Canada’s AI Adoption: A Call for Inclusion and Leadership
While artificial intelligence is reshaping industries worldwide, Canada has found itself lagging behind its G7 peers in terms of adoption. Ironically, at a time when innovation is critical, certain demographics—especially women—remain underrepresented in AI-related fields, particularly in leadership and decision-making positions. However, there is a silver lining in the Thompson-Okanagan region, where local female leaders are not just keeping pace with AI advancements, but actively driving them forward.
The Women in AI Event
On July 23rd, Csek Creative is set to host a unique virtual event titled Women in AI. This initiative aims to showcase the remarkable female leaders in the Thompson-Okanagan area who are embracing AI technologies and influencing their respective industries.
The event promises to bring together some of the region’s brightest minds who will share their experiences in applying AI to their work. From marketing to operations, these women are demonstrating practical implementations that can inspire others to adopt similar technologies.
Meet the Leaders
The panel will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
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Nikki Csek – CEO of NowMedia Group, whose leadership has set the stage for more robust conversations around AI.
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Adina Gray – An award-winning AI speaker, trainer, and business school faculty member known for her innovative contributions to the public sector.
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Lauralee Guthrie – A marketing and communications expert at Secure-Rite Mobile Storage, bringing insights from the logistics sector.
- Sarah Mathieu – Marketing Director and founder of My Broker Pro, who focuses on leveraging AI for improved customer engagement.
Each panelist offers a unique perspective on how AI can solve real-world problems, paving pathways not just for their organizations but for the broader community.
Addressing Canada’s AI Adoption Gap
As mentioned by Nikki Csek, Canada’s struggle with AI integration is evident in various reports from organizations like McKinsey and OECD. For small- to mid-sized businesses, the statistics paint a stark picture: Canada consistently ranks low in AI adoption. A recent BCG report also highlights a significant gender disparity, revealing that women are 30% less likely than men to utilize AI in their current roles. This discrepancy signals not just a gender gap, but a considerable missed opportunity for innovation and growth.
Rob Cupello, Chief Strategy Officer and AI Advisor at Csek Creative, emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in AI discussions: “When you bring more diverse voices into AI conversations, you build better outcomes—plain and simple.” This event aims to celebrate the local women who are changing the narrative, proving that robust AI applications are indeed for everyone.
The Regional Focus on Female Leadership
One of the most exciting revelations during the planning of this event was the sheer number of visionary women in leadership within the Thompson-Okanagan region. From sectors such as real estate and environmental tech to media and franchising, a community of women-led innovation is quietly emerging.
Nikki Csek notes, “The narrative across Canada may be that AI adoption is slow and uneven. But here in the Okanagan, we’re writing a different story—one driven by action, curiosity, and a commitment to progress.” This regional advantage not only serves as a source of inspiration but also positions the Thompson-Okanagan as a model for other areas in Canada in terms of equitable AI integration.
Who Should Attend?
The Women in AI event is open to a diverse audience including business owners, marketing professionals, tech enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about how AI is reshaping the workplace. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the impact of AI and to connect with leaders who are shaping its trajectory in real-time.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, July 23rd
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Free Online Event
Registration: Register Here
A Movement Towards Leadership
This initiative is more than just an event; it’s a call to action for closing the AI gap in Canada. The Women in AI event illustrates the potential for innovation, inclusion, and local leadership to lead by example. It aims not only to bridge existing gaps but to showcase what’s possible when communities rally around empowering women in technology and leadership roles.
By fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, the Thompson-Okanagan is setting the stage for a future where AI is accessible to all—proving that the integration of technology can indeed be a collective effort.