StoryStrong Annual Conference
Launching in Winnipeg - 2026
StoryStrong is more than a leadership conference.
It’s an annual gathering that celebrates the voices, leadership, and lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), immigrants, and newcomers across sectors. Rooted in the StoryBridge mission, StoryStrong blends narrative practice, creative expression, and professional development to create a transformative, holistic experience.
Unlike traditional leadership events, StoryStrong values stories as much as skillsets, and communities as much as credentials.
Vision & Purpose
BIPOC, immigrant, and newcomer creatives, professionals, and entrepreneurs often navigate spaces where their experiences are underrepresented, their contributions overlooked, or their wellness compromised. StoryStrong provides an intentional space to pause, reflect, and learn together.
Our Vision: To create transformative spaces where BIPOC professionals, entrepreneurs, and storytellers can nurture mind, body, and soul—empowering them to thrive in ways that honor their identities and lived experiences.
Our Purpose: To bring together aspiring and established BIPOC, immigrant, and newcomer professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders for shared reflection, growth, and connection.
Who Should Attend?
StoryStrong is designed for:
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BIPOC, immigrant, and newcomer entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives
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Employers and leaders who work with diverse teams
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Social support organizations and community navigators
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Anyone committed to improving workplace, entrepreneurial, arts, and cultural equity and inclusion
What You’ll Gain
Through immersive sessions, workshops, and storytelling events, attendees will walk away with:
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Renewed confidence and clarity in their professional and personal journeys
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Deeper connection to identity, culture, and heritage
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Practical tools for navigating racialized, immigrant, and hybrid work environments
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A supportive network of peers, mentors, and collaborators
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Greater understanding of how to advance diversity, equity, and belonging in their fields
Conference Themes
Each year, the overarching conference theme is paired with four core pillars that shape sessions, keynotes, and performances:
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Colour – The beauty, pride, and strength of BIPOC identities
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Culture – Harnessing cultural identity for resilience and creativity
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Confidence – Cultivating skills and self-assurance to overcome barriers
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Care – Emphasizing self-care, mental wellness, and community responsibility
Why StoryStrong Matters
The StoryStrong Annual Conference is StoryBridge’s primary fundraising initiative. All proceeds directly support our mission to create inclusive spaces where newcomers, youth, seniors, and people facing displacement can share stories, build resilience, and strengthen community connections.
By participating—whether as an attendee, sponsor, volunteer, or donor—you’re not just joining a conference. You’re fueling a movement to transform lives through storytelling and community engagment.