Event Recap: Kelowna’s First International Women’s Day Gala Brought Purpose, Power and Celebration to the City

Kelowna marked International Women’s Day with style and intention on March 7, 2026, as The Boss Network hosted its first annual International Women’s Day Gala — a night that brought together community, celebration and purpose in honour of women’s leadership and impact. Built around the theme Every Path Has Power, the event created space to recognize the journeys, resilience and achievements of women across the region.

From the pink carpet welcome to the final moments of the evening, the gala was designed to feel both elevated and meaningful. Guests were treated to a three-course dinner, keynote moments, a silent auction supporting Karis Support Society, a presentation from the Women in Enterprise team at TD Bank and a featured message from Danielle Scheven that added depth to the night’s program.. The International Women's Day gala is the first annual edition and it was a blend of celebration, storytelling and community impact.

One of the standout moments of the night was the presentation of The Pathmaker Award, a special honour tied to the gala’s 2026 theme. The award was created to recognize a woman whose path reflects courage, resilience and the power to create opportunities for others. This year, the honour was awarded to Dhorea Ramanula, adding a powerful and deeply fitting note to an evening centred on celebrating women who are making a lasting difference in the community. Samantha Wedlund and Pam Radar were welcomed to the stage as honorees and they also shared what being a pathmaker meant to them.

The entertainment lineup brought another memorable layer to the evening. Alongside performances by Peregrine Entertainment and music by DJ Shado, the gala also featured Amanda Bentley, whose live performance of some of Adele's hits was remarkable.

Beyond the elegance of the experience, the gala carried real community weight. The silent auction supported Karis Support Society, tying the night’s celebration to a cause focused on supporting women in Kelowna. That charitable element gave the event added depth and reinforced what made the evening stand out: it was not only about marking International Women’s Day, but about gathering people around impact, recognition and meaningful support.

As a first-of-its-kind event in Kelowna, the gala felt like more than a one-night celebration. It signalled the beginning of what could become a meaningful annual tradition — one that honours women not only for their accomplishments, but for the paths they continue to create for others. With a strong turnout, polished execution and a clear sense of purpose, Ceinwen Garcia, founder of The Boss Network delivered an event that felt both aspirational and community-minded.

The evening was supported by TD, Bodybar, Argus Properties, Eldorado Resort, Collage Beauty, Sandhill Wines, Wax Pencil Imagery, Okanagan Echo, True North View Photography, Wood + Ivy Events, Dr. Tracy Lotze, Okanagan Party Co., Atlas Rose, and SW Event Technology.

Photos by True North View Photography