Pioneering Pixels: Celebrating Women’s Leadership in VFX

Our second annual VES International Women’s Day celebration brought together artists, leaders, and industry professionals for an evening of meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and community connection.

Hosted in Vancouver, the event featured an outstanding panel of speakers, including Naomi Stopa, Amy James-Wang, Elizabeth (Liz) Bernard, Danielle Norgate, and Taisa C. Monteiro, with Kelsy Wittmann serving as moderator.

The discussion explored the role of mentorship, the progress made in recent years, and the continued efforts needed to create opportunities and support for women across the visual effects industry. Panelists also shared personal perspectives on balancing leadership, career development, and family life, offering valuable insights to professionals at every stage of their careers.

One of the highlights of the evening was the strong engagement from attendees. The room was filled with artists, supervisors, producers, and students who actively participated in the discussion and contributed to an atmosphere of openness, respect, and learning.

Events like these reflect one of the core strengths of the Visual Effects Society: creating spaces where professionals can connect, share experiences, and support one another’s growth. It was inspiring to see members of the VFX community come together to celebrate leadership, mentorship, and inclusion.

Special thanks to RBC for hosting the event and supporting the VES community. Appreciation also goes to Eyeline, Distillery VFX, Mr. Wolf, Barnstorm VFX, Craft Beer Market, Avelyn Florist and Event Stylist, and Art of Nobel for their generous support. Finally, thank you to the VES Vancouver Board of Managers and all volunteers who helped make the evening possible.

International Women’s Day serves as an important reminder that building a stronger industry requires participation from all of us. By supporting mentorship, encouraging diverse perspectives, and creating opportunities for future leaders, we help strengthen the creative community for generations to come.