Empowering women in tech: CIBC’s commitment to innovation and leadership
CIBC’s Women in Tech event is inspiring new possibilities through thought leadership, mentorship and hands-on innovation.
James Maeng
Oct. 29, 2025
5-minute read
At CIBC, we believe that innovation thrives when diverse perspectives come together to solve complex challenges. As part of our ongoing commitment to creating opportunity, CIBC’s Enterprise Innovation team recently hosted a dynamic Women in Tech event, designed to empower women in technology and showcase the transformative potential of emerging technologies. This two-part event combined thought leadership with hands-on learning, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge tools and ideas shaping the future of work.
Part 1: Insights from the panel discussion
The event began with an engaging panel discussion featuring industry leaders and CIBC executives, who shared their perspectives on the evolving role of technology in driving innovation. The conversation centered around 4 key themes.
1. Leveraging unique perspectives in AI (artificial intelligence) development
Panelists emphasized the importance of many voices in creating ethical and inclusive AI solutions. They highlighted how improving representation in technology development leads to better decision-making and more equitable outcomes.
2. Collaboration across disciplines
The discussion underscored the need for cross-functional collaboration, particularly in the early stages of technology projects. By involving diverse stakeholders from the outset, organizations can better anticipate challenges and deliver impactful solutions.
3. User-centered development and continuous learning
Panelists talked about the importance of designing AI solutions with users at the center. The role of user testing and feedback was discussed to help ensure AI tools are both effective and aligned with user needs. As organizations navigate these changes, they must also embrace the diverse perspectives and skills that employees bring to the table.
The panel explored the transformative potential of AI, from automating routine tasks to enabling creative problem-solving. They also discussed the ethical considerations and responsibilities that come with deploying AI at scale.
According to Gartner®, “AI is not just a productivity tool. It is a critical growth engine that enables enterprises to compete and transform in the medium-to-long term.”1
CIBC’s recognition as a 2025 Catalyst Award winner for our commitment to gender equality and inclusion demonstrates how we are setting a powerful example for the industry, driving real change and fostering a more inclusive future.
Part 2: Hands-on learning and networking
Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in a series of interactive activities designed to bring innovation to life. The hands-on portion of the event featured 4 key experiences.
1. Gen AI prompting challenge
Participants explored the capabilities of generative AI by crafting prompts and observing how AI tools respond creatively to solve real-world problems.
Attendees unleashed their creativity by using AI-powered tools to generate unique works of art, demonstrating the intersection of technology and imagination.
A live demonstration of extended reality (XR) showcased how immersive technologies can provide important learnings and skills otherwise only attainable through real-world exposure. By providing hands-on experience without real-world risks, XR enables skill-building in complex scenarios.
Participants had the opportunity to connect with experienced mentors, fostering meaningful conversations about career growth and leadership in tech.
These activities not only highlighted the practical applications of emerging technologies but also created a collaborative environment where participants could network and share ideas.
Key learnings from the event
The Women in Tech event reinforced several important lessons about innovation and leadership.
Hands-on learning drives innovation
Hands-on learning is essential in order to build an adequate understanding of emerging technologies. Experiential activities help participants grasp how these innovations work and inspire creative thinking to explore their potential.
Mentorship and networking matter
Building connections with mentors and peers is critical for personal and professional growth, particularly in fast-evolving fields like technology.
Looking ahead: CIBC’s vision for the future
At CIBC, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion. Events like Women in Tech are just one example of how we bring our vision to life, empowering individuals to lead with confidence and creativity in a rapidly changing world.
As we look to the future, we remain focused on creating opportunities for top talent to shape the technologies that will define tomorrow. By championing inclusion, collaboration and hands-on learning, we aim to drive meaningful change within our organization and beyond.
We invite you to be part of CIBC’s innovation journey. Stay connected with us to learn about upcoming events, explore our innovation programs and discover how we’re shaping the future of work. Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative world.
About CIBC’s Enterprise Innovation team
CIBC’s Enterprise Innovation team is dedicated to advancing technology and fostering collaboration across the organization. The team drives initiatives that empower employees to engage with emerging technologies, explore new ideas, and contribute to innovation at every level.
One of its key initiatives is Future Now, an enterprise program that connects employees with the latest emerging trends and technologies — offering opportunities to upskill and engage with next-gen tools, and conversations about the future of banking.
1 Gartner. AI Opportunity Radar: Set your Enterprise’s AI Ambition. Hung LeHong, Brook Selassie, Jeff Cribbs, Mary Mesaglio, Don Scheibenreif. June 2, 2025. Gartner is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
James Maeng
Senior Director, Enterprise Innovation
