Episodes
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In this very special episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, your hosts Shauna and Shannon celebrate Womenâs Entrepreneurship Day by reflecting on the inspiring stories shared by successful women entrepreneurs throughout the year.
Join us as we take a thoughtful look back at the past yearâs most memorable conversations with incredible women entrepreneurs. From personal finance tips to navigating the challenges of running a business, Shauna and Shannon revisit the advice, lessons, and moments that have inspired and empowered women to take charge of their financial futures.
This episode reflects on some of the most impactful themes and messages shared on the podcast. The conversations have underscored the importance of building financial confidence and truly understanding your numbers, while also tackling the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face with resilience and determination. Shauna and Shannon also explore how the power of community and mentorship has been a recurring thread in fostering growth, success, and connection.
Whether youâre a seasoned business owner, just starting out, or dreaming of launching your own venture, this episode is filled with wisdom and inspiration to support your journey.
Celebrate with us as we honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women entrepreneurs everywhere!
WebsiteInstagram
Facebook
Linkedin
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In honour of Financial Literacy Month, Shauna Frederick welcomes Alyssa Churchill, a Certified Professional Bookkeeper and the visionary founder of NG Finances. With a passion for helping small businesses streamline their operations and achieve financial clarity, Alyssa brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative problem-solving skills honed over years of experience in the industry. Alyssaâs journey is marked by her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, ensuring they remain organized, compliant, and ready for growth.
Together, Shauna and Alyssa explore the shift from financial literacy to true financial empowerment. They discuss five powerful tools designed to enhance business efficiencies and strengthen financial wellness, emphasizing that financial success is not just about understanding numbers but about establishing the right systems that support sustained growth.
Alyssa shares insights from her recent article on systematizing business processes as a core element of financial empowerment, illustrating how technology can be a transformative force for entrepreneurs. Through practical examples, she highlights the importance of building a solid financial foundation that allows business owners to focus on their passions and drive their ventures forward with confidence.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that equips you with the tools and knowledge to take control of your finances and unlock your business potential.
Websites:https://quickbooks.intuit.com
https://www.xero.com
https://www.freshbooks.com
https://www.hubdoc.com
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssangfinances/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngfinances/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NGFinances.remote
Website: www.ngfinances.com
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In this episode, Shauna sits down with the insightful Katy Baker, a CPA and Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), who has held executive roles across public, private, and non-profit sectors. As the founder of Pricing for Profit., Katy brings her wealth of experience to help women entrepreneurs gain confidence in pricing their services for what theyâre truly worth.
Through Pricing for Profitâs system of easy-to-implement financial tools, Katy guides entrepreneurs in mastering cost calculation, operational planning, and strategic tax planning, all with a focus on pricing for profit. She emphasizes the importance of aligning your prices with the value you bring and avoiding the common pitfall of underpricing or undervaluing your expertise. Katy also dives into the mindset shift needed to believe in yourself and your businessâpricing not just for today, but with a forward-thinking approach that supports the life and future you envision.
This conversation is all about empowering women entrepreneurs to step into their worth, plan for profit, and confidently set prices that reflect their experience and goals. Get ready to be inspired as Katy shares her expertise, helping you not only price for profit but also plan for the future you deserve.
Website: Pricing For Profit
Connect on Linkedin: Katy Baker
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In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Shannon Pestun welcomes Tammy Rea, Regional Manager for Women in Enterprise at TD Bank, who brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Tammyâs career began at Canada Trust and evolved through various leadership roles within TDâs Business Bank, including Area Manager for Business Banking and Regional Manager of Professional Banking. Now, she focuses on supporting women-controlled businesses across British Columbia and the Yukon.
Tammy emphasizes the importance of building a trusting, two-way relationship with your banker. She encourages entrepreneurs to ask about her background, her understanding of their industry, and why she chose to work with entrepreneurs. Tammy explains that this is not just a transactional relationship but one built on mutual trust, knowledge, and shared goals.
She also offers practical advice for women navigating their financial journeys, highlighting the need to ask questions, understand their financial health, and find a banker who can serve as a trusted partner because bankers are there to help, not judge.
Filled with empowering insights, this episode offers guidance on approaching financial institutions with confidence and building supportive, long-term relationships with your banker. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your business, Tammy's wisdom provides the tools and strategies to help you succeed.
Website: TD Women in Enterprise
Linkedin: Tammy Rea
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In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, Dr. Rumeet Billan, an award-winning entrepreneur, learning architect, and humanitarian, joins Shannon Pestun to delve into the powerful themes of rewriting and redefining success on your own terms. As the CEO of Women of Influence+ and the Founder of Viewpoint Leadership, Dr. Billan brings a wealth of experience in transforming workplace cultures, fostering trust, and building resilience. Her research on Tall Poppy Syndrome and Canadian Happiness at Work has been instrumental in shifting conversations about workplace dynamics and womenâs roles in leadership.
Together, Dr. Billan and Shannon explore the importance of context in shaping narratives around success and happiness. Dr. Billan shares how rewriting and redefining arenât just about correcting the pastâtheyâre about intentionally shaping the future. She emphasizes the significance of intersectionality and the need to empower women to define and achieve success on their own terms, rather than conforming to one rigid idea of what success or happiness should look like.
In addition to success, the conversation also touches on a crucial topic for womenâfinancial wellness. Dr. Billan and Shannon highlight how women have been conditioned to believe that financial empowerment is out of reach, a myth that needs to be dispelled. Dr. Billan stresses the importance of breaking through these barriers, addressing the attitudes and behaviors around financial decisions, and understanding finances in a deeper, more personal context. Listeners will gain insights into how financial empowerment is essential not just for business, but for everyday life, and how empowering women with financial knowledge can lead to greater confidence and control over their futures.
This episode offers tools and insights to help women not only redefine success but also take control of their financial narratives, paving the way for meaningful and lasting impact in both their personal and professional lives.
Websites:
Rumeet Billan
Women of Influence
Social Media:
Linkedin: Rumeet Billan
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In this episode, Shannon Pestun sits down with the dynamic Sarah Wilcox, Co-founder and CEO of Genuine Tea Inc., to explore the key strategies that have propelled her company from a small farmers' market brand to a nationwide success story. With Genuine Tea named one of Canadaâs Top Growing Companies in both 2022 and 2023 by The Globe and Mail, Sarah shares the remarkable journey that began during her five-year stay in Taiwan, where she not only immersed herself in the local culture but learned directly from tea farmers across Asia. As a trained tea sommelier and recipient of the prestigious MOE Taiwan scholarship, Sarahâs expertise in tea is matched by her sharp business acumen.
Sarah dives into the systems and strategies she has implemented at Genuine Tea, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and listening to customers. She explains how her experience on CBC's Dragonsâ Den helped secure a deal with Arlene Dickinson, which catapulted the business to new heights, with Genuine Tea now available in over 1,500 locations across Canada.
In this episode, Sarah and Shannon cover essential topics for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Sarah discusses how to take advantage of grants and government programs to fund growth, diversify your business through multiple channels, and leverage social proof to build a loyal community. She also highlights the critical role of exceptional customer service and reveals how creating robust systems can give business owners the freedom to focus on innovation and expansion.
Whether youâre just starting out or looking to scale, Sarahâs insights on how key life events can inspire growth, combined with her focus on strategic systems, offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to turn their passion into a thriving business. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical tips and inspiring stories that will motivate you to take your business to the next level.
Instagram: Genuine Tea
Facebook: Genuine Tea
Twitter: Genuine Tea
Website: https://www.genuinetea.ca/
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In this episode, Shauna Frederick sits down with the insightful Anna GiampĂ , a seasoned Family Enterprise Advisor with over two decades of experience in consulting, business planning, and corporate strategy. Annaâs journey is rich with entrepreneurial ventures, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning. As a former faculty member at Montrealâs Concordia University, where she taught Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Anna has empowered countless business leaders with her practical wisdom. Beyond her consulting career, she co-manages a thriving real estate portfolio and nurtures her passions for food, travel, and continuous growth.
Anna and Shauna explore the transformative power of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in driving business success. Anna demystifies KPIs, breaking them down into simple, measurable values that act as a scoreboard for your business, helping you track progress and uncover opportunities for improvement. She delves into the four key types of KPIsâfinancial, operational, customer, and marketingâand illustrates how they can be customized to fit any business, regardless of its size or complexity.
Through practical examples, Anna reveals how even the simplest KPIs, such as tracking new customers or enhancing revenue growth, can have a profound impact. She underscores the strategic significance of KPIs, showing how they can guide your strategic planning and decision-making processes, ultimately fostering structured growth.
Websites:
Canada Benchmarking Tool: Financial Performance Data (canada.ca)
Connect with Anna:
LinkedIn: Anna GiampĂ , MBA, FEA
Instagram: annafiorilli
Facebook: Anna G Fiorilli
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In this episode, Shauna sits down with the brilliant JackiePorter who is a leading Canadian financial planner with a stellar 25-year career dedicated to empowering high-achievers. As a trusted advisor to executives, business owners, and legal professionals, Jackie offers expertguidance on complex financial matters that go beyond simple Google searches.
Her journey to financial success is as inspiring as herexpertise. Raised by a single mother, Jackie faced early financial challenges that ignited her passion for building wealth and financial independence. Today, she's a multi-award-winning financial planner, author of "Single by Choice or Chance," and a sought-after industry expert.
Jackie has a knack for turning complex financial conceptsinto actionable advice. In this podcast we're diving deep into the power of mindset when it comes to money. From overcoming financial barriers to skyrocketing your business, Jackie shares practical tips and strategies tocultivate a growth mindset. Discover how to shift your perspective, unlock new opportunities, and take control of your financial future. Get ready to be inspired as Jackie shares her wisdom and empowers you to reach new heights in your entrepreneurial journey.
Connect with Jackie:LinkedIn: JackiePorter (Lawyers Financial Advisor) CFP, RWM, EPC
Twitter: X
Instagram: Jackie Porter | CFP(@jackieportercfp)
Website: askjackie.ca
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In this episode, our host Shauna sits down with Julieta Miranda, the dynamic Founder of Kid Drop and an acclaimed entrepreneur recognized as Emerging Entrepreneur 2022, Small Business of the Year 2022, Top 50 Under 50, Keynote Speaker, and participant in Dragonâs Den 2023.
Julietaâs entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 with the acquisition of Romeoâs Tile, her family business, which she transformed into a thriving enterprise with annual revenues soaring from $350K to $6.2M. With a background in Criminology and Social Work, and bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Julieta brings extensive marketing and sales expertise honed through her ventures and professional roles. Kid Drop, her latest venture, offers a vital transportation solution for busy parents, providing safe, reliable door-to-door service for children attending school, activities, and custody exchanges at an affordable rate.
In this episode, we explore Julietaâs remarkable journey of rebuilding after bankruptcy. As she aptly reminds us, "You can't fail if you don't quit." We delve into how bankruptcy, while not a clean slate, can spark a new beginning, and discuss strategies to overcome self-limiting beliefs and embrace growth and renewal. Julieta candidly shares how her bankruptcy experience reshaped her financial understanding and empowered her to enhance financial literacy while launching Kid Drop. Her insights into prioritizing financial wellness and advice for women entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen their financial health are invaluable.
Tune in as Julieta shares three practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset and staying motivated amidst entrepreneurial obstacles. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with resilience, wisdom, and laughter, as Julieta Miranda embodies the spirit of success and perseverance.
Connect with Julieta:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieta-miranda-26b851212/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieta.ranger/
Website: https://www.kid-drop.com -
Join your host Shauna Frederick for a discussion with Sidrah Khan, Senior Manager Acquisition Strategy at TD Insurance. With over a decade of expertise in both Australian and Canadian insurance landscapes, Sidrah shares insights on how TD Insurance supports entrepreneurs through tailored small business insurance solutions.
They explore topics ranging from debunking common misconceptions about business insurance to understanding the critical types of coverage every entrepreneur should consider. Discover how TD Insurance stands out with innovative solutions that adapt to evolving business risks and needs.
Social media handles:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sidrah-khan-cpa-ca-58ab2183
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Join your host, Shannon Pestun for a conversation with SĂŠvrine Labelle, Managing Director of BDCâs $100M Thrive Lab, she works closely with partners to develop innovative equity investment models to support women-led social impact businesses. SĂŠvrine explains types of seed funding, the value of incubators, and how entrepreneurs can connect with the right people and networks for success.
Websites:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/bdc-capital/venture-capital/funds/thrive-platform/thrive-lab-women
Social media handles:
LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/company/bdc/
Instagram: @bdc_ca
Facebook: facebook.com/theforumca
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The Finance Cafe is excited to welcome this weeks guest, Tracy Persson. Tracy is an Indigenous entrepreneur, philanthropist, and tech innovator from Northern Alberta. She founded her first company, Cozy Intentions and is now blazing trail with her latest tech venture, the My Breast Day app, supporting those battling breast cancer.
Join host, Shannon Pestun, and Tracy for an in depth discussion on founding her latest tech company, her journey in entrepreneurship, her identity as a proud indigenous woman, and her journey with cancer that inspired her to make a difference for generations to come.
Website: https://mybreastday.ca
Instagram: @mybreastday
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/My-Breast-Day
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/my-breast-day-inc/
Cozy Intentions: https://cozyintentions.com
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Host: Shannon Peston
Guest: Tabatha Bull, CEO, Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB)
In this episode, Shannon and Tabatha sit down to discuss Indigenous womenâs entrepreneurship in Canada, the importance of setting the record straight to create a new narrative of indigenous women entrepreneurs, the opportunities to build a more inclusive economy, the role of economic reconciliation, and what Tabatha sees when she looks to the future.
The Finance Cafe is so excited to welcome CEO of Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), Tabatha Bull. Tabatha is Anishinaabe, a proud member of Nipissing First Nation. Awarded CEO of the Year for 2022 by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Tabatha as CCIBâs president and CEO is committed to help rebuild and strengthen the path towards reconciliation and a prosperous Indigenous economy to benefit all Canadians.As an electrical engineer, Tabatha is committed to supporting Indigenous inclusion and diversity in Canadaâs energy sector. Serving the Indigenous community through CCIBâs commitment to support the Indigenous economy, Tabatha is an appointee to many boards, including the Dexterra Group, Wigwamen Inc., Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and Catalyst CEO advisory board in Canada to name a few. Tabatha is dedicated to diversity and removing systematic barriers to improve opportunities for Indigenous
business and women across all industry sectors.
Special Note to our listeners, since the recording of this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, CCAB has rebranded to CCIB, the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business
Websites:
https://www.ccab.com/
Book Reference: 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality
https://www.amazon.com/Things-Know-About-Indian-Reconciliation/dp/0995266522Social media handles:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ccib-national/
Instagram: @ccib.national
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccib.national
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We are so excited to host Certified Financial Planner, Crystal Kelly, who developed her own financialplanning company with a mission to unlock financial planning for women entrepreneurs and avoid the chaos. Host, Shauna Frederick asks Crystal allabout her 17 years in financial planning and how she transformed her own healing journey into a meaningful career to ensure women entrepreneurs areempowered to make educated decisions to prioritize financial wellbeing, break the cycle of financial chaos, and strategize for long term financial success.
Connect with Crystal
Website: amanifinancial.ca
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/crystaldkelly
Instagram: @amani.financial
Resources
Financial Wellness Assessment Tool
Calculator.net: Free Online Calculators - Math, Fitness, Finance, Science
Sponsor
For more resources and information for women entrepreneurs be sure to connect with our incredible podcast sponsor TD Women in Enterprise.
Connect with Us
Website: â thefinancecafe.ca/â
Instagram: â @thefinancecafeofficial â
LinkedIn: â The Finance Cafe â
Learn more about our financial literacy program designed specifically for you and donât forget to use code PODCAST10 to save 10% off at â www.thefinancecafe.ca/â
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In this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, host Shannon delves into the world of bookkeeping and financial education with special guest Jami Monte. Jami shares her journey from a successful career as a CPA in the Advertising industry to becoming an entrepreneur and launching Chillbooksâ˘, a dynamic financial education platform designed to empower business owners with essential financial skills.
Links:
Website: jamimonte.com
Instagram: @jami.monte
YouTube: @jamimonte
TikTok: @jami.monte
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamimonte
Free GST/HST Tracker: https://pages.jamimonte.com/hstguide
Chillbooksâ˘ď¸ Info: https://jamimonte.com/chillbooks/
Free Solopreneur Write Off Guide: https://pages.jamimonte.com/writeoff
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Welcome to another insightful episode of the Finance Cafe Podcast! In this episode, our host Shauna Frederick is joined by Faye Pang, Country Manager at Xero, to explore the transformative power of integrating bookkeeping software into business operations, with a special focus on Xeroâs innovative platform. Xero, renowned for its user-friendly, cloud-based accounting software, has expanded to offer a comprehensive suite of tools and services tailored to small businesses' needs. We delve into the significance of adopting bookkeeping software, which equips entrepreneurs with the essential information needed for informed decision-making.
Faye discusses how Xeroâs features streamline access to financial data, empowering women entrepreneurs by facilitating efficient management and strategic planning. She shares practical tips for transitioning from traditional methods like paper ledgers and timesheets to incorporating Xero into business operations. Drawing from real-life examples, Faye illustrates how women entrepreneurs have leveraged Xeroâs bookkeeping software to enhance their financial management, enabling them to make informed business decisions and drive growth.
Quote:
âInstead of this DIY mindset, we at Xero support the DIT, do it together mindset.â -Faye Pang, XeroWebsite:
https://www.xero.com/ca/
Social media handles:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayepang/?originalSubdomain=ca
Twitter: @xero
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xero/
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It is extraordinarily common for entrepreneurs to wear many hats, but at what point is it taking you away from your strengths and draining you of the energy required to run your business? On this episode of The Finance Cafe Podcast, we are excited to dive into a conversation with Glenda Plews from Payworks, an amazing Canadian company designed to do the heavy lifting of payroll, HR, benefits and more. Host Shauna Frederick digs into thought provoking topics that will help you evaluate what you, as an entrepreneur are spending your energy on, and if it is optimal for the success of your business.
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We are so excited to welcome this weekâs guest, Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder & Academic Director of the Diversity Institute, Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre onto The Finance Cafe podcast this week with your host, Shannon Pestun. Tune in as they discuss the recently released, 2024 State of Womenâs Entrepreneurship in Canada Report.
Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management, Academic Director of the Diversity Institute and Research Lead of the Future Skills Centre. She co-authored the bestseller âInnovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park" and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation. Shannon had a chance to talk to Dr. Cukier about the current economic landscape for women entrepreneurs in Canada, and hear about her personal story as a leading Social Entrepreneur, Professor, and Consultant in this space.
Quote:
32:00 âWe hear so much doom and gloom about the economy, but weâre also seeing so much robustness and resiliency, consistency and survival of women entrepreneurs.â - Dr. Wendy Cukier
Websites:
Womenâs Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub:
Website: https://wekh.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wekh-pcfe/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wekh_pcfe/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wekh_pcfe
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WEKHPCFE/
See It Be It Campaign: https://wekh.ca/see-it-be-it/
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We took this opportunity to interview Co-Founders Shannon Pestun and Shauna Frederick for an inside discussion on the women who inspired them to lead with integrity and contributed to their passion for supporting women in entrepreneurship.
Over the last four years, Shannon and Shauna have been devoted to supporting women entrepreneurs through meaningful conversations about how financial knowledge and understanding empower women in their business and personal journeys. This week they are in the interviewee seat and share their own strategies, habits, and insights on the women that inspire them, the resources that help lift up this community, and what it takes to be a woman leader in todayâs society.
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In this enlightening episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Tiffany Callender, a trailblazer in Canada's Black community. With a profound commitment to social entrepreneurship and community development, Tiffany has dedicated decades to crafting and implementing programs that uplift Canada's Black population. Notably, her leadership played a pivotal role in the co-development of The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.
Join us as we sit down with Tiffany Callender, co-founder of The Federation of African Canadian Economicsâa black-led nonprofit organization focused on fostering wealth creation among Canadians of African descent.
As a black woman entrepreneur, Tiffany shares her personal story in the realm of entrepreneurship and underscores the crucial need to support and accelerate the endeavours of black women entrepreneurs.
She passionately articulates why she champions the cause of black generational wealth creation, emphasizing that wealth transcends monetary value, embodying true prosperity.
Through her tireless efforts in breaking down barriers to access loans for black women entrepreneurs, Tiffany is not only fostering economic empowerment but also cultivating a culture of support, sponsorship, mentorship, and community.
Tune in as we celebrate Tiffany Callender's inspiring journeyâa testament to Black excellence, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.
Quote:
24:55
âThe strength of any community is the health of their women and part of that is the autonomy to support themselves and to create wealth within their communityâ - Tiffany Callender
Websites:
www.facecoalition.com
FACE LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/facecoalition/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
FACE Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/facecoalition/
FACE X (Twitter)
https://twitter.com/1FaceCoalitionSocial media handles:
LinkedIn: : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-callender-27b68995/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtiffanycallender/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/tiffcallender
Women of Influence feature: https://www.womenofinfluence.ca/2022/09/21/meet-tiffany-callender-ceo-of-the-federation-of-african-canadian-economics-face/ - Show more
