SPECIAL SECTION: CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN: TOP 100

PlusTHE AZRIEL

FOUNDATION’S SPENDING

SPREEp. 4

EMPIRE’S MICHAEL MEDLINE

CLEANS UPp. 8

TOP 10 DRIVES

FOR 2021 p. 58

DEC 2020

How three women and their companies are helping us through the darkest days

comfort RETREAT

TO THE

ZONE

CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN

Honouring the achievements of 100 strong female leaders acrossthe country in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

TOP 100This section was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s Commercial Content Division, on behalf of Women’s Executive Network (WXN)

From a very young age Kehkashan Basu,Founder and President of Green HopeFoundation, knew that she wanted to makean environmental difference. By the ageof 12 she’d already attended multiple UNconferences and realized that on top of herpassion for the environment, she wanteda platform that was inclusive of children.Kehkashan founded Green Hope,which now engages children in 25different countries. “When you havea passion nothing can stop you.”

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PHOTOGRAPHEDBY:M

AUSHUM

BASU

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BY SHERRI STEVENS

W hat do you do when the world changes overnight?How do you find your footing when you don’t knowwhat’s coming next? How do you move forwardwhen you’re paralyzed by worry and fear?

How do you pick yourself up and find strength amid astorm that hits all fronts at once?

In a year marked by crisis, these are the questionswe’ve heard from women all across Canada. We’veasked them ourselves at the Women’s Execu-tive Network (WXN), too. And we discoveredanswers as we worked through our challengestogether; uniting as a community and helpingeach other rise above.

The words “unite and rise” were born out ofCOVID-19 and a pivot to provide online supportto women finding their way through uncertainty in asuddenly isolated world. They became a mantra to thosewho found solace, safety, strength and direction throughthe simple acts of coming together and sharing experiences.

It only made sense to keep that momentum going for 2020Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards – only this time,we’re uniting and rising across the world, beyond borders.

There’s a lot to celebrate this year, with winners like CommanderKelly Williamson, Director of Navy Public Affairs with the RoyalCanadian Navy, who demonstrates leadership, strength and resiliencewhile protecting the high seas, and on highly visible humanitarianassistance and global engagement missions. Melissa Sariffodeen,co-founder and CEO of Canada Learning Code, is a digital literacyadvocate dedicated to ensuring that all people in Canada have thecritical skills, confidence and opportunity that they need to thrive inour increasingly digital world. And scientist Dr. Lisa Saksida, CanadaResearch Chair in Translational Cognitive Neuroscience and Professorat Western University’s department of physiology and pharmacology,studies fundamental questions about the brain in health and disease,while also working to create a level playing field for women and otherunderrepresented groups in science and technology.

We’ve hit new milestones as an organization as well. This year,49 per cent of our winners are diverse, including Women of Colour,members of the LGBTQ2+ community, persons living with disabilities,Indigenous people and other visible minorities. This is the result ofdeliberate outreach throughout our nomination process that allows usto gather new data and benchmark progress on diversity and inclusionwithin Canadian companies.

In honour of women who have risked their lives, careers and repu-tations to champion our country and its values, we’re introducinga new award category: Women of Courage. This award recognizesthose who advocate on the front lines for positive social change againsttides of criticism, who guard and protect those around them, who leadduring tough times and who unflinchingly conquer their demands bycourageously taking a stand for what they believe in. Our inauguralawards will be awarded posthumously to Capt. Jennifer Casey, Sub-Lt.Abbigail Cowbrough and Const. Heidi Stevenson, who tragically losttheir lives in 2020 doing what they love in the service of all Canadians.

We’re also shining a light across the leadership lifecycle with four

award categories, three of them new: the CEO Award, the C-SuiteAward, the Executive Leaders Award and the Emerging Leaders Award.

We’ve all heard of the glass ceiling at the highest levels ofbusiness, but women face challenges across the entire

corporate ladder. Through these awards, we striveto make women better represented at every level

throughout the entire career journey – not justthose who are already at the top.

In addition, I’m celebrating my fifth year asowner and CEO of WXN. When I stepped intothat role, I took our mission to support womenof all levels, across all sectors and of all ages toheart – even in the most challenging of times.Over the past year, I’ve been overwhelmed not

only by this opportunity to provide support andhope to others through our efforts to unite and

rise, but also by the outpouring of support andhope we’ve received in turn.This year, the Top 100 Awards promise to be unlike

any other, as we unite and rise once more with attendees andspeakers from around the world, including Dr. Makaziwe Mandela,

global activist, head of the House of Mandela and the daughter ofNelson Mandela, who will join us via livestream from Johannesburg,South Africa at our gala. With a completely virtual format, we’ll be ableto come together and connect beyondborders like never before.

At a time when changedoesn’t stop, neither dowe. When we unite andrise together, we shinebrighter. We growstronger. Our Top 100Award Winners areproof that diamondsare formed under pres-sure. Their strengthand light provide in-spiration for thosearound them. Theygive us hopefor what’s tocome – andbelieve me,there are greatthings to come.

IN TIMES OF CRISIS, WEMUST REACH BEYOND BORDERS

TO UNITE AND RISE

22 | TOP 100

Sherri Stevens isOwner and CEO ofWomen’s ExecutiveNetwork (WXN).

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A special congratulations to our

own Janine Barry, AVP & Value

Stream Leader, Digital Customer

Engagement, Manulife Bank.

She is an innovative leader who

truly obsesses about customers,

creating incredible digital

experiences that make it easy to

do business with us.

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Manulife Bank

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WOMEN LEVELLING THESKILLED CAREERS FIELDBY DENISE DEVEAU

T here are countless outstanding womenwho are making their mark in less-trad-

itional sectors. This year’s Manulife Scienceand Technology and CP Skilled Trades hon-ourees are a diverse spectrum of women inunder-represented industries, blazing a trailfor other women to follow.

From skilled trades and manufacturing totechnology and innovation, here are theirthoughts on how women can bring a freshperspective to these industries and create astronger and more diversified economy.

Stephanie ThompsonEngineering Team Leader, General Motors ofCanada; CEO, STEM by StephWinner in the CP Skilled Trades category

“If someone isn’t pulling or leading them,young girls tend to go by the wayside and letthe boys push them out of the way.”

I’ve worked with many people in trades.But throughout it all I never really felt beinga woman was a negative as long as you havea good corporate culture that positively re-inforces right behaviours. I’m one of onlytwo female engineers in a group of about 80.People applying for work are often surprised toknow I will be their boss. When interviewingco-op students, I always take care to look forthe best female – and male – talent. I never hadthe opportunity of having female role models,which is why teaching and working with younggirls is definitely one of my passions. I still

hear stories of guidance counsellors tellinggirls they don’t want to be in engineering as acareer, so it’s easy to lose girls in the pipeline.

All I can do is add volume to that pipelineby showing young girls that engineering andtrades are worthy pursuits. To make moreinformed choices, they need to be better sup-ported. It’s critical to give them the confidenceto get on the path.

Dr. Shawna PandyaPhysician, Scientist-Astronaut Candidate; VPImmersive Medicine, Luxsonic Technologies;Director/Instructor – Space Medicine Groupand Medical Advisor to Startups. Winner in theManulife Science and Technology category

“I’m a firm believer in the adage it’s not whatyou preach, it’s what you tolerate. You have tobe the change you want to see.”

I always had big ambitions and never grewout of my dream of being an astronaut. WhenI look back, there were times when I was verymuch in the minority both in terms of mygender and ethnicity. I was the only femaleblack belt in my martial arts group and theonly female in my astronaut graduating class.

Rusul Alrubail

RaelynnHawco

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Champion ofSustainabilityNora Duke is driven by her respect for the environment, herdedication to employees, and her commitment to community.In her pursuit of a more sustainable and diverse Fortis, shepassionately leads the charge on the company’s new carbonemissions reduction target of 75% by 2035, and championsinclusion so everyone is inspired to reach their full potential.

Nora is a celebrated leader and one of Canada’s Top 100Most Powerful Women.

Nora DukeExecutive Vice President, Sustainability andChief Human Resource Officer, Fortis Inc.

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I’ve learned that success is about building solid,high-functioning teams that you trust and theytrust you. I didn’t set out to make diversity apriority. Now it’s always at the forefront of mymind. I realize that young women really listento what I have to say. One of my everydaymantras is to stretch the limits. That’s whyI’m always driven to do more and be better.My key message to young women is set a goal,don’t limit yourself, and make plans, becausea goal without a plan is just a dream.

Raelynn HawcoRed Seal JourneymanPowerline Technician, Voltage PowerWinner in the CP Skilled Trades category

“If you love what you do, you never work aday in your life.”

In my field, women represent about one percent of the people in the trade. Within the firstweek of taking a powerline program at college,I knew this is what was right for me. There wasonly one other lady in the course. I spent a lotof time with my grandfather, who was a heavyequipment mechanic, and witnessed his love andpassion for his job. I always wanted to have thatin my career. Of all four companies I have beenwith, I have been the first and only female theyhad hired. When I first started work, I was witha bunch of older men who had the mentalitythat women shouldn’t be in trades. They keptme on the ground, and discouraged me fromclimbing. Once I got comfortable I started usingmy voice. Once I proved I could do the job andpull my weight, everything started to get easier.It’s been hard and challenging, but I’m happy

that I have so much passion for my job. I workedhard to excel in a male trade and I want otherwomen to see that.

Elizabeth MosesMachinist, AmbassadorFIRST Robotics Canada,Canadian Mental Health Association –Windsor-Essex CountyWinner in the CP Skilled Trades category

“I wanted to prove to people that womencan work in the trades and show what canbe achieved.”

I discovered my passion for trades whena teacher invited me to join the FIRST Ro-botics Competition in high school. I endedup on a team of two girls and more than 20guys. I wasn’t used to working in such a male-dominated area, but it turned out to be agreat group. The work led me to applying tothe machinist program at St. Clair College.My family, teachers and friends tried to con-vince me to do something else. They sawmachining as a job for a male, and not forsomeone who is educated. But it was my dreamto do something I really enjoyed, and I waswilling to see where it would take me. Tradesare still new for a lot of women, but moreare entering them because of programs likeWomen in Trades at the college. The op-portunities are endless. Once I obtain my RedSeal, I can become a teacher, work with com-munity groups, and co-ordinate programs topromote diversity and inclusion in the trades.I might even pursue another trade so I cancombine my abilities.

Rusul AlrubailExecutive Director,Parkdale Centre for InnovationWinner in the Manulife Science andTechnology category

“Women want to be in control of their workand be their own bosses.”

I founded Parkdale Centre for Innovationas a not-for-profit incubator and acceleratorwith a focus on supporting diversity and in-clusion in entrepreneurship. Before ParkdaleI was a co-founder on The Writing Project,a student publishing platform. That projectgave me first-hand working knowledge of theentrepreneurship ecosystem. The idea for thecentre came from my own experience withThe Writing Project and the barriers I facedas a Muslim woman entrepreneur in Toronto.I was always pushed to the margins and deniedaccess to leaders. I thought about having aspace that would close the inclusivity gapso entrepreneurs and women like me couldcome in and get the support they need. Themost popular program by far is the Women’sFounders Program. They come to us becausewe provide a safe, inclusive placed to start abusiness in technology without feeling judged.I’ve discovered that women entrepreneurs arevery resilient and able to push a lot of bar-riers that are put in their way. Many start abusiness because they want another livelihoodor to elevate their economic status beyond aminimum wage job. I understand now thatthe work we are doing will make a differencein the community and beyond.

CoCongraratutulationonss toto KKririststaa ScaldwelelelelllllVicece-P-Presidedentnt, Corpororatate Commununicications and PPPubububublilicc AffAffairsCanadada LLife

Thank yoyou for yoyourur drive, commitmementntand leaderershshipip.

Canada Life and design are trademarks of The Canada Life Assurance Company.

Inspiringothersto reach theirfull potential

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BY DENISE DEVEAU

Introduced more than 40 years ago, the‘glass ceiling’ concept persists as women

continue to be underrepresented at everylevel in the workforce. Yet, this invisible sys-temic barrier that prevents women from risingto senior leadership is not the only, nor thebiggest, obstacle to progression: It is navigat-ing the first managerial step on the ladder toadvancement — or the ‘broken rung.’

Four exceptionalwomen, from emergingleader to CEO, providetheir thoughts on the glassceiling and the brokenrung. They share the chal-lenges and successes theyhave encountered in theirjourney up the corporateladder, and offer advice to

those looking to climb to the next step.“Until it is not remarkable for a woman,

or person of colour, to reach a certain levelof achievement; and once their activities arenot scrutinized the way others do not have

to endure; and there is no more whisperingabout whether that person has earned thatachievement, the glass ceiling does exist,”says Kikelomo Lawal, winner of the KPMGC-Suite Executives award, and ExecutiveVice-President and Chief Legal Officer,CIBC. “Sometimes it is harder to get onthe first rung because one candidate is beingawarded a promotion based on their poten-tial to perform the function, while anothermust have already performed the role forwhich they are applying. Even when demon-strated, there is still an obligation for some toprove their ability again and again, against amoving target.”

Adds Jane Adams,winner of Canada’s MostPowerful CEOs, presentedby KPMG, and Presidentand CEO of Surrey Hos-pitals Foundation, “Hu-manity is disadvantagedbecause it is missing outon the benefits and skills ofhighly talented individuals.

As human constructs, the glass ceiling andbroken rung can be eliminated for good, aseasily as they were created. Unless we nameour biases and own them, we cannot acknow-ledge and focus on them in a successful way.Not doing so is merely lip service. And whywould any organization not want to move theneedle? Why would you not want 50 per centof the population contributing to civil andcorporate life? There has been so much studyand reporting on the benefits it delivers.”

Rowena Chan, winner of the CIBC ExecutiveLeaders award, President Sun Life Distributor(Canada) Inc, and Senior Vice-President dis-tribution with Sun Life, points to the currentsituation and says, “We must inspire the nextgeneration of women so they can look to rolemodels like me, someone who is driving change,and believe they can achieve their goals. COVIDis a good indicator that we can make andembrace changes in workplace flexibility thatenable everyone to thrive while managingboth their work and personal lives. There isstill work to do, but I believe we are clearlyheading in the right direction.”

THE GLASS CEILINGAND THE BROKEN RUNG

Jane Adams

Kikelomo Lawal

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For Ravi Por, navigat-ing the first rung requiredcourage and persever-ance. Por is winner of theMercedes-Benz Emer-ging Leaders award, andDejardins Group’s LeadPartnerships, Outreach andAI. “I work differently andI think differently. At the

beginning of my career I was hired into a pos-ition yet, despite working hard for a few years, Iwas not climbing the ladder. I thought perhapsI needed to put in more effort – that I was theproblem. However, instead of doubting myself, Imade the decision to join a different departmentand found I was happier and accepted by peoplefor having a different point of view. Sometimesyou have to let go and move on.”

As Por continues to climb the ladder today, shesays she is happy and has a good relationship withher boss. “He accepts different ideas whether theyare about developing projects or ethical issues thatmaynotbe inmyfield.He feels there isgreat valuein my perspective and encourages me, which hasmademeabetterprofessional.Sometimesmovingforward is aboutworkingontherelationshipswithyour team that will help you blossom. Others maynot always agree with you, but the challenge helpsyou grow. Conversations are important. They letothers know who you are and your capabilities,and help you break through your own, and their,unconscious biases. You also have to believe inyourself, because no one is going to do it for you.You are the hero of your own story.”

Lawal says pushing her way through the

proverbial glass ceiling has been about prepar-ation, strength and the mentors in her careerwho offered her the opportunity to learnthe skills she would need most. “Mentorschallenged me beyond what I could do, andput me in situations where I could prove mymettle, bank my experiences and gain confi-dence. When I did have the first opportunityto manage people, I had the necessary skillsfrom being challenged in a previous position.I knew how to get through the initial fitsand starts, make adjustments, and go aboutsolving problems.”

Mentoring others is one of her key suc-cesses along the way, adds Lawal. “I feel enor-mous pride when I look at the success ofthose I have mentored. It is a rewarding partof getting to a level where you can managepeople and situations.”

Chan says her biggestchallenge in climbingthe ladders was a lackof role models at thetop. “Early in my career,when I looked up in anorganization, particularlyin the financial industry,I didn’t see any one thatlooked like me. When

that happens, you wonder if you can attaina higher level, and who will help you navigateyour way. Sometimes I felt it may be easierto change myself to fit a mould. Even whenit is tough and you feel discouraged, don’tcomprise who you are and what you valuemost as you continue to grow. Finding a

mentor, getting guidance, and finding a rolemodel can open more opportunities for youand for others. Don’t be afraid to ask for helpand advocate for your career.”

Adams says she has been fortunate in herchoice of career. “Women are well repre-sented in the not-for-profit sector at all levelsso I have not personally experienced the glassceiling or the broken rung. I recognize theirexistence and know many who have beenchallenged by them. My daughter is an en-gineer. She chose a path very different frommine, and we often have discussions aboutthese issues. And, as a female leader I havefound it frustrating when people try to dis-tinguish between a female or male way ofleading. It is quite isolating. Language reallydoes matter.”

Adams encourages those starting alongtheir career paths to build a network and sup-portive community both inside and outside ofthe organization. “That said, do not delegateadvocacy. You are your own greatest advocate.Be clear about your talents, where you wouldlike to be in the organization and the valueyou bring to a position. Occasionally youwill bump into a committed misogynist butgenerally, until reminded, they are unawareof their biases. I also encourage young womanand people of colour to spend time thinkingabout how to create opportunities knowingthat there are biases. Conversations out in theopen can be dealt with. They won’t always becomfortable and some don’t like change, butmost leaders have a measure of self-awarenessand want to grow and improve.”

Rowena Chan

Ravi Por

AS POWERFULAS A LOCOMOTIVECongratulations to Janet Drysdale on beingnamed one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women:Top 100 for 2020. As CN’s Vice-President, FinancialPlanning, Janet is a key part of the leadership teamand a trusted advisor. She is a tireless advocatefor CN, the railway industry, the sustainability ofour planet, and the advancement of women.

Thank you for being a true inspiration.We are proud to have you on the CN team!

cn.ca

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BMOArts, Sports & EntertainmentAwardsRecognizingwomenwho have shapedCanadian thinking,communications and culture

SARAH HUENIKENFounder and OwnerSARAH HUENIKEN GUIDING

BIO: Sarah Hueniken is an ACMG-Certified Alpine guidewho specializes in running women-specific coursesto empower self-sufficiency in the mountains. Sarahhas also been a part of a number of first-ascent teamsworldwide, including Niagara Falls with her partnerWill Gadd; and was the first North American womanto climb gradesM11 toM14. Currently Sarah is movingher learnings forward by co-founding aMountainMen-torship Therapy program for survivors of mountaintrauma and loss.

ON MOTIVATION: The belief that I can be a betterperson if I keep trying and the curiosity of what thatmight look like.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’m super proud ofmy climbing link up attempt last winter in the Ghost,because of the efforts it took to come back from theworst year of my life.

POWER SONG: “Lighthouse” by Future Islands.

AINKA JESSFounderSHE’S4SPORTS

BIO: Ainka Jess is a rising leader in the Canadian sportcommunity who’s on a mission to drive real changefor women in sport. After hearing about negative ex-periences from some female sports fans, and seeing alack of diversity in sport media coverage, she launchedShe’s4Sports. The organization giveswomen and diversepeople a larger voice in sport through digital content andevents. She’s4Sports brings over 5,000people togetherto address gender equity and inclusion in sport.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Lean into yourpurpose and don’t be afraid to start something newthat’s outside your comfort zone.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A person who hasempathy, who can look beyond their own privilegeand work with others to find solutions that will helppeople in need.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Using my talents andresources to help diverse communities.

CYNTHIA LOYSTCo-HostCTV’S THE SOCIAL,BELL MEDIACreator/CEOFIND YOUR PLEASURE

BIO: A passionate advocate for healthy sexual informa-tion, Cynthia Loyst is best known for giving advice andopinions on the joys and complications of love. A writer,public speaker and co-host on CTV’s The Social, Cynthiahas shared her expertise on The Marilyn Denis Show,etalk, CTVNewsChannel, The Loopandvarious radio sta-tions.Herwebsite, FindYourPleasure.com, is dedicated topleasure, sensuality and unadulterated joy. Last year, shepublishedher national bestseller book, FindYourPleasure.

ON MOTIVATION: The viewers of The Social and thereaders of my website are a constant source of in-spiration. The fact they are so engaged, curious andsupporting have kept me going.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Knowing the value ofyour team and celebrating and elevating those voiceswhenever possible.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Recognizing and ac-knowledging your privilege and helping out otherswho don’t have it.

JASMINE MANDERYouth CoachVANCOUVER WHITECAPSFOOTBALL CLUB

BIO: Former UBC Soccer captain, Jasmine Mandercompleted her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapywhile transitioning her playing career to coaching atthe Vancouver Whitecaps. Jasmine is the only womanin Canada to be awarded her coaching designationsfrom three different countries (Canada, United Statesand Scotland). She also volunteers on the BC SoccerDiversity and Inclusion committee, and serves as aCoach Educator for BC Soccer.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Be excellent atwhat you are doing, bewilling to be the least knowledge-able person in the room, and go out of your way to helpothers. Some doors need to be knockedmore than once.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER:Onewho acknowledgesthe efforts of all teammembers, and cares about whatwas important to each individual.

POWER SONG: “Small Town Kid” by Eli Young Band.

ANDREA MENARDOwnerSACRED FEMININELEARNING LODGE

BIO: Andrea Menard is an accomplished Métis singer,songwriter, actress and TEDx speaker. She is a five-time Gemini-nominated actress and 15-time musicawardwinner with four critically acclaimed albums, twooriginal TV performance specials, and two symphonyPops concerts. Andrea dedicates her life and work toempowering both the Indigenous and the Femininevoice through song, story, activism and healing. Asseen in USA Today, Andrea is a leading influencer inFeminine leadership

ON MOTIVATION: That every successful step I takeand every adversity I overcome, I make it easier forsome young Indigenous women that come after me.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: A leader stands proudlyin the circle using her voice to lift others up. She walkswith integrity, letting her fierce compassion and emo-tional wisdom inform every decision.

TRACY MOORETelevision HostCITYTV, ROGERS

BIO: Tracy Moore is the award-nominated host ofCityline, the longest-running lifestyle program forwomeninCanada, also broadcast in 70millionAmerican homes.Her awards include: WomenWhoWork Award, BrilliantMindedWomanAward forCommunityService, CanadianScreen Award Best Host nominee, Gemini Best Hostnominee, and theBBPAMediaAward. She remains com-mitted to several charities, includingher role asAmbassa-dor for theChildren’sAid FoundationCanadaandTrust15.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:Ask all the ques-tions and get comfortable with failure. It’s the quickestway to learn.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: True power is under-standing the influence you can have on a person orsituation and still being guided by the greater goodversus individual gain.

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TAKARA SMALLBachelor of JournalismTech Columnist, MetroMorning; Host/Producer,CBC Podcasts; TechnologyColumnist, CBC RadioCBCFounderVENTUREKIDS CANADA

BIO: Takara Small is a Toronto-based award-winningjournalist, entrepreneur, developer and sought-afterspeaker. Her organization VentureKids Canada is a To-ronto-based non-profit that provides free coding classesand startupworkshops to youth living in low-income andunderserved communities. Since launching, VentureKidshasworkedwith community-focused groups like TorontoCommunity Housing Corporation and Toronto PublicLibrary to create inclusive opportunities for diversestudents from across the city of Toronto.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: What they do to helpothers when it’s not expected of them.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Power can mean somany things to different people, but to me it meansusing your resources and experience to help others.

ARTS, SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT AWARDSCONTINUED

UNITE+ RISE+B E Y O N D B O R D E R S

WXNpresented by

We congratulate Ani Castonguay, a 2020 Canada’s Most Powerful Women:Top 100 award winner in recognition of her unwavering dedication to buildinga better organization in a better community.

Nous félicitons Ani Castonguay pour sa nomination au prix 2020 Canada’sMost Powerful Women: Top 100, en reconnaissance de son engagementconstant pour bâtir une meilleure organisation dans une meilleure communauté.

At CDPQ, we value diversity.The idea is simple: we believe thatdiversity and inclusion foster innovation,success and greater equality.

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JANE ADAMSLL.D.President andChief Executive OfficerSURREY HOSPITALSFOUNDATION

BIO: Jane Adams is a creative and relentlessly curiousnon-profit leader. Her infectious communication styleand fierce work ethic infuse organizations with energyand optimism that propels strategic growth. Jane’sstrong conviction that Canadians deserve the bestavailable health care compelled her to lead three ofBC’s best known Hospital Foundations. She excels inenvironments where action and urgency are required.Her pan-Canadian consulting experience in the sectorinfluenced her collaborative and inclusive style.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Persistencefuelled by conviction can rarely be ignored.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Courage, authenticity,and the humility to step aside when someone else isbetter suited.

POWER SONG: “I amWoman Hear me Roar” by HelenReddy. It was the anthem of all young girls in the-70s.

JULIA HANIGSBERGPresident andChief Executive OfficerHOLLAND BLOORVIEW KIDSREHABILITATION HOSPITAL

BIO: Julia Hanigsberg is a committed advocate for chil-dren’s health andwell-being, advancingwomen in leader-ship, and encouraging girls to participate in STEM. Since2015, she has served as President and CEO of HollandBloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Canada’s largestpaediatric rehabilitation hospital dedicated to creatinga world of possibility for kids and youth living with dis-abilities and complex medical needs. Julia is a 3 timeTop 100 Winner and has held senior leadership roles ingovernment, post-secondary education and healthcare.

ONMOTIVATION: The children and families that cometo our hospital. Their expectations and hopesmakemepush the envelope of what we can achieve.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS:During the pandemic ithasmeant pushing through fear andmotivating othersto do the same.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My children and mynon-traditional route into healthcare.

BEBA SVIGIRB.Ed.Chief Executive OfficerCALGARY IMMIGRANTWOMEN’S ASSOCIATION(CIWA)

BIO:Beba Svigir has led the Calgary ImmigrantWomen’sAssociation since 2006. She has a background inlanguage and international development education,program/fund development, diversity and governance.Beba is committed to enhancing the lives of newcomersthrough a two-way street model, where participantsplay equal roles in promoting the benefits of immigra-tion. She shares her passion for gender equality andequity through engagements in national and provincialinitiatives, research projects and policy development.

ON MOTIVATION: Making a positive difference forimmigrant women we serve and contributing to thecommunity.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:That immigrantwomentoday have better opportunities than I had when I cameto Canada.

POWER SONG: “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga.

Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs,presented by KPMGRecognizing threeCanadian Female CEOswho arethe compelling force behind their organizations

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NANCY BARBERChief Operating OfficerBOMBARDIER AVIATION

BIO: Nancy Barber joined Bombardier in 1998. She hasheld leadership roles in customer services, procure-ment, program management and operations. As VicePresident she was responsible for the Global 7500aircraft program, the largest purpose-built businessaircraft industry-wide. Now Chief Operating Officer,she is responsible for planning, assembly, delivery ofbusiness aircraft, and industrialization of Bombardier’soperational footprint. She is a passionate promoterof women in aerospace serving as mentor, coach,and speaker.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Difficult situa-tions, experiences and conversations provide learningand growth as a leader; never be afraid to speak the truth.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Great leaders wake upevery day and want to be better than they were theday before. They are motivated to move the businessforward and see those around them be successful andachieve their goals.

POWER SONG: “Beautiful People” by Ed Sheeran.

SONYA BRANCOCPA, MBAVice President, Finance andChief Financial OfficerCAE

BIO: Sonya Branco is an accomplished finance execu-tive whose success can be measured not only by thephenomenal growth and innovation she has been instru-mental in achieving as CAE’s CFO, but also through herdeep-seeded commitment to elevating those around herby promotingwomen in leadership and supporting edu-cational non-profit organizations. The secret to Sonya’ssuccess is a humble, authentic and compassionatecharacter that allows her to inspire andmobilize peopleto deliver results well beyond a strong balance sheet.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: Take risks and trynew challenges. Big or small, if it makes you uncomfort-able, it helps you grow and learn.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Being powerful isbelieving in yourself and having a positive influenceon those around you. It’s the ability to bring peopletogether and achieving outstanding results that leaveyour company, community, and environment in a betterstate than you found them.

POWER SONG: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

NORA DUKEB. Comm (Honours), MBAExecutive Vice President,Sustainability and ChiefHuman Resource OfficerFORTIS INC.

BIO: Nora Duke is responsible for sustainability andhuman resource strategy at Fortis including: inclusionand diversity; culture; executive compensation; talentmanagement; succession planning; and communica-tions. Nora led the company’s recent commitment toreduce Scope 1 emissions by 75% by 2035. She is amember of the InternationalWomen’s Foundation andEdison Electric Institute’s ESG Steering Committee. Sheis a board member of UNS Energy, FortisAlberta, andSlate Office REIT.

ONMOTIVATION: I see somuchpotential in the talentedteams I am surrounded by and am inspired by what canbe achieved when wework together.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Personally, being amother to twobeautiful, thoughtful andgroundeddaugh-ters. Professionally, being the first female subsidiaryCEOwithin the Fortis group of companies.

KIKELOMO LAWALB.A., J.DExecutive Vice-President andChief Legal OfficerCIBCNominated asChief Legal Officer,Ombudsman & CorporateSecretary INTERAC

BIO: Kikelomo Lawal is the global leader for CIBC’sLegal, Corporate Secretary, Ombudsman and PrivacyOffice functions. Kikelomo has 25 years of progressiveleadership experience including legal expertise asboth a trial lawyer and a transactional lawyer. Sheobtained her law degree from Harvard LawSchool and holds a BA in Politics from New YorkUniversity. She is a wife, a mother of three, a mentorto many and she contributes her time as a BoardMember and Advisor to various organizations.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being the mother ofthree amazing children.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A leader is one whoknows the way, goes the way and shows the way”-John C. Maxwell.

DR. HENDRIATTAWONGManaging PartnerINSIGHT PSYCHOLOGICALINC.

BIO: Dr. Hendriatta Wong guides Insight’s corporatestrategy development, operational advancement,program innovation, and effective growth. Under her fiveyears of leadership, Insight has evolved into a dynamicmulti-award-winning company, including two-time re-cipient of the Growth 500Award by Canadian Business,recognizing Insight as one of Canada’s fastest-growingcompanies. Hendriatta has served on multiple boardsand championedwomen’s advancement, poverty elim-ination, diversity and inclusion, and better access topsychological care and disability support.

ONMOTIVATION: I’mmotivated by all the exciting pos-sibilities that I can still accomplish.

KPMGC-Suite Executives AwardsRecognizingwomen at theC-Suite levelwho playa significant strategic rolewithin their organizations

Persistence fuelledby conviction canrarely be ignored

Great leaders wakeup every day and wantto be better than theywere the day before

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Jane Adams

– Nancy Barber

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DR.MEGHANAZADPh.D., Associate Professor,Pediatrics and Child HealthUNIVERSITY OF MANITOBAResearch ScientistCHILDREN’S HOSPITALRESEARCH INSTITUTE OFMANITOBACo-DirectorMANITOBAINTERDISCIPLINARY

LACTATIONCENTRE,MILCCo-LeadMANITOBA CHILDCOHORT STUDYBIO: Dr. Meghan Azad is an international expert inhuman milk science. She has secured over $13 millionin research funding at the University of Manitoba, andholds the Canada Research Chair in DevelopmentalOrigins of Chronic Disease. She leads a diverse anddynamic team that studies infant nutrition and themicrobiome. Meghan co-founded the Manitoba Inter-disciplinary Lactation Centre, and was recruited bythe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to direct the newInternational Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: It’s not about thefinal destination. You need to enjoy the journey and notbe afraid to change course when opportunities arise.Also - the power of networking. This takes practice andpatience but it is so important.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My team. We are adiverse and dynamic group that support and inspireeach other to push the envelope andmake a difference.

JANINE BARRYAssistant Vice President,Digital EngagementMANULIFE BANK

BIO: Building strong empowered teams, who are pas-sionate about customers and challenging the status quo,drives Janine Barry as a leader. Since joining ManulifeBank, she has played a transformational role in expand-ing digital capabilities and how teams work together.Janine is responsible for delivering innovative solutionslike artificial intelligence insights and chatbots, andmodernizing core banking systems, in the quest toimprove customer experiences. Janine serves as a BoardTrustee for St. Mary’s General Hospital.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:Don’t wait to beasked. If you see something you’d like changed - do it!Empower yourself to take action.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raising nice, kind,smart, curious kids. The role of a parent comes withno training, no guidebook.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Empowering others,lifting them up, and seeing more in them than theysee in themselves.

ANI CASTONGUAYExecutive Vice-President,Public AffairsCDPQ

BIO:Ani Castonguayworks to position CDPQ as a leaderin constructive capital across all markets. She over-sees external and internal communications, businessdevelopment activities and philanthropic initiatives. Aclear and compelling communicator, Ani worked forvarious large public and private organizations, gainingextensive experience in crisis and changemanagement,before joining this global investment group in 2009. Asa leader, she is accessible, supportive and known forher great sense of humour.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: The capacityto step back; it is critical to take in the big picture tomake decisions with a clear head.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Putting togethera dedicated team of talented and hilarious people,because they make me a better person everyday. I amalso very proud of how we raised our internal com-munications game during the pandemic and made areal difference for our colleagues by finding newwaysto stay connected.

AIDA CIPOLLACPA, CAExecutive Vice-President andChief Financial OfficerTORONTO HYDROCORPORATION

BIO: Aida Cipolla is the Executive Vice-President andChief Financial Officer at Toronto Hydro, providingstrategic leadership for business planning, financialreporting, treasury, taxation, internal audit and com-pliance functions. Aida is the first female Chair of theCanadian Electricity Association’s CFO Committeeand previously served as Chair of the Accounting andFinance Committee. In 2019, Aida was named oneof Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. She also helped leadcharitable activities for Sunnybrook’s Ross Tilley BurnCentre, United Way and SickKids.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being promoted toExecutive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer atTorontoHydro. BecomingaCFOwasagoal set formyselfearly inmy career with the company. The journey to thisposition was not easy or straightforward, and includeddifficult decisions and family support. The senseof satis-faction and accomplishing it with an organization andpeople I value and respect is a highlight of my career.

DR. FIONA CLEMENTPhDDepartment Head ofCommunity Health SciencesUNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

BIO:Dr. Fiona Clement joinedUCalgary in 2011 as assist-ant professor and in 2012 became director of the HealthTechnology Assessment (HTA) Unit within the O’BrienInstitute for Public Health. In 2015, she was selectedCanadian Harkness fellow in health care policy andpractice and spent a year at the University of Californiastudying the United States’ health-care policy environ-ment. Shewas named a UCalgary peak scholar in 2017.Fiona’s focus on educational excellence and facultysupport brings better health care to the community.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Compassion isthe greatest tool a leader has.

ON MOTIVATION: My colleagues and team memberswhowork tirelessly to improve theworld around them.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The impact that myteam’s work had on the legalization framework forCannabis.

ROOPADAVÉCPA, CAPartner,Sustainability and ImpactServicesKPMG IN CANADA

BIO: Roopa Davé works with organizations to addresssignificant societal challenges like inequality and climatechange.A trainedCPA,Roopa identified early the challen-ges for traditional financial reporting todemonstrate valuecreated, or diminished, throughenvironmental and socialperformance and consequently pivoted her career to beat the forefront of these discussions. Roopa is especiallypassionate about supporting her clients on their sustain-ability journeys, whether they are just beginning or welldown the path of embedding sustainability principles intheir business models.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am most proud ofshaping a career that alignswithmyvalues and the deepconnections I have made with clients and colleaguesalong the way.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To have a platform inwhich you can bring people together, collaborate andinfluence change for the better.

MERCEDES-BENZEmerging LeadersAwardsRecognizingwomenbetweentheagesof30to45years,whohavebeentargetedforsuccessiveleadershippositionswithin theirorganizationsandhaveaprovenpassionfor learningand innovation

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STACHEN FREDERICKExecutive DirectorWESTON FRONTLINESCENTRE

BIO: Stachen Frederick is the Executive Director ofWeston Frontlines Centre (WFC), a youth charity inToronto.WFC offers children and youth a safe, welcom-ing place away from the streets. She is also founder ofthe international organization BrAIDS for AIDS. BrAIDSfor AIDS promotes HIV/AIDS awareness and providesaccess to resources for Black communities throughculturally appropriate practices. As well, Stachen is aProfessor at Sheridan College in the School of SocialWork and a consultant/grant writing coach.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:Trust your instinct- it has never proven to be wrong.

ONMOTIVATION: I ammotivated and inspired knowingI have a purpose in life, that I am positively impactingthe lives of marginalized communities.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Powerful reflects theability tomake a difference even in the face of adversity.It means strength.

LORRAINE GRAYP.Eng., MBASuperintendent, StationsServices HYDRO ONEBoard MemberWHITBY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BIO: Lorraine Gray is a Professional Engineer with 15years of experience at Hydro One, 12 of which havebeen in leadership positions. In her current role Lorraineis responsible for one of six zones covering the Prov-ince of Ontario. Today she leads over 100 employeesthat in-service and maintain crucial electricity equip-ment. She is one of only three women to ever hold thisposition and is a fierce advocate for women pursuingnon-traditional roles.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Going ‘straight upthe middle’ in a male-dominated organization. It takesgrit, resilience, and fearlessness. I do not shy awayfrom challenge, and if anything, I am catalyzed by it.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: It means standingin the person you are; owning your truth, yourself,and your purpose, and not abdicating any of that toaccommodate what others want you to do. It meansfully believing in yourself.

NAKI OSUTEIM.A.Associate Vice President,Social ImpactTD BANK

BIO: An intrapreneur, Naki Osutei has worked acrosssectors to redefine leadership and drive equity. Shehas created leadership development programs, includ-ing CivicAction’s DiverseCity Fellows ‘civic MBA’, thatcontinue to change the leadership landscape. Today asAssociate Vice President, Social Impact at TD, Naki leadsa phenomenal team who facilitates positive changethrough philanthropy, employee engagement and busi-ness. A sought-after public speaker and moderator,Naki is the founder and host of Presence by Naki O, apodcast about taking and making space.

ONWHATPOWERFULMEANS:Being powerful is havingthe power of choice. As you have more choices, youhave more power. My hope is that more people withpower will exercise choices that can correct social andeconomic inequities.

POWER SONG: “I Am An African” by Calypso Roseand Bunji Garlin.

VASIEPAPADOPOULOSMSc, MBACommunications andOutreach ManagerPHILIP MORRISINTERNATIONAL CANADA

BIO: Vasie Papadopoulos has experience in all threesectors - public, private and not-for-profit. She is cur-rently the Communications and OutreachManager forPhilipMorris International Canada. She is committed togirls’ education and literacy and has a goal of buildingfive schools in deserving communities globally. Vasiehas three degrees, including anMBA from Ivey BusinessSchool. She is also a podcast host, shoe designer, andan accomplished travel photographer.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: To keep a stead-fast and unwavering belief in yourself andwhat you cando - and that what you can do is limitless.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:Gettingmy universitydegrees, because my father taught me an education isone thing no one can take away from you.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS: Powerful tomemeansbeing fearless.

FATEMA PIRONESenior Director, EnterpriseInnovationCIBC

BIO: Fatema Pirone is a bold leader who constantlystrives to create impactful change; qualities that havedriven her dynamic career at CIBC. She is a trailblazerwho redefined Innovation across the bank, evolvingCIBC’s Innovation mandate from a simple vision toan established unit. Her leadership provokes thought-ful conversations, results in impactful execution andcreates purposeful client experiences. Fatema holdsan Executive MBA from Kellogg School of Manage-ment and Schulich, and a degree in Psychology fromYork University.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: That I completed bothdegrees while building a career and raising a youngfamily – I want my daughters to know they never haveto sacrifice their career aspirations to be a goodmother.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: Someonewho finds op-portunities for their team to shine and protects themwhen things go wrong.

RAVY PORFounderHÉROS DE CHEZ NOUSLead Partnerships & Outreach,Advanced AnalyticsDESJARDINS GROUP

BIO: Ravy Por is a graduate in mathematics and hasover 10 years of experience in finance, data scienceand innovation. She now leads partnerships, R&D andoutreach in advanced analytics and artificial intelligenceat Desjardins Group, plus she sits on a few boards inQuebec. Ravy founded Héros de chez nous, an NPO, todemocratize digital education among young people.Her career has been recognized by several distinctions,including the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers and theWomen’s Leadership prize.

ONWHATMAKESA LEADER:A leader is someonewhoyou look up to. They inspire youwith their actions, theywon’t leave you indifferent because they are mindful,canmotivate andmobilize their surroundings plus theymake a difference in their environment.

POWER SONG: “Level Up” by Ciara.

MERCEDES-BENZ EMERGING LEADERS AWARDSCONTINUED

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LETECIA ROSEPrincipal ConsultantSKILL MARKETNominated asManager of Partnerships &ProgramsMLSE LAUNCHPAD

BIO: Letecia Rose is an equity advocate passionateabout creating inclusive spaces for all. As a consultantat Skill Market, she cultivates cohesive and equitablework environments. As Manager of Partnerships forMLSE LaunchPad, she enabled youth to reach their fullpotential using the power of sports. Leteciamade it hermission to diversify and activate civic leadership acrossthe Greater Toronto Area and serves as Co-Chair of theEmerging Leaders Network to connect rising leadersto advancement opportunities

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Power is the abilityto be confident in your voice, confident in your values,confident in your boundaries, and confident in yourability to bounce back no matter the outcome. Whenyou have this level of confidence, it naturally makesyou powerful because it shows that you are willingto take risks but not to the detriment of yourself orothers around you.

NAZIA SHAHRINBSc, MISenior Director - RegulatoryStrategy and DeliveryRBCLecturerUNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

BIO: Nazia Shahrin is a transformation leader at RBCand a lecturer at University of Toronto. She started hercareer as a developer and moved into transformationroles across RBC. She enjoys challenging the status quo,thinking outside the box, and leveraging technology toreimagine the way we do things in the digital world.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Transformationis a marathon, not a sprint and how you do it mattersjust as much as what you do.

ONMOTIVATION: I ammotivated to leave theworld ina better place than when I came into it. I want to haveimpact and in many ways. During 2020, it becameeven more apparent how much more we can do as asociety. This year I took my first role as a Co-chair inDiversity & Inclusion as a result of the growing concernsin the world.

ANGELA THOMPSONB. Mgt.Vice President,Project ServicesCLEARSTREAM ENERGYSERVICES INC.

BIO: Angela Thompson holds executive oversight ofthe Project Controls, Estimating, Real Estate and SupplyChain Management functions for the ClearStreamgroup of companies. Additionally, she has operationaloversight for the ClearStream Environmental ServicesConsulting division. Angela brings over 15 years ofstrategic planning, business development, mergers andacquisitions and professional consulting experience.Her oversight includes $150million in capital, materialand vendor spend.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: You can’t relyon others to give you confidence, it needs to comefrom within yourself.

ON MOTIVATION: I am motivated by my family(husband, Chris; and kids, York and Liv) plusmy teams(Functional & Operational)

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: The ability to see whatis not there and anticipate outcomes.

COMMANDERKELLYWILLIAMSONM.M.M, C.D.Director of Navy Public AffairsROYAL CANADIAN NAVY,CANADIAN ARMED FORCES,DEPARTMENT OF NATIONALDEFENCE

BIO:A trusted leader and effective communicator, Com-mander KellyWilliamson has served Canada as a NavalWarfare Officer, Public Affairs Officer, and member ofCanada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team. FromHaiti to Nepal, Afghanistan to West Africa, she hasdemonstrated leadership, strength and resiliencewhileprotecting the high seas, supporting Expeditionaryand Special Forces, and on highly visible humanitarianassistance and global engagement missions. She iscommitted to enhancing diversity and inclusion andis a Veterans Emergency Transition Service Canadaadvocate and volunteer.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:Working to strengthenand enhance our team to better communicate themission andmandate of this important national institu-tion. The accomplishment pushedme to bringmy verybest to the table every day, in order to foster an environ-ment where creativity and innovation could thrive.

MERCEDES-BENZ EMERGING LEADERS AWARDSCONTINUED

Unite and Rise Beyond Bordersat the WXN 18th Annual Canada’s

Most Powerful Women:Top 100™ Awards Program

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that change is constant… andthat it requires a great deal of strength. Not just our own strength,or that of a single person, organization or even country. It takesthe strength of many, across divisions and across the world, topave a path forward. It takes a global community joining theirstrength and sharing their voices to unite and rise above ourchallenges. It takes all of us, connected like never before, workingbravely toward a renewed sense of purpose.

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DR. JANÉTAIZENSTROSPhD, EMBAFounder and ExecutiveChairwomanAHAVA GROUP GLOBAL(AGG)

BIO: Dr. Janét Aizenstros’ women-led modern mediaparent company serves Fortune andmultinationalmediacompanies globally. Last year, she reached a new heightin her career when she scaled Ahava Group Globalinto a nine-figure organization. She is an internation-ally recognized leader and creator of the first impactfund in Canada led by an Afro-Canadian woman thatfocuses onwomen entrepreneurs creating social impactthrough technology.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: “It’s about pacing,not racing; striding, not striving, thriving not surviving.”

ON MOTIVATION: Knowing I am impacting lives onestep at a time frommy family, community and business.

ONWHATMAKESA LEADER: Servitude. Understandingit’s not about you but about them.

KATE ARTHURB.A., eMBA (2021)Founder andChief Executive OfficerKIDS CODE JEUNESSE

BIO: Kate Arthur leads Kids Code Jeunesse, a charitythat mobilizes communities to build a better futurethrough digital skills education. Raised in the U.K.,Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Canada, she haswitnessed the power of education. Kate is active as aboard member, advisor, contributor, including on theGovernment of Canada’s Public Awareness workinggroup for the Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence.She is currently completing her eMBA at McGill-HEC.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Staying focused, con-fident and building a company that keeps values at thecentre of who we are.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Coaching people to bethe best at what they do and who they are so they canmake the world a better place.

POWER SONG: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor.

DESIRÉEBOMBENONB AdminChief Executive OfficerSURECALL

BIO: Desirée Bombenon is CEO and Chief DisruptionOfficer for SureCall, a multi-award-winning businessprocess outsourcing provider of custom services toglobal partners. Desirée has been recognized in theTop 40 Under 40, EY Entrepreneur of the Year, CalgaryBusiness Leaders Award, United Nations Enabler ofVison award, and as a Top 100 Winner in 2016, 2017and 2020. She serves on several boards and is incomingChair for the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To lead withkindness.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Designing a girls’empowerment program called Hero Girls to advocatefor female education.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: How much you cangive and do for others to help them have meaningfuland successful lives.

SHANNON BYRNESUSKOFounder andChief Executive OfficerMETRONOME UNITED

BIO: Shannon Byrne Susko is the founder andCEO of Metronome United, a successful globalCEO+LEADERSHIP coaching organization. She is alsothe co-founder ofMetronomeGrowth Systems, a cloud-based business platform for high-growth businesses,their CEOs, leaders and business coaches. A serialentrepreneur, she also co-founded, served as CEO,and led the sale of the two companies less than sixyears apart: Subserveo, Inc. and Paradata Systems Inc.

ONMOTIVATION: Ensuring no one is as desperate andstuck as I was to grow up myself and my company.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Their willingness anddesire to be vulnerable in order to grow themselvesand their team.

POWER SONG: “Whatever it Takes” by ImagineDragons.

CHRISTINEDAGENAISMBA, PCCFounder andChief Executive OfficerBRIGHT WIRE LEADERSHIP

BIO:Christine Dagenais is the Founder and CEO of BrightWire, a premier leadership development and executivecoaching firm, where she leads a team of highly skilledexecutive coaches and leadership experts enablinghigh-performing leaders, teams and cultures in times ofcomplexity. Her firm is behind the leadership develop-ment strategy of some of Canada’s top organizations.Christine is an active corporate citizen, a passionateentrepreneur, and a published author.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Ask for whatyou want. View rejection as positive – a “no” or “notnow” is packed with learning and growth.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Building the organiza-tion and team I have the honour of leading every day.

POWER SONG: “I Feel Good” by James Brown.

CINDY DAVIDCFP, CLU, FEA, TEPPresident andEstate Planning AdvisorCINDY DAVID FINANCIALGROUP LTD.

BIO: Cindy David is a leading Canadian financial expertand trailblazer in her industry. She’s known for herpassion, creative thinking, and determination to influ-ence positive change. As President of Cindy DavidFinancial Group Ltd., Cindyworkswith business ownersin B.C. and retired or retiring clients. Her firm providestax-effective solutions and expertise, and tailors cus-tomized, personal financial planning services to meetthe life goals of her clientele.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT:Honestly being amomand seeing my kids grow into the amazing people theyare today. Beyond that, usingmy volunteer time to serveon boards and make a difference.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Not needing to be

POWER SONG: “So What’cha Want” by Beastie Boys.

BMOEntrepreneurs AwardsRecognizingwomenwho own andoperate thriving businesses

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BMO ENTREPRENEURS AWARDSCONTINUED

SANDRAFILOPOULOSRN, MBACo-Founder and VP of SalesFILO IMPORT INC.

BIO: A former nurse and MBA in Leadership graduate,Sandra Filopoulos has developed professionally in themedical field. With audacity and vision, she followedher entrepreneurial ambition and her philanthropicmission signing Filo-Import partnerships with someof the biggest corporations in the world (Nickelodeon,Disney, Fisher-Price, Crayola). Filo-Import has sold itslicensed products to major international customersincluding Walmart, Loblaws, Circle K and CanadianTire, including NERObottles.

ON MOTIVATION: Reaching my objectives and givingback to our community by increasing my sales andprofits.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raising my son withgreat values, instilling a hard-working ethic and theimportance of giving back. Seeing him thrive afteropen heart surgery at birth helps me overcome everyobstacle an entrepreneur may face.

POWER SONG: “This Girl is on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

REETUGUPTAB.B.A, M.B.APresident and CEOEASTON’S GROUP OFHOTELS, THE GUPTAGROUP, THE GUPTA FAMILYFOUNDATIONChief Strategy OfficerROGUE INSIGHT CAPITAL

BIO: Reetu Gupta is a force to be reckonedwith, sittingas the CEO of three companies; The Easton’s Group, TheGupta Group and The Gupta Family Foundation. She alsois the co-founder of Rogue Insight Capital. Reetu washonoured with the distinction of WXN’s Top 100MostPowerful Women in 2019 as well as Canada’s Top 40Under 40 in June 2017. She is wildly passionate andwith this energy she continues to exceed excellenceand is an inspiration not only in her industry, but forwomen everywhere.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A leader is someonewho inspires others to achievemore than they thoughtthey could, one who elevates others spiritually andemotionally, one who shares knowledge and is kind.

ONWHATPOWERFULMEANS:To be powerful is to loveunconditionally, to understand that when the power oflove overrules the need for power, we will have peace.

POWER SONG: “Roll It Gal” by Alison Hinds.

AMANDAHAMILTONBAID, NCIDQ, LEED APFounder and Creative DirectorAMANDA HAMILTONINTERIOR DESIGNFounderPALETTE ARCHIVES

BIO: Amanda Hamilton is an award-winning entrepre-neur. Her unorthodox approach to design and businesshas made her one of the most sought-after creativeminds in Canada. She received the Emerging LeaderAward through Calgary Influential Women in Businessamong other honorary awards. Dedicated to continualeducation, Amanda launched a student travel scholar-ship through her almamater. Her satirical memoir, NotThat Likeable, At First is set to release Fall of 2021.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Surroundingmyself with other strong women who believe in mysometimes crazy dreams.

ON MOTIVATION: It is such a gift to help nurture andgrow the raw talents of those who work for me.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Humility. Leadershipis found in the moments we see missteps as oppor-tunities to grow.

KRISTI HEROLDB. CommFounder andChief Executive OfficerSPORT & SOCIALGROUP INC.

BIO: Kristi Herold is a community builder whose focusis connecting people through play. Since SSG’s incep-tion in 1996, it has grown to be one of the largest clubsof its kind in the world, whose organizational culturepositively impacts the lives of millions of players andthousands of employees along the way. Kristi has ledmultiple acquisitionswithmore on the go as she chasesher vision of one million people playing annually.

ONMOTIVATION: Seeing the impact the Sport & SocialGroup has on the lives of millions of people, and thatthe work my team and I do is making an impact onmental and physical health.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: When we hit themarket of 100,000 teams playing in our leagues.

ONWHATPOWERFULMEANS:Carryinggreat influence,which is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly.

DR. DINA KULIKMD, FRCPC, PEMChief Executive Officerand FounderKIDCREW

BIO: In addition to being a mother, pediatrician andpediatric emergencymedicine physician, Dr. Dina Kulik isthe founder of Kidcrew, amultidisciplinary clinic for chil-dren, providing a one-stop service for kids’ health. Sheis one of Canada’s leading child health media experts,providing child health information to parents and thepublic through television, radio and print media and viaher blog DrDina.ca and at Kidcrew.com.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Teaching other entre-preneurs they can have it all and they can build a suc-cessful businesswithout having to sacrifice their familyor social life.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER:Great leaders are empa-thetic, dependable, accountable, humble, positive andinspire their team to pursue a shared vision.

POWER SONG: “High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco.

IRINI MIKHAELRECE, P.Eng, PMPChief Operating OfficerLULLABOO NURSERY ANDCHILDCARE CENTER

BIO: Irini Mikhael opened her first childcare centrein 2008. Today, Lullaboo has nine locations acrossOntario that care for over 1,300 children, and employ350 educators. When COVID struck, she opened upthe locations as emergency centres 24/7 to supportfront-lineworkers. Irini constantly strives to improve ef-ficiencies and seek out the best educators. She stronglybelieves in the importance of creating powerful womenleaders through leadership and development training.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Knowing that thework we do daily affects all Ontarian parents, children,employers and employees.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: A true leader is seen bytheir followers as a place of comfort, support, peace,strength and refuge.

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BMO ENTREPRENEURS AWARDSCONTINUED

PASCALE PAGEAUAd. E., CIC.CChief Executive Officerand FounderDELEGATUS LAWYERSCOLLECTIVE

BIO: Pascale Pageau founded Delegatus to challengetraditional legal service models, leveraging technologyand remote work to provide clients easier and moreaffordable access to top-tier legal services. The firm,which is considered a pioneer and leader of NewLaw,now has 34 lawyers and is listed among the Top 10Legal Firms in Québec and Profit 500 Canada’s FastestGrowingCompanies. Pascale alsoworks tirelessly for theadvancement ofwomen in business and legal profession.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Delegatus.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: For believing in a dreamand followingmy instincts that we could do things dif-ferently and made a great collective success.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To have the vision, butalso and above all the courage, the audacity to believe init and then todoall that is humanly possible to achieve it,for oneself, for others and for the community.

POWER SONG: “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

CAROLINE COLEPOWERBBA, MBA, M Ed, PhD/ADBFounder andChief Executive OfficerCANADIAN HR SOLUTIONS,INC.

BIO: Caroline Cole Power launched Canadian HR Solu-tions, Inc. in 2010. She has since expanded the com-pany’s footprint to 10 Canadian cities and established anational facilitator network to serve clients from coastto coast to coast. Operating divisions include CanadianHR Academy; Sensitivity Training Canada, a provider ofRespectful Workplace Training; and Worldwide Work-place Learning, a provider of workplace-related onlinecourses in English, French and Spanish.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: One’s innatetalent is great but it is really only the starting point.What gives one the edge is their ability andwillingnessto be relentless aboutworking hard andworking smart.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: The ability to garner thetrust of others and their ability to motivate action thatis not based in fear.

A true leader is seenby their followers asa place of comfort

One’s innate talentis great but it isreally only thestarting point

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Irini Mikhael

– Caroline Cole Power

WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ 2020BMO Entrepreneur Award Winner

Congratulations

Reetu Gupta, BBA, MBA

President & CEOEaston’s Group of Hotels & The Gupta Group

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JENNIFER GREENDirector of Competitions andYoung Women’s InitiativesSKILLS ONTARIOApprenticeship Youth AdvisorONTARIO MINISTRY OFLABOUR, TRAINING ANDSKILLS DEVELOPMENT

BIO: A trailblazer for women in non-traditional careers,Jennifer Green has achievedmany honours through hermentorship, community involvement and leadership,as she continues to advocate for the skilled trades.She is Director of Competitions and Young Women’sInitiatives at Skills Ontario, an organization that en-courages youth to pursue careers in the skilled tradesand technologies. She’s also an Apprenticeship YouthAdvisor for the OntarioMinistry of Labour, Training andSkills Development.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: How to own,recover and learn from a setback. Making a mistakedoesn’t define who you are as a person.

ONMOTIVATION: I’mmotivated each day knowing thatI’m creating possibilities and opportunities by playing amentor role for youngwomen, and creating events andexperiences to explore skilled trades as a career option.

ONWHATMAKESA LEADER:Vision, drive, and passion.There’s no standard that is “too far-fetched.”

RAELYNNHAWCOJourneyman PowerlineTechnicianVOLTAGE POWER

BIO:Raised inGooseBay, Nfld. RaelynnHawcocurrentlyworks in Fort St. John, B.C. where she is responsible forquality control andassurance at theSiteCHydroProject.She is the first journeywoman to compete in an Enmaxlineman rodeo, and had an opportunity to do power res-toration work in the U.S. post Hurricane Michael. She isanavidoutdoor enthusiastwhosehobbies include fishing,snowmobiling, hiking and cycling.

ON MOTIVATION: Women can do anything they areinspired to do, and in turn inspire other women in theprocess.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT:AchievingmyRed Sealjourneyman powerline technician certification.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A person who inspiresand leads others by example. Someonewith knowledge,a strongwork ethic, patience and strength of character.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Tirelessly advocatingfor any cause you are passionate about.

VICTORIA LABILLOISMBAPresidentWEJUSEG CONSTRUCTION

BIO: Victoria Labillois is an entrepreneur, speaker,mentor, go-to emcee, connector, coach, corporatedirector, leader, and traveller. After several years inthe Indigenous public service at the national, regionaland local levels, Victoria launched her own businessesadvancing Indigenous workforce inclusion in civil con-struction projects acrossMi’gmaw territory. A two-timeTop 100winner, she serves numerous Indigenous boardsand currently helps shape federal policy by serving onthe National Indigenous Economic Development Board.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON:When you startsomething, finish it.

ON MOTIVATION: I am motivated to create space forthe next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs to helpbuild our economy. When I am challenged or hear theword “No”, I will work relentlessly to go through, over,around, or even under whatever the obstacle may be.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Teaching financialliteracy to Indigenous youth ismy passion project. I amproud to be a role model.

ELIZABETHMOSESMachinist, AmbassadorFIRST ROBOTICS CANADA,CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTHASSOCIATION – WINDSOR-ESSEX COUNTY

BIO: Elizabeth Moses was born in a refugee camp inSudan. In high school, she discovered her passion fortrades while competing in the FIRST Robotics Compe-tition. She graduated from the machinist program atSt. Clair College and is a 2020 Skilled Trades Alumniof Distinction. In her role as an ambassador, Elizabethdedicates her time to helping lift women out of povertyand supporting their future through skilled trades.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Completing my ap-prenticeship. I went against the norm and chased aftermy dreams.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS:Understanding that thechoices youmake not only impact your future, but alsothe future of the people that surround you.

KEELEY PROCKIWRope Access Supervisor, RedSeal WelderSTRUCTURE GROUP,TACTEN INDUSTRIAL

BIO: Keeley Prockiw is a single mother, Red Seal and Bpressurewelder, rope access supervisor, andanassistantropeaccess instructor. She is oneof only 120 female level3 rope access techs worldwide. Those numbers alonemake her a trailblazer, whether she set out to be one ornot. She is proudof the success shehas achievedand theexample she sets for other women in trades.

ONMOTIVATION: I am proud to be a successful womanin a predominantly male industry. I want to pave theway for my daughter and other women that will comeafter me.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raising two strongand beautiful children. I am also proud of the person Ihave become and the story I have created for my life.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS:Not to be in control of,but to inspire and influence others.

STEPHANIETHOMPSONP. EngEngineering Team LeaderGENERAL MOTORS OFCANADAChief Executive OfficerSTEM BY STEPH

BIO: A professional engineer, Stephanie Thompsonhas led engineering teams at General Motors onmajorcapital projects tomanufacture engines and transmis-sions for 20 years. In 2019, Stephanie launchedWomenin STEM Experiences, to break down STEM barriers forwomen. This year her plan is to continue to grow hernew brand, STEM by Steph. She and her family areavid travellers, and have visited exotic destinationslike Morocco and China.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Don’t let yourintensity to achieve your goals isolate the people youhave to work with every day. Taking the time to under-stand themotivations of the players on your team is key.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Applying to the Can-adian SpaceAgencies Astronaut Program.While I wasn’tsuccessful, just by trying I increased my odds.

CPSkilled TradesAwardsRecognizing outstandingwomenwho contribute immense value and demonstrateexcellence in skilled trades, product or service innovation and community involvement

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CIBCExecutiveLeaders AwardsRecognizingwomen, aged46 plus,who not only exemplifywhat itmeansto be a great leader, but also build confidence and champion others

KELLY BLACKETTExecutiveVicePresident,HRandCorporateCommunicationsCWB FINANCIAL GROUP

BIO: Kelly Blackett has been a member of CWB’sExecutive Committee since 2014, leading a talentedteam of professionals to develop and deliver CWB’saward-winning culture, people and communicationstrategies and practices. Her enduring passion is talentdevelopment, and working with leaders at all levels tocreate a workplace that is engaging, inclusive, diverse,rewarding and high-performance. Kelly also serves asVice Chair of the Stollery Children’s Hospital FoundationBoard of Trustees.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:Start froma placeof “how I can help”, find the positive intent of others,and take the time to build real and lasting relationshipswith those around you.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: It comes down to thecourage to use your voice and amplify the ideas ofothers; candour to bring insight; and commitment todrive positive change.

PATRICIA CALLONHonours B.A., LLBSenior Vice-President andGeneral CounselSUN LIFE

BIO: A previous Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top100 Award Winner, Trish Callon is a thought leader,business growth strategist and champion of changewithin Sun Life and Canada’s legal community. Anadvocate for diversity and inclusion, she is chair ofSun Life’s Canadian Allies Acting for Change. Trish isdedicated to supporting women lawyers in leadershiproles and is an expert in capital markets with extensiveboard experience.

ON MOTIVATION: I’m motivated by the kindness andcreativity that we see every day in themidst of somuchconflict and challenge. And also a good snuggle withour new puppy Archie.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Raising a strong andresilient daughter andanempathetic andcourageous son.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: It’s simple – how theydevelop, mentor and sponsor others.

ROWENACHANPresident, Sun Life FinancialDistributors (Canada) Inc.and Senior Vice-President,DistributionSUN LIFE

BIO: A seasoned financial services executive withover 30 years of experience, Rowena Chan is passion-ate about bringing financial wellness to Canadians.As Head of Sun Life’s retail distribution business, sheis on a mission to help Canadians achieve lifetimefinancial security and live healthier lives, enabledthrough trusted personalized advice, holistic solu-tions, and innovative digitally-aided experiences.Rowena is equally focused on talent development,and is passionate about improving workplace equityfor women and underrepresented minorities.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:Always remem-ber that you are the owner of your career. You haveagency in choosing the roles you take and defining theroles you’re in.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: When you have theability to influence others, to drive change, to extend ahelping hand, to build confidence for others, to removeobstacles, and to better a situation.

MICHELINE DAVIESVice-President, Seasonal,Gardening and Party CityCANADIAN TIRE

BIO: A three-time Retail Council of Canada awardwinner, Micheline Davies has a track record of drivingsustainable long-term growth and bringing customer-led innovation tomarket. Micheline is passionate aboutbuilding the next generation of strong leaders. She is anactive boardmember of Forward Together and foundedthe Canadian Tire Women’s Leadership Network, twohigh-impact groups that seek to grow, support andadvance women through their careers.

ON MOTIVATION: I’m motivated and energized byaction and forward momentum. These days, I’m mostinspired by watching my “team” at home and at workas they create new and better lives for themselves.

POWER SONG: Anything by Pink. She is unrepentantlyherself.

KELLIANNDEANBRP, MBADeputy Minister,Intergovernmental Affairs andChief Executive Officer, NovaScotia Office of ImmigrationPROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA

BIO: Kelliann Dean’s career spans 33 years in public andprivate sector leadership, strategic planning, businessdevelopment, communications, board governance andbusiness financing. She has successfully managedcomplex stakeholder relationships with a visionaryleadership style characterized by a passion for buildingstrong teams and partnerships to achieve results. Asthe longest-serving Deputy Minister in Nova Scotia,she has provided strategic advice to Premiers andMinisters since 2004.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Be true to your-self and your values.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Being able to connectwith people and inspire them to do their best bymakingsure they know they are appreciated, that their con-tributions matter, and that I have confidence in them.

JANET DRYSDALEVice-President FinancialPlanningCN

BIO: A seasoned executive with over two decadesof cross-functional leadership in the transportationindustry, Janet Drysdale is a collaborative leader focusedon delivering results while empowering and enablingothers. She has played a key role in re-igniting CN’sacquisition strategy, as well as leading the company’sefforts to integrate sustainability. Janet is an advo-cate for Canada’s critical supply chains, the transitiontowards a lower carbon economy, and increasing therepresentation of women in transportation.

ON MOTIVATION: The power of teamwork.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Great leaders needfollowers, and followers must be earned. They putpeople first, act with integrity, humility and empathy,and effectively convey vision and direction.

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CIBC EXECUTIVE LEADERS AWARDSCONTINUED

SHERI GRIFFITHSMBA, FICBSenior Vice President, Head ofOntario, Commercial BankingBMO FINANCIAL GROUP

BIO: Sheri Griffiths is a passionate champion of men-toring women in Commercial Banking and appreciatesthe unique position she is in, being a role model forother women choosing this career path. She supportsone-on-one mentoring relationships as well as speakspublicly about her own career journey. She is proudto be one of the Executive Sponsors for the BMO forWomen program promoting BMO as the bank of choicefor female entrepreneurs.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Don’t get sobusy making a living that you forget to make a life.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Starting my MBA inFinancial Services when I was 38 and completing itover four years with the incredible support from myhusband and children.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS: Forme itmeans payingit forward and helping other women achieve their goals.

VENI IOZZOMBA, ICD.DExecutive Vice-President,Enterprise Real Estate andWorkplace TransformationCIBC

BIO: In her role, Veni Iozzo has overall responsibilityfor providing strategic direction and leadership forCIBC’s global workplace experience strategy, creatinga forward-thinking workplace design that enables apurpose-driven client culture. With over 30 years inthe financial services industry, her experience at thesenior executive level spans across a variety of disci-plines including marketing, sales leadership, productdevelopment, strategy, communications, public affairsand culture transformation.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: While knowingwhere you’re headed is important, the journey is rarelya straight line. You learn important things along theway that can be a building block to your next success.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Having the influenceto make a difference by creating positive change andempowering others to reach their full potential.

JANE A. LANGFORDSenior Vice President, LegalTD BANK

BIO: Jane Langford is a proven leader and a sought-after critical and innovative thinker. After 15 years asa litigator, including partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP,shemoved to the corporate world. At the helm of TD’sCanadian legal department, Jane provides strategiccounsel on all aspects of the bank’s operations. She isa champion for women’s economic and professionaladvancement and a tireless advocate for diversity, inboardrooms throughout theworkplace and community.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: The relationships I havemade throughout my career. These are an accomplish-ment and a blessing.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: Someonewho lives andworks with integrity, is willing to do the tough jobsincluding speaking truth to power, and is relentlesslyfair yet kind.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Standing tall inmoments that count and canmobilize their followershiptomarch together despite differences to achieve a goal.

SARAH PAQUETLL.L, J.D., ICD.C, Directorand Chief Executive OfficerFINANCIAL TRANSACTIONSAND REPORTS ANALYSISCENTRE OF CANADA(FINTRAC) Nominatedas Executive Vice-President,Shared Services CanadaGOVERNMENT OF CANADA

BIO: Sarah Paquet has been a dedicated public servantfor over 20 years. In 2018, she was named the firstExecutive Vice-President at Shared Services Canadawhere sheworked tomodernize its IT infrastructure. InNovember 2020, Sarah was appointed as the Directorand CEO of FINTRAC - Canada’s financial intelligenceunit. Sarah is the DeputyMinister Champion for the Uni-versity of Ottawa and a passionate advocate for women.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Leave your egoat the door. The bestway to tackle challenges is simple:one team, one plan, one success.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT:Mydecision to publiclychampionWomen in Science, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics (WiS) where I was the only womanat the senior management table.

KRISTA SCALDWELLHBA, EMBAVice-President,Communications andPublic AffairsCANADA LIFE

BIO:KristaScaldwell hasmore than twodecadesof publicaffairs and communications experience in Canada, LatinAmerica, AsiaPacific and theU.S. Shehas spentmore than20 years in the non-profit sector in management and atthe board level, including Trustee of the 4-H FoundationBoard of Directors and chairing an annual fundraisingevent for theAbilities Centre. She is also past chair of theTrent University Alumni Community of Women.

ONMOTIVATION: That each day brings new challengesand I get to work with an amazing team of colleaguesto make a difference for our business and the peoplewe service.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: Themultiple volunteerboard roles I have had over the yearswhile being amomand having a busy career.

POWER SONG: “Taking Care of Business” by BTO.

EFFIE SIMANIKASCPA, MBAVice President, Operations,Finance and InformationTechnologyIAMGOLD CORPORATION

BIO: After holding executive roles in multiple sectors,Effie Simanikas joined IAMGOLD in 2011. Effie has alsoplayed a key role in evaluating several growth optionsthat led to IAMGOLD’s current transformational growthstrategy. She serves on several Cote Gold joint venturecommittees, is a boardmember of Euro Ressources, andis actively involved in several organizations committedto women’s career advancement, including theWXN’sDiversity Council.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Create a greatteam. Your people are your success so spend time build-ing the right team and ensure you take care of them.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: When people naturallyseek your input without being obliged. That’s how youknow you’re adding value.

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PREMA THIELEPartner and National GroupHead – Corporate andCapital MarketsBORDEN LADNER GERVAISLLP

BIO: Prema Thiele is partner and National Group Headat Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Canada’s largest andoldest national law firm. She is one of the senior leadersin BLG’s Securities and Capital Markets Group whereshe advises several leading global financial servicesand investment fund complexes. Prema is consideredto be one of Canada’s leading corporate and securitieslawyers, and has been repeatedly recognized by Cham-bers Canada, Lexpert and the Best Lawyers in Canada.

ONMOTIVATION: Family, friends and colleagues aremygreatest source of inspiration and innovation. Makingme look good every day is a full-time job!

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: A true leader is a “glueperson” with an innate ability to inspire positive behav-iour and bring out the best in others, is an effective com-municator and collaborator, and genuinely empathetic.

ONWHATPOWERFULMEANS: Being a strategic thinkerand champion, with a keen and honest awareness ofour own weaknesses and threats.

SUSANUTHAYAKUMARCountry PresidentSCHNEIDER ELECTRICCANADA

BIO: Susan Uthayakumar has been with SchneiderElectric for 15 years, progressing through increasinglysenior roles until being appointed Country President inJanuary 2018. Throughout her 23-year career, Susan’sdemonstrated ability to break down barriers and turnchallenges into opportunities has empowered her tochart a path of success. Susan is an influential voice inthe industry, and is passionate about building the nextgeneration of leaders.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Don’t be afraidto take risks. When you take risks and fail, it’s the bestform of learning, so when you succeed, the reward andfulfillment is much greater.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am most proud ofchampioning sustainability and leveraging technologyand innovation to combat climate change.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER: Someone that can inspirepeople to dream for a better world regardless of thechallenges in front of them.

CINDYWONGRegional Head of Marketing,North AmericaHSBC BANK CANADA

BIO: As Regional Head ofMarketing, CindyWong over-sees a team in Canada and U.S. and reports into London.She joined the bank’s executive training program afterattaining her business degree. Over her 30 years withHSBC, she has held leadership roles in both front officeand back office operations. Her diverse experience hasbeen a big part of her success in driving commercialgrowth, the brand and winning industry awards.

ON MOTIVATION: I’m inspired by young children andhow they see the world with eyes full of hope, fascina-tion and imagination.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Someone who is braveenough tomake bold decisions, and humble enough topivot and accept when they have made wrong ones.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: The ability to makea difference.

CIBC EXECUTIVE LEADERS AWARDSCONTINUED

CATHERINE YUILEExecutive Vice-President,Data Intelligence, Canadaand Latin AmericaEDELMAN

BIO: A marketing and communications researchveteran, Catherine Yuile is an active, inclusive leaderon Edelman’s GlobalWomen’s Equality Network (GWEN)steering committee, driving initiatives and events thatsupport women’s success in the workplace. Catherinevolunteers onmultiple boards to drive the research andanalytics industry forward and supports diversity andinclusion in business, including the Insights Associationand the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s CouncilWorking Group for Women’s Advocacy.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To lead withempathy and champion those around you.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:Championingwomenin the workplace is my greatest accomplishmentbecause I love helping people and seeing their impactin business.

CANADA’SMOST POWERFULWOMEN

WXNpresented by

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RUSUL ALRUBAILM.A.Executive DirectorPARKDALE CENTRE FORINNOVATION

BIO: Rusul Alrubail is the Executive Director of ParkdaleCentre for Innovation, a non-profit incubator that seeksto fill the accessibility and inclusivity gap to innovation,technology and entrepreneurship, especially for under-represented groups: women of colour, newcomers, andthose from low-income backgrounds. She is also apublished author, keynote speaker and mother of two.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS:Power comes fromonewho’s able to recognize their privilege, anduse that powerto empower others, shed light on injustices, andwork tocreatemore opportunities for others to succeed. There’sroom at the table for all of us, and true power comesfrom recognizing that when you’re at the table, your roleis to invite others in. True power comes from knowingthat your voice matters, and that when you use it, it canmake a difference.

POWER SONG: “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys.

DR. JULIET DANIELPh.D.Professor and InterimAssociate Dean of Research &External RelationsMCMASTER UNIVERSITY

BIO:Dr. Juliet Daniel is a Professor and interimAssociateDean of Research and External Relations in the Faculty ofScienceatMcMasterUniversity.Dr.Daniel’s cancerbiologyresearch led toherdiscoveryof anewgene “Kaiso”,whosehigh expression is linked to racial disparities in canceroutcomes. In recognition of her cutting-edge research,dedicated community service, and advocacy for womenand equity-seeking groups, Dr. Daniel has received num-erous awards and she leverages her academic successto inspire people from all walks of life to aim higher andachievemore.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: To be honest andauthentic, and trust my gut instincts.

ONMOTIVATION:My fascination with the beauty andcomplexity of nature and the human body, and knowingthat I have a role in making the world a better placethan I found it.

RUPINDER DHILLONMBAChief Data Officer, SVP DataInnovation and AIHUDSON’S BAY COMPANY

BIO: Rupinder Dhillon has worked in the data fieldfor two decades in data management, business intel-ligence, advanced analytics and, most recently, AI andmachine learning. She has worked across industriesspanning financial services, software, telecommuni-cations and now retail to champion the use of data todrive innovation.

ONMOTIVATION: I have twoyoungsons; Iwant themtogrow up knowing that women can accomplish amazingthings so it shapeshowthey treat andsupport thewomenin their lives when they are older.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS: Powerfulmeans beingable to influence and effect howpeople feel about them-selves.Many in leadershipusepower tocontrol anddimin-ish for personal gain. If we can use it to instil confidence,curiosity and belief, it can change not only one person’strajectory but ultimatelywhat leadership looks like in thecorporate world.

DR. SOHEILA KARIMIBSc, MSc, PhDProfessor and Senior ScientistDEPARTMENT OFPHYSIOLOGY ANDPATHOPHYSIOLOGY,REGENERATIVE MEDICINEPROGRAM, SPINAL CORDRESEARCH CENTER,CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MANITOBA,MAX RADY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, RADY FACULTYOF HEALTH SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

BIO:Dr. Soheila Karimi is a Canadian-Iranian neuroscien-tist and a full professor in the Rady Faculty of HealthSciences at the University of Manitoba. She leads aninternationally-recognized and well-funded researchprogram in neuroscience and regenerative medicinethat is directed towards therapeutic development formultiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. She currentlyserves in the Board of Directors of the Canadian Associa-tion for Neuroscience, the Scientific Advisory Board ofthe International Neurotrauma Society and the Execu-tive Committee of the InternationalWomen inMultipleSclerosis, and has been recognized for mentorship ofyoung scientists.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: To believe in yourpower, think out of the box, be prepared to take risksand be persistent.

DR. SUZANNE LEWISH.BSc., MD, FRCPC, FCCMGChief Medical Officer and VPResearchPACIFIC AUTISM FAMILYNETWORK Clinical Professorand Senior ClinicianInvestigator BC CHILDREN’SHOSPITAL RESEARCHINSTITUTE AND THE

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL GENETICS, UNIVERSITYOF BRITISH COLUMBIA Vice-Chair AUTISM CANADA

BIO: Dr. Suzanne Lewis is a visionary geneticist andcutting-edge clinician-investigator discovering autismsubtypes and gene-environment causes. Suzanne hasmore than 200 peer-reviewed publications and leadsan interdisciplinary team of provincial, national andinternational investigators, raising more than $8.1M foriTARGET (individual Treatments for Autism ResearchusingGene-Environment Targets). As aClinical Professorat UBC, Suzanne has thus far supervised and mentored67 students; 56 beingwomen. Suzanne has volunteeredthousands of hours over two decades tomany charities,including PAFN and Autism Canada.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: I ammost proud ofmyrole and privilege for being able to support andmentoryoung women in STEM, which comes from the deepappreciation and respect I have for the (too few) femalerole models who supported me during my training andcareer development.

DR. ANNE-MARIEMES-MASSONPhD, FCAHS, FRSCProfessor FACULTY OFMEDICINE UNIVERSITÉDE MONTRÉAL AssociateScientific Director, Basic andTranslational ResearchCENTRE DE RECHERCHE DUCENTRE HOSPITALIER DE

L’UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL (CRCHUM)

BIO: Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson pioneered modelsystems based on human biological material and hascontributed to biobanking norms including ethics. Herleadership has insured the success of several largeoncology research programs and she is a dedicatedmentor. Her research results in ovarian cancer arecurrently being translated into new clinical tools todiagnose, manage and treat this deadly disease. Sheis the recipient of numerous science awards and is afellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON:At the beginningthemost important traitswere perseverance and a beliefinmy own ideas, but over time it was taking advantageof my position to help others reach their goals.

ONWHATMAKES A LEADER:While thinking strategic-ally and seeing the big picture are important, workinghard and delivering on the vision (with a team) arewhatqualifies a real leader.

MANULIFEScience &Technology AwardsRecognizingwomen in STEM roleswho are challengingthe status quo for knowledge and female empowerment

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MANULIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARDSCONTINUED

DR. MANJUMISRAFellowAIChE, Fellow RSC (UK)Professor, School of Engineeringand Department of PlantAgriculture, Tier 1 CanadaResearch Chair in SustainableBiocomposites, ResearchProgramDirector, OntarioAgri-Food Innovation AllianceUNIVERSITY OF GUELPH

BIO: Dr. Manju Misra is an internationally renownedscientist whose career hasmade extraordinary impactin sustainable materials research to mitigate climatechange and support circular economy. Her research hasreceived over 32,000 citations and numerous awards.She has contributed to over 50 patents and five licensedtechnologieswith award-winning eco-friendly productscurrently in the market. As a life-long champion forfemale empowerment, she hasmentoredmanywomenwho are now thriving in their own careers, particularlyin STEM-related fields.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: One shouldalways be open to new ideas, never stop learning, andnever stop trying.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Seeing my studentsgraduate and start their own careers, because I feelprivileged to be able to contribute to their journey tobringing new ideas that will shape our future.

DR. ADEOLAOLUBAMIJIPMPAdvanced ManufacturingTechnical AdvisorCUMMINS INC.FounderSTEMHUB FOUNDATION

BIO:Dr. AdeolaOlubamiji is a 3D-printing subject-matterexpert atCummins, the founder of STEMHubFoundationandChiefConsultant atD-TechCentrix LLC.Her academiccontributions have yielded several scholarly scientificpublications, scientific conferencepresentations, a TEDxtalk, and contributions on several high-profile scientificpanels. Some of the awards she has won include RBCTop25Canadian ImmigrantsAward, 2020STEP (ScienceTechnology Engineering and Production) Award by theManufacturing Institute, 2019 InfluentialWomen inManu-facturingAwardbyPutmanMedia, and2019L’Oreal ParisWomen ofWorth Canada Honoree.

ON MOTIVATION: Additive Manufacturing / DigitizedManufacturingwill make itsmark inmanufacturing, I amthrilled to be one of the contributors to this new field.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: 2020 STEP (ScienceTechnology Engineering and Production) Award by theManufacturing Institute.

DR. SHAWNAPANDYABSc (Hons), MSc, MD, CCFP,DMT, FAWM (c)Physician, scientist-astronautcandidatePROJECT POSSUMAquanaut, VP ImmersiveMedicineLUXSONIC TECHNOLOGIES

Director IIAS SPACE MEDICINE GROUPClinical lecturer UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

BIO: Dr. Shawna Pandya is a scientist-astronaut can-didate, physician, aquanaut, researcher, martial artist,advanced diver, skydiver and pilot-in-training. She isa professional speaker, presenting globally on leader-ship, resilience, and pushing the limits. For her work,Dr. Pandya has been named to Avenue Edmonton’s Top40 Under 40, GlobalWoman of Vision and Elevate Avi-ationWomanWho Inspires. She has been permanentlyfeatured in the Ontario Science Center’s “CanadianWomen in Space,” exhibit alongside Dr. Roberta Bondar,the first Canadian woman in space.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: To be a part of the firstcrew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero-gravity, thefirst Project PoSSUMall-femalemicrogravity crew, andpart of an underwater aquanauticsmission. The commonaccomplishment has been the teams and relationshipsbuilt along the way.

DR. JOSIPA PETRUNICB.A., MSc, Ph.D.President and Chief ExecutiveOfficerCANADIAN URBAN TRANSITRESEARCH & INNOVATIONCONSORTIUM (CUTRIC)

BIO:Dr. Josipa Petrunic leads transportation technologytrials deploying zero-emissions buses (ZEBs) — bothbattery and hydrogen fuel cell electric buses – acrossCanada. She is also spearheading a national city-ledeffort to launch autonomous and connected shuttlesto overcome first kilometre/last kilometre transit gaps.Under her leadership, CUTRIC has grown into a $7million operation (2019) with more than 100 privateand public sector member corporations since 2015.Dr. Petrunic created the first gender-balanced Boardof Directors in Canada’s transit technology sector.

ONMOTIVATION:Making great things happen is whatmotivatesme.What’s the point of living life unless you’reout to make great things happen?

POWER SONG: Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2,Op. 18.” Tired? Listen to the Rach. Angry? Listen to theRach. Uninspired? Listen to the Rach. Heart-broken?Listen to the Rach.

DR. LISA SAKSIDAPhD, FCAHS, FRSCCanada Research Chairin Translational CognitiveNeuroscienceProfessor, Department ofPhysiology and PharmacologyCIFAR Fellow in Brain, Mindand ConsciousnessScientist, Robarts Research

Institute Principal Investigator, The Brain and MindInstitute Scientific Director, BrainsCANUNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO

BIO: Dr. Lisa Saksida is known for co-inventing a touch-screen-based system for testing learning, memory andattention in mouse models of brain disease, which ishelping to translate research breakthroughs to the clinic.She co-directs Western’s $66 million Canada First Re-search Excellence Fund program in cognitive neurosci-ence, which aims to develop and deliver evidence-basedassessments and interventions for the diagnosis andtreatmentof braindisorders, and is committed tocreatinga level playing field forwomenandotherunderrepresentedgroups in science and technology.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The things that I wastold unequivocally would be impossible for me. Thisincludes my PhD in Robotics and my first faculty pos-ition in Cambridge.

MELISSASARIFFODEENCo-founder and ChiefExecutive OfficerCANADA LEARNING CODE

BIO:Melissa Sariffodeen is a celebrated digital literacyadvocate dedicated to ensuringwomen and youth havethe critical skills, confidence and opportunities theyneed to thrive in our increasingly digital world. Melissais a graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Businessand completed her Master’s in Education Policy at theOntario Institute for Studies in Education at the Univer-sity of Toronto. At age 11, she taught herself how to buildwebsites using HTML and has been coding ever since.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: Tackling some oftheworld’s biggest problems requires a long-term com-mitment that has many highs and lows. It’s importantto identify ‘quick wins’ on the journey and ways youcan be connected to positive impact and movementtoward your goal.

ONWHAT MAKES A LEADER: The ability to empowerothers to be the best version of themselves workingtowards a shared goal.

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MANULIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARDSCONTINUED

PROFESSORMOLLYSHOICHETPhD, O.C., O.Ont., FRSUniversity ProfessorUNIVERSITY OF TORONTOCo-Founder & Chief ScienceOfficerAMACATHERA

BIO: Professor Molly Shoichet holds the highest distinc-tion at the University of Toronto. She served as Ontario’sfirst Chief Scientist in 2018 and has published over 650papers, patents and abstracts and delivered more than420 lectures worldwide. She leads a laboratory of 32and has graduated 200–plus researchers. Her researchis focused on engineering strategies to regenerate thebrain andmodel cancer. Dr. Shoichet has co-founded fourspin-off companies, and is activelyengaged in translationalresearch and science outreach.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To be an open-minded and inclusive leader and to advocate formyself.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: I amparticularly proudof bringing people together to advance knowledge,engage the public with Research2Reality, serve thepublic as Chief Scientist, Ontario, and start companiesto commercialize our research inventions to make adifference for people.

DR. VALERIE TAYLORMD, PhD, FRCPCZone Clinical DepartmentHead and Chair, Department ofPsychiatryALBERTA HEALTHSERVICES, UNIVERSITY OFCALGARY Board ChairMATHISON CENTER FORMENTAL HEALTH

BIO:Dr. Valerie Taylor is a clinician scientist researchingnew treatments for those suffering frommental illnessthrough the lens of precisionmedicine. Originally hailingfrom Newfoundland and Labrador, she was recruitedfrom the University of Toronto to lead the PsychiatryDepartment at the University of Calgary two yearsago, with a mandate focused on innovation, accessand efficiency. Dr. Taylor is also CEO of Taylored Bio-therapeutics, a Biotech start-up she developed basedon her research.

ONMOTIVATION:Mypatients, those inmy clinical careandmy research program, inspiremewith their strengthand motivate me to try harder to find better solutionsto the illnesses they have. And always, my partner andmy two little boys.

POWER SONG: “Rant and Roar” byGreat Big Sea (happysong).

I am particularly proudof bringing peopletogether to advance

knowledge

I am extremelyhumbled to have

learned so much aboutresilience, privilege

and humility

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Professor Molly Shoichet

– Zaynah Bhanji

CONGRATULATES������ ��������

Transit systems should be hotbeds of����������� ��������������� ��������������������� ��� ��������� ������� ���� ����become the cornerstones of Canada’sshared mobility networks. The CanadianUrban Transit Research & Innovation���������� �� ���� �� � ���������� this transformation with its visionary��������� ��� ��� ������ ��� ����

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MANULIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY AWARDSCONTINUED

PROFESSORMOLLYSHOICHETPhD, O.C., O.Ont., FRSUniversity ProfessorUNIVERSITY OF TORONTOCo-Founder & Chief ScienceOfficerAMACATHERA

BIO: Professor Molly Shoichet holds the highest distinc-tion at the University of Toronto. She served as Ontario’sfirst Chief Scientist in 2018 and has published over 650papers, patents and abstracts and delivered more than420 lectures worldwide. She leads a laboratory of 32and has graduated 200–plus researchers. Her researchis focused on engineering strategies to regenerate thebrain andmodel cancer. Dr. Shoichet has co-founded fourspin-off companies, and is activelyengaged in translationalresearch and science outreach.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To be an open-minded and inclusive leader and to advocate formyself.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: I amparticularly proudof bringing people together to advance knowledge,engage the public with Research2Reality, serve thepublic as Chief Scientist, Ontario, and start companiesto commercialize our research inventions to make adifference for people.

DR. VALERIE TAYLORMD, PhD, FRCPCZone Clinical DepartmentHead and Chair, Department ofPsychiatryALBERTA HEALTHSERVICES, UNIVERSITY OFCALGARY Board ChairMATHISON CENTER FORMENTAL HEALTH

BIO:Dr. Valerie Taylor is a clinician scientist researchingnew treatments for those suffering frommental illnessthrough the lens of precisionmedicine. Originally hailingfrom Newfoundland and Labrador, she was recruitedfrom the University of Toronto to lead the PsychiatryDepartment at the University of Calgary two yearsago, with a mandate focused on innovation, accessand efficiency. Dr. Taylor is also CEO of Taylored Bio-therapeutics, a Biotech start-up she developed basedon her research.

ONMOTIVATION:Mypatients, those inmy clinical careandmy research program, inspiremewith their strengthand motivate me to try harder to find better solutionsto the illnesses they have. And always, my partner andmy two little boys.

POWER SONG: “Rant and Roar” byGreat Big Sea (happysong).

I am particularly proudof bringing peopletogether to advance

knowledge

I am extremelyhumbled to have

learned so much aboutresilience, privilege

and humility

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Professor Molly Shoichet

– Zaynah Bhanji

CONGRATULATES������ ��������

Transit systems should be hotbeds of����������� ��������������� ��������������������� ��� ��������� ������� ���� ����become the cornerstones of Canada’sshared mobility networks. The CanadianUrban Transit Research & Innovation���������� �� ���� �� � ���������� this transformation with its visionary��������� ��� ��� ������ ��� ����

TOP 100 | 45

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KEHKASHAN BASUFounder PresidentGREEN HOPE FOUNDATION

BIO: Kehkashan Basu is a globally acclaimed sustain-ability advocate, author, musician, TEDx speaker andthe Founder President of social innovation enterprise,Green Hope Foundation that works in 16 countries toempower young people and women, especially thosefrom vulnerable communities. A United Nations HumanRights Champion, the youngest recipient of Canada’sTop 25 Women of Influence and the winner of the2016 International Children’s Peace Prize, Kehkashanhas recently been named as one of the Top 100 SDGLeaders in the world.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: I started myjourneywhen I was eight years old and have constantlyfaced the cynicism of adults who doubted the capabil-ities of a young person.My self-belief, passion andworkethic have enabled me to overcome these challenges.This has beenmymost important lesson - never to loseconviction or be afraid to follow one’s dream.

ZAYNAH BHANJIGrade 12 StudentTHE WOODLANDS SCHOOLFounderVITAL

BIO: Zaynah Bhanji is a 17-year-old, passionate aboutmachine learning and virtual and augmented reality. Shebegan her technology journey at 13 and has been sup-ported by companies like Google, CIBC, TD, Deloitte andMicrosoft. Zaynah has been speaking at conferencesglobally in places including Dubai, Poland, Toronto, SanFrancisco andmore. She is a huge advocate for womenand girls in technology, and speaks to many to inspirethem to pursue interests in science or tech.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:A service trip to Indiavolunteering at a girls’ orphanage. I am truly gratefulfor having that opportunity, and to sharemy knowledgeand experiences with the remarkable girls I met. I amextremely humbled to have learned so much aboutresilience, privilege and humility. I will cherish it forthe rest of my life and work hard to ensure I can makea difference globally.

ANANYA CHADHAStudent, Blockchain Engineer,Geneticist and Brain-Computer Interface DeveloperSTANFORD UNIVERSITY

BIO: Ananya Chadha is a pilot and an 18-year-oldfirst-year engineering student at Stanford University.She has worked in gene-editing and developed a plat-form to put genomic data on blockchain for anonym-ous uploading. She developed neurotech devices likebrain-controlled prosthetics, remote control cars, MP3players controlled with EEGs, electrodes and brainsignals. Ananya was on the Investment committeeat Babel Ventures, worked on Artificial Intelligenceat IBM and developed COVID reports for Departmentof National Defence. She won the Top 29 Canadians,Developer 30 under 30 award, the Top 23 Women inTech in Canada and is 2019 winner of the ImpossibleScience Student Challenge.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: I have often said inmy talks that Powerful means “the power to impacthumanity”. As Michel Foucault said, “power is estab-lished through accepted forms of knowledge, scientificunderstanding and truth.”

RBC Future Launch Future LeadersRecognizes five exceptional youngwomen, between 15 and 29 years old, who aretransforming their communities through innovation, collaboration and courage

At RBC, diversity and inclusion ismore than just one of our core values;it represents what we stand for andwhat we expect of one another.

We’re proud to celebrate that womengrowing our business is just businessas usual. Join RBC in applauding ourTop 100 Award Winner:

Nazia Shahrin, Senior Director,Regulatory Strategy & Delivery

Speak Up for Inclusionat rbc.com/diversity

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RABIAH DHALIWALFounder & DirectorVOICES FOR HOPEVice President 2016-2019ONE BLOOD FOR LIFEFOUNDATION

BIO: Activist, Terry Fox National Scholar, 2020 L’OrealParisWomen ofWorth Honouree,Miss British Columbia2019, Rabiah Dhaliwal is Founder and Director of theVoices for Hope Foundation, a non-profit that chal-lenges mental health stigma through intersectionalframeworks. She has spoken nationally at the Houseof Commonswhere she testified to introduce aMentalHealth Parity Act. As former Vice President of the OneBlood for Life Foundation, she led the recruitment of1,410 stem-cell registrants and 3,350 blood donors.

ONWHATMAKESA LEADER: Leadership is not a title orposition, but rather a life-long journey of taking action.True leaders, beyond their title, hold compassion andspace for others and prioritize inclusivity and equity.They pave theway for not only themselves, but empowerothers to walk alongside them as equals. They are trueembodiments of the phrase “We rise by lifting others.”

ETERNITYMARTISBA Hons, MJJournalist and Author

BIO: Eternity Martis’ award-winning writing on raceand gender has been featured in numerous publica-tions. She authored the bestsellingmemoir “They SaidThis Would Be Fun” about her experience as a Blackwoman on a predominantly white university campus.She helped influence Canadian media style guides tocapitalize Black and Indigenous. Eternity developed,and is currently teaching, the “Reporting On Race: BlackCommunities in the Media” at Ryerson University, thefirst of its kind in Canada.

ON MOTIVATION: There are many stories to tell thatcould improve our society and life outcomes and inspireyounger generations to share their own stories. Thereare notmany Black journalists and authors in Canada—especially Black women—I feel extremely lucky tobe doing what I do, and I’m motivated in having theopportunity to share stories frommy perspective, andhelp others do the same.

RBC FUTURE LAUNCH FUTURE LEADERSCONTINUED

True leaders, beyondtheir title, holdcompassion andspace for others

There are many storiesto tell that could

improve our societyand life outcomes

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Rabiah Dhaliwal

– Eternity Martis

CongratulationsFor being recognized as one of

Canada’s Top 100Most Powerful Women for 2020

Sandra Filopoulos, RN, MBA

Co-Founder & VP of SalesFilo Import Inc.

f iloimport.store f ilosportpro.store

TOP 100 | 47

BY DENISE DEVEAU

T he RBC Future Launch Future LeadersAward recognizes exceptional young

women who are transforming their commun-ities through innovation, collaboration andcourage. “RBC is pleased to be able to acknow-ledge and support this award and to recognizedeserving young Canadian women who willundoubtedly be part of the future and fabricof this country,” says Mark Beckles, SeniorDirector, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBCCorporate Citizenship in Toronto. Here, threeof the five honourees share their views on therole they hope to play in shaping that future.

Kehkashan BasuFounder President, Green HopeFoundation; Youth AmbassadorWorld Future Council

“When you have passion,nothing can stop you.”

When I saw an image of a dead bird with abelly full of plastic at the age of seven, I decidedI had to do something. So I planted my firsttree on my eighth birthday in celebration ofEnvironment Day.

Then I started working on the ground,trying to engage my community, going doorto door talking to people and conductingworkshops for my friends about what theycould do to help.

By the age of 11 I was invited to my first UNconference in Indonesia. When I was 12, I at-tended the UN Reo+20 environmental sustain-ability conference, where I was the youngestdelegate of the 50,000 who attended. I realizedI didn’t like the lack of inclusivity of children.I founded Green Hope Foundation to engageyoung people, provide educational materialsand teach them to conduct workshops for otherchildren. Today we have 16 country chaptersengaging children from 25 countries.

The best part of the work is going to dif-ferent countries and meeting with people onthe ground. I’ve also done over 200 speak-ing engagements. The highlight was the UNGeneral Assembly in 2018. Being able to speakto various councils allows me to talk aboutwork being done at the ground level.

My drive came from my parents, who taughtme the importance of empathy, compassion,and thinking beyond yourself.

I believe that passion, empathy, positivity

and being able to listen to others have reallyhelped me move forward in working withdiverse people around the world. For me,Green Hope will continue to be my life andI hope we will be able to engage even moreyouth across the world. I have grown up withthe UN, and want to create change from withinso that we can create safe places for youngpeople. My ultimate dream is to become theyoungest UN Secretary General – and thefirst female one.

Ananya ChadhaStudent, Blockchain Engineer,Geneticist & Brain-ComputerInterface Developer,Stanford University

“At the end of the day, I don’t really thinkabout gender at all. You can’t let it get to yourhead. You deserve to be there. It’s all good.”

Nelson Mandela said something that reson-ated with me: ‘What counts in life is not themere fact that we have lived. It is what differencewe have made to the lives of others that willdetermine the significance of the life we lead.’

I have worked on a number of tech areas,including gene-editing, blockchain and AI.My particular passion these days is neuro-tech, where I am exploring brain-controlledprosthetics, remote control cars, MP3 players.

I love embarking on something new andthinking about how we can make a really coolfuture. We can actually build and do thingsthat affect people’s lives, and try to make theworld better and help others around the world.That idea came to me when I was 12 during avisit to the Toronto Book Bank that organizesand collects books to give out to children. Irealized for the very first time I could actuallydo something in a little way that would affectothers’ lives.

I’ve been a keynote speaker at several techconferences. What I have found in talkingto older people is that I need to be authenticand open for them to take what a little girlis saying to them. You have to connect emo-tionally before you can share your knowledgewith others.

As for the future, a few areas are speaking tome: food tech, carbon capture and neurotech.I’m not sure where the future will lead, butI’m excited. I know I will inevitably face chal-

lenges and perhaps be faced with life-changingobstacles out of my control. But I’ll always giveit my best and try to spread joy, love, passion,and humour. That’s all I can ask from myself.

Rabiah DhaliwalFounder and Director,Voices for Hope Foundation

“I feel there has definitely beena change, but we also have a

long way to go.”I have faced a lot of adversity growing up and

at one point had given up the idea of ever beingnormal again. I had traumatic experiences as achild, and attempted suicide at age 16. I spentmonths recovering in a psychiatric ward andwas eventually diagnosed with PTSD, clinicaldepression and an anxiety disorder.

Over time I built myself up slowly to a newnormal self. That helped me face what I hadgone through and gave me a confidence inmy abilities that I never had before. I foundthe strength I needed to conquer my mentalhealth issues and was determined to do whatI could to help others do the same.

I founded Voices for Hope as a non-profitstart-up that aims to challenge the stigmasurrounding mental health. We do that byspearheading education initiatives such asworkshops and campaigns, social justice think-pieces, policy and advocacy work, as well asproviding those with mental health and ad-dictions struggles a safe space and platformto share their experiences.

Growing up, I never saw a lot of womenin positions of power who looked like me.People making decisions didn’t represent thediverse demographics of the real world. Forme, representation means empowerment.What I hope for going forward is to take upthat space myself.

For me, equality in representation is of theutmost importance. It’s especially import-ant to have women in positions of power inleadership. I plan to go into medicine whenI finish my BA. But I also want to do more. Ihope to take a space in government workingin the health sector. Through that I also hopeto go into politics. My hope is I can use theexperience I will have as a physician and mypersonal experiences to positively impact themental health sector.

FUTURE LEADERS AWARDS WINNERSARE TOMORROW’S AGENTS OF CHANGE

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INCLUSIONVANGUARD AWARDBY MARY TERESA BITTI

T hree days into her role as Presidentand CEO of Women’s College Hos-pital Foundation, Jennifer Bernardcalled the CEOs of Canada’s two

other women’s research hospitals in Canada.Her goal: to bring everyone together to advanceresearch in women’s health care right across thecountry. Those calls led to the Women’s HealthAlliance Canada and the potential to changelives now and well into the future.

That’s exactly what Bernard, recognized asone of the leading fundraisers in Canada andone of the very few Black women in execu-tive leadership in this or any sector, has donethroughout her career in philanthropy. Thisis by design. “The career choices I’ve madehave been very intentional, very personal tome, and always aligned with my values,” shesays. “As I started to ascend in my career,giving voice to people who didn’t have a voicebecame important for me. I knew there werea lot of people left out and I had to make sureI used my agency to include them.”

Her commitment and many achievementsadvancing equity and inclusion are whyBernard is the recipient of the 2020 WXNInclusion Vanguard Award, presented by Ac-centure. “This award is an incredible honour.

Jean Augustine, lastyear’s recipient, is

one of my child-hood heroes,”says Bernard.

B e r n a r d ’ sfocus on inclu-sion was sub-conscious atfirst. Growing

up in Missis-sauga, Ont.,having emigrated

to Canada fromthe West Indies

with her family whenshe was still a toddler,

B e r n a r ds a y s

she benefited from the diversity of her com-munity. It wasn’t until she went to universityin Toronto and then started working that sheconfronted stereotypes, biases and racism.“People would often say, ‘So where are youfrom?’ As though I could not be Canadian; thatI had to qualify my ancestry,” she says. “I wastold, ‘You’re such a credit to people from yourpart of the world.’ And they would mean it as acompliment. Toronto is one of the most diversecities on Earth but I realized that diversitydidn’t penetrate up, it penetrated down.”

To change that, she planned to become alawyer and fight for people. Then she landed afundraising job at the Ontario Science Centrethat showed her the power of philanthropy tomake positive change. “That’s where I learnedgetting people together who had the resourcesand who wanted to make a difference couldsolve a problem much more quickly than inmany other ways,” she says.

As the Director of Major Gifts and Develop-ment at the Royal Conservatory of Music,Bernard helped fund a national program for In-digenous youth called Learning Through TheArts. The program was designed to help teachbasic curriculum in Indigenous populations.When she was Vice-President of Developmentat McMaster Children’s Hospital, she foughtfor the right to fundraise to build an outdoorplayground for its child and youth mentalhealth unit. “ It was one of my most importantachievements because it gave these patients theability to be children and not be stigmatized bythe fact they had mental illness,” says Bernard.“It’s important to remember that inequity isn’tjust about how you look or your gender. It caneven be based on your disease type.”

McMaster Children’s Hospital is also whereBernard saw up close how economic socialinequities impacted health. “I realized childrencoming from very poor neighborhoods hadvery poor outcomes and this was compoundedby race.”

She brought all of this experience andunderstanding to Women’s College Hospi-tal Foundation. “One of the reasons I joinedWomen’s is because it is an organization thatis focused on equity. I thought there was anopportunity to take on an even bigger rolein bringing equity to other under-repesented

groups.”When she joined the foundation in

2018, Bernard immediately turned her atten-tion to the LGBTQ+ community and fundingthe hospital’s transgender surgical program--the only such program in Canada. “We struckup a relationship with Pride, hosted a night ofeducation with experts and helped fund MarciBowers, the world famous surgeon coming toWomen’s to perform three gender reassign-ment surgeries.”

This March, Bernard established the EmilyStowe Society. Named in honour of Dr. EmilyStowe, Canada’s first woman doctor and thefounder of Women’s College Hospital, theorganization is focused on addressing the in-equity in research by helping advance research-ers from diverse communities.

In the face of the inequities laid bare by theCOVID-19 pandemic and the racism exposedby the murder of George Floyd in Minnesotaand the abuse and death of Joyce Echaquanin Quebec, Bernard spearheaded the BlackHealthcare Summit to try and solve the issuesthat plague Black and Indigenous communitiesin health care. “This whole moment in historyhas re-energized me to help people understandequity is a living thing. It has to constantlyexpand so that it truly covers everyone.”

Accomplishments like Bernard’s are whatmake Accenture’s Zahra Jadavji proud that herfirm sponsors the Inclusion Vanguard Award.“The award aligns very well with how we feelat Accenture about inclusion and diversity,”said Jadavji, Managing Director for Healthand Public Service Business in Canada andManaging Director for Inclusion and Divers-ity in Canada.

“At Accenture we acknowledge each per-son’s uniqueness, skills and contribution andembrace diversity to help drive our innovation,growth and performance, she said. “We’reproud to be part of the celebration and recog-nition of Jennifer Bernard, who has committedher life to achieving a more inclusive societyand has made a tremendous impact for so manycharitable and not-for-profit organizations asa fundraiser and passionate volunteer.

“We all prosper when there is equality in ourworkplaces here in Canada,” she said, “so it’simportant to properly recognize and appreciateCanadian leaders like Jennifer Bernard whodemonstrate and promote what inclusion anddiversity truly mean for our communities andour country.”

Jennifer Bernard, honouree of the Inclusion Vanguard Award, presented by Accenture

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WENDY BECKLESCPA, CGAPresident and ChiefExecutive Officer SHEPHERDVILLAGE INC. President THECANADIAN MULTICULTURELEAD ORGANIZATION FORMENTORING & TRAINING

BIO:WendyBeckles has driven organizational excellenceacrossmultiple sectors. As President &CEOof ShepherdVillage Inc., home to 900 seniors, shewas commendedfor her exemplary leadership during COVID-19. Herworkwith The Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organizationfor Mentoring & Training positively impacted over 650youth. The Black Business and Professional Associationand Toronto Police Service have recognized Wendy’scommunity service. She serves on professional boards,championing integrity, diversity and inclusion.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT:BecomingthePresident& CEO of Shepherd Village Inc. Since childhood, I havealways lovedseniors andnow Ihave theplatformtoadvo-cateandeffect real systemicchange for theirqualityof life.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS: Recognizing the thingsthat you can control and being able to focus and effectreal change on them without being distracted by theregret of not controlling everything.

POWER SONG: “Overcomer” by Mandisa.

SANDRA BOSELACo-Head Private MarketsGroup, Global Head of PrivateEquityOPTRUST

BIO: Sandra Bosela has been recognized as a pioneeringwoman in the private equity industry, with over twodecades of direct investing experience. Sandra leadsOPTrust’s global private equity program. She leveragesher expertise inmany board roles, including the BusinessDevelopment Bank of Canada where she serves as aboard member and chairs the Investment Committee.A two-time Top 100 winner, she is an advocate for thesponsorship, promotion and advancement of womenin the industry.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: Learn to be com-fortable with discomfort. Getting out of your comfortzone is the key to growth.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Great leaders inspiregreatness in others. They are transparent communica-tors, active listeners and leadwith integrity, authenticity,empathy and humility. They are courageous duringturbulent times and decisive in uncertain times. Theyinvest in people and empower their teams, which buildstrust and creates high-performing organizations.

DR. PAIGE CHURCHMedical Director, NeonatalFollow Up ClinicSUNNYBROOK HEALTHSCIENCES CENTREDevelopmental Paediatrician,Spina Bifida/Spinal CordInjury Program HOLLANDBLOORVIEW KIDSREHABILITATION HOSPITAL

BIO: Dolly Parton said that “storms make trees takedeeper roots.” For Dr. Paige Church, this is true. Livingwith a significant congenital medical condition helpedher navigate the health-care system and guided hercareer. Shewas the first person to complete dual train-ing in Neonatal Perinatal Medicine and DevelopmentalBehavioral Pediatrics. Paige is an associate professor ofPaediatrics at the University of Toronto and on staff atSunnybrook HSC and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabili-tation Hospital.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The life I have built asamother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and doctor. As achild, mymother saidmy condition would either bemygreatest disability or my greatest asset. My incredibleparents taught me to build it as an asset. What was aconcern became a novel career path. From challengecame opportunity.

POWER SONG: “You Get What You Give” by NewRadicals.

INTACTProfessionalsAwardsRecognizingwomenwho are professionals in practice andplay a leadership rolewithin their organizations

LUCIA IACOVELLICPA, CACanadian Managing Partner,Tax & LegalKPMG IN CANADA

BIO: Lucia Iacovelli is KPMG’s Canadian ManagingPartner for Tax and Legal and a member of the firm’sManagement Committee. Lucia is focused on settingstrategic direction for clients andmarkets, people andknowledge, operational excellence, and public trust andquality. As a member of the firm’s Global Tax SteeringCommittee, she is also involved in helping define thefirm’s strategic priorities globally. Lucia uses her influ-ence and her voice to ensure various leadership tablesare balanced with female leaders.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Being appointedKPMG’s first female Canadian Managing Partner forTax - it demonstrates to younger women at the firmwhat’s possible.

ONWHATPOWERFULMEANS:Knowing that I’vemadea difference inmoving the dial on inclusion and diversity.

DR. SARA ISRAELSOM, MD, FRCPCProfessor, Department ofPediatrics and Child Health,Vice-Dean Academic Affairs,Rady Faculty of HealthSciences UNIVERSITY OFMANITOBA Senior Scientist,Research Institute Oncologyand Hematology

CANCERCARE MANITOBABIO: For more than 30 years Dr. Sara Israels has ledinitiatives to improve care for children with cancerand blood disorders. As Vice-Dean of the University ofManitoba she has established a comprehensive programto support facultymembers’ academic career advance-ment and professional development, with a focus onproviding opportunities for women in Science andMedicine to develop and apply their leadership skills.

GREATESTACCOMPLISHMENT: Leading the expansionof clinical programs for children and adolescents withcancer and blood disorders in Manitoba and linkingthe clinical programs to opportunities for research andeducation. Why? Because these accomplishments aretangible and I watch my junior colleagues building onwhat I started and making them even better.

POWERSONG: “Bottomto theTop”by JoanArmatrading.

HEIDI JAMIESON-MILLSCPA, CASenior Vice President Finance,Reporting & TreasurySOBEYS INC.

BIO: Heidi Jamieson-Mills’ passion for food retail wassparked working at a Sobeys store in high school andpursued that passion in progressively senior roles. Head-quartered in her hometown inNovaScotia,Heidi has spentmost of her career leading and supportingmajor strategicinitiatives in a rural setting. Grounded in family and com-munity, her current community involvement focuses onsupporting local health and health care outcomes.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT:My relationship withmy daughter. The next generation will move at a pacethat has never been experienced, I want her to begrounded in values that will support her ability to keepup with that pace.

POWER SONG: “TiK ToK” by Kesha.

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INTACT PROFESSIONALS AWARDSCONTINUED

WENDY KEICPA-CA, ICD.DBoard ChairONTARIO POWERGENERATION

BIO:Wendy Kei serves as Board Chair for Ontario PowerGeneration and Audit Committee Chair for Karora Re-sources Inc. andNoranda Income Fund. She is amemberof the Department of Audit Committee for TransportCanada and previously served as Chief Financial Officerof DominionDiamondCorporation.Wendywas selectedas aDiversity 50 2016Candidate by the Canadian BoardDiversity Council and is leading the way for greaterdiversity in Canada’s boardrooms and executive offices.

ON MOTIVATION: My daughters inspire and motivateme every day. The more I can break through the genderbarrier, the more things my daughters can accomplish.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I am most proud ofmy appointment as Chair of the Board for OPG. The firstfemale and visible minority in their history.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: The ability to make adifference and elevate others to be their best.

DR. KARENMacNEILLPh.D, R.PsycFounder & PrincipalMACNEILL PERFORMANCECONSULTINGCo-founderHEADVERSITY

BIO: Dr. Karen MacNeill has had the unique experienceof competing and consulting on the World stage. She isa former Canadian team athlete, Principal at MPC, leadMental Performance and Health Consultant for the Can-adianOlympicCommittee, andco-founder of headversity,a mental wellness tech company, offering preventativeand personalized mobile resilience training. RecognizedbyAvenueMagazinesTop40under40award, herpassionand drive for helping others be their best translates intoher life as a mother, wife and outdoor enthusiast.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: There is no rightpath, there is just the path that is right for you. There isno failure, there is just feedback. Take each challengeas an opportunity to learn, grow and highlight whatreally matters.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Harnessing yourstrength and using your talents and experiences topositively influence theworld around youwhile helpingothers to rise.

DR. DIANEMcINTOSHBSc Pharmacy, MD, FRCPCChief Neuroscience OfficerTELUSChief Executive OfficerCOPEMAN HEALTHCAREClinical Assistant ProfessorUNIVERSITY OF BRITISHCOLUMBIA

BIO: A respected psychiatrist, author, educator andmental health advocate, Dr. DianeMcIntosh is respon-sible for optimizing all mental health-related products,services and innovations, and leveraging TELUS’ tech-nology to improve health outcomes. She is the co-founder of SwitchRx, an online psychotropic switchingtool for prescribers and pharmacists, and PsychedUp– a continuing medical education program developedto encourage appropriate and rational prescribing ofpsychiatric medications.

ONMOTIVATION: Throughout theCOVIDcrisis, I’ve hada reminder that theworld is full of goodpeople. Thenewsis mostly focused on unhappy, angry, disenfranchised,evenevil people, yetmost people are essentially goodandkind andwant the same things Iwant: to live in apeacefulsociety where we all have access to health care, so wecan live a happy, healthy life, mentally and physically.

POWER SONG: “Fall in Line” by Christina Aguilera ft.Demi Lovato.

From all of us at Ontario Power Generation,congratulations to Wendy Kei for being rankedamong Canada’s Top 100Most PowerfulWomenin Canada 2020. As Board Chair, your unwaveringleadership and steady hand is helping OPGcreate a brighter tomorrow for Ontario.

OFLEADERSHIPTHEPOWER

Where a brightertomorrow begins.

TOP 100 | 51

100T O P

NKECHINWAFOR-ROBINSONAssociate Vice President,Infrastructure TechnologySolutionsTD BANK GROUP

BIO:Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson is a technology executivewith over 20-years of experience. She is currently As-sociate Vice President, Technology Solutions at TD BankGroup – but that is not all. She is founder and CEO ofEmpowered inMy Skin Inc.; author, professional body-builder; host of Empowered inMy Skin podcast; and aninspirational speaker, whose “You Matter” speech re-cently went viral with over 6.5million viewsworldwide.

ON MOTIVATION: A statement on my vision boardsays, “The best way to become a billionaire, is to helpa billion people.” It has set me on a course to empowerasmany humans as I can inmy lifetime. I see this state-ment every morning, and it sets my intentions for theday to continue to press forward and serve the worldwithmy unique gifts, talents and skills. The vision is soempowering, that I will never grow weary.

SHERRY PEISTERB.Sc. Phm., R.Ph.Immediate Past ChairGREEN SHIELD CANADA

BIO: Sherry Peister has an impeccable track record ofserving her profession and community. She has servedas President of the Canadian Pharmacists Associationand the Ontario Pharmacists Association. She is im-mediate past Chair of Green Shield Canada and GSCFoundation, and served on the Board of CambridgeMemorial Hospital and the Waterloo Region DistrictHealth Council. Sherry is an admissions interviewerfor the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo.

ONWHATMAKESA LEADER:A leader is someonewhoinspires andmotivates others, speaks with confidenceand has the ability to influence others and have impact,because people believe in them and what they standfor. A leader also helps others believe in themselves andbuild their own confidence. A leader does not need tohave all of the answers, but have the comfort level tosay they don’t know and will find out.

LINDA PLUMPTONPartner and Chair, Litigationand Dispute Resolution GroupTORYS LLP

BIO: Linda Plumpton is Chair of Torys’ Litigation andDispute Resolution Practice. Linda represents clientsacross a broad range of industries in complex litigationmatters and her expertise and advice is highly soughtafter by clients. In 2019, Lindawas inducted as a Fellowinto the American College of Trial Lawyers—a presti-gious honour bestowed annually on a very small numberof leading litigators. In 2020 she was the recipient ofthe Canadian Law Awards Litigator of the Year. Lindaserves on the Board of Directors of Pro BonoOntario andis a past director of theMATCH InternationalWomen’sFund, now the Equality Fund.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Before makingimportant decisions, listen fully to the views of others.

ONMOTIVATION: I’m inspired every day bymy talentedcolleagues, my wonderful clients and the quality ofmy work.

INTACT PROFESSIONALS AWARDSCONTINUED

As an employer of Canada’s leading female editors-in-chief, Postmedia and National Postare proud sponsors of theWomen’s Executive Network.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN: TOP 100™ WINNERS.

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LUCINDA CHODANSenior Vice-President, Content,

for Postmedia; Editor-in-Chief, Montreal Gazette

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NICOLE MACADAMOttawa Citizen

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52 | TOP 100

100T O P

INTACT PROFESSIONALS AWARDSCONTINUED

PAMSETHIBSN, MPH, MDes (c)Healthcare InnovatorFormer CIOINSTITUTE FORADVANCEMENTS INMENTAL HEALTH (IAM)

BIO:PamSethi has 15-plus years of experience in socialinnovation and health policy. She is the former ChiefInnovation Officer of the Institute for AdvancementsinMental Health. She has previously worked in severaltechnical roles at theWorld Health Organization, Min-istry of Health, and serves as an advisor for the WELLInstitute, UNLeash innovation lab for SDGs and boardof Think Upstream. She is the Founding Director of LeanIn Canada, and completed CivicAction’s DiverseCityFellowship in 2016.

MOST IMPORTANTCAREER LESSON: Enjoy the processand journey asmuch as you can. It is equally importantto understand how one leads but also how one suc-cessfully achieves results along the way and createschange. This is a big part of making impact as a leader.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To lead with humility,grace and confidence, and pairing these traits withhonesty and compassion.

TINA TEHRANCHIANMA, CFP, CLU, CHFCSenior Wealth AdvisorASSANTE CAPITALMANAGEMENT LTD.

BIO: An award-winning financial advisor, Tina Teh-ranchian is a senior wealth advisor at Assante CapitalManagement Ltd. In addition to numerous commun-ity, academic and professional awards over the pastdecades, Tina was the first Canadian to receive thetop Senior Wealth Advisor of the Year Award from theInternational Association of Top Professionals (2020)and the first recipient of the Financial Advisor of theYear award from Women in Finance Canada (2019).

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON:Working smartand hard, grit and persistence are the most importantfactors that can contribute to your success.

ONWHAT POWERFULMEANS: To have influence andbe able to make a positive impact on the people andcauses that you care for.

Enjoy the processand journey asmuch as you can

Grit and persistenceare the most important

factors thatcan contribute toyour success

#WXNUniteAndRise

– Pam Sethi

– Tina Tehranchian

WOMENof COURAGEJENNCASEYCAPTAINROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

Captain Jenn Casey is from Halifax, Nova Scotia.She joined the Canadian Armed Forces in August2014 as a direct entry officer. Prior to joining shespent several yearsworking in broadcast radio as areporter, anchor and producer in both Halifax, andBelleville, Ont. She held a Bachelor of Arts fromDalhousie University, a Bachelor of Journalismfrom the University of King’s College,and a Masters of InterdisciplinaryStudies from Royal RoadsUniversity. Her first assignmentas a Public Affairs Officer was at 8Wing Trenton, the Royal CanadianAir Force’s home of air mobility.She spent the 2018 season withthe CF-18 Demo Team,travelling North Americaand the United Kingdomwith the NORAD 60jet. Captain Caseyjoined the CanadianForces Snowbirds inNovember 2018. Jennlost her life in the crashof a Snowbird in B.C.last spring.

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HEIDISTEVENSONCONSTABLEROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

Heidi Stevensonwas an activemom, a lovingwife,a dedicated daughter and a cherished friend. Sheled her life with kindness and compassion andconfidently stood up for what she believed in.Whethervolunteeringat theschool, planningbakesales or coaching rugby, her passion for peopleand community shone brightly.Heidi served as a memberof the Royal CanadianMounted Police for 23years and tragicallylost her life in the lineof duty in April 2020.

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ABBIGAILCOWBROUGHSUB-LIEUTENANTCANADIAN ARMED FORCES

Sub-Lieutenant Abbigail Cowbrough was a MarineSystems Engineering Officer. Her last postingwas on Her Majesty Canadian Ship Fredericton.She died in the line of duty during a retrievalexercise with CH-148 Cyclone Stalker 822.From a very young age Abbigail fought for notonly her own rights but the rights of others.She was always protecting herbrothers or cousins. Abbigailserved her family and countrywith a full heart. She wasorganized and goal-oriented.She followed the path of hermaternal grandfathers intoservice and joined theAir Cadets.

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Recognizing women who champion our country and its values across a diverse range of causes, withcourage and compassion, even as it means risking their careers, reputations and, sometimes, their lives.

Diversity, Equity &Inclusion in our DNA

At Sun Life, we’re committed to creatingan inclusive and respectful environment,where everyone can contribute to theirfull potential. We seek to understand andembrace all that makes every Sun LifeEmployee, advisor, Client and communityunique.

Special congratulations to Canada’s MostPowerful Women: Top 100 Award 2020Winners Rowena Chan, President, SunLife Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc.and Senior Vice President, Distribution andPatricia Callon, Senior Vice President &General Counsel, Sun Life.

Thank you for all you do to drivemeaningful change across Sun Lifeand the communities we serve.

www.sunlife.ca/sustainability

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54 | TOP 100

HONORARY

100T O P

2020HALLofFAMESHANNON MacDONALDBBA, MHSC, FCA, CPAManaging Director, Health and Provincial GovernmentsACCENTURE

BIO: Shannon MacDonald is Accenture’s leader for Health and Provincial Governments. She has activelypromoted the adoption of health technologies and innovations that will positively impact the delivery ofcare throughout her 30-year career. Shannon was twice named to Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic, sits on theboard of University of Prince Edward Island and Compute Ontario, is a Creative Destruction Labmentor andis a founder of Sandpiper Ventures, a VC focused on Atlantic Canadian women investors and start-ups.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Peoplematter; morals matter; so enjoy the people around youand always act with integrity, especially when it is difficult.

ON MOTIVATION: The closer I align my work to creating innovative and new experiences forCanadians through their public sector, the happier I am.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I feel proud of having achieved the elusive “balance” that I haveheard about all throughmy career. As I look back, I had that all along and still have it today.

ON WHAT MAKES A LEADER: Courage to speak up for others.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Connecting people with people, opportunities withopportunities.

POWER SONG: “Bright Side of the Road” by Van Morrison.

DR.MAKAZIWEMANDELAChairperson HOUSE OF MANDELA

Global Activist

BIO: Dr. MakaziweMandela is the eldest daughter of Evelyn Maseand NelsonMandela. She was born in Johannesburg, South Africa,

growing up in Soweto, Johannesburg. After matriculating fromhigh school in Swaziland, she went on to study for her BA degree

in social work at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, andthen her Honours Degree in Sociology at the University of Natal

in Durban. Dr. Mandela previously sat on the boards of RandWater Services, Myriad Medical, Envirosev and the NelsonMandelaFoundation. She is also a consultant in training development and life

skills at Self Empowerment International. Dr. Mandela is currently theChairman of House of Mandela, a business that she started withher daughter Tukwini Mandela in 2010. She is also a director of

the House of Mandela Family Foundation that was set up in 2017.The ambition of the foundation is to improve the livelihoods of poor

communities and globally advocate for social issues that affect Africancommunities including HIV and AIDS, education, health, agriculture,

women empowerment and promoting alternate energy sectors.

RECOGNIZING WOMEN WHO HAVE WON THE TOP 100 AWARD FOR THE FOURTH TIME

ncialal Governments. She has activelywill pl positively impact the delivery ofTopTop 50 CEOs in Atlantic, sits on theCreative Destruction Labmentor and

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ON THE TOP 100 AWARD FOR THE FOURTH TIME

54 | TOP 100

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From left:Veni Iozzo, Executive Vice-President, Enterprise Real Estate &Workplace TransformationFatema Pirone, Senior Director, Enterprise InnovationKikelomo Lawal, Executive Vice-President & Chief Legal Officer

Leadership united by purpose

Congratulations to our three CIBC leaders who were recognized as part ofthis year’s WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100! Veni, Fatema andKikelomo set an example for all of us at CIBC by bringing their own uniquetalents, perspectives and passion to work every day. At CIBC, we are proud of ourpurpose-driven culture where our bold and inclusive leaders continue to inspire aswe help our clients achieve their ambitions.

The CIBC logo is a trademark of CIBC.

WisdomMentoring™

WXN MentorshipVirtual Program - 2021

Registrationclosing soon!

How did the best become the best – and how can you get there, too? Wisdom Mentoring™ is

your once-in-a-lifetime chance to match one-on-one with a Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top

100™ Award Winner at the top of their field. They’re ready to share the steps they took and the

challenges they faced to get where they are now. Wisdom Mentoring™ 2021 launches in January!

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: December 31, 2020Learn more:wxnetwork.com/WisdomMentoring WXN

Meet yourmentorship match

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:Thursday December 31, 2020