Set to Elevate Women Founders Through Visibility and Strategic Storytelling
Women of Rubies Inc. has officially launched the 2026 edition of its Media Pitch Challenge, a global initiative designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the visibility tools, strategic positioning, and storytelling skills necessary to accelerate business growth.
The virtual pitch event, scheduled for February 28, 2026, will bring together emerging women founders from across multiple regions to present their ventures before an esteemed panel of industry leaders. More than a competition, the initiative serves as a structured platform to help women refine their narratives, strengthen their market positioning, and access media opportunities capable of transforming their entrepreneurial trajectory.
Esteemed Judges Panel
The 2026 Media Pitch Challenge features a distinguished panel of judges representing business, finance, branding, and creative industries:
Hosna Kadary, National Market Leader, Zero Barriers to Business, Bank of Montreal
Cynthia Mwangi, Personal Branding & Public Speaking Coach
Sheryl Joseph, Founder, Black Canadian Creators
Expert Coaches Supporting Founders
Ahead of the live pitch event, participants engaged in a structured group coaching experience led by respected industry leaders, including:
Esther Ijewere, Founder, Women of Rubies Inc.
Dr. Oluwanifemi Fagbohun, Founder, Montreal Vendors & Business Growth Strategist
Wendy Nwajiufor, Founder, WinTech Canada | Digital Leader & YouTuber
Through guided coaching sessions, founders refined their 3–5 minute pitches, sharpened their messaging frameworks, and strengthened their delivery with clarity and confidence.
According to Hosna Kadary, a compelling pitch requires both strategic clarity and emotional resonance.
“A powerful pitch combines clarity, confidence, and conviction. It begins with a clearly defined problem and presents a compelling solution grounded in real market understanding. It demonstrates traction, scalability, and impact, while reflecting the founder’s passion and credibility. Most importantly, it ends with a strong call to action that leaves the audience knowing exactly what step to take next. A pitch is not just information; it is storytelling with intention, designed to inspire belief and investment.”
Esther Ijewere, Founder of Women of Rubies Inc., emphasized the broader mission behind the initiative.
“Visibility is not a luxury; it is a growth strategy. We created the Media Pitch Challenge to help women founders move from preparation to execution. When a woman learns how to clearly articulate her value, she unlocks opportunities beyond the pitch stage. This initiative is about access, positioning, and building credible pathways for women to be seen, heard, and invested in.”
$2,500 Media Visibility Package for the Winner
The winner of the 2026 Media Pitch Challenge will receive a $2,500 media visibility package, curated to amplify her brand through strategic storytelling, editorial features, and curated exposure across Women of Rubies’ global platform.
Finalists will pitch live before the judging panel on February 28, with structured Q&A and transparent scoring, culminating in the announcement of the 2026 winner.
About Women of Rubies Inc.
Women of Rubies is a global platform dedicated to celebrating, amplifying, and positioning women leaders and entrepreneurs through media visibility, storytelling, and strategic partnerships. Through its digital platform, live events, and community initiatives, the organization continues to build ecosystems where women’s voices drive measurable impact and influence.