Believe in yourself:
Alumni leaders share lessons at StFX Women in Business Conference
Amy Flemming ’02, the first female CEO of Mazda Canada, returned to campus this March alongside fellow alumna Awele Oye-Onwuka ’24, whose career in recruitment has kept her closely connected to student development at StFX.
Joining them was Dr. Trudy Eagan ’65, ’99 (Hon.), former Executive Vice President & CAO at Sun Media Corporation, who was honoured with this year’s Impact Award. Together, they offered current StFX students a view of what leadership can look like in practice. All three were part of the 11th annual Women in Business Conference, the largest student-led women in business conference in Atlantic Canada, hosted by the Schwartz Women in Business Society on March 6–7. Their presence anchored a weekend focused on growth, resilience, and the evolving paths women take in business. Ms. Flemming, an Antigonish, NS native and a featured speaker who has spent decades in the automotive industry, now leads Mazda Canada at the highest level. She said stepping into a senior leadership role carries both responsibility and opportunity.
Alumni Leaders Panel members pictured above l-r, Awele Oye-Onwuka ’24, Amy Flemming ’02, Dr. Trudy Eagan ’65 ’99 (HON), Women in Business Society member Eve Carreau '26 and Laura Bruneau ’88
“I'm grateful for the education and community that StFX provided me... the experience, values and relationships I took away have shaped who I am as a leader.”
AMY FLEMMING ’02
“I’m proud to have earned this opportunity. It’s not something I think about day to day as I’m focused on leading our organization,” she said. “However, if seeing a female leader in this seat helps someone else picture themselves here someday, that matters. I mentor women across the automotive industry, and I hope that by sharing my experiences and lessons learned, I can help others step into leadership roles in the future.” For Ms. Flemming, returning to campus was both meaningful and energizing, as well as an opportunity to reflect on women in leadership. “I’m grateful for the education and community that StFX provided me,” she said. “The experience, values, and relationships I took away have shaped who I am as a leader. Attending the WIB conference was an opportunity to give back. I connected with students, shared my experiences, and left feeling inspired by the talented and engaged young women I met."
Ms. Oye-Onwuka, a more recent graduate, has built her career in recruitment and continues to work closely with students. She credits her time at StFX with shaping both her confidence and sense of belonging.
“StFX taught me the importance of community and gave me the tools to build my confidence to be the person I am today,” she said. “The people I met here, and my professors empowered me to use my voice, and the community welcomed me with open arms. There are so many resources at StFX. You can feel how deeply people care about you. From applying to jobs to getting advice on life, there is always someone willing to lend a helping hand. I’m grateful for my time here and will always remain connected to the X community.”
She added that this year’s theme, In Full Bloom, resonated on a personal level. “To me, it means being fully present and recognizing that even if things aren’t complete, I am still whole,” she said. “Life is an ongoing journey, and every stage serves a purpose. It’s important to embrace that and find joy in where you are.”
Women in Business Conference co-chairs Sophia Hatfield ’26 and Claire Bradley ’26
Progress and Opportunities
Dr. Eagan, reflecting on her experience, spoke to both the progress she has witnessed and the opportunities ahead for future generations of women leaders.
“Be wide open to what the world has to offer. Believe in yourself and learn to conquer your fears,” she said. “There will be bumps in the road along the way but let them be learning experiences rather than roadblocks.” Being back on campus, she said, reinforced her belief in the potential of women in leadership. “Women can do anything we truly want to do—and it was in evidence everywhere,” she said. “In the students, who were so impressive with their knowledge, confidence, and awareness of what they’re facing as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives; in everyone involved in organizing the conference; and in the alumni and guest speakers who have accomplished so much.”
"There will be bumps in the road along the way but let them be learning experiences rather than roadblocks."
Reflecting on receiving the award, Dr. Eagan said the experience was deeply meaningful. “In a room in full bloom with wisdom and hope, to be chosen for my impact was truly humbling. I gained much more than I contributed,” she said. “I will cherish my weekend and am truly grateful to have been chosen to receive the Impact Award.”
11-year Tradition of Powerful Connections
More than 130 students and 50 alumni attended the conference, organized by Gerald Schwartz School of Business students Claire Bradley ’26 and Sophia Hatfield ’26. The conference continues an 11-year tradition of connecting students with alumni who bring real-world insight and inspiration back to campus. “The conference is always planned around International Women’s Day as a way to celebrate the successes of women and to remind everyone how powerful it can be when people come together to uplift one another and strengthen the community we’ve built,” Ms. Bradley said. The conference welcomed students from all faculties, while alumni returned as delegates, mentors, and speakers, playing a key role in shaping the experience beyond the classroom. Ms. Bradley noted their presence offered perspective, encouragement, and real-world insight, reinforcing that leadership development at StFX extends well beyond graduation. Ms. Hatfield says for students, these conversations often spark mentorship, career inspiration, and a stronger sense of confidence about what comes next. For alumni, the conference provides an opportunity to reconnect while giving back in a meaningful and personal way. The experience of organizing the conference was both rewarding and transformative, Ms. Hatfield noted. “It feels surreal that months of planning have finally paid off,” she said. “After countless meetings and conversations with everyone involved, it’s hard to believe it’s already over. The entire process was a huge learning experience for both of us.” She added that the connections formed throughout the weekend brought the theme to life.
A group photo of this year's WIB participants.
“The weekend brought together students, industry professionals, alumni, and members of the community. Seeing those conversations and connections unfold truly reflected what it means to be In Full Bloom.”
Sophia Hatfield ’26
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