Lovell Corporation teams with Toyota Tsusho and influential women leaders for inaugural BridgingTheGap to Her Forum to invest in young women in innovation

WATERLOO, ON, Oct. 10, 2018 /CNW/ - In advance of International Day of the Girl on Oct 11, Lovell Corporation, in collaboration with Toyota Tsusho, is hosting its inaugural BridgingTheGap™ to Her Forum today on Oct 10, 2018, to invest in developing the next generation of young women in business and innovation.

In an intimate setting 100+ emerging leaders and female founders from across Ontario will be introduced to frontier technologies and innovation, and ask career advice from prominent women leaders in high levels of leadership. Programming includes:

• Receiving a greeting from Hon. Maryam Monsef, Minister of the Status of Women,
• Participating in small group mentor chats with Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, lieutenant governor of Ontario, and
• Meeting with high-level leadership panel speakers including Honourable Bardish Chagger, Government House Leader of Canada, Millie Marshall, the first female president globally for Toyota Manufacturing and current president of Toyota Manufacturing Indiana, the national board president of Lean In Canada, Co-CEO of Women of Influence, the presidents of University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, women Marketing Hall of Fame winners and many more. 

The full programming agenda and speaker line-up can be viewed at http://btgtoher.com

"Often the only young woman at the table, I have participated in many high-level dialogues on women's economic empowerment for the United Nations, G20, W20 and G7," explains Kelly Lovell, president of Lovell Corporation. "We focus on the longstanding gender issues in the workplace, but rarely are the perspectives of young talent who are facing these barriers brought to the forefront and represented. I'm excited to change this today with BridgingTheGap to Her."

Notable Supporters
Creating pathways for inclusive innovation, BridgingTheGap to Her continues to garner support from leaders at the forefront of STEM innovation, women's economic empowerment and education, including #MoveTheDial, SHEeo, GroYourBiz, AshokaU, Canada Learning Code, Let's Talk Science, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, local mayors and Ontario regional innovation centres.

10 Female Founders Pitch Finalists
Ten of the young female founders attending the forum have also been selected as finalists to participate in a pitch challenge, sponsored by Toyota Tsusho, for a chance to win a $3,500 cash prize to scale up their venture.

"Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. is committed to having diverse and inclusive leadership," Akihiro Sago, president, Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI). "This commitment is not only the right thing to do, but it also makes business sense to fully develop all of our most precious resources to become a stronger and more successful company. "As we seek to establish a Women's Leadership Connection program in Canada, TAI, along with Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc, is very proud to join with Lovell Corporation to launch the inaugural BridgingTheGap to Her Forum, and continue our efforts to build a strong, diverse and inclusive leadership team."

"Toyota Tsusho Canada, Inc. (TTCI) is proud to sponsor the BridgingTheGap to Her Forum with Lovell Corporation," said president Hidetoshi Tada. "We recognize that a creative and innovative workforce with a diverse and inclusive leadership team is essential to deal with the ever-changing and challenging business climate. The speakers at this event are a powerful example of the impact of women in leadership in Ontario and across Canada."

"It's hard enough for an experienced woman in business to gain support and lead innovation; for a young woman without years of career experience, accumulated income savings or an established support network, it is even tougher to start and scale a business," Kelly Lovell, who started her first business at 19, adds. "I created BridgingTheGap Forums to fill the opportunity gaps in innovation, the first of which is connecting young women leaders with the influential executive mentors and brand investors to help them be successful. It is wonderful to have the support of Toyota Tsusho, who not only sees the importance of bringing visibility to this opportunity gap but wants to take action to bridge it."

For More Information
Follow the developing conversations on Facebook /btgforums, Twitter @BTGforums, and Instagram @BTGforums. The official hashtag is #BTGtoHer.
Watch the highlights from the BridgingTheGap™ to Her Forum live stream.

This is the first event in a global series—learn where BTG Forums is going next or host a forum in your community.

About Toyota Tsusho
Toyota Tsusho is a member of the Toyota Group and the sole general trading company with a goal to promote and invest in the development of new business from a global perspective. Toyota Tsusho has a worldwide presence through its many subsidiaries and operating divisions, including over 150 offices, and 900 subsidiaries and affiliates around the world. TAI has been operating in North America since 1960 with TAI's six operating divisions (Metals; Global Parts; Logistics; Automotive; Machinery, Energy; Project; Chemical; Electronics; Food; Consumer Services) pursue a broad mix of business opportunities related to both industrial and consumer products and services.

About BridgingTheGap™ Forums
BridgingTheGap™ Forums (https://btgforums.com) are invite-only events that connect high-profile decision makers—from business, community and government sectors—with emerging young talent to build their careers and solve social and economic challenges. Founded by Lovell Corporation, BridgingTheGap Forums create branded event activations surrounding three pillars: recruiting young talent, fostering inclusive innovation and investing in sustainable solutions.

About Lovell Corporation
Lovell Corporation (https://lovellcorporation.com) is an award-winning global youth consultancy and innovation firm that provides digital strategy, training and market research insights for organizations to adapt to the changing workforce and foster inclusive innovation. With international networks that reach young innovators in 100 countries, Lovell Corporation's BridgingTheGap™ brand portfolio creates pathways for industry leaders to connect, engage and tap into the talent of Millennials and Generation Z.

Frequently enlisted to consult with world leaders and policymakers, Lovell's work has been recognized by the president of the United Nations' General Assembly, the Queen of England, former heads of state and representatives of the G7, G20 and the High–Level Political Forum.

SOURCE Lovell Corporation

Annie Haller, [email protected], 519-997-2739 ext. 2