Empowering Women in the Music Industry (EWIMI) – 6th Edition is a three-day, multi-venue conference and showcase program taking place across Ottawa–Gatineau. Featuring over 17 events in 9 venues—including live and DJ showcases, networking mixers, artist pitching, keynotes, panels, workshops, mentorship, and wellness activities—EWIMI brings together emerging talent, industry leaders, and export-ready artists from across Canada and around the world.
Under the 2026 theme “Cultural Connectors,” EWIMI highlights the vital role of artists and cultural workers as bridges between communities, cultures, and countries. The program fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building as essential tools for creating a more connected and equitable global music ecosystem.
Presented by Axé WorldFest in partnership with the National Arts Centre, EWIMI is a national and international gathering dedicated to women-identifying, non-binary, trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse artists and music industry professionals, while welcoming allies of all genders into a respectful and inclusive space.
Through thoughtfully curated programming that pairs emerging and established artists and showcases globally influenced, genre-blending music, EWIMI creates meaningful opportunities for artistic exchange, professional development, and community-building—while contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
4:00 pm | Lantern Room
National Arts Centre
Opening Networking Mixer at Lantern Room - National Arts Centre - until 6pm
Music by DJ Del Pilar - Emcee Janice Jo Lee / Folk Alliance International + Opening remarks by organizers.
Co-presented by Folk Canada & Women in Music Ottawa
Dj Del Pilar
Meet your host
Janice Jo Lee (she/they) is a contemporary folk musician, composer, spoken word poet, actor-clown, and educator based in Toronto. Her artwork explores climate grief, antiracism, loneliness, friendship, and her Korean heritage. She is a dynamic and engaging performer, and performs with guitar, trumpet, vocal looping, and jjangu drum. Janice most recently sound designed and composed for Cahoots Theatre's Searching for Aimai a play about motherhood and mixed heritage, and acted in Dead Korean Girl Comedy Show for Aluna Theatre Caminos Festival. She has toured across Canada with her music and poetry solo and with her trio. Currently, Janice is working on songs from her next album Lullabyes for End Times, and composing a musical adaptation of Minh Ly's play Ga Ting.
Janice Jo Lee
Official Opening Artist Showcase
Red Carpet Experience - 6 pm
Foyer Fourth Stage National Arts Centre
Doors 6:30 pm | Shows 7 pm
Opening blessings by Algonquin Elder Irene Compton
MC Treasa Levasseur / Folk Alliance International - Opening Remarks by Heather Gibson - Executive Producer, Popular Music & Variety Programming, National Arts Centre
Meet your host
Treasa Levasseur (she/her) wears many hats: performer, writer, culture worker and community educator, among others. She spent 7 years working at Folk Alliance International before taking the leap back into the freelance creative life. Elle est une fière francophone vivant à Hamilton.
Treasa Levasseur
Meet your host
Heather Gibson is responsible for all non-orchestral music curation, and summer and community programming at the National Arts Centre (NAC). Heather and her team work with artists from all backgrounds -- from the most exciting new artists to legendary performers -- to bring the best of the world to the NAC's stages, and the best of Canada to the world. Since joining the NAC team in 2016, Heather has been connecting and elevating artists via innovative and inclusive programs around the globe, including: EXPO 2025 OSAKA, EXPO 2020 in Dubai, and the Global Network for Women Music Producers, an initiative to support women and non-binary music producers that so far totals over 40 members in ten countries, offering an international network for producers and a resource for artists and record labels. Heather’s commitment to the constantly evolving landscape of the arts continues by working to develop emerging performers, and deliver an equitable representation on our stages for women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ2S+ artists.
Heather Gibson
Miss Mcleod
Miss McLeod is a powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and performer from Ottawa, Ontario, bringing bold theatricality, fearless artistry, and a dash of Jamaican roots to every stage she touches. Born in 2005, she is already a prolific creative force, having written, produced, and released seven albums, with her most recent projects entirely self-mixed and self-mastered, establishing her as a fully independent, artist-led creator with exceptional technical and creative command.
Divka
DIVKA is a sonic experience using bygone folk songs from Ukrainian and global women's music-making traditions, weaving a sonic constellation of delicate arpeggios on bandura (esoteric Ukrainian harp), ethereal vocals, and guttural ancient invocations on the viola.
As a sonic rebel reckoning, DIVKA's music is charged with mythology, traditional village singing, and generations of femme power, mystic whimsy, and a dash of vengeance.
Their debut album will be released April 2nd, 2026, and you can listen to their single "Kailailiri" everywhere music is streamed.
Tara Moneka
Tara Moneka is a Black Iraqi artist and singer whose music bridges cultures, histories, and traditions. Born in Baghdad and raised in a Sufi family, she blends Afro-Sufi, Arabic, and Swahili influences with Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk, Blues, Maqam, and Afrobeat. Singing in Arabic, English, Urdu, Spanish, Turkish, and Swahili, she treats music as a universal language. Her journey began at 13 on The Voice Middle East. As the lead of Dijlah, an all-women band, Tara amplifies women’s rights through sound. Her performances connect past and future, East and West, with resilience and purpose.
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Ammoye
Ammoye is an 8‑time Juno‑nominated artist known for her vibrant blend of reggae fusion, soul, jazz, dub, and R&B. Originally from Clarendon, Jamaica and now based in Toronto, she draws inspiration from icons like Bob Marley, Sade, and Grace Jones. She has shared stages with major artists including Michael Bublé, Sean Paul, Ziggy Marley, and Wyclef Jean, and has performed at international festivals such as CoMa Fest (Brazil), Exit Festival (Serbia), and Afrofest (South Africa). Following her U.S. debut tour and her Lincoln Center performance, Ammoye prepares to release her new album The Shift and its companion Book of Affirmations in 2026.
Opening Night After Party
Body Talk
10:30pm - 2am
Afterlight (City At Night Club, Entrance by 129 Bank St)
featuring Queenyy, No Entropy B2b Fembotttt
FREE entrance
BODYTALK is a queer-inclusive night featuring handpicked artists from our community and beyond, powered by Skank. At its core, BodyTalk is a safe and welcoming space for queer, trans, and non-binary folks—and everyone in between—to build community, discover new music, and truly let go.
No cover—just pure vibes and community energy.
4:00 pm | Lantern Room
National Arts Centre
Opening Networking Mixer at Lantern Room - National Arts Centre - until 6pm
Music by DJ Del Pilar - Emcee Janice Jo Lee / Folk Alliance International + Opening remarks by organizers.
Co-presented by Folk Canada & Women in Music Ottawa
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DJ Queenyy
Arts Court
2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
Daytime Events are Free with RSVP
Doors open at 9am
9:15am - 10am @ATELIER - Yoga by Yanira Heredia, a movement facilitator, yoga teacher, and breathwork guide with over 20 years of experience supporting mind-body awareness in Spain and Canada. Her practice blends yoga, somatic exploration, and meditation to help participants slow down, reconnect with their inner wisdom, and navigate life with greater clarity and ease.
Yanira Heredia
9:30am - 12:30pm - @Courtroom - Lead with intuition. Plan with purpose. Career Development Session with Natalie Bernardin
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Natalie Bernardin
Natalie Bernardin is a prominent leader in the Franco-Canadian music industry with over 25 years of experience in programming, artist development, and cultural strategy. She began as Programming Director of Festival du Voyageur and later led APCM as Executive Director, driving a decade of growth. She founded Amixie Solutions Inc. in 2020, supporting independent artists through booking, management, and consulting. Natalie also fosters cultural exchange between Canada and West Africa and currently serves as Director of Operations at the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition, continuing to strengthen the Francophone music ecosystem.
10:30am - 12pm - @Studio + Theatre - Artist Pitching Brunch — An updated version of B2B speed meetings, held in the Theatre with networking in the Studio, with a brief introduction to EIMIM quinta edición del Encuentro Iberoamericano de Mujeres en la Industria Musical by international delegate Sonia Aviles.
Hosted by Treasa Levasseur and Mitra Shreeram
Luisa M. González
Marylin Gilbert Management
Winnie Bower
Samara Sound
Danielle Lefebvre
Danielle Lefebvre Artist Agency
Nicole Rochefort
AIM Booking
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Ewelina Ferenc
Sweet Beets Music
Genny DeMerchant
DeMerchant Agency
Carolina G'ala
Chia Productions
Sonia Aviles
12:00 pm: Meet the Axé Team
12:30 - 01:15 pm: Icebreaker Lunch + Mystery Guest Interview by Luisa Piñeros
1:30pm - 2:45 pm: Breaking Into South America: Brazil & Colombia
This session brings together cultural leaders from Colombia, Brazil, Canada, and the US to explore pathways into South American music markets. Panelists will share insights on booking, networking, touring, and building strong international partnerships, while highlighting key opportunities for collaboration across regions.
Moderator: Priscila Santana – Programming Manager, SummerStage Festival (USA)
Speakers:
Luisa Piñeros – Journalist/Programmer, Somos Música Buró (Colombia)
María Garcés – Somos Música / Loa Productora (Colombia)
Tina Wroblewski – Export Development & Outreach Program Coordinator, Folk Canada
Priscilla D’Agostini – Cultural Manager, Sesc Palladium (Brazil)
Natália Lebeis – SIM São Paulo / Palatável Records (Brazil)
Luisa Piñeros
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María Garcés
Tina Wroblewski
Priscila Santana
Priscilla D'Agostini
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Natália Lebeis
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM - Building Inclusive Music Ecosystems: Programming, Power & Representation (Europe, Canada & USA)
How can programming actively shape a more equitable music industry? This panel brings together leading curators and cultural leaders to explore how festivals, institutions, and presenters are rethinking their roles in advancing inclusion and representation.
Moderator: Robyn Stewart – Women in Music Canada
Panelists
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Miriam Brenner - Artistic Director (Kokako Music & Music Meeting festival), The Netherlands
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Raphaëlle Spencer – Cultural Attaché, Embassy of France in Ottawa
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Priscila Santana – Programming Manager, SummerStage Festival (USA)
Robyn Stuart
Miriam Brenner
Raphaëlle Spencer
Priscila Santana
May 1st 2026 | Fourth Stage / NAC
Doors 6:30 pm | Shows 7 pm
Samantha Christ François
Samantha Christ François, a Haitian singer, began her musical journey at age 7 in her church, where her passion for music first took shape. She performs with ease in Creole, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Swahili. Her versatile voice moves effortlessly through gospel, R&B, Latin rhythms, and jazz, showcasing a remarkable ability to blend styles. In 2020, she relocated to Ottawa, Canada, where she found new artistic opportunities. Since then, she has collaborated with numerous musicians and has become a valued presence in the local music scene, enriching it with her cultural heritage, talent, and vibrant artistic energy.
Siibii
Siibii is a Montreal-based queer, trans non-binary, Indigenous songwriter creating emotionally charged, genre-fluid pop rooted in identity, ancestry, and self-acceptance. Named after the Cree word for “river,” Siibii channels ever-flowing intention and imagination into electronic grooves and luminous vocals. Their self-titled debut EP Siibii (2025) earned widespread acclaim, CBC Music Top 100 placement, and three sold-out release shows in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. With over three million streams and breakout track “YOY,” Siibii is quickly emerging as one of Canada’s most compelling new voices.
Kazdoura
Founded by Syrian singer Leen Hamo and Lebanese jazz musician John Abou Chacra,
Rooted in Levantine Arabic music and fueled by genre-bending experimentation, Kazdoura is a vibrant fusion of Arabic Maqams, middle eastern groovy rhythms, psychedelia, and soulful jazz saxophone, creating a fresh and electrifying take on Arabic classics and original compositions.
Mireya Ramos
Latin Grammy winning, multiple Latin Grammy and Grammy nominee vocalist, musician, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache– NY’s only all women mariachi. Mireya embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City. She is currently promoting her debut solo album self titled “Mireya” which include collaborations with Flor de Toloache, Gaby Moreno, Haydée Milanés, Camilo Lara, Adrian Quesada, Velcro and the legendary Mike Garson.
Little Favela Studio Speakeasy Party
11 pm - 23h
Hosted by Misha Artebyakin
Co-Presented by:
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Natália Lebeis
Natália Lebeis is a singer, visual artist, and cultural producer focused on the independent music scene. She began her career in 2009 in Rio de Janeiro’s theatre scene, later expanding into a multidisciplinary practice that includes writing, collage, video, and music. Since 2014, she has produced a wide range of artistic projects and festivals, including C6 Fest, Novas Frequências, SIM São Paulo, and Music Forward. In 2020, she began developing her first original album in collaboration with Jonas Sá and Thiago Nassif. Her work bridges artistic creation and cultural production, connecting emerging voices within Brazil’s contemporary music landscape.
La Niña Kiwi
La Niña Kiwi is a Nicaraguan DJ based in Montreal. Her sound blends classic and emerging urban Latin beats with carefully curated hidden gems, creating a rich, genre-defying musical palette.
Arts Court
2 Daly Avenue, Ottawa
Daytime Events are Free with RSVP
9:15 - 10:05 am @Atelier - BUILT TO FLY with Kellylee Evans - hosted by Fateema Sayani, Axe's volunteer Director of Outreach & Communications
Kellylee speaks about her journey to recovery and sharing her inspiring message of self-care and finding one’s own super powers.
10:30 - 12:00 pm - @Studio - Meet the Funders & Grant Writing Round Table – Insights from Public Funding Officers that support Canadian artists and arts organizations.
Moderator: Treasa Levasseur
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Alka Sharma - Senior Program Advisor / Ontario Region – Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program - Canadian Heritage
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Michelle Holtzkener - Program Consultant at the Ontario Music Office - Ontario Creates
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Noora Sagarwala - Program Manager, Arts Across Canada & Abroad Canada Council for the Arts
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Adrija Kličius - Cultural Funding Officer, City of Ottawa
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Ketaki Rajwade - Ontario Arts Council
Meet your speaker
Kellylee Evans is an internationally acclaimed, Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter known for her powerful, genre-blending performances. With six albums and a global touring career, she has captivated audiences worldwide. After surviving a life-altering lightning strike in 2013 and a concussion in 2015, she stepped away from touring to focus on recovery. Today, alongside performing, Kellylee shares her inspiring journey through speaking engagements, encouraging resilience, self-care, and personal empowerment. Her story resonates deeply with anyone who has faced setbacks, making her both a compelling artist and a powerful voice for healing and transformation.
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Kellylee Evans
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Alka Sharma
Michelle Holtzkener
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Noora Sagarwala
Adrija Kličius
Ketaki Rajwade
VENUE CHANGE
Fourth Stage, National Arts Centre
1 Elgin Street, Ottawa
1:00 - 1:55 pm - Changing a Culture: Building a Future with Fair Wages and Paid Performances for Artists in Canada
Moderator: Heather Gibson - Executive Producer, Popular Music & Variety Programming NAC
This panel will explore how systemic issues have contributed to a culture where artists are often expected to perform for free or for “exposure.” The conversation will focus on strategies for shifting these norms, establishing sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that ensure fair compensation for artists.
Panelists:
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iskwē - JUNO-Winning Artist & Founder, Littlebit Records
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Allison Outhit - All Out Arts Management
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Shauna de Cartier - President, Six Shooter Records
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Tracy Jenkins - Co-Artistic Director, Lula Music & Arts Centre
Heather Gibson
iskwē
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Allison Outhit
Shauna de Cartier
Tracy Jenkins
2:00 - 2:55 pm - Global Network for Women and Non-Binary Music Producers. Fireside Chat with Juno Award Winning Producer, Hill Kourkoutis & Heather Gibson - Executive Producer of Popular Music & Variety at the National Arts Centre - followed by listening session with songs by artists and producers Yolande Laroche and Ok Naledi.
Hill Korkoutis
Heather Gibson
3:00 - 5:30 pm - Networking guided tour to the Canadian Museum of History - Bus leaving from the NAC 1 Elgin st at 3:10pm
May 2nd 2026 | Azrieli Studio / NAC
Doors 7 pm | Shows 7:30 pm
Meet your EMCEE
Sarah Onyango is the community producer and host of the monthly African cultural program Fontonfrom on Rogers Television Channel 22 in Ottawa, as well as co-host of the shows Ici l'Afrique, Afrika Revisited and Black on Black on CHUO 89.1FM, the University of Ottawa's community radio station. A long-time advocate for Black history, culture and causes, she has served on the Board of Directors of Black History Ottawa since 2002 and is a volunteer presenter for the United Way of Eastern Ontario's Community Builder Awards program as well as co-chair of Welcome Week in Ottawa.
Sarah Onyango
Amanda Fox
Amanda Fox is Ojibwe and a proud member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, currently based in Ottawa. A lifelong powwow dancer with over 30 years of experience, she is a cultural advocate who shares Indigenous stories and traditions through dance, beadwork, sewing, and movement. Amanda created Pow Wow Workout, an innovative fitness experience blending pow wow dance, storytelling, and Zumba to promote holistic wellness and cultural learning. Through workshops, classes, and community outreach across Canada, Amanda inspires participants to connect with culture, move with intention, and embrace balanced, healthy lives.
Empress Nyiringango
Empress Nyiringango is a Rwandan/Canadian multilingual singer-songwriter blending Rwandan traditional music with contemporary influences. Creator of the JABLUR sound, she fuses jazz, blues, and ancestral rhythms while spotlighting the inanga, a sacred Rwandan zither. Through powerful chants, she shares messages of hope, healing, resilience, and love. Her album UBUNTU was nominated for Global Roots Album of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards, and her music appears in the award-winning film It Comes in Waves. She is currently preparing a new album for Fall 2026.
The Pairs
This internationally touring band of celebrated songwriters greets every stage with a genuine, quirky presence and unbottled chemistry. Their sibling harmonies and familial banter quickly connect them to their audience. Whether The Pairs are playing an intimate house concert or a sold-out show at a Performing Arts Centre, these classically trained vocalists make it their mission to employ three-part harmony and honest storytelling as the mighty tools that soften and connect us. The Pairs will release their fourth studio album in Fall 2025. This album encapsulates the authentic, minimalistic, and acoustic style performances the trio has become known for.
Rachel Therrien
A highly active musician and creator, Rachel Therrien released Mi Hogar II with her Latin Jazz Project, on March 7 2025 with Lulaworld Records.
Trumpeter, composer and producer, Rachel Therrien has built a reputation as an internationally acclaimed artist, standing out for her versatility and unique instinct for musical innovation. Nominated at ADISQ with the albums Mi Hogar and VENA, at the JUNOs with her fifth album VENA (four stars from Downbeat), and at the GRAMMYs with Virtual Birdland by the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra.
TIMEKODE CLOSING PARTY
May 2nd 2026 | D’Afrique Bar
349 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON | 11pm - 23h
Hosting DJs Trevor Walker & Memetic w/ MC Alea De Castro. Featuring DJs Seiiizi & Karyen
TIMEKODE is an Ottawa/Gatineau DJ crew and event series celebrating funky, soulful, and forward-thinking music since 2005. Emerging from the DIY club scene, it’s become a staple of the region’s nightlife, known for diverse global sounds and innovative dance floors. Blending hip-hop, house, bass, soul, funk, disco, and reggae, TIMEKODE creates vibrant, inclusive experiences. After a pandemic pause, it returned in 2022 with renewed energy, continuing to inspire the local dance community.
MC Alea de Castro
DJ Seiizii
DJ Karyen
Free with Conference Pass
