Jennifer Smith, who has served high-profile clients from NASDAQ to Disney as senior vice-president of technology and operations for Cineplex Digital Media, will speak at the University of Guelph’s annual HeForShe gender equality event March 11.

Smith will talk about her experiences related to “desires, fears and success” and how these themes have evolved over her 20-year career.

The HeForShe event recognizes students and local businesses that champion gender equality.

At Cineplex Digital Media, Smith oversees strategy and operational execution of the technology, product, data and customer success teams. She has held several leadership roles in industries ranging from satellite communications, laser projectors and military to media and entertainment.

Smith expresses passion for STEM fields and advocates for STEM career choices among young women. She was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Waterloo Region for her efforts to create social change through business and technology and for her work promoting engineering and tech careers for young women. She chairs the Communitech board and serves as an adviser to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University.

HeForShe at U of G is a collaboration among the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, Gryphon football, and the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Inspired by the United Nations’ HeForShe solidarity campaign for gender equality, the event provides an opportunity to celebrate the strength and resilience of the campus community and beyond.

Along with an address from an inspiring woman leader, the annual event involves the presentation of HeForShe-inspired awards and scholarships, including an award that recognizes gender equality initiatives of a Guelph-Wellington area business.

Previously, the event has brought keynote speakers from a variety of industries to campus, including Lisa Lisson, president of FedEx Express Canada, and business news reporter Amanda Lang.

The event takes place in Peter Clark Hall, 7-9 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

For more information or to register for the event, visit the HeForShe at U of G event page.