Ruth Vachon not only led the Quebec Business Women’s Network (QBWN/RFAQ); she transformed it into a strategic lever for the advancement of women in major economic spheres. When she took the helm of the organization, Ruth inherited a network founded in the 1980s by Guylaine and Henriette Lanctôt, later transformed under Nicole Beaudoin’s leadership starting in 1993. At that time, the network, then known as the Association of Business Women of Quebec, served as a meeting point for women determined to create their own opportunities in a male-dominated world (Harel Giasson et al.).
With thousands of members and hundreds of annual events, including the Gala Prix Femmes d'Affaires du Québec, the RFAQ has established itself as a key player in the world of female entrepreneurs in Quebec. When Ruth took charge of the network, she continued this momentum while envisioning more ambitious projects tailored to the contemporary needs of women entrepreneurs. It was on this solid foundation that Ruth conceived and launched the Maïa project, with the support of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, an initiative from the Canadian government.
MaïaConnex emerged directly from this desire to take a further step. Ruth recognized the persistent challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly regarding access to the supply chains of large companies. It was no longer just about creating a networking space, but about designing a tool that would allow them to connect with major buyers, integrate into previously inaccessible markets, and benefit from strategic support.
With the help of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, MaïaConnex was structured around concrete actions such as training, networking, and programs aimed at raising awareness among large companies about supplier diversity. This project was designed to go beyond the certification of women-led businesses. Ruth wanted these entrepreneurs not only to be recognized for their diversity but also to have access to real business opportunities. By creating MaïaConnex, Ruth equipped women entrepreneurs with the tools to connect directly with the right players, at the right time, thereby overcoming the barriers that prevented them from entering large supply chains.
Under Ruth's leadership, MaïaConnex has become a springboard for many entrepreneurs, enabling them to find tangible opportunities and develop long-term relationships with large companies. Ruth created an ecosystem that goes beyond simple networking, offering tailored training and support programs that enhance women’s capacity to succeed in competitive environments. Thanks to this support, MaïaConnex allows entrepreneurs to overcome the structural obstacles that hindered their ascent.
Today, MaïaConnex symbolizes Ruth Vachon’s expanded vision. It embodies her commitment to supplier diversity while playing a crucial role in the economic growth of women entrepreneurs. This project transforms access to large supply chains for hundreds of women entrepreneurs while encouraging large companies to include more diverse suppliers in their procurement processes. By providing entrepreneurs with not only opportunities but also a comprehensive support strategy, MaïaConnex is reinventing the rules of the game.
"You are no longer alone; we are your allies on the ground," Ruth often asserts, reiterating that MaïaConnex is not just a network. It is a strategic lever designed to open the doors of large companies to women entrepreneurs. This project embodies a profound transformation, reinventing access to business opportunities for hundreds of entrepreneurs, and continues to be a key player in promoting economic equality in Canada and beyond.
At MaïaConnex, we are here to propel you forward. As partners on the ground, we guide you toward tangible and concrete opportunities. Our connections and support enable you to break down barriers to enter supply chains, connecting you with the right players at the right time. With MaïaConnex, you are equipped to overcome obstacles and succeed.
Maïa Inclusive Growth's role
As a project of the Quebec Business Women’s Network (QBWN/RFAQ), one of our main goals is building awareness and education through training and workshops on an array of topics. So, if the subject of supplier diversity seems overly complex or you don’t know where to start, we are here to provide you with the information you need and to offer guidance. As discussed above, Maïa Connex is also a platform that serves as a hub for business opportunities across Canada. We also hold networking events along with our partners.
Regardless of where you are in your journey with supplier diversity, we encourage you to sign up for our training programs, which are offered online here :
To take your network of diverse suppliers to the next level, join our platform. We also invite you to sign up to stay tuned for future blog posts. In addition, you will be notified of any updates and upcoming workshops.
Back to blog
