Mona Malone, Chair of Branksome’s Board of Governors, and the event’s host, kicked off the evening with enthusiasm. "This event is always an incredible opportunity for our like-minded community to connect," she said, highlighting the school’s innovative Noodle program, which allows students to pitch and develop real-world business ideas. Malone encouraged attendees to visit student-run Noodle booths showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit thriving at Branksome. Thanks to guests’ support of students’ ventures, they sold more than $1,300 of products over the evening. 

The evening’s spotlight was on Branksome Hall’s strong commitment to preparing students for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global economy. This was emphasized through a panel discussion moderated by Head Prefect Miranda and Student Government Prefect Helen, featuring industry leaders and experts who shared insights on the future of work and the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.

Principal Grace McCallum offered personal reflections on her journey to the school. She shared how Branksome’s reputation for innovation played a pivotal role in her decision to return to Canada, having spent many years leading international schools. "Branksome’s entrepreneurial programs, like Noodle, and its commitment to innovation align with my belief that girls’ education must equip students to lead in an ever-changing world," McCallum said.

She also highlighted the ongoing development of the iCAST building—an innovation hub designed to foster creativity and collaboration across disciplines. "We are creating spaces where students can develop the skills they need to shape the future," McCallum noted, referencing partnerships with top universities and incubators such as the DMZ at Ryerson and the Creative Destruction Lab at the University of Toronto.

Panelists, including Branksome alums and industry leaders Chad Bayne, Jackie NIXON Gowdy’03 and Tawfiq Popatia, engaged in lively discussions on the evolving workforce, touching on topics such as the importance of soft skills, the rise of remote work and gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields. Nixon Gowdy, a finance professional, shared how Branksome's focus on building leadership and resilience helped her to navigate gender challenges in the finance sector.

The event also featured a presentation by Cristina Coraggio, Branksome’s Chief Advancement and Community Engagement Officer, who outlined the school's fundraising efforts, particularly the Make Way Campaign, which supports innovation and growth at the school. "Every donation helps us to build the future of girls’ education," said Coraggio, highlighting the impact of philanthropy in advancing the school’s educational initiatives.

As the evening drew to a close, students were able to ask questions of the panelists during a spirited Q&A, including about the unique qualities women bring to business careers, the tipping point for normalizing women in business, and advice for those starting to explore these careers in high school. 

This year’s Branksome on Bay event served as a testament to Branksome Hall’s enduring commitment to preparing young women to lead in a complex, innovation-driven world, with a clear focus on the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers.