Dionne Laslo-Baker never set out to become an entrepreneur. As a medical scientist specializing in maternal-fetal toxicology, she was deeply aware of how environmental toxins affect human health. But it wasn’t until a serendipitous moment in her kitchen—when her children suggested combining tea and popsicles—that she realized she could create something truly impactful: organic, clean-label treats that parents could trust. This idea sparked what would become DeeBee’s Organics, a brand now found on the shelves of over 15,000 retailers across North America, including Costco, Sobeys, Loblaws, Safeway, Walmart, and Amazon.

However, turning a personal passion into a scalable business required more than scientific expertise. Navigating entrepreneurship as a woman in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industry came with significant barriers—from gender bias in fundraising to the complexities of scaling a product-based company internationally. That’s where The Forum became an essential partner in her journey.

Breaking Barriers in Entrepreneurship

Despite having a PhD and a clear vision for her brand, Dionne faced an uphill battle. “Like many women founders, I didn’t come from a business background. I knew how to structure research projects and analyze data, but I had no idea how to raise capital, build a sales team, or scale a brand,” she recalls.

More significantly, she encountered bias in the investment world. “There’s an expectation that women-led businesses need to prove themselves before they’re taken seriously. I remember sitting in a meeting with potential investors, and one of them told me, ‘Your husband is successful—why are you doing this? Just go home and take care of your family.’ Another time, I was told they’d consider investing if I brought in a male CEO.”

Sadly, we know that Dionne’s experience is not an isolated event. Women entrepreneurs in Canada are significantly less likely than men to own a business that surpasses $500,000 in annual revenue and receive just 4% of all venture capital funding. These systemic barriers continue to limit access to capital and resources, but rather than deterring Dionne, they fueled her determination to build a thriving business while also advocating for equity in entrepreneurship.

How The Forum Created Pathways for Growth

Dionne first connected with The Forum through The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, E-Series, and mentorship programs, where she gained critical business knowledge and met advisors who helped her refine her strategy. “The Forum gave me a roadmap,” she says. “Through their programs, I learned how to present my business to investors, negotiate deals, and build a strong foundation for scaling.”

She was a Finalist in The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, which provided her with visibility, strategic connections, and invaluable feedback. “Even though I didn’t win, the relationships I built through The Forum were transformative. I met advisors who helped guide me through international expansion, investors who opened doors, and peers who became lifelong collaborators.”

One of the key takeaways from The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch was the importance of storytelling in business. “I realized that beyond the numbers and the product, investors and customers connect with the mission and heart behind a brand. That’s something The Forum helped me refine,” Dionne says. This ability to articulate her purpose and vision has been instrumental in securing new opportunities.

Three young professional women standing together and laughing

The Forum’s Impact: Educate, Activate, Elevate

Through The Forum, Dionne benefited from support that falls under three core social impact pillars:

Educate: The Forum’s programs deepened her business acumen and improved her financial literacy.
Activate: By leveraging The Forum’s vast network, Dionne connected with investors and industry leaders who helped propel DeeBee’s Organics into major retailers
Elevate: The exposure she gained through The Forum amplified her story, helping her secure new partnerships and funding opportunities.

These elements not only strengthened her as a leader but also positioned DeeBee’s Organics for sustainable, long-term growth.

Scaling a Business with Purpose

DeeBee’s Organics is no longer a family project—it’s a thriving company producing hundreds of millions of organic freezies annually. “Scaling wasn’t just about making more products; it was about staying true to our mission,” Dionne explains. Her team has expanded to include experts in finance, sales, and operations, allowing the company to grow while maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability.

As the brand continues to expand, DeeBee’s Organics is also innovating new product lines and exploring global distribution. “We’re always looking ahead—how can we reach more families, create healthier treats, and make an even bigger impact?” she says.

Despite its success, the challenges of entrepreneurship remain. “Every stage of growth brings new hurdles. But what I’ve learned is that having the right support system—mentors, peers, and organizations like The Forum—makes all the difference.”

The Forum’s Programs Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Dionne’s journey with The Forum was shaped by several key programs designed to support women entrepreneurs at every stage of business. By participating in multiple programs that compliment one another, she was able to round out her entreprenerial skills as she continued to grow her business.

These programs include:

The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch:
A pitch program that offers women entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their business presentations, gain access to investors, and receive financial capital to scale their ventures. This program was a game-changer for Dionne, providing her with exposure and high-level mentorship.
The Forum Mentor Program:
A year-long program matching women entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide strategic guidance, support, and expertise tailored to their business needs. Dionne found immense value in learning from mentors who had successfully navigated the complexities of scaling a brand.
The Forum E-Series:
A deep-dive program offering immersive business education, expert-led workshops, and practical tools to help women entrepreneurs refine their strategies and scale their businesses.

These programs work together to educate, activate, and elevate women entrepreneurs, ensuring you have the knowledge, resources, and connections to break through barriers and excel in business.

Beyond the Business

Dionne's journey with The Forum didn’t just impact DeeBee’s Organics—it also shaped her role as a leader and mentor in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Having experienced firsthand the power of mentorship and support, she now dedicates time to advising and uplifting other women founders.

“I’ve had incredible mentors and peers who have helped me navigate some of the hardest moments of my business journey. Now, I want to be that person for someone else,” she says. Whether through formal mentorship, speaking engagements, or casual conversations with emerging entrepreneurs, Dionne actively shares her insights, helping others avoid common pitfalls and seize opportunities.

She also advocates for greater representation of women in the CPG industry and venture capital space. “The investment world needs more women, both as entrepreneurs and as decision-makers,” she explains. “One of my long-term goals is to see more women-led businesses securing funding and thriving in industries traditionally dominated by men.”

A Movement, Not Just a Moment

While DeeBee’s Organics continues to scale, Dionne remains committed to a larger mission—creating a future where women entrepreneurs have equitable access to opportunities, funding, and networks. Her story is proof that with the right resources, mentorship, and community, women can build successful, impactful businesses that change industries and lives.

For any woman entrepreneur considering The Forum, Dionne has one resounding piece of advice: “Join. The Forum is more than a pitch program or a networking event—it’s a community of changemakers. The connections, knowledge, and support you’ll receive can truly transform your business and your confidence as a leader.”

Through The Forum’s suite of programs, Dionne found the tools she needed to navigate the complexities of scaling a company. And in turn, she’s helping pave the way for the next generation of women entrepreneurs—proving that when women support each other, the possibilities are limitless.