Please note: This speech was first delivered at the annual Women's in Business event in Sault Ste. Marie, on March 7, 2025.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for allowing me the honour to come in and speak at today’s Women’s in Business event. For those of you who don’t know me, I am Meaghan Kent, the owner of Meaghan Kent Photography. I’m the goofy, eccentric but also very vocal down-the-line-photographer. I’m the one that cuts loose, Footloose at every wedding. I’m sure you’ve seen the videos…

In January, I was humbled to be awarded the Young Athena award. Holding this title isn’t something I take lightly. I have two degrees in History - by trade, I was never meant to be a photographer - so I understand the weight this award holds. There’s a legacy attached to the Athena award of women inspiring others, women championing feminism, women showing courage, leadership, strength and wisdom. Just like so many have done throughout history. 

One of my favourite quotes in history comes from Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” I have been able to be successful in my business because of those who have come before me. Strong women who have shaped the business industry, and others who have given me rights and privileges that we most likely take for granted every day. 

Over my last eight years in business, I have made a name for myself as the photographer who speaks on morality. Doing what is right. Being loud. Being a voice for others who may find themselves voiceless. Educating others. As a business owner, this may be uncomfortable, to align our business name and our brand with topics that could actually cost us a sale or a client or two. But wouldn’t you rather be a business of integrity than to stay silent. Wouldn’t you rather have a business with a legacy than just a business that is forgotten about when you shutter your doors. Wouldn’t you prefer to own a business or work for a business that doesn’t give you the ick at the end of the day? 

And that’s how I modelled my business. I didn’t want to work a 9 - 5 job that didn’t make me happy and didn’t make me proud. In the past, I’ve spoken out loudly against the Freedom Convoy, and had the leaders of that convoy threaten my family and my home. I’ve lobbied parliament for photographers to get an actual designation as a profession. I’ve condemned political parties for racism. My dad asked me on Thursday: “Meaghan, aren’t you scared? Are you worried this is going to affect your business?” I told him no. I’m not scared. I’m not worried. I would prefer to be on the right side of history and for my clients and my community to be proud to hire me. I want my name, my business, my brand to be respected.

Today, on the eve of International Women’s Day, I want to encourage each and every one of you to speak up. Do something. Channel the iconic Canadian females of our past: the Laura Secords, the Dr. Roberta Bondars, the Kim Campbells, the Agnes Macphails, and more. Don’t just do business everyday. Do something that will inspire the next generation of young people. Maybe that’s speaking up about the importance of voting; maybe that’s participating in Pride Month; maybe that’s hosting a “Take your Children to Work Day” to inspire people to take up STEM; or hosting a fundraiser for an organization near and dear to your heart. Just do something. And I promise you, your business will reap endless rewards from it.

We are at a precipice in Canada right now, socially, politically, economically. Every single person in this room has the privilege to be one of our great leaders and influencers. We need to use our privilege to educate others, inspire others, and to create the next wave of powerful, influential, feminist Canadian leaders. One of you in this very room may be our next Athena winner, our next Laura Secord, our next Kim Campbell or Dr. Roberta Bondar. And that to me, is pretty inspiring.