On April 16, the Lise Watier Foundation had the privilege of bringing together nearly 800 guests at New City Gas for the 5th edition of its annual Cocktail event. As a flagship gathering for Montreal’s next generation of philanthropists, the evening once again showcased the strength of collective engagement in advancing women’s financial independence.
Co-chaired by Iman Elkillany, Senior Director, Senior Director of Business Development at Desjardins Business, and Soleïca Monnier, Lawyer, Privacy, and Cybersecurity at Fasken, the event beautifully demonstrated the power ofcollective commitment in support of the Foundation’s mission.
Thanks to the generosity of partners, donors, and guests, a total of $270,922 was raised in support of the Lise Watier Foundation’s mission to empower women on their journey toward financial independence.
Among the highlights of this year’s edition, the Let’s Start Up Space offered guests the opportunity to connect directly with graduates of the Let’s Start Up Pathway present on site. This immersive experience offered a meaningful window into the impact of the Foundation’s entrepreneurship program and the bbreath ofts support. It also allowed guests to discover inspiring journeys marked by meaningful personal and professional transformation.
Designed for the next generation of philanthropists, this cocktail event is much more than an evening gathering—it is a true catalyst for engagement, bringing together young professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers around a shared cause. By uniting a community driven by solidarity, boldness, and commitment, the Cocktail once again confirms its essential role for a fifth consecutive year. The funds raised support the Let’s Start Up Pathway, which enables more than 400 women each year to unlock theirfull professional potential, regain confidence, and build lasting financial independence—contributing to a more equitable future.
A heartfelt thank you to our co-chairs, partners, collaborators, sponsors, and members of our ambassador committee, whose outstanding commitment made all the difference.
A few photos of the event
©Vanessa Cyr Photographie
Thank you to our valued partners and donors
Major Partner
- Groupe Marcelle
Gol Partners
- BMO Capital Markets
- National Bank Financial_Team Guy Côté
- PICTON Investments
Silver Partners
- Aéroport de Montréal (YUL)
- AlphaFixe Capital
- BCF Business law
- Dentons Canada
- Dermapure
- Guillaume Maurice Group
- Kent Group (RBC)
- KMPG
- La Caisse
- National Bank Investment
- The Scotiabank Women Initiative
- Valsef Dream Big Foundation
- Via Rail
Sponsors
- Crowe BGK, sponsorship of the DJ booth
- Desjardins Business, sponsorship of the Let’s Start Up Space
- Elle Québec, sponsorship of the Photo booth
- Groupe Aldo, sponsorship of the Prestige Bar
Event Partners
- Les Enfants Terribles
- Iru Izakaya
- Bimbo Canada
- Genatec
- New City Gas
- Odessa
- Saputo
- Squish
- Stirjoy
Learn more about previous editions
The 2025 Cocktail
April 10, 2025 was the 4th edition of the Lise Watier Foundation Cocktail. Under the honorary co-chairmanship of Lucia Dzoara Mendoza (BMO), Julien Jauffret, Tristan Rocheleau (National Bank Financial_Team Guy Côté), the new generation of philanthropists gathered at New City Gas to support the financial independence of local women. Their generosity enabled us to raise a net result of $264,592! Learn more
Learn more about the 2024 edition
Learn more about the 2023 edition
Learn more about the 2022 edition
