TOP 100 HONOREES

Trish Barbato
FCPA
President and CEO, Arthritis Society Canada; Co-Founder and Director, Menopause Foundation of Canada 

Trish Barbato is a leading voice in Canadian healthcare, advocating for bold systemic change to improve health outcomes for underserved populations. As President and CEO of Arthritis Society Canada, she is transforming arthritis care, research, and support for six million Canadians living with this chronic disease. With more than 25 years of executive leadership in complex health and social care systems, Trish is widely recognized for building mission-driven cultures and driving breakthrough performance.

Justine Hendricks
President and CEO, Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Justine Hendricks is President and CEO of Farm Credit Canada, Canada’s largest agriculture and food lender. A 25-year veteran of Canada’s banking and finance industry, she brings deep experience in lending, credit, risk, sustainability and transformation, including senior roles at Export Development Canada and RBC. She has led FCC’s growth into one of Canada’s largest financial institutions, advancing strategy, capital solutions, sustainable finance, digital tools and partnerships while championing Canadian agriculture and food nationally.

Cathy Thorpe
Chief Executive Officer, Nurse Next Door

Cathy Thorpe is President & CEO of Nurse Next Door, where she has transformed a Vancouver-founded home care company into a global organization with more than 400 locations. With over 30 years of leadership experience, Cathy is a passionate advocate for human-centred leadership, caregiver empowerment, and women in business. Through Bold Kindness and her work championing Caregiving is a Career, she is challenging traditional leadership models and inspiring leaders to build stronger, more compassionate organizations.

Susan Bisaillon
Chief Executive Officer, Safehaven

Susan Bisaillon is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across academic, hospital and community healthcare organizations. As President and CEO of Safehaven, she advances system transformation, organizational effectiveness, quality and coordinated care. Her previous executive roles include Chief Operating Officer at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital and senior leadership positions at Trillium Health Partners and University Health Network. Susan holds a Master of Science in Nursing and is an adjunct professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto.

Wendy  Hurlburt
ICD.D
President and CEO, Life Sciences BC

Wendy Hurlburt, ICD.D, is a transformational CEO and ecosystem builder who turns ambitious ideas into measurable impact. A respected leader in British Columbia’s innovation and life sciences sectors, she has championed entrepreneurship, investment and partnerships that accelerate economic growth and create opportunity. Wendy has been recognized with several leadership and industry honours for her contributions to BC’s innovation ecosystem. Known for connecting people, capital and ideas, she brings strategic vision, energy and a bias for action to complex challenges, while building organizations and ecosystems where bold ideas can thrive.

Anik Trudel
Chief Executive Officer, Lavery

After 20 years in private practice as a partner in a renowned national law firm, Anik Trudel made the leap into the world of public relations. She held senior management positions within international firms. Her desire to participate in the transformation of the legal sector brought her back, 11 years later, to the head of Lavery as CEO. Anik has served on various boards of directors for many years, including, currently, the Port of Montreal. She also served on the board of The Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitain Montréal from 2018 to 2024 and served as its president from 2022 to 2023. She was named 2023 CEO of the Year in the medium-sized business category by Les Affaires.

Nida Ateeq
Senior Revenue Architect, Lyra Technology Group

Nida Ateeq is a Revenue Architect. In under two years she has scaled to serve 200 plus revenue teams, implemented HubSpot across 150 plus portals, and led a revenue infrastructure transformation across 91 private equity operating companies in under six months.

She is a 2026 Winning by Design Impact Award winner, a Peak Emerging Leader, and a mentor to immigrant founders and women entrepreneurs across Canada.

Lacey Bowie
Senior General Manager, Acuren

Lacey Bowie is Senior General Manager at Acuren, where she leads a 1,000-person team and $220M operation supporting critical energy infrastructure. Over the past five years, she has expanded local mechanical and inspection services, secured major client commitments, and advanced skilled-trades talent into leadership. She helped launch an NDE pathway for local high school students and coaches Fort McMurray’s first all-girls baseball team. Lacey is known for clear expectations, honest conversations and supporting her team.

Faith Edem
MPA
Policy Lead, Transport Canada
Nominated as
Policy Advisor, Environment and Climate Change Canada

Faith is a policy leader with nearly a decade of experience across international trade, AI and digital trade, climate finance and energy policy. As a Policy Advisor in Environment Canada, she has represented Canada on the global stage at the WTO and OECD, developed strategic positions to advance free trade negotiations and helped develop millions in climate finance programs. Faith champions connecting global policy with local solutions to advance a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Stephanie Panetta
CPA,CA
VP Finance & Strategy, Dialogue Health Technologies Inc.

Stephanie Panetta is VP Finance & Strategy at Dialogue, Canada's leading virtual care company. With 13+ years of experience, she brings deep expertise in IPO readiness, M&A integration, and leading large multidisciplinary teams. Since joining Dialogue five years ago, she built the finance function from the ground up. Previously a Senior Manager at Deloitte LLP in Montréal with a secondment in New York. Stephanie is a CPA and holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Accountancy from Concordia University.

Saloni Shah
CPA
Infrastructure Advisory Lead, Principal Consultant, HDR

Saloni is an Advisory Lead at HDR, helping clients prioritize and deliver complex infrastructure projects. She is passionate about transportation and its lasting impacts on communities. When she’s not shaping major infrastructure programs, Saloni focuses on pro bono consulting work—supporting community-based non-profits with revenues under $2 million. Saloni serves on HDR’s Inclusion and Diversity Committee and as Treasurer of WTS Toronto. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Saloni’s is recognized for driving innovation, fostering partnerships, and creating meaningful impact.

Gurveer Bains
HBSc., MA, MBA, DrPH (in progress)
Director, Business Management, Alternate Solutions Group (ASG), Payments, CIBC Capital Markets

Gurveer Bains is Director of Business Management for the Alternate Solutions Group (ASG) within the Payments Division at CIBC Capital Markets. She helps shape governance, operational, and risk management structures that support responsible innovation. Recognized for combining strategic vision with operational excellence, she strengthens transparency, decision-making, and execution in a complex business environment. With experience spanning finance, public health, government, and community leadership, Gurveer brings a systems-level perspective and champions mentorship and the advancement of women in finance.

Stephanie Dantas
Manager, Digital Sales, Strategy & GTM, TELUS

Stephanie Dantas is a digital commerce leader with a proven track record of driving business growth, leading high-performing teams, and delivering customer-focused innovation at TELUS Mobility. She excels at navigating complex transformations, implementing data-driven strategies, and building agile, resilient organizations. Known for her analytical mindset, collaborative leadership, and passion for developing talent, Stephanie consistently delivers measurable results while advancing digital experiences, operational excellence, and long-term business success.

Heather Hume
Vice President & Director, TD Securities;
Executive Director, Council of Women CEOs;
Chairwoman, Canada-US Strategic Dialogue;
Member, NATO Sector

Heather Hume is a trusted voice on cross-border economic strategy and works with decision-makers in Canada and the U.S. to advance stronger bilateral outcomes for companies operating on both sides of the 49th parallel. In addition to her role at TD, Heather is the Executive Director of the Council of Women CEOs, Chairwoman of the Canada-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, and on the PIF Board.

Heather and her husband happily raise their four children on their farm in Southern Alberta.

Nadine Patel
Director, Inclusion and Reconciliation, Sysco Canada

Nadine Patel is a strategic leader in inclusion and reconciliation, driving enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and organizational impact. She partners with senior leaders to embed equity, belonging, and accountability into business strategies, fostering sustainable change and high-performing teams. Through collaboration, influence, and a commitment to reconciliation, Nadine advances transformative outcomes that create value for employees, communities, and the organization.

Sarah Sparks
Production Health & Safety Manager, Canada, Netflix

Sarah Sparks is the Senior Production Health and Safety Manager and head of safety for Netflix in Canada, overseeing Netflix original series and films across the country. With more than 20 years in film and television production and a background in structural and wildland firefighting, she brings extensive hands-on experience to balancing creative vision with cast and crew safety. She is passionate about supporting creative talent in bringing bold stories to life and elevating distinctive Canadian voices and perspectives.

Dr. Marjorie Dixon
MDCM, FRCSC, FACOG
CEO, Medical Director and Founder, Anova Fertility

Dr. Marjorie Dixon is a pioneering Reproductive Endocrinologist, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, entrepreneur, Founder, CEO, and Medical Director of Anova Fertility. Since founding Canada’s leading IVF centres in 2016, she has transformed reproductive medicine through visionary leadership, innovation, inclusive and patience-centred care. A champion for publicly funded fertility treatment, she has expanded access, influenced healthcare policy, and helped create more than 40,000 families. Dr. Dixon continues to redefine excellence in women’s healthcare, creating a lasting legacy through her relentless advocacy, education, and awareness.

Jennifer Stewart
Founder and CEO, Syntax Strategic; Co-Founder, The Honest Talk

Jennifer Stewart is an accomplished entrepreneur, communications leader and advocate who has built Syntax Strategic into a leading strategic communications firm over nearly 15 years. Known for her entrepreneurial vision, Jennifer has created and grown businesses and platforms that connect people, amplify voices and drive meaningful change. She is the co-founder of The Honest Talk and The Women’s Summit, celebrating women and leadership across North America. Jennifer also serves on the boards of Microbix, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and Ottawa’s Boys and Girls Club.

Johanna Faigelman
CEO and Founder, HumanBranding

Johanna Faigelman, a trained anthropologist, is Founder and CEO of HumanBranding, the global behavioral insights consultancy she bootstrapped in 2006. Her proprietary Applied Anthropology Thinking (AAT)™ methodology decodes the cultural and emotional drivers of behavior for the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotech, and consumer companies. Under her leadership, HumanBranding now operates from Toronto and New Jersey. Johanna is a finalist for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Ontario and an EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ North America Class of 2025 alumna.

Elizabeth Watson
KC, ICD.D
Founder and CEO, Watson Advisors Inc.

Liz Watson is a longstanding leader in Canadian governance and Founder and CEO of Watson Board Advisors. For more than 25 years, she has guided boards across sectors on how to govern and perform at their best, well before governance became a mainstream business priority. She has built Watson into a high-impact national firm that has served more than 600 clients from coast to coast. Liz is driven by a belief that well-governed, high-performing organizations strengthen Canada and help shape its future.

Hanna AbdelHamid
Head of Sigma Software Canada, Sigma Software Group

Hanna AbdelHamid is Managing Director and Head of Sigma Software Canada, leading Canadian operations and PR and Marketing across North America. A Founding Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Federation of Women Empowerment and Support (FOWES), she is also a Certified DEIB Specialist committed to inclusive leadership. In 2024, Hanna was named one of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100, in the Executive Leaders category and is among the Strong Women in IT in 2023 and 2025. She actively mentors women, supporting their professional growth and success.

Daniela Carnevale Aubry
MBA
Chief Payments Officer, Metrolinx

Daniela Carnevale Aubry is Chief Payments Officer at Metrolinx, overseeing the PRESTO fare payment platform that serves millions of transit riders across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Ottawa. With extensive experience in payments, financial technology, and product leadership, she has held senior roles at Metrolinx, CIBC, and InComm. Daniela serves as Chair of Payments Canada's Stakeholder Advisory Council, is a Steering Committee Member of the Metrolinx Women’s Network, and is the Executive Sponsor of the annual United Way fundraising campaign. She is also a fierce advocate for accelerating women in leadership – something she hopes to inspire in her three young daughters.

Kate Dobrucki
Chief Communications Officer, Dentsu Canada & Tag Americas

Kate Dobrucki is an accomplished corporate communications executive recognized for leading transformative reputation strategies, most recently serving as Chief Communications Officer for Dentsu Canada and Tag Americas. A passionate advocate for inclusive leadership, she actively mentors emerging talent. Dedicated to community impact, Kate serves on the boards of the Bursary of Hope and Variety Village, and proudly volunteers as a head coach for the Special Olympics, championing accessibility, empowerment, and inclusive opportunity across all her communities.

Lyne Jacques
LLB
Chief Revenue Officer, Miovision

Lyne Jacques is Chief Revenue Officer at Miovision, driving global strategy and market expansion for smart infrastructure tech. A proud French-Canadian executive with a corporate law background, she blends legal rigor, strategic vision, and grit. Throughout her career, Lyne has fearlessly scaled cross-border operations and led high-performing international teams, frequently as the only woman at the table. An advocate for authentic leadership and tech diversity, she is dedicated to empowering future women leaders.

Stephanie McCabe
ICD.D
President, Knower Tech

Stephanie McCabe left city government to build a tech company — and scaled it dramatically in just three years. As Deputy City Manager for Edmonton, she saved taxpayers millions annually and pushed for equity in municipal policy. Now she leads Knower Tech, giving independent ad agencies the technology edge to go head-to-head with the industry's biggest players. She chairs the Funding Priorities Committee for the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, runs 42 Advisory, and is ICD.D certified.

Susan O'Brien
Executive Vice-President and Chief Transformation Officer, Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited

Susan O'Brien is Executive Vice-President and Chief Transformation Officer at Canadian Tire Corporation, where she leads the company’s True North strategy through its Transformation Management Office. A transformative leader with deep experience across marketing, loyalty, digital, eCommerce, and customer strategy, Susan has played a pivotal role in building Triangle Rewards and advancing Canadian Tire’s evolution into a more digital, customer-led organization. She also serves on corporate and community boards and is recognized as one of Canada’s leading business executives.

Jessica Tan
Executive Vice-President & President, Sun Life Canada, Sun Life

Jessica Tan is Executive Vice-President and President, Sun Life Canada, where she leads the company’s Canadian business and drives strategy, growth and innovation to help Canadians achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. She oversees a broad portfolio of businesses and functions across Canada, with a focus on Client experience, digital transformation and sustainable growth. A globally recognized leader, Jessica brings more than two decades of international experience spanning financial services, technology and healthcare.

Erica Zarkovich
HBSc, JD
Chief Market and Partnerships Officer, LifeLabs

Erica Zarkovich is a healthcare executive and holds the position of Chief Market & Partnerships Officer at LifeLabs. Erica leads LifeLabs' commercial and strategic partnerships across Canada's healthcare sector, driving growth, access and innovation. She is passionate about creating health equity across Canada, including in remote, rural and Indigenous communities. Erica holds degrees from University of Toronto, Queen's Law School and Osgoode Hall.

Terri Botosan
President, Employee Benefits, Retirement and Life, HUB International Limited

Terri Botosan joined HUB in 2000 as President of HUB Financial Inc. She was eventually promoted to CEO of that company before moving into her current position in 2022. Terri and her team drive an exceptional client experience and continued growth through product and service enhancements that are designed to make HUB a one-stop-shop broker for its clients. With over 35 years of industry experience, Terri continues to be actively involved and integral in making positive advancements to the industry’s landscape.

Marie-Huguette Cormier
MBA, OLY
Executive Vice-President, Member/Client Experience, Cooperation and Human Transformation, Desjardins Group; Vice-President of the Board, Canadian Olympic Committee; Chair, Institut international des coopératives Alphonse-et-Dorimène-Desjardins Governance

Marie-Huguette Cormier brings a people-focused approach to leadership. By connecting communications, marketing and human resources to Desjardins’s cooperative culture and member/client experience, she helps shape the organization’s future and drive its success.

She has been a member of Desjardins Group’s executive management committee for more than 20 years and has built a reputation for balancing sustainable performance with a people-centered approach to talent management. Marie-Huguette is also a two-time Olympian who always goes the extra mile to pursue excellence in the business world and beyond.

Lisa Giannone
BBA
President and Chief Operating Officer, BFL CANADA Risk and Insurance Services Inc.

Lisa Giannone is President and Chief Operating Officer of BFL CANADA, where she leads national growth and operational excellence for one of Canada’s largest employee-owned insurance brokerages. With over 30 years of experience, she is recognized for her strategic vision, innovative thinking, and ability to cultivate trusted partnerships. A champion of people, performance, and community impact, Lisa is committed to advancing leadership, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating long-term value for clients, employees, and stakeholders.

Kim Kopyl
Chief Growth Officer, Anova Fertility and Reproductive Health

Kim Kopyl is a highly respected Canadian growth executive with a distinguished track record of driving transformational growth, operational excellence, and enterprise value creation. For more than 25 years, she has generated over $10 billion in revenue, led large-scale transformations, accelerated multi-billion-dollar business growth, and developed exceptional leadership teams. As Chief Growth Officer of Anova Fertility, she is shaping the future of reproductive healthcare through innovation, strategic growth, and operational leadership, while advancing accessible patient care, fostering talent, and delivering enduring organizational impact.

Kristine McTaggart
MBA
Senior Healthcare Executive

Kristine McTaggart has built her career turning ambitious ideas into businesses that grow, perform and make a meaningful difference. She has led large teams and complex transformations, bringing bold ideas to life through innovation, technology and operational excellence. Her leadership in healthcare has helped expand access to high-quality care for millions of Canadians, delivering both business and human impact. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, Kristine mentors and sponsors others, believing leadership comes with a responsibility to open doors and create opportunities for others.

Anilisa Sainani
FCPA
Chief Financial Officer, EQ Bank

Anilisa Sainani is EQB’s Chief Financial Officer, responsible for corporate finance, enterprise performance, capital allocation, corporate strategy and long-term value creation, with more than two decades of global banking and finance leadership experience. Anilisa is a Fellow of CPA Ontario and serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation and Kingsway College School. She holds degrees in mathematics and accounting from the University of Waterloo, Canada.

Bhavna Wadhwa
Chief Marketing Officer, Zafin

Bhavna Wadhwa is Chief Marketing Officer at Zafin, where she works at the intersection of corporate strategy, technology, market positioning and growth. An engineer turned strategist, Bhavna has spent nearly two decades across consulting, private equity value creation and enterprise transformation, translating complex technology into business advantage. She is known for shaping markets, building high-performing teams and helping organizations turn change into opportunity, while championing responsible innovation and greater representation of women in leadership.

Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic
Principal, Data Center Integration, Microsoft

Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic is a Microsoft CO+I leader, bestselling author, and award-winning changemaker with 25+ years of experience across Telecom, Finance, and Technology. Her doctoral research in AI governance and cybersecurity informs her leadership in integrating global AI infrastructure and deploying emerging technologies at scale with measurable business impact. A mentor and advocate for inclusive leadership, Dr. Cancar-Todorovic supports universities, nonprofits, and government programs advancing diversity of thought, innovation, and women’s economic empowerment. She continues to shape industries and inspire future leaders.

Dr. Nazanin Esmaili
Ph.D.
Vice President, Enterprise Artificial Intelligence and Data Centre of Excellence, Metrolinx

Dr. Nazanin Esmaili is Vice President, Enterprise Artificial Intelligence and Data Centre of Excellence at Metrolinx. She leads enterprise AI, data, analytics, governance, and platform capabilities that enable data-driven decision-making and responsible AI adoption across the organization. Recognized for building and scaling AI programs across both the public and private sectors, she is known for translating emerging technologies into measurable business value. An international award recipient and widely published researcher, Nazanin combines deep technical expertise with strategic business leadership to shape how AI is implemented, scaled, and governed across large, complex organizations.

Tatjana Lalkovic
Chief Technology Officer, Definity Financial Corporation; Executive Sponsor and Chair of Definity’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Advisory Committee (IDEAAC). Definity Financial Corporation; Board Positions, Windmill Microlending, Canadian Cancer Society, CSIO, Guidewire Software

Tatjana Lalkovic is a transformative technology executive serving as CTO at Definity. Joining in 2020, she led a major digital and AI transformation powering the second-largest IPO in Canadian history for the 150-year-old insurer, positioning Definity for accelerated growth, the landmark Travelers Canada acquisition, and AI leadership. Today, she spearheads value creation by deploying agentic AI solutions and rolling out tools to all employees to elevate data and AI fluency. Tatjana serves on multiple charity and industry boards.

Shahrzad Rafati
Founder & CEO, RHEI

Shahrzad Rafati is the Founder and CEO of RHEI (formerly BBTV), an AI technology company powering human creativity. RHEI reaches over 600M unique monthly viewers across 150+ countries, pioneering Made, the first emotionally intelligent platform for creators. Operating on a quadruple bottom line with a 0% pay gap, RHEI partners with major global clients including Sony, Warner, Paramount, Google, and Meta. Shahrzad serves as G20 EMPOWER Co-Chair and holds board roles with G7 GEAC, Invest in Canada, Hootsuite, and BIG.

Karina Sidhu
BASc., MBA
Chief Technology Officer, Momentum Financial Services Group

Karina Sidhu is Chief Technology Officer at Momentum Financial Services Group, where she leads the organization’s technology and data strategy to drive innovation and business performance. With more than 20 years of experience in technology and data – including over 15 years in financial services – she brings deep expertise in delivering scalable, high-impact solutions. Her career has tracked the industry's own transformation almost step for step. Prior to joining Momentum, Karina held senior leadership roles at BMO and RBC Capital Markets, and IMCO.

Sheena Wadhwa
Senior Director of Engineering, Priceline; Site Lead, Priceline Toronto

Sheena Wadhwa is a Senior Engineering Director at Priceline, leading the engineering organization behind Priceline's search and book experience, serving 30 million daily visitors. She sits on the CTO staff shaping technical direction, and as Toronto Site Lead has helped establish Toronto as a strategic engineering hub. With 18+ years across Europe, Asia, and North America, she was recently named an "Emerging Leader" by The Peak magazine.

Andrea Yzeiri
MMA
Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Picsume

Andrea Irina Yzeiri builds AI that's fair by design. As Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Picsume, she leads ethical AI development, data governance, and cybersecurity strategy. Recognized among North America's Top 25 Women Chief Data and Analytics Officers, she is a McGill-trained analytics expert, award-winning researcher, sought-after speaker and a fierce female trailblazer breaking barriers and championing the next generation of women in STEM.

Lisa Marie Chen
Program Director Product Management, IBM

Lisa Marie Chen leads the product team for IBM watsonx BI, exploring how generative AI can change the way people understand and work with data. Her career spans product, design, and entrepreneurship, including founding Canada’s first Asian Canadian lifestyle magazine. Across each chapter, she has focused on understanding people, challenging what exists and building what should come next. Lisa holds an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business and lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

Dr. Maryam Haghighi
Honors BSc, MSc, PhD, C.Dir.
Director, Bank of Canada; Chair, Volunteer Ottawa

Dr. Maryam Haghighi is an internationally recognized technology executive advancing AI, data science, and quantum technologies across the public and financial sectors. At the Bank of Canada, she leads enterprise AI strategy and platforms, transforming emerging technologies into institutional capability and impact. A respected global voice in AI and quantum, she helps shape international agendas through leadership of G7 and central bank collaborations. With a PhD in Mathematics and a Chartered Director designation, she bridges technical excellence, governance, and strategic leadership.

Janet Lin
Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, EQ Bank; Chair of the Board, Information Communication Technology Council of Canada

Janet Lin is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at EQ Bank, where she leads enterprise technology, AI, innovation, data, cloud platform, and cybersecurity. With more than 20 years of experience across banking, payments, retail, and healthcare, she is driving EQ Bank’s digital transformation and competitive advantage as Canada’s Challenger Bank. An award-winning technology leader, Janet has been recognized by Forbes, the CIO Innovation Awards, and Top 25 Women in Tech Canada. She is also a dedicated community advocate, mentor, board chair of ICTC Canada, and member of Payments Canada’s Member Advisory Board.

Lipika Sahoo
B.Eng, MBA
Associate Vice President, TD Bank

Lipika Sahoo is a transformation leader who combines emerging technology with deep human curiosity to reimagine how organizations scale. With 18+ years in financial services, she blends strategic vision, commercial acumen and the ability to navigate complexity to turn bold ideas into measurable impact. At TD Bank, she has led AI-powered personalization and marketing transformation, creating more meaningful customer experiences at scale. Born and raised in India, Lipika holds a Bachelor of Engineering and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Monika Tamber
P.Eng, CISSP, CISM, CCSP
Associate Vice President of Application Security & Operational Governance, Manulife

Monika Tamber is an award‑winning cybersecurity and engineering leader with 20+ years of impact across financial services, telecommunications, and semiconductors. As Associate Vice President of Application Security at Manulife, she has reimagined security as an integrated, automated, AI‑driven platform—deploying GenAI agents across the SDLC and AI‑powered remediation in CI/CD pipelines. Recognized among Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity, she is celebrated for human‑centered innovation that strengthens trust and accelerates delivery, and for her deep commitment to empowering others and championing inclusion in her community.

Dr. Sheila Wang
MD, PhD, FRCPC
Co-Founder and Strategic Medical Advisor, Swift Medical; Assistant Professor & Clinician-Investigator, University of Toronto & Women’s College Hospital

Dr. Sheila Wang is Co-Founder and Strategic Medical Advisor at Swift Medical, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and Clinician-Investigator at Women’s College Hospital. She advances AI-enabled imaging and digital care for dermatology and complex wounds. Her work supported Swift’s scale-up across more than 4,200 North American healthcare facilities, with more than 32 million calibrated wound images powering AI-enabled care. A 2021 Governor General’s Innovation Award recipient, she leads research and mentorship focused on equitable digital health.

Irene Zaguskin
ICD.D
Chief Information and Transformation Officer, Partner, PwC Canada

Irene Zaguskin is the PwC Americas’ Co-CIO and PwC Canada’s Chief Information & Transformation Officer, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, and a Partner. A seasoned executive and board director, she has led digital transformation, technology innovation, and business reinvention across industries including professional services, retail, telecommunications, and energy. Irene is Chair of the Board at Lakeland Power and holds an MBA, an MIT Executive Management certificate, a Chief Information Security Officer certification, and the ICD.D designation.

Dr. Rajinder Atwal
MD, CCFP, FCFP
CEO and Founder, Women STEM Mentorship; Medical Director, Physician and Medical Preceptor, Bathurst Walk-in Clinic and Family Practice 

Dr. Rajinder Atwal is an award winning family physician, CEO, medical director, author, researcher, innovator, patent holder, and medical educator. She is the founder of Women STEM Mentorship, dedicated to empowering women and youth through inclusive mentorship and leadership opportunities. As a physician and preceptor, she is committed to advancing healthcare, education, innovation, and equity. Her work reflects a passion for creating meaningful impact, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of women leaders.

Keisha Blair
BSc, MA
Founder and CEO, Institute on Holistic Wealth

Keisha Blair, widely regarded as the Mother of Holistic Wealth, is the pioneering architect of the Holistic Wealth framework, Founder and CEO of the Institute on Holistic Wealth, the world’s first Holistic Wealth certification body and pioneering institution. An international award-winning author and renowned economist, she was the first Black woman in Canada to lead Canada’s Foreign Direct Investment file in support of the Prime Minister. Blair also founded Global Holistic Wealth Day and Month, building a category-defining global movement reaching 500+ million people worldwide.

Dr. Aliyah Dosani
BN, MPH, PhD, RN FCAN
Professor, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mount Royal University; Adjunct Associate Professor, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary

Dr. Aliyah Dosani is a Professor at Mount Royal University, Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing. An implementation scientist, her research focuses on gender-transformative SRHR, maternal and newborn health, health equity, and health systems strengthening in low- and middle-income countries. She has led multidisciplinary partnerships across East Africa, South Asia, and Canada, secured competitive funding, and specializes in implementation science, stakeholder engagement, capacity strengthening, and translating evidence into policy and practice.

Farah Ismail
RN, MScN, LLB, ICD.D, FRE
Senior Vice-President, Chief Legal, Privacy and Compliance Officer, SE Health

Farah Ismail is a nationally recognized nurse-lawyer and Senior Vice-President, Chief Legal, Privacy & Compliance Officer at SE Health. She has spent two decades leading transformative initiatives in legal, privacy, risk, compliance, governance and innovation to improve quality, safety, and access to care. Known for bridging her healthcare and legal expertise, Farah is a trusted advisor, published author, sought-after speaker, and board director dedicated to advancing excellence, ethical leadership, and the responsible future of healthcare in Canada.

Dr. Sheri L Madigan
PhD, R.Psych
Professor, University of Calgary; Canada Research Chair in Child Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Calgary

Dr. Sheri Madigan is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, Professor, and Canada Research Chair at the University of Calgary. An authority on children’s digital technology and mental health, she ranks among the top 1% of cited researchers worldwide. With over 250 publications and $12 million in federal funding, she translates science into policy and practice by co-authoring the American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen use guidelines and co-creating digital mental health platforms that turn evidence into practical resources for practitioners and families.

Sylvie Rodrigue
Ad.E
Founding Partner and Managing Partner of Torys Montreal, Torys LLP;  Partner, Lead of National Class Action Practice and co-Lead of National Product Liability, Torys LLP; Author of Own It: Lessons Every Woman Should Know

Sylvie Rodrigue is founder and managing partner of Torys’ Montréal office and one of Canada’s most distinguished litigators. With over 33 years of experience, she has helped shape class actions and complex litigation in Canada while driving change through influential roles in leading legal and charitable organizations. Her book, Own It! Lessons Every Woman Should Know, has inspired women to lead with confidence. An award-winning advocate, published author, sought-after speaker and champion of women’s mentorship, Sylvie is recognized for advancing the law while empowering future generations of leaders.

Dr. Talia Varley
MD
Managing Director, Global Corporate Advisory, Cleveland Clinic Canada

Dr. Talia Varley is a clinician leader, board member and executive advisor at the intersection of business and healthcare. As Managing Director of Global Corporate Advisory at Cleveland Clinic Canada, she holds P&L responsibility and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Dr. Varley is an advisor to cross-industry C-Suite executives and a recognized global thought leader including publications in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fortune, Fast Company, and Globe and Mail. She is a board member at Baycrest Health Sciences, and Growth Partner at Intrepid Growth Partners.

Professor Shelley Zieroth
MD
Clinician-Scientist, College of Medicine, Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba;  Heart Function Cardiologist, St. Boniface Hospital

Dr. Shelley Zieroth is a Clinician-Scientist and Professor at the University of Manitoba. She was recently named the Heart & Stroke, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, and Research Manitoba Chair in Women’s Clinical Heart Health Research. She is a cardiologist specialized in Heart Function and Cardiac Transplant Care. She is Past President of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada and was recipient of the King Charles III Coronation medal. She received the Canadian Heart Failure Society Achievement Award in 2025.

Lena Azzou
Vice President - Strategy and Centres of Excellence, Metrolinx; Executive Vice President - Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, Metrolinx

Lena Azzou is the Vice President at Metrolinx, leading enterprise Strategy and Transformation, Operational Excellence, Enterprise Project Management and Enterprise Risk Management. A certified change management and strategy implementation practitioner, Lena has held senior leadership roles including Chief of Staff, Chair of the Metrolinx Women's Network, and Vice Chair of the Women's Centre of York Region. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Lena is an active mentor, community volunteer, and advocate for women and families.

Dr. Erin Brennand
MD, MSc, FRCSC
Professor & Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Calgary; Clinical Department Head, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Alberta Health Services - Calgary Corridor

Dr. Erin Brennand is a physician executive, researcher, and nationally recognized leader transforming women’s health in Alberta. As Calgary’s first woman Department Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology, she leads one of Canada’s largest academic OBGYN departments. Her work has expanded access to care, strengthened the physician workforce, built major investments in women’s health infrastructure and research, and advanced reproductive and pelvic health through internationally influential research. She is committed to building stronger healthcare systems and developing the next generation of leaders.

Christiana Egi
RN
Executive Director and Founder, Alexis Lodge Retirement Residence; Executive Director and Founder, A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub

Christiana Egi is an award-winning Registered Nurse, Dementia Advocate, author, and founder of Alexis Lodge Retirement Residences and A Rose for Grandma Wellness Hub. With 40 years of healthcare experience, she is transforming dementia care through compassionate, person-centred, and culturally responsive advocacy. A recipient of the 2024 Top 25 Women of Influence Award and recognized among Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch (2025), Christiana is dedicated to reducing stigma, empowering families, and ensuring every person living with dementia is treated with dignity, understanding, and hope.

Dr. Maryam Kebbe
PhD, CLC, CCMS
Director, Perinatal-Pediatric Health & Development Studies (PEADS) Laboratory; Associate Professor, University of New Brunswick

Dr. Maryam Kebbe is Associate Professor at the University of New Brunswick and Director of the $1.5M PEADS Laboratory and HiPPP-CC. Trained at the University of Alberta, the University of Oxford, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, she leads internationally recognized research in nutrition, metabolism, microbiome science, and maternal-child health. She established Canada's first infant metabolic chamber (third worldwide), secured $4.5M in funding, authored 70 publications, and was named one of Atlantic Business Magazine's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business (2025).

Dr. Rahima Nenshi
MD, MSc, FRCSC
Chief of Staff, Joseph Brant Hospital

Dr. Rahima Nenshi is Chief of Staff at Joseph Brant Hospital and Associate Professor of Surgery at McMaster University. A skilled surgeon and health-care leader, she champions quality, innovation, equity and physician engagement. Prior to joining JBH, she spent nearly a decade at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, holding progressive leadership roles in acute care surgery, perioperative care, postgraduate medical education and physician governance. She consistently leads with courage, clarity and collaboration, turning complex challenges into meaningful change for physicians, patients and communities.

Sarah Rosenfeld
MSW, RSW
Director, Calgary Counselling Centre

Sarah Rosenfeld is a Registered Social Worker with a BSW from McGill University and an MSW from the University of Calgary. With over 25 years of experience in mental health, child protection, healthcare, and the not-for-profit sector, she is Director of Counselling Initiatives at Calgary Counselling Centre. Sarah leads the Haskayne Learning Centre for Graduate and Postgraduate Counselling Studies, supporting over 100 counselling trainees annually. As clinician, supervisor, and educator, she strengthens mental health practice and professional capacity.

Yola Ventresca
Managing Partner, Lerners LLP; Equity Partner, Lerners LLP

Yola Ventresca is Managing Partner of Lerners LLP’s London office and a litigator trusted with employment, health law, education, human rights and workplace matters. The youngest Managing Partner in the firm’s history, she has paired a thriving practice with institutional leadership, reshaping mentorship, advancement and workplace policy. Her influence extends beyond the firm through LEAF’s board and Western Law. She received the Law Society of Ontario’s Laura Legge Award and was named among Canadian Lawyer’s 2026 Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers.

Lisa Carrington
NCSO, NHSA
Health Safety Security and Wellbeing Lead, Egis Canada; Health Safety and Wellbeing Lead, Pearson Accelerator Construction Team (PACT) - Design Team

Lisa Carrington is an accomplished Health & Safety leader who believes that exceptional organizations are built by putting people first. With over 15 years of experience across the public and private sectors, she has led strategic initiatives that strengthen safety culture, governance, and operational excellence. Guided by servant leadership, Lisa is a certified NCSO®, NHSA™, mentor, speaker, and advocate for workplace wellbeing. As the 2026 Canadian Occupational Safety Top Women in Safety recipient, she is passionate about empowering others, fostering inclusive leadership, and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed.

Teri-Anna Libby
Electrician Journeyperson Candidate, IBEW Local 353

Teri-Anna Libby is a 309A Journeyperson Candidate and passionate leader in the skilled trades. A member of IBEW Local 353 in Toronto, she is a dedicated advocate for women in the trades, mentorship and creating opportunities for the next generation. Through her union involvement, speaking engagements and community work, Teri-Anna uses her voice to inspire confidence, challenge perceptions and encourage more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades. She believes leadership means opening doors for others and leaving the path stronger for those who follow.

Simone Chang
Steamfitter, UA Local 663

Simone Chang is a fifth-year Steamfitter Apprentice and the first Black female apprentice in UA Local 663. Entering the trade at 36, she turned adversity into purpose, earning respect through skill, determination and an unwavering work ethic. Simone champions women and underrepresented voices in skilled trades while mentoring others and challenging stereotypes. A passionate mental health advocate, she is committed to breaking barriers, improving job site culture and inspiring the next generation to pursue rewarding careers in the trades.

Keeley Prockiw
RSE Welder
Project Coordinator, RSE Welder, PCL Industrial Management; Redseal Endorsed Journeyman Welder, B-Pressure Welder

Keeley Prockiw is a project leader in Canada's construction industry who has championed innovative solutions that improve project execution, recover significant costs, and strengthen field operations. Beyond project delivery, she is dedicated to mentoring women and underrepresented individuals entering the trades, helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and advance their careers. Her commitment to leadership, inclusion, and continuous improvement is creating lasting impact across both projects and people.

Honourable Rona Ambrose
Deputy Chairwoman, TD Securities; Chairwoman and Founder, Council of Women CEOs

Honourable Rona Ambrose is the Deputy Chairwoman, TD Securities, and Chair of the Council of Women CEO’s. She is also the former Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition and Conservative Party. She has served on several public, private and non profit boards. An award-winning global advocate for women and girls, she created the UN International Day of the Girl, has advanced sexual assault laws and the rights of indigenous women. She enjoys hiking and skiing with her family in the Rockies.

Corinne Boone
BA, MES, GCB.D
Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair, Los Andes Copper; Board Chair, Canada Growth Fund; Board Director, Efficiency One

Corinne Boone is a recognized governance leader with deep expertise in ESG, climate finance, energy, and mining. She currently serves as Independent Director and ESG Committee Chair at Los Andes Copper, Board Chair of Canada Growth Fund (CGF), and Board Director of EfficiencyOne. She has more than two decades of Board experience. Corinne contributes to board development and governance education through her role as Lead ESG Lecturer with Corporate Directors International and has been a program mentor with Women Get on Boards (WGOB).

Laurie Clark
CDI.D, DGSJ
Founder, Director and CEO, Onyen Corporation; Co-Founder, Director and Principal, Canchek Corporation; Founder, Director and Principal, Smarten Up Institute

Laurie M. Clark is a Canadian technology entrepreneur, finance executive and board director who has spent her career building businesses where technology, regulation, capital, governance and risk converge. She leads Onyen Corporation, Canchek Corporation and Smarten Up Institute internationally, spanning AI-enabled risk reporting, financial-crime compliance, identity verification and professional education. A four-time Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner, her 2026 recognition in AI & Technology marks her induction into the WXN Top 100 Hall of Fame.

Marilyn Denis
O.Ont.
Canadian media personality and trusted voice in broadcasting

A trailblazer, Marilyn Denis has made historic strides for women in the Canadian broadcast industry. As longtime co-host of CHUM FM’s iconic Roger, Rick & Marilyn show and later host of The Marilyn Denis Show, she set the gold standard for morning radio in Canada becoming a household name. Marilyn defined morning radio with her signature warmth and humour while simultaneously hosting a national, daily lifestyle television show. In 2023, Marilyn left her television career on a high note and in 2026 stepped away from the microphone after her 50-year groundbreaking career and 40 years on Toronto radio station, CHUM 104.5 (iHeartRadio). She is involved in her community, continues to mentor fellow broadcasters, is an advocate for the fight against cancer and a long-time supporter of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.

Jenn Lofgren
MCC, ACTC, CPHR, ICD.D
Managing Partner, Incito Executive and Leadership Development

Jenn Lofgren is the founder and managing partner of Incito Executive & Leadership Development, where she helps executives and teams become inspired, authentic leaders. A Master Certified Coach, accredited team coach, corporate director and human resources professional, Jenn brings deep expertise in leadership, strategy and organizational transformation. She is the author of The Inspired Leader and longtime Forbes contributor. A champion of women in business and community leadership, she is recognized for advancing courageous leadership and creating meaningful impact across North America.