Event Recap: Ladies Leadership Lunch & Learn by Top Women Network

The Ladies Leadership Lunch & Learn by the Top Women Network brought together a room full of women in Kelowna for an afternoon centred on leadership, purpose, mentorship, and meaningful connection.

Hosted by Sherrone Blake Lobban, the event felt intentionally different from the usual networking gatherings. From the start, the focus wasn’t just on introductions or visibility, but on creating space for honest conversations, reflection, and growth. Sherrone, a former UN diplomat and global strategist, opened the afternoon by speaking about purpose-driven leadership and the importance of building a life that aligns with who you are called to be. Her message set the tone for the rest of the event.

The program included guided reflection activities, mindfulness moments, and prompted table discussions that encouraged guests to connect beyond surface level. Throughout the afternoon, women shared experiences around leadership, career growth, faith, transitions, and the realities of navigating ambition while remaining aligned with purpose.

The lunch and networking portion of the event became one of the most impactful parts of the afternoon as conversations flowed naturally across tables as women connected over shared experiences, lessons, and aspirations. Soft live music in the background added to the atmosphere, while guests enjoyed non-alcoholic wine provided by SØMM.

The workshop session led by Heidi McLaughlin focused on purpose, calling, resilience, and the importance of mentorship. Heidi spoke candidly about the value of finding mentors who genuinely align with your values, vision, and season of life — people who can not only encourage growth, but challenge you to fully step into your calling. Drawing from personal experience and biblical principles, she encouraged attendees to embrace their full potential and remain intentional about the voices they allow to shape their journey.

Throughout the afternoon, mentorship showed up both formally and informally — through the workshop itself, through conversations at the tables, and through women openly sharing wisdom and encouragement with one another. Guests also had the opportunity to win gifts throughout the event, adding moments of excitement and celebration to the afternoon.

The event was supported by several local sponsors and community partners including Alta West Capital, Aristocrat Creations, MARKIBLAK Group Inc., Okanagan Echo, OKGN Lifestyle, and the Haughton Family.

The event reflected the broader vision behind the Top Women Network, a platform created to equip and connect women through leadership development, mentorship, community, and purpose-driven growth. The network aims to create spaces where women can access the tools, conversations, and relationships needed to thrive both personally and professionally.

To learn more about the Top Women Network, visit: