Zaina Moussa: Global Events Leader Empowering Women & Communities

Creation of spaces where people can connect and collaborate has become the hallmark of a dynamic, upgraded events industry. Events have transitioned from just being avenues for entertaining to platforms driving connectivity, innovation and meaningful engagement. Thoughtfully curated events not only offer experiences but rather create moments inspiring action, fostering inclusion and amplifying voices.

Zaina Moussa is one such maverick, creating events and platforms that foster empowerment and connection for all. As the founder of Run The World Summit and Night Market Toronto, she designs experiences to empower and connect women leaders globally while also bringing local communities closer. Recognized as a dynamic speaker, Zaina has shared the stage with influential figures creating a ripple effect of lasting impact.

How did your time as a student at the University of Toronto influence your career growth?

The idea for Run The World Summit originated while I was still studying in university. My journey took a formal structure during the third year where courses such as communications and business management taught me invaluable lessons. While collaborating with other entrepreneurial peers provided early inspiration, but seeing how women in different parts of the world were leading and innovating brought the vision to life.

Guidance from several professors and mentors have been invaluable and eventually influenced my early path to building Run The World Summit.

Take us through your professional journey that led to you founding Run The World Summit and Nigh Market Toronto.

Back in 2017, while living in Canada and often visiting the U.S, I attended an event that completely shifted my perspective. A woman-led initiative brought hundreds of female entrepreneurs together under one roof. That experience laid the foundation for me to build Run The World Summit, a platform that fosters belonging and opportunity for women. Inspired by that experience, I launched the first Run The World event in Mississauga. It was a sold-out success with 400 attendees and 35 women-led vendors.

The real shift came in 2019 when Rafaa joined me as a business partner and Amanee shortly afterwards. We have been inseparable ever since. Together we built a strong foundation for Run The World. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic halted our indoor events, which we used to our advantage, by launching Nigh Market. It’s a vibrant outdoor platform that kept people engaged and alive through creativity and resilience.

Tell us more about Night Market Toronto and Run The World Summit. How have both ventures expanded over the years?

Run The World Summit celebrates and empowers women-owned businesses through curated events. Each conference combines practical sessions on AI, finances, and grants with stunning visuals, turning learning and networking into an inspiring shareable experience.

Night Market focuses on inclusive, family-friendly celebrations of culture. It is an amalgamation of international cuisines, attractions, performances, and photo experiences into free events that welcome the entire community. We focus on creating beautifully designed event activations which can be leveraged by brands in engaging with new audiences.

From co-founding Night Market with Rafaa to growing the team with Amanee and new members, we have evolved from local organizers to global event curators. We have been successful in creating impact in Canada, and are now expanding to the Middle East, starting with Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

You are also a gifted public speaker. Tell us about your public speaking engagements.

Engaging audiences through speaking has been an integral part of my work. Being invited to the Forbes Women’s Summit in Saudi Arabia was a milestone, where I shared insights on how I have built communities both online and offline in the events sector.

Through these global events, I have had the privilege of engaging with a wide range of inspiring women founders and celebrities. Such experiences have allowed me to refine my speaking and interviewing skills, eliciting meaningful insights and actionable take ways for our audiences. Every event has helped me grow my personal and professional impact while strengthening my leadership style and personal brand.

As a business leader, how do you balance professional and personal growth?

One of the most impactful lessons I learnt in leadership has been to value my time. I started doing simple yet effective eye-opening exercises, teaching me to step back from minor tasks and trust others to handle them. Delegating small operational tasks saved my time which I could then spend on work that creates higher value for work and business.

We focus on creating beautifully designed event activations which can be leveraged by brands in engaging with new audiences

As a founder, it became imperative for me to grow my mindset. Building a strong team means teaching, trusting, and letting others take responsibility. By expanding my mindset, I create impact that opens doors to real scalability, more hires, more markets, and more growth.

Looking back at your journey, which professional milestones stand out for you?

My life has been filled with several milestones that remind me why I do what I do. One of the earliest highlights was being recognized by Forbes, not just as a speaker but as a brand creating impact. Another proud moment was winning two ICSC Gold Awards for our event activations in Canadian shopping centres.

The next milestone is not about an award or a headline; it is about the impact. We often move quickly from one project to the next, but witnessing 80,000 to 100,000 people enjoying what we have built reminds me of the deeper purpose behind our work - creating experiences that bring communities closer and make cities feel more alive.

Zaina Moussa, Founder, Run The World Summit Co-Founder, Night Market Toronto

Inspires women with actionable insights and authentic storytelling to connect, grow, and lead Zaina Moussa is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Run The World Summit. Showcasing her expertise in event production, community building, and strategic partnerships, Zaina impacts thousands of women worldwide. Her work creates inclusive, high-impact experiences bringing her vision of global female entrepreneurship to new markets.