TORONTO, ON – July 20, 2026 – Girls Who Print Canada welcomed more than 70 women, students, industry professionals, company leaders and male allies to its first-ever live event, Make Your Mark, held July 15^th at the Miller Tavern in Toronto.

The sold-out launch social brought together people from across print and graphic communications for an evening focused on connection, visibility and real conversation. Attendees represented a broad cross-section of the industry, including commercial print, packaging, technology, production, sales, marketing, education and leadership.

From the first few minutes, conversations began naturally throughout the room as attendees exchanged experiences, shared ideas and built new relationships. The evening included signature cocktails, appetizers, networking, a Girls Who Print membership giveaway and a raffle featuring prizes donated by members of the community and industry supporters.

“Looking around the room and seeing so many women, allies, students, sponsors and industry partners together was incredibly powerful,” said Joanne Gore, President & Chief Strategist, Joanne Gore Communications, and Regional Director, Girls Who Print Canada. “The energy was immediate. People weren’t waiting to be introduced. They were genuinely curious about one another, starting conversations and making connections that I believe will continue well beyond one evening. This event showed us how much appetite there is for a stronger, more visible community for women in Canadian print, and we’re only getting started.”

Girls Who Print Canada is the Canadian regional presence of Girls Who Print Global. Through programming, live events, networking, visibility initiatives and industry engagement, it supports career growth, leadership pathways and long-term success for women working throughout print and graphic communications.

Feedback shared following the event described the evening as inspiring, energizing, authentic and optimistic. Attendees also highlighted the value of bringing established industry leaders, students and people new to print into the same room, along with the importance of creating opportunities for women to be seen, heard and supported throughout their careers.

Celebrating women who are moving the industry forward

A particularly meaningful moment during the evening was the recognition of Renée Walsh, a member of the Girls Who Print Canada Advisory Board, following her recent promotion and expanded leadership role at TI Group Inc.

Walsh’s continued advancement was celebrated as a powerful example of what Girls Who Print Canada stands for: increasing the visibility of women, supporting leadership pathways and creating opportunities for women to continue climbing to the highest levels of the industry.

“Celebrating Renée felt especially fitting on a night dedicated to the growth and success of women in print,” said Gore. “She is building a remarkable leadership career and showing what’s possible for women across our industry. We were proud to recognize her.”

Industry support made the evening possible

The event was made possible through the support of event sponsors TI Group, Mini Giants, Plastic + Paper, Spicers, HP and Ronik.

Girls Who Print Canada also recognized its founding sponsors: Konica Minolta Canada, Marketing Kitchen, TI Group and UltimateTech, the organization’s original supporter.

The event committee was led by Heather Black, with support from fellow Advisory Board members Christine Yardley and Begum Walji, along with volunteer committee member Diana Massimi.

“Heather went far beyond what anyone could have asked,” added Gore. “She kept every detail moving, brought the right people together and helped create the kind of experience we wanted from the beginning. The success of the evening reflects the commitment of the entire event committee, advisory board, sponsors and everyone who chose to show up and support the community.”

The Girls Who Print Canada Advisory Board also includes Renée Walsh, Donna Cormier, Hélène Pageau, Julie Watson and Reem El Asaleh.

Save the date

The team is already developing ideas to make the next Girls Who Print Canada live event even bigger and better.

The next Girls Who Print Canada LIVE Social will be held on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

Join the Girls Who Print Canada private LinkedIn group for event updates, announcements and registration information.

Companies interested in sponsoring the November event or supporting future Girls Who Print Canada programming can contact gwpcanada@girlswhoprint.org.

Women in Canada and male allies can also join Girls Who Print. Membership pricing is listed at par in Canadian dollars.

About Girls Who Print Canada

Girls Who Print Canada is the Canadian regional presence of Girls Who Print Global, delivering programming, events, networking, visibility initiatives and industry engagement focused on career growth, leadership pathways and long-term success for women in print and graphic communications.

Through Community Huddles, live events, industry activations and practical programming designed for the realities of working in Canadian print, Girls Who Print Canada creates opportunities for women to connect, grow, be seen and advance their careers. Male allies, employers, sponsors and industry partners are welcome to support the community through mentorship, advocacy, participation and sponsorship. Join today.

Media contact:
Joanne Gore
Regional Director, Girls Who Print Canada
gwpcanada@girlswhoprint.org