International Women’s Day 2026

This International Women’s Day we are highlighting some of the incredible female leadership at NNTC.
Focusing on this year’s theme of “Give to Gain”, these women demonstrate the importance of collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.

The 2026 theme of “Give to Gain” encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Give to Gain emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organizations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

Whether through donations, knowledge, resources, infrastructure, visibility, advocacy, education, training, mentoring, or time, contributing to women’s advancement helps create a more supportive and interconnected world.

Read on to get to know some of the remarkable female leaders at NNTC.

Natalie Cunliffe, General Manager, Cineplex Galaxy Cinemas

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
IWD is about recognizing my strength, honoring my journey and the woman who empowered me to be my esthetic self. I started my career 23 years ago, when there was few women in the industry, and I learned my voice matters. That a balance of all inclusive identities builds a better conversation. I am fortunate to work for an amazing company that puts people first.

How do you “Give to Gain”?
It’s not lost on me that for most of my staff it is their first job, and its up to me and my team to give them the skills to go out into the world better than when they come in our doors. The reward is watching the aha moments, the eagerness to learn more, but how spending time nurturing this comes back into better guest service and results in better business.

What advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
You belong at the table. Work hard, stay curious, and remember leadership isn’t about proving yourself, its about lifting others as you rise, leaving the door open behind you to develop others.

Do you have a favourite business or leadership podcast or book?
I love the Outstanding Woman Leaders podcast, as it is a mix of humor, tips & tricks, and real insights that matter to woman navigating. I always love learning through laughter so this one resonates with me.

Taylor Farrell, General Manager, Nanaimo North Town Centre

What does this year’s IWD theme “Give to Gain” mean to you?
To me, this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’ is about sharing knowledge and support with one another to grow impact and create a more equitable future for all.
There is a famous proverb, “if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” and I think this is reflective of the importance of working together and supporting one another to have better outcomes.

How do you “Give to Gain”?
I love to volunteer and be involved. I have served on a number of local boards and volunteered my time with a variety of organizations. By giving my time, skills, and knowledge, it helps grow and improve our community.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
A middle school teacher once said, “it doesn’t matter how well you do on something, as long as you give it 100% effort”. The flip side is that typically when you give something your all, you will do well at it. This advice still guides me to this day.

What habits or skills have you built that have helped you grow as a leader?
I think some two of the most important skills I have developed that have helped me grow as a leader are strong communication, and the ability to time-block.
Communication is so important. So many “issues” arise from poor communication. I think it is always better to over-communicate than under communicate.
Time-blocking has allowed to me to successfully juggle many different things at once without getting overwhelmed or burnt out.
Habitually, I love to connect with people. I always joke that I am just good at making friends, but I think relationships are so important in business and community.

Sandy Kosolowsky, Owner/Operator, Sandy’s Ukrainian Market 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day to me means being an independent woman in business proud of independent women achieving equal rights.

How do you “Give to Gain”?
I’ve given a lot to help Ukrainians and get back by receiving gratitude and appreciation. I am Ukrainian and much of my family there have died due to war. I was inspired to help other Ukrainians that needed to escape from Ukraine and come to Canada. We fundraised and made over $226,000 to help Ukrainian families come to Canada, finding them jobs, food, housing, furniture and more. We still fundraise everyday in what we call our “pickle jar” to support Ukrainians in our community as well.

What habits or skills have you built that have helped you grow as a leader?
The skills I’ve learned as being a strong, independent woman in business is helping people who are in need and asking for nothing in return but a thank you.

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
The legacy I hope to leave behind when I am gone is it’s always better to give than to receive and you will be rewarded in return.

Divya Sharma, Accounts Administrator, Nanaimo North Town Centre

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
A celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder to keep pushing for equity and opportunity for all.

What does this year’s IWD theme “Give to Gain” mean to you?
Growth comes from contribution. When we give time, support, and knowledge, we all move forward.

How do you “Give to Gain”?
By mentoring others, sharing what I’ve learned, and advocating for people who aren’t in the room.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be kind in every situation and to everyone despite of who they are. Treat everyone with respect like they matter. We never know what someone is going through and your kindness may be the only good thing happening to them today.

Alexandra Wilkinson, Manager, Subway (NNTC)