International Women's Day

Jessica Hastings-Lesperance is an inspiring entrepreneur, real estate investor, coach, speaker, and 3-time Amazon #1 best-selling author. She is the co-owner, Marketing Visionary, Director of Operations, and REALTOR® at The Terri Hastings Real Estate Group / Keller Williams Realty Centres. She hosts The Million Dollar REALTOR® podcast and has been featured across major media platforms, including real estate TV talk shows, podcasts, the NYC Journal, and numerous industry magazines. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors by Impact Magazine and named Fitness Instructor of the Year by CanFitPro. Jessica is also the founder of the Community Needs Network, which has facilitated over $118,000 in in-kind donations to families and organizations across Grey and Bruce Counties. At the heart of everything she builds is a commitment to leading by example for her three children, who volunteer alongside her weekly, proving that leadership, service, and success are values meant to be lived and passed on.

Maegan Cookson is an entrepreneur and culinary professional with more than 30 years of experience in the food service industry. With 10 years spent cooking professionally and 5 years as the owner of Boon Bakery, she brings a rare blend of culinary artistry and business leadership to everything she builds. Her experience spans both front- and back-of-house operations, giving her a deep understanding of team leadership, operations, and the systems required to run successful food-based businesses. Before founding Boon Bakery, Maegan held management roles in the silviculture industry as a Quality Assessor and Head Cook, where she led teams and upheld rigorous quality and compliance standards across large scale operations. Maegan holds a degree from Trent University in Environmental and Resource Studies and a Certificate in Sustainable Building Design and Construction from Fleming College, reflecting her commitment to thoughtful growth and sustainable business practices. Today, as the founder of Boon Bakery – a woman-owned, artisanal gluten- and dairy-free bakery – she leads with a “no compromise” philosophy, creating exceptional food while building inclusive, purpose-driven workplaces.