The Power of The Pitch® positions storytelling, business evidence and trust as the core pillars of leadership strategies that support growth for women-led ventures.
In today’s trust economy, storytelling is not decoration. It is a strategic leadership advantage that helps founders built trust, create conncection and gives people confidence to act.”— Adrianne Fekete, Founder & CEO | I Am Unbreakable® Global MediaTORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — TORONTO, Ontario, September 23, 2026: A group of ten women entrepreneurs has advanced as semifinalists for The Power of The Pitch®, a national visibility program launched by I Am Unbreakable® Global Media to give women-led ventures exposure to media, mentors, strategic partners and capital opportunities.
On October 26, 2026, these founders will step onto the stage at The Quay in Toronto to present both their businesses and the stories behind them to leaders across entrepreneurship, finance, investment, governance and business growth. In addition, two entrepreneurs have been chosen for the Spotlight Series: Rockstar Founders to Watch, which is being presented alongside Guardian Women™.
The Power of The Pitch® is presented by I Am Unbreakable® Global Media with The Scotiabank Women Initiative® as a partner.
Storytelling Is Becoming A Leadership Advantage
Amid an overloaded information landscape and rising skepticism, the leaders who gain ground are often those who can communicate not just what they are building, but why it matters. For Adrianne Fekete, Founder and CEO of I Am Unbreakable® Global Media, a founder’s story is not merely a presentation technique — it is a leadership tool.
“A strong pitch does more than explain a business. It reveals how a founder thinks, why she acts and whether she can bring customers, employees, partners and investors with her,” says Fekete. “In today’s trust economy, storytelling is not decoration. It is a strategic leadership advantage.”
Fekete assesses each pitch using three criteria: Did the founder’s story move me? Did she establish an authentic connection? Do I fully grasp what she is building and why it matters? Those questions expose the leadership behind the venture. What personal experience made the problem impossible for the founder to ignore? Whose difficulties did she understand well enough to respond? What lessons, changes or obstacles shaped her current leadership style?
“Before someone invests in your company, recommends your work or puts their reputation behind an introduction, they must have confidence in you,” says Fekete. “Your story creates connection. Your evidence builds credibility. Your clarity gives people the confidence to act.” That confidence has ripple effects. A journalist remembers the narrative. A customer promotes the business. A strategic partner offers an introduction. An investor seeks another meeting. Story generates connection. Connection leads to trust. Trust inspires action.
The Business Case Must Be As Strong As The Story
Semifinalists are required to combine emotional engagement with commercial substance. Every pitch must show a genuine customer need, proof of demand, a sustainable revenue model and a specific growth plan.
Judges will evaluate how founders understand their markets, make decisions and turn ambition into tangible results. The live event will feature five-minute pitches, judge Q&A and strategic dialogues aimed at helping standout companies become better known, remembered and introduced to people who can accelerate their next stage.
Introducing The Top 10 Semifinalists
Domenique Mastronardi | Beck’s Broth
Miki Talebi | oomé
Dani Kagan | Mave & Chez
Mackensey Bacon | NodeAI
Urnaa Yondon | YGEOSCIENCE
Sabine MacDonald | Somanai Energy Lounge
Latchmi Raghunanan | Maman Biomedical
Hannah Choi | Spotlite
Mary Forhan | Bariatric Technologies
Yulia Druzhnikova | PioneerIP
These founders are competing to reach The Power of The Pitch® finals, scheduled for The Power of I Am® Summit on February 22, 2027.
Spotlight Series: Rockstar Founders To Watch. With Guardian Women™ as partner, the Spotlight Series will feature:
Kathy Vurinaris | Sleaks
Afshan Ahmad | NeuraVue
The Judging Panel
The judges are Sarah Jordan, Michele Romanow, Moriah Linton, Micha Choi, Chantal McNeily and Dejana Du. Their combined expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, investment, governance and growth will be applied to assess the strategy, evidence and leadership behind each business. Dr. Deborah Rosati will be the MC, with Chris McMartin serving as co-host.
A Platform Built Beyond The Competition
The Power of The Pitch® operates within the wider I Am Unbreakable® Global Media ecosystem, employing its magazine, podcast, live experiences and community to generate visibility and openings for women. It exists for more than selecting a winner — it helps founders develop trusted connections and gain access to media, mentors, strategic networks and possible funding avenues. I Am Unbreakable® Global Media also honors the Top 20 founders and each entrepreneur who applied or was nominated.
“To every founder who applied or was nominated and trusted us with her story, our relationship does not end with this selection,” says Fekete. “Through The Power of The Pitch® and the I Am Unbreakable® Global Media ecosystem, we will continue to support these women, advance their visibility and create meaningful introductions that can open doors to media, mentorship, strategic partnerships and new opportunities for growth.”
This announcement furthers the organization’s goal of empowering one billion women to be seen, amplified and funded.
Event Information
The Power of The Pitch®
October 26, 2026
The Quay, Toronto
Main program: 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Celebration and networking: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
About I Am Unbreakable® Global Media
Established by entrepreneur, bestselling author and speaker Adrianne Fekete, I Am Unbreakable® Global Media is a worldwide media and leadership ecosystem that links storytelling with visibility, influence and opportunity. Via its magazine, podcast, live experiences and Front-Row Sister® Community, the organization offers stages, relationships and strategic routes that help women progress in their careers, expand their companies and create durable impact.
Anchored in connection, collaboration and community, its mission is to empower one billion women to be seen, amplified and funded.
Adrianne Fekete
I Am Unbreakable® Global Media
+1 416-884-5100
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