Standing Out Nancy Graham & Brady Plunkett

Having founded Open Door Educational Services in 2013, Heather Desjardins felt as if she was just getting started in a field filled with possibilities. So, she was especially honored to be named a finalist in the Established Entrepreneurs category for the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. After leading a small academy’s special education program, Heather combined her spark for business strategy with her desire to help a broader range of special ed. students. The results were Open Door’s private tutorial services for children struggling to learn how to read and write. Her super power? It’s her team of tutors, who are “super invested in each student they work with.” Join us for today’s superlative Standing Out conversation with Heather Desjardins.

Born to deaf parents, Roxanne Whiting knows the challenges deaf people face as they struggle to hear and be heard. She’s also familiar with the inexperience most people have at interpreting sign language. As co-owner and director of video interpreting for SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETING ASSOCIATES OTTAWA (SLIAO), Roxanne is harnessing the latest technologies to bridge these critical communication gaps. A 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Established Entrepreneur nominee, Roxanne explains how Zoom and similar pandemic-related tools have provided several new “Aha!” moments in sign language interpretation. Join us to learn more in today’s Standing Out conversation with Roxanne Whiting.
 
SLIAO: https://sliao.ca/services/text-to-asl-lsq/

“If we’re doing a great job, you should never know we’re there.” That’s how Meghan Dagenais describes her fascinating career as co-founder and president of Restoration Co. Providing specialized subcontracting services to home improvement contractors across Canada, Meghan and her team do their important work behind the scenes. But that didn’t stop the Women’s Business Network of Ottawa from noticing Meghan’s energy, determination, and team-building skills, and naming her a finalist in its 2020(?)Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category. What’s it like to manage asbestos removal, biohazards, and emergency repairs – while keeping your field technicians upbeat and on the job? You’ll find out in today’s Standing Out episode with Meghan Dagenais.

As a finalist in the 2019 BYA’s in the Professional Services category, Sabrina Fitzgerald describes a scenic view to becoming the Managing Partner of the National Capital Region of PwC. Stemming from early mentorship from her Father, Sabrina opens up to how she consistently discovers ways to be creative inside PwC, including adventure & internal teaching opportunities in Canada. Sabrina’s story contains a fascinating theme of “sticking to work I do best”, namely helping family-owned business and entrepreneurs. Sabrina’s values become evident in this conversation, in how ‘family time’ is strongly prioritized. The Fitzgerald dogs also make an appearance midway through the discussion. Enjoy the episode!

As a finalist in the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year Emerging Entrepreneurs category, Jennifer Reynolds shows how a bit of fresh thinking can invigorate even a relatively staid profession, like divorce attorney. Founder of Fresh Legal, Jennifer was determined to provide a fresh-start approach for individuals seeking mediation or legal services during separation or divorce. She also relates how she makes time for self-care, and mentors other young attorneys to do the same. A favorite release? Knitting. “It lets my hands do something,” she says, “while my brain percolates something else in the background.” Podcasts are another good way to de-stress at the end of the day. Join us for today’s Standing Out episode with attorney Jennifer Reynolds.

“Is a little customer service too much to ask for?” Who hasn’t wondered this after hiring a so-so contractor to renovate their home or business? While most of us vent our frustration and move on, Tonya Bruin decided to do something about it. In 2015, she founded “To-Do Done,” a residential and commercial renovation service, and champion of customer care. Woman-owned and operated, culturally diverse, with 1% of its earnings dedicated to community service, Tonya’s business earned her a finalist position in the Emerging Entrepreneur category for the 2020 Women’s Business Network of Ottawa Business Woman of the Year awards. How does she ensure her tradespeople shine on the job? Find out in today’s Standing Out conversation with Tonya Bruin