Agents of Change, Voices of Power: the 16th Biennial Women’s Network Convention
Montreal – May 27, 2026 – Hundreds of UFCW activists gathered last week for the 16th Biennial Women’s Network Convention, held in Montreal from May 19 to 21. The theme of convention was “Agents of Change, Voices of Power.”
Over the course of the three-day convention, delegates heard keynotes speeches, member panels and participated in workshops on mentorship, public speaking, bystander intervention and more. The pre-convention workshop was on Identifying Leaders & Developing Union Change Makers. All workshops were co-facilitated with a UFCW Canada staff/officer.
Keynote speakers included Bea Bruske, the recently re-elected President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Magali Picard, President of FTQ, and Alejandra Zaga Mendez, Québec solidaire MNA. UFCW Canada leaders such as Kelly Tosato, President of Local 175 & 633, and Rosannie Filato of UFCW Local 500 gave addresses on women and leadership.
Member panels were held on topics such as mental health, leadership and organizing. Linda Mariani of 401 facilitated the panel discussion mental health with Karen Vaughan of UFCW 175 and Katie Slaten of UFCW 1625, while 1006A’s Brandy Branco shared her experiences organizing the Toronto Dufferin Mall H&M location.
The new executive officers for the UFCW Women’s Network were elected: Deliana Speights is returning as International Network President, Lisa Blackwell-Brown of UFCW Local 1994 is secretary-treasurer, and Laurie Mesa of UFCW Local 5 is Recorder/Historian.
“Every sister here brings stories of courage, advocacy, organizing and solidarity. Some of us became activities because we saw injustices in our workplaces,” said Deliana Speights, International Network President, in her opening remarks. “Some stepped up to support coworkers. Others found their voice through their union movement. But all of us here are connected by one powerful truth. When women come together, we create change.”
“For generations, women were told to be quiet to step back and to follow. But history tells a different story, when women lead, communities become strong, more compassionate, and more innovative,” said UFCW Local 175 & 644 President Kelly Tosato in an address on women and leadership. “Leadership isn’t about becoming like everybody else. It’s about embracing the scripts that have too over been overlooked: empathy, collaboration, resilience, and determination.”
“As a union, we know the fight for a safer and more prosperous society begins in the workplace. We make our workplaces safer when we negotiate anti-harassment language. We make our workplaces fair when we negotiate wage equity, which closes the gender wage gap. And we make our communities more caring when we take action against domestic violence,” said UFCW National President Barry Sawyer in welcoming remarks. “When we have a safer, healthier, and fairer workplace, we all benefit. When women feel safe in the workplace, society is safer. When we eradicate the gender wage gap, society is fairer, and when we support victims of gender-based violence, society is more compassionate.”
Resolutions covered topics such as paid menstrual leave, reproductive rights, menstrual products in the workplace, sexual harassment, childcare, pay equity and gender-based violence safety.
The next Women’s Network conference will be held in 2029.
