surveys, personal messages and through social media, each sharing a moment of courage, clarity, or connection.
“What a wonderful time attending Dare to Thrive with over 100 inspiring women,” said Sarah Makhomet, President of Ekwill Inc. “Grateful for the energy, connection, and empowering conversations that came out of this experience. When women come together to share, support, and empower one another, the possibilities are limitless.”
Tamara Katz, from Gardiner Roberts LLP, which was also a Summit sponsor shared, “I wanted to thank you and let you know how impressed I was with Dare to Thrive. My time there was thought provoking and invigorating. Totally inspiring!”
Dori Adams, whose company Shutterb captured the spirit of the Summit in images and video, has experienced many events over the years that promised transformation and connection, and said Dare to Thrive was in a league of its own. “The Summit blended leadership and wellness beautifully. It fed my mind and my soul in equal measure—the kind of growth you don’t always get in one place. And it pushed me out of my comfort zone,” said Adams. “I left feeling clear, grounded and full. Like something inside of me had reset. Forever grateful I said yes.”
Stories, insights and the genuine connections made at Dare to Thrive continue to ripple outward. To every woman who said yes – to herself, to growth, to joining a community of genuine, authentic and fiercely wholehearted women – thank you.
“While daring to lead differently can feel both exhilarating and scary, when others step into the ring with you, your courage grows, possibilities multiply and you realize that every dream is possible,” said Allen-Lamb. “I’m grateful to the community of women leaders and changemakers who attended Dare to Thrive, as well as our outstanding facilitators. Together we created something truly special, inspired and lifted one another higher. This was the spark we all needed.”
Relive the highlights
We’ve captured the energy, inspiration, and connection from Dare to Thrive 2025 in a short recap video.
Stay connected
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Thank you to our generous sponsors
peopleCare extends a heartfelt thank you to the incredible sponsors whose support made the Dare to Thrive 2025 experience possible.
