Axis Connects

What Axis Connects does

Axis Connects is a Calgary-based non-profit organization (legally Axis Connect Corporation, registered in Alberta, Canada) that advances gender diversity in the local business community by supporting women from mid-career through to the boardroom. Its service portfolio centers on a free membership platform underpinned by the third-party Glue Up member management system, supplemented by signature programming: Career Development Dialogue Sessions, Lunch with a Leader (small-group mentorship with senior executives), recurring Networking Events, the annual Axis Connects Leadership Forum, and the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards. A sister initiative, Board Ready Women, focuses on board recruitment and preparation, while "The Quiet Part Out Loud" podcast (launched 2025) extends reach into owned audio content. The organization serves two primary constituencies: women professionals in Calgary (members range from emerging leaders to C-suite executives and board directors) and corporate employers that sponsor events and partner to advance gender diversity in leadership pipelines.

The organization's go-to-market is community-led and event-driven. Acquisition runs through word-of-mouth, professional referrals, and high-profile events at Calgary's premier venues (Calgary Petroleum Club, Ranchmen's Club, McCarthy Tétrault, Hyatt Regency, Calgary Telus Convention Centre), supported by a Network Partner program offered at no cost. The Axis Connects network reportedly comprises 5,000+ professionals, with the 2026 CIWB Awards drawing 1,500+ attendees and the 2025 Leadership Forum drawing 700+; over 1,350 women have been empowered through dedicated programs. The organization is led by inaugural CEO Nuvyn Peters (appointed March 2024) and Executive Director Alexandra Stante, supported by a small team of 1-10 employees, and governed by a board drawn from major Alberta employers including National Bank Financial, TC Energy, TransAlta, Suncor, ATB Financial, and McCarthy Tétrault.

The business model relies on corporate event sponsorship (CIWB Awards, Leadership Forum), individual and organizational donations directed exclusively toward programs (Career Development Dialogues, Lunch with a Leader, and related learning experiences), and an emerging layer of paid exclusive experiences such as the Leadership Access Program with Eau Claire Athletic Club and Calgary Wild FC VIP Match Days. Membership itself is free, with no disclosed revenue figures. Strategic partners include Eau Claire Athletic Club, The51, InterGen, Calgary Wild FC, and a growing cohort of Network Partner organizations. Recent expansion activity includes the 2026 extension of Board Ready Women to Edmonton and broader Alberta.

Name

Axis Connects

Legal name

Axis Connect Corporation

Website

https://axisconnects.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Axis Connects is a Calgary-based non-profit that advances gender diversity in the business community by offering a free membership platform, networking events, mentorship programs, and signature awards (CIWB) and forums to women professionals from mid-career to the boardroom.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Development & Diversity Networking Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Mentoring, Coaching, Alumni Networking & Peer Support Platforms (EDAFAMAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ)

Keywords

• Professional networking events
• Gender diversity programs
• Women leadership development
• Career advancement resources
• Community membership network

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations: Axis Connects accepts donations from individuals and organizations to sustain educational programs and learning initiatives. Donations are directed exclusively toward programs such as Career Development Dialogues, Lunch with a Leader, and community-driven learning experiences.
2. Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors fund the CIWB Awards and Leadership Forum events. Sponsors are recognized across event materials and digital platforms, providing a GTM channel for sponsor brands to reach a network of 4,000+ business leaders.
3. Membership Fees: Membership is free with no cost to join as a member or network partner. The organization describes membership as a 'complimentary service' to amplify membership benefits and network partner initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Axis Connects is a Calgary-based non-profit organization that runs a free membership platform and an annual calendar of programs and events designed to advance gender diversity in Calgary's business community. It connects mid-career to senior women professionals with peers, mentors, and corporate sponsors through networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, leadership forums, and recognition awards. Revenue is sustained by corporate sponsorships, donations, and event-related income, while programming is delivered in partnership with strategic consulting firms and senior executives.

Product overview

Axis Connects operates as a non-profit organization offering a suite of interconnected programs and services focused on advancing gender diversity in Calgary's business community. The core offering is a free membership platform (powered by Glue Up) that provides access to professional development resources, networking opportunities, and exclusive content. The product portfolio includes: Career Development Dialogue Sessions (interactive workshops), Lunch with a Leader (mentorship program), Networking Events, the annual Axis Connects Leadership Forum, the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards, Board Ready Women (board preparation program), The Quiet Part Out Loud Podcast, and Career Resources & Roadmap. These offerings work together to support women from mid-career to boardroom positions through networking, education, recognition, and mentorship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Board Ready Women: A program created by Axis Connects to create opportunities for women on boards, offering recruitment opportunities, skill-building programs and networking events to support women with their Board Career journey.

Products and services

• Axis Connects Membership Platform Free online membership platform that provides access to professional development resources, career advancement strategies, networking events, workshops, and exclusive content for individuals advancing gender diversity in Calgary's business community. Built on the Glue Up technology stack and accessible via app.glueup.com.
• Career Development Dialogue Sessions Interactive workshops and dialogue sessions hosted in partnership with strategic management consulting firms and industry experts, designed to provide members with resources, tools, and professional connections essential for navigating today's diverse business landscape and advancing their careers.
• Lunch with a Leader Program Intimate networking and mentorship program connecting members with senior executives in small group settings of 12–14 people, providing personalized advice, insights into diverse industries, and meaningful professional connections.
• Networking Events Regular professional networking events providing opportunities for members to meet other professionals, share ideas, and make connections to further their career goals.
• Axis Connects Leadership Forum Calgary's premier annual leadership event featuring bold conversations, hands-on workshops, keynote speakers, and networking for mid- to senior-level professionals, hosted at venues such as the Calgary Telus Convention Centre.
• Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 5,000 members in the network
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Eau Claire Athletic ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAxis Connects has partnered with Eau Claire Athletic Club to offer an exclusive Leadership Access Program for members — a limited opportunity providing preferred pricing and full membership privileges at ECAC. The program includes a one-time $1,500 deposit (credited toward future initiation fee) and various annual dues tiers. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to leadership, well-being, and community.
• The51coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAxis Connects partnered with The51, a female-focused investment platform, to co-host VIP Match Day experiences with Calgary Wild FC. The partnership combines Axis Connects' professional network with The51's focus on female economic empowerment to create unique community-building experiences supporting women's professional sports.
• InterGencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInterGen announced a strategic partnership with Axis Connects and Board Ready Women, signaling a commitment to advancing gender diversity in the energy sector through the organizations' combined programming and network reach.
• Board Ready WomencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard Ready Women is a related Alberta-based organization co-founded by Heather Culbert and Jen Koury that creates opportunities for women on boards through recruitment opportunities, skill-building programs, and networking events. It operates as a sister initiative to Axis Connects, sharing co-founders and collaborating on programming such as the Board Readiness Series. Katie Smith-Parent also serves as Executive Director of Board Ready Women.
• Calgary Wild FCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCalgary Wild FC, Alberta's first professional women's soccer club and part of Canada's Northern Super League, partnered with Axis Connects and The51 for exclusive VIP Match Day networking experiences for Axis members. The partnership supports local women's sports while providing unique professional networking settings.
• Network Partners (organizations advancing women and diverse professionals in Calgary)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizations advancing women and diverse professionals in Calgary can apply to become Axis Connects Network Partners at no cost. Network Partners gain access to the membership platform, visibility within the Axis community, and opportunities to amplify their diversity initiatives through collaboration with the Axis network.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Catalyst: Catalyst is a global nonprofit advancing women in business through research, advisory, and recognition programs—directly comparable in mission (gender diversity at leadership/board level) and member-based, event-driven model, though it operates at far greater scale and geography than Axis Connects.

Direct peers

• Women's Executive Network (WXN): WXN is a Canadian membership-based organization recognizing and advancing women leaders through awards (Canada's Most Powerful Women), networking events, and member programs—a near-direct comparable to Axis Connects' CIWB Awards and Leadership Forum, with similar sponsors and member base of professional women.
• Ellevate Network: Ellevate Network is a global professional women's network combining mentorship, events, and online community for mid-to-senior women—comparable to Axis Connects' "Lunch with a Leader" mentorship model and free membership platform with networking events.
• Women of Influence: Women of Influence is a Canadian media and events company building a community of professional women through awards programs, summits, and content—directly comparable to Axis Connects' combination of signature awards galas, leadership events, and content/community engagement.
• Professional Women's Network (PWN): Professional Women's Network is a global federation of city-based chapters running mentoring circles, networking events, and leadership programs for professional women—highly comparable to Axis Connects' chapter-style career mentorship and signature-events model.

Regional players

• YWCA Calgary: YWCA Calgary is a regional nonprofit advancing women through leadership programs, awards (YWCA Leader of Tomorrow), and networking in the same Calgary market—comparable in mission and event-driven engagement, though broader in scope beyond professional/corporate leadership.

Others

• Dress for Success Worldwide: Dress for Success is a global nonprofit advancing women's economic participation through career development, mentoring, and networking—a thematically adjacent women's empowerment organization though focused on entry-level workforce re-entry rather than the senior/board pipeline Axis Connects serves.

Emerging players

• The51: The51 is a female-focused investment and membership platform that explicitly partners with Axis Connects (e.g., Calgary Wild FC VIP Match Day experiences)—a comparable community platform serving women in business across Canada, with overlapping audience and event formats.
• Athena Alliance: Athena Alliance focuses on advancing women into corporate board seats through skill-building, peer connections, and board placement—directly analogous to Axis Connects' sister initiative Board Ready Women, serving the same board-readiness niche.
• Board Ready Women: Board Ready Women is Axis Connects' sister initiative with shared co-founders, focused on women's board career readiness through skill-building and recruitment—a directly comparable peer specializing in the board-placement vertical of Axis Connects' broader portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/axisconnects
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/axisconnects
• Instagraminstagram.com/axisconnects
• Xx.com/AxisConnects

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Axis Connects