In the heart of Calgary, a movement is growing stronger every day, guided by the unwavering passion of Candida Tocci, president and founder of WomenIN, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting women through advocacy, education, and community support. With her roots firmly planted in the local community and her vision reaching far beyond, Candida's journey is a powerful blend of resilience, purpose, and service.
"I call myself the immigrant-nonimmigrant," she says with a smile that hints at decades of challenges and triumphs. Born in Calgary, Candida moved to Italy before her first birthday and returned at the age of five. "Because my formative years were in Italy, I had to learn the language and adjust. I felt it the most in school—like I was behind everyone else."
Her mother, a quiet force of compassion, played a pivotal role in shaping her path. "My mom was always helping other immigrant women. She knew firsthand how hard it was to find comfort and belonging in a new country. She would always tell me, 'Be kind to women—you never know what they’re going through.' That stuck with me."
That empathy would later become a cornerstone of WomenIN. Candida intimately understands the layers of complexity many women face—not only navigating different cultures but also societal expectations, professional roadblocks, and personal struggles. "I’ve lived those experiences. I’ve felt the sting of not being seen, not being paid my worth, being doubted. I’ve been packaged twice in my career. I’ve heard comments that made me ask, 'Would you say this to a man?' And yet, I’ve also been lifted up by incredible people who saw my potential."
Out of that mosaic of experiences, WomenIN was born. The organization creates inclusive spaces where women support one another, rise together, and rewrite the rules that once limited them.
On May 4, 2025, Candida and her team will host their flagship event, "WomenIN: Awaken the Force Within!" This Star Wars-inspired celebration of empowerment will bring together leaders, visionaries, and change-makers across industries—from tech and health to sports and finance. "It’s more than just an event—it’s a movement," Candida says. "Whether you’re a seasoned warrior or just discovering your power, this is your moment to rise."
The event will feature dynamic panels, a Jedi-themed sponsorship program, and the prestigious WIN Awards, recognizing exceptional women and allies who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.
"We’re not just talking about empowerment—we’re living it, breathing it, sharing it," says Candida. "Every woman has a Force within her. At WomenIN, we simply help her awaken it."
For Candida Tocci, leadership is about courage, vulnerability, and the fierce belief that no woman should walk alone. And in Calgary, that belief is awakening something powerful indeed.