The Look Of Leadership: When Fashion Meets Female Empowerment

When style meets substance, the result is nothing short of inspiring. Honoured at the Top 40 Under 40 Hamilton gala, Ophelia Chang—founder of WRGL, a nonprofit championing women in risk and governance leadership—marked the occasion in an Arti Gogna design that redefines what leadership looks like. We sat down with Ophelia to talk fashion as a form of empowerment, mentorship, and the evolving aesthetics of Canadian women in power. —Noa Nichol

Your Mila Gown made a striking statement at the Top 40 gala—what did that look mean to you personally, and how did you want it to reflect your work with WRGL?

The gown was a celebration of boldness and authenticity—qualities I encourage through WRGL. It symbolized stepping into spaces with confidence while honoring individuality, which is central to our mission of empowering women in governance and risk leadership.

You chose to collaborate with a Canadian designer—how important is championing homegrown design to your mission of elevating emerging leaders?

Supporting Canadian talent is deeply aligned with WRGL’s ethos. Just as we advocate for emerging voices in leadership, I believe in amplifying creative voices in fashion. Both are about creating visibility and opportunity within our own communities.

How do you use visual choices—clothing, colour, silhouette—to communicate leadership, authority, and approachability in rooms that are still learning to welcome diverse voices?

I see clothing as a strategic tool. Strong silhouettes convey authority, while colour choices can soften that presence to invite dialogue. It’s about balancing confidence with approachability—sending a message that leadership can be inclusive and expressive.

Can you share a specific mentorship moment—someone you guided or someone who guided you—that shaped how you show up publicly as a leader?

One mentee shared that seeing me speak on governance panels gave her the courage to apply for a board role she thought was out of reach. That moment reinforced the power of visibility and why I prioritize showing up authentically—it can change someone’s trajectory.

After this recognition, what are the next concrete steps for WRGL—any new programs, partnerships, or goals you’re especially excited to push forward?

We’re launching a podcast series in 2026 to bring candid conversations with women in governance and risk leadership to a broader audience. The series will share practical insights, amplify diverse voices, and serve as a go-to resource for emerging leaders navigating complex spaces.

Separately, we’re exploring partnerships with Canadian financial institutions to support WRGL’s mentorship programs and develop new leadership resources. These collaborations will help us fund initiatives that provide tangible tools—such as board-readiness guides and governance workshops—while reinforcing our commitment to systemic change in leadership representation.