Empowering Women: Christine Fernandes' Road to Success
It’s a familiar story: a successful career, the sense of security, the praise from others, but deep down, something is missing. For Christine Fernandes, that “missing piece” was the desire to create a more meaningful life, one where she could not only build a business but also empower others to do the same.
Christine’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t come overnight. She was once entrenched in the corporate world, working in insurance. She had the stable job, the paycheck, and the respect. But, like so many high-achieving women, she felt burnout creeping in.
She woke up every morning at 4 a.m., hit the gym, and then powered through her corporate day, constantly juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities. She loved her family and was passionate about helping others, but she realized something crucial: she wasn’t investing enough in herself. She knew that something needed to change.
And so, Christine made a leap. She transitioned from her corporate career to full-time entrepreneurship, driven by the need for more balance, fulfillment, and a desire to help other women do the same. This decision wasn’t easy. In fact, it was terrifying. But it was also the beginning of something powerful.
What started as a simple act of creating space to connect with other women turned into a mission to build a community of women entrepreneurs who could support one another through the challenges of growing businesses and leading in their industries.
Building a Community: The Birth of PWM
Christine began hosting small networking meetups during her lunch breaks, simply to connect with other like-minded women. These meetups were modest, but they started to resonate. Women came together, shared stories, and supported each other in ways that many hadn’t experienced before. That’s when Christine realized that she wasn’t alone in her journey—there were countless other women who were seeking the same thing: a place where they could feel empowered, supported, and visible.
That’s how Professional Women’s Meetup (PWM) was born—a community dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs grow and thrive through mastermind groups, networking events, and personal coaching. PWM was never about just another business network; it was about collaboration, not competition. It was about lifting each other up and recognizing that, when women work together, they can accomplish incredible things.
Today, PWM is a global network that reaches women entrepreneurs across Canada and beyond. Whether through weekly mastermind sessions, coaching programs, or events with expert speakers, Christine has cultivated a space where women can truly invest in themselves.
Christine’s Core Values
Christine’s values aren’t just principles that look good on paper—they are the foundation of everything she does, both in her business and personal life. These values drive her and, through her work, have inspired countless women to build their own paths to success.
Empowerment of Women:
One of the most powerful stories that Christine shares is how, for many women, the journey to entrepreneurship begins with self-doubt. Christine herself experienced this—impostor syndrome was a constant companion when she first ventured into business. But she knew that to truly succeed, she had to believe in herself. Today, she shares that message with every woman she works with: "You’re capable. You’ve got this."Collaboration Over Competition:
A pivotal moment in Christine’s journey was realizing that success doesn’t have to be a solo venture. She’s built PWM around the idea that women should collaborate and build each other up. Whether it’s a mastermind group, a business partnership, or simply sharing resources, together, women can achieve more than they ever could alone.Mindset is Key:
Christine frequently shares stories of women who have overcome mental barriers to achieve extraordinary things. She tells them: "Your mind is your greatest asset." When you change the way you think, you change the way you approach everything in life, from business to personal relationships.Visibility and Branding:
In a world full of noise, visibility is essential. Christine understands that it’s not just about building a business—it’s about building a brand that reflects your passion, expertise, and values. Through PWM and her own journey, she has helped countless women stand out, amplify their voices, and make their mark.Building Strong Communities:
One of Christine’s proudest achievements is the sense of community she’s created at PWM. Her personal story of how isolation in the corporate world drove her to seek connection fuels her dedication to building spaces where women can support and learn from each other. She’s seen firsthand how women who connect and collaborate can create a lasting impact in their businesses and lives.
Christine’s Role as a Mentor and Coach
Christine is a mentor at heart. Her story of entrepreneurship is filled with moments of self-doubt, challenges, and hard-earned lessons. But it’s also a story of growth, resilience, and empowering others to avoid the same pitfalls and find their path to success.
Through PWM’s mastermind sessions, Christine leads weekly group coaching where women come together to share insights, discuss strategies, and collaborate on ways to elevate their businesses. Her coaching isn’t just about tactics—it’s about shifting the mindset to one of confidence and clarity. She helps her clients understand that success isn’t about doing it alone; it’s about having the right people in your corner.
Christine’s holistic approach goes beyond business coaching. She partners with health and wellness professionals to ensure that women are taking care of their bodies and minds, knowing that self-care is essential to sustaining success.
Personal Life: Finding Balance
Despite her demanding schedule, Christine knows the importance of balance. She’s a mom, wife, and dog lover who makes time for her family, especially on weekends. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a quiet evening at home, or simply taking her dog for a walk, she values these moments of connection.
Her early mornings at the gym are a non-negotiable part of her routine. She believes that taking care of herself physically allows her to show up as the best version of herself—both for her family and for the women she coaches.
A Vision for the Future
Christine’s vision for PWM doesn’t stop at Canada’s borders. She’s determined to take the community of empowered women entrepreneurs global. With the The Women Who Lead Podcast and her ongoing coaching programs, she’s amplifying the voices of women in leadership, inspiring them to step into their roles with confidence and clarity.
For Christine, it’s never been about just building a business; it’s about building a legacy—a legacy of women who rise together, support each other, and create businesses that make an impact on the world.
Conclusion: The Power of Investing in Yourself
Christine Fernandes’ story is one of passion, persistence, and purpose. Her journey from corporate employee to business owner shows that success starts with investing in yourself. Through her work at PWM, Christine continues to inspire women to overcome their fears, step into their power, and build businesses that align with their values.
Christine’s message to women entrepreneurs is clear: Success is within your reach, but it starts with you. When you invest in your personal growth, mindset, and community, you can accomplish things beyond your wildest dreams.
Get in Touch with Christine
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, or if you're looking for mentorship and community support, Christine would love to hear from you.
Contact Christine Fernandes:
Website: Professional Women's Meetup
Email: christine@prowomenmeet.com
LinkedIn: Christine Fernandes
Instagram: @christinefernandesofficial
Facebook: Professional Women’s Meetup
Stay connected and join Christine’s community of passionate women entrepreneurs today!
