Session: Show Me the Money: Salary Negotiation Without Apology
Talking about money shouldn’t feel like a career-limiting move—yet for many women in tech, negotiating salary is laced with fear, second-guessing, and a sprinkle of imposter syndrome. In this candid and high-impact panel, we’ll break the silence (and the stigma) around compensation conversations.
You’ll hear from women who’ve boldly negotiated major salary jumps, learned tough lessons from missed promotions, and empowered others to do the same. We’ll dig into the gender pay gap in tech—not just what it is, but why it stubbornly sticks around—and equip you with practical strategies, and the mindset shifts needed to confidently ask for what you’re worth. Plus, we’ll tackle the myth that negotiation only happens at the offer stage—spoiler: the best time to ask might be long after you’ve started the job.
In this dynamic panel, the moderator will guide the conversation with a mix of direct questions and real-world scenarios to spark honest, practical discussion—ensuring each speaker’s unique experience and voice comes through. Our panelists bring diverse perspectives: from those who’ve boldly negotiated their way into six-figure roles, to others who learned the hard way by settling too soon or staying too quiet. This diversity sets the stage for a lively conversation—especially around the core tension of knowing when to push, when to pause, and how to ask without apology. Together, we’ll explore how to research your market value without relying on vibes, what to say (and avoid) in negotiation talks. We’ll cover how to navigate timing—including mid-role asks, not just job offers—and demystify conversations about equity, bonuses, and perks. Attendees will leave with not just tips, but skills: how to advocate for themselves with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Most importantly, they’ll gain a fresh perspective on negotiation—not as a battle, but as a career-long behavior worth mastering.
Bio
Brianna Mersey
VP Data, North America Monks
Brianna Mersey turns complex data into clear strategy. As a data and analytics leader at .Monks, she oversees an exceptional North American team that delivers innovative solutions in marketing technology, AI, and machine learning. With 20+ years of experience, Brianna has a track record of driving transformation, guiding teams, and helping brands harness data for impact. Armed with a B.S. in Computer Science and an MES in International Studies, she splits her time between Vancouver and Cape Town—always chasing sunshine and avoiding bad weather.
Tessa Ohlendorf
President, Coegi
Tessa Ohlendorf is President, North America at Coegi, a leading digital media agency within the True Independent Holdings (TIH) network. Since joining in August 2025, she has been leading a full-scale AI transformation - integrating machine learning and AI-powered tools across Coegi's programmatic advertising, CTV, and social media capabilities to deliver smarter, faster results for clients and ease administrative overload of employees.
Tessa brings 25 years of programmatic and martech leadership to the role. She founded Cadreon (now Kinesso) in Canada for IPG Mediabrands, led MightyHive (now .Monks) Canada as Managing Director, and in 2024 founded Fabric Folk, an AI transformation consultancy helping agencies and brands navigate responsible AI adoption.
A recognized voice on AI strategy, the future of work, and values-based leadership, Tessa has been named to AdExchanger and AdMonsters' "Top Women in Media & Ad Tech" and led teams to multiple Great Place to Work designations. She holds executive certificates from MIT Sloan, Rotman, Smith School of Business, and UC Berkeley, and a Specialized Honours degree in Philosophy from York University. Based in Toronto, she is a sought-after speaker on AI strategy, operational innovation, and building cultures where people and performance thrive together.
Tetiana Sabitova
Sales&Marketing Leader, PwC
Gabriela Mercer
AVP, Digital Analytics & Activation, Canadian Tire Corporation
Gabriela Mercer is AVP, Digital Analytics & Activation at Canadian Tire Corporation , where she leads enterprise analytics, reporting, and insight activation across CTC’s digital and retail banners. Her scope includes test‑and‑learn programs, SEO/GEO delivery, and the development of scalable measurement capabilities that improve business performance, customer experience, and operational efficiency. A hands‑on data leader, Gabriela enables real‑time decisioning and champions data‑driven training that turns insights into continuous optimization. Prior to joining CTC, Gabriela held analytics and merchandising roles at Roots and Target Canada, and studied at the University of Toronto’s Rotman Commerce School of Management.