aspiHer is an innovative social and professional space in Calgary designed by women, for women. Women are invited to the club to connect and experience the myriad of offerings curated to support their aspiring career and personal goals.
The club offers events and services which are targeted to a range of women's personal and professional needs. The club is home to a diverse community of women showing up to support one another regardless of pursuit.
It’s about women investing in women. More and more women are looking for convenience, connection, and community.
Engagement that fits seamlessly into the flow of their day-to-day work and home lives. AspiHer is a model that intersects both these important areas. The Women' club is designed by women, for women. And we need women like you to make it happen.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council recognized Desirée as a transformational leader naming her “Champion of Sustainable Development” and honouring her with the ‘Enabler of Vision’ award at the 2017 UN Summit in New York for her work to educate women and girls in underserved communities. The UN Global Compact awarded her one of Canada’s SDG Pioneers for 2022. Desirée was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023 for her community service to Albertans and Canadians.
Awarded RBC’s Women’s Entrepreneur for 2020, Ernst & Young 2019 Entrepreneur of the year for the Prairies in Communication Technology, she is a bold innovator, futurist, and purpose driven leader. Her portfolio includes business strategy, social enterprise, and culture building. Desirée was inducted into the WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women Hall of fame in 2022 after being recognized for the 4th time. She is an active member of several organizations including YPO and International Women’s Forum and has chaired several industry boards and focus groups. She is a past director of the National Music Centre, is a past Chair of YPO Alberta Chapter, a past Chair of YPO Canada Region, Past Chair for the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and Past Chair with CAMX, the Canadian Call Management Association. She is the Chair of the YPO Sustainable Business Network, a cohort for Singularity University and a Harvard University Alumni for the Advanced Leadership Initiative. Desiree was appointed to the UN Global Compact Network Canada Board January 2024. She is involved in mentorship programs in her community and through Women’s Executive Network. Desirée is a CIAC Certified Strategic Leader and earned both an Executive MBA through Queen’s Smith School of Business and her Certificate of Social Impact from Queens University. She is the recipient of the 30% Club Scholarship for Queens.
During her tenure as CEO of SureCall, Desirée pivoted her company for social good and through the "GoodCall" program established SureCall as a "purpose driven" organization. SureCall became a Certified B Corp in April of 2019 and was named a ‘Best For the World’ Honouree in 2019, 2021, & 2022 rounding out Desirée's vision of utilizing business as a Force for Good.
Milena is President and Chief Visionary of Nexus Exhibits, Western Canada's one-stop shop for complete turnkey visual branding services. Nexus Exhibits works with clients to strategically grow their business through bold design and delivering state-of-the-art trade show exhibits, displays, experiential environments, events, and workspace branding services.
Aside from being an accomplished entrepreneur, Milena has over 25 years of experience as a transformational branding, marketing and business strategist who has worked with internationally recognized marque clients such as Westjet and Enmax. After graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business and completing her MBA from Nova Southeastern University, Milena has dedicated herself to being a lifelong learner. She recently finished her ICD.D designation.
An active Calgary member of Entrepreneur Organization, Milena travels worldwide mentoring and sharing her experience with other entrepreneurs. Milena has been a keynote speaker at the 2019 SAP Biz One conference and has spoken at various industry organizations. Furthermore, Milena's endless commitment to elevating the next generation of women leaders has been recognized by: President’s Volunteer Champion Award by the Women in Leadership Foundation (2016), University of Calgary's WRC Distinction Alumna Award for outstanding leadership and community improvement work. Business Leader in Calgary Award for exceptional community leadership (2018), appointed Canada Ambassador to (WEDO) Women Entrepreneurship Day Organization, which is celebrated at the United Nations (2019). As well as, Calgary Influential Women in Business award for professional accomplishments and community work (2020). Milena was recently recognized as WXN's Top 100 Most Powerful Women for Community Impact (2022) and in 2023 she earned the Celebration of Achievement Award presented by the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs.
Milena's mission is to alleviate poverty by educating, empowering, supporting and celebrating women. As a first-generation immigrant who left everything behind to start a new life in Canada, she has a strong drive to help girls and young women trying to make a better life for themselves.
Community Building:
aspiHer is committed to giving back to our community. We will do this by supporting local enterprise in our supplier choices. By engaging with local women’s charities. By developing a scholarship program so that more women can access the Club’s spaces and our community. Our founding members will be key in building a robust give-back strategy, defining how we get our membership involved, and ensuring we keep a healthy blend of ‘fun’ programming, and community- based events and volunteer opportunities.
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© 2024 Asipher | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
By subscribing to our mailing list, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions, along with our Privacy Policy.
© 2024 Asipher | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions