TOP 100 HONOREES

Dr. Katherine Chubbs
RN, BN, MHS, CHE, DBA
President and Chief Executive Officer, The Good Samaritan Society

An Indigenous Labradorian, Dr. Chubbs has devoted her life to helping others. From her early career beginnings as an RN to her incremental leadership climb to being President and CEO, she has committed her work life to advancing health care. Also a professor and business owner, Dr. Chubbs spends her spare time serving as a worship leader and with her loving and supportive family. She Dedicates this award to her late mother, Verna, the most powerful woman she ever knew.

Lori Grant
MBA
CEO, Klick Health

Lori Grant has been leading her whole life. Raised on a dairy farm in New Brunswick, she learned the importance of hard work, teamwork and kindness early on, and has led by example ever since. For the last 18 years, the last five as CEO, Lori’s played a pivotal role in Klick Health becoming the world’s largest independent health agency, representing major brands in consumer health, biotech, and pharma – focused on enhancing health outcomes, people’s lives, and saving them.

Venny Ala-Siurua
MSc
Executive Director, Women on Web

Venny leads an international nonprofit that facilitates online access to abortion pills in nearly 200 countries. She is a human rights advocate with 15 years of international experience, currently focused on advancing work at the intersection of digital rights, abortion access and feminist activism. Each year, Venny and her team help thousands access safe, self-managed abortions by leveraging digital technologies, research and activist strategies to overcome legal and structural barriers.

Dong-Ling Chen
Director, Executive Accelerators, Deloitte

Dong-Ling is a proven talent strategy and business transformation leader with over a decade of experience leading projects helping organizations align their business objectives with talent initiatives. She has extensive experience transforming all parts of people and culture landscape and has a proven track record working with executives to rethink their talent agendas to increase retention, improve performance and create more engaging work cultures. Sought out by senior leaders, her reputation is anchored on innovation, driving impact and inclusive leadership.

Serena Hak
MFA-P
Senior Associate, CI Private Wealth; Partner, Executive Director, The Donor Motivation Program

Serena Hak is a wealth adviser with CI Private Wealth and Executive Director of The Donor Motivation Program Canada. She works with Canada’s most successful families to deliver sophisticated wealth management while aligning financial strategy with values, philanthropy and meaningful wealth transfers. Having served on numerous national and community boards, Serena is currently Chair of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, shaping Canada’s philanthropic landscape. She is passionate about connecting leaders and guiding families toward confident, purpose-driven decisions.

Emily Partington
B.A., M.Sc.
Managing Director, Quinn+Partners

Since joining Quinn+Partners in 2019, Emily has helped lead the firm through major growth, expanding from seven to over 50 people and entering new markets. As Head of Market Strategy, she positioned the firm as a leader in North American sustainability advisory services. Her vision, energy and discipline have been instrumental in building an award-winning, influential firm. Emily brings strategic foresight, clarity and confidence to guide teams through change, making her a vital architect of the firm’s future success.

Janice Anderson
CPA, CA, GCB.D
Senior Director, Technical Accounting & Sustainability Reporting, Nutrien Ltd.

Janice Anderson is Senior Director, Technical Accounting and Sustainability Reporting at Nutrien, where she leads financial and ESG reporting with innovation and impact. Since joining in 2020, she has transformed technical accounting practices, standardized global policies, and advanced climate-reporting strategies. A member of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, Janice is recognized among the Top 50 Women in Accounting (2024) and was honoured with the CPA Alberta Distinguished Accomplishment Award for her leadership and contributions.

Grace Chiu
MBA
Total Wealth Manager, Scotia Wealth Management

Grace is a force for growth and good. With over 15 years of experience across multiple industries, she offers a unique blend of strategic vision, collaborative expertise and results-focused business acumen. This has resulted in recognition from Scotiabank, peers and business leaders, earning Grace Best of the Best in three of the six years she has been at the bank, and most recently awarded Business in Vancouver’s Forty under 40 Award. Her colleagues have affectionately nicknamed her “Amazing Grace.”

Meghan Hillstrom
Juris Doctor (JD)
Senior Director, Global Employee Relations, Workplace Investigations and Health and Safety, CIBC

Meghan Hillstrom is Senior Director at CIBC, where she has built and leads a global function overseeing complex employee relations, workplace investigations and Canadian health and safety. Since joining CIBC, Meghan has driven strategic initiatives, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and managed complex executive matters. Recognized as a 2023 Peak’s Emerging Leader, she is known for delivering practical, high-impact solutions that foster a positive, compliant workplace and empower her team’s growth.

Elise Ahenkorah
BA, MBA, CCIP, PROSCI, CTDP, CPHR(C)
Founder and Lead Strategist, Inclusion Factor

Elise Ahenkorah’s Inclusion Factor is an award-winning consultancy redefining workplace culture for Fortune 500s, governments and global institutions. She has delivered measurable transformation for more than 100 organizations across 13 industries, including Bayer, IBM, Holt Renfrew, LSE, and the World Bank, driving retention, engagement and team performance. Honoured by WXN, L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth, the United Nations, and the Oakville Chamber, Elise is a Cornell alumnae.

Nora Griffiths
Co-founder, Sidekick Consulting

Nora Griffiths is a purpose-driven leader, strategic integrator and growth catalyst who helps organizations scale and achieve bold goals. As co-founder of Sidekick Consulting and co-host of the Momentum: Real Talk for Leaders podcast, she empowers leaders to turn ideas into action and build lasting momentum. Fuelled by her professional and athletic experience, Nora unites vision with discipline and creativity with structure, inspiring teams to cut through complexity, accelerate growth and deliver results that matter.

Joanna Kirke
MBA, PCC
CEO, Kirke Leadership

Joanna Kirke’s Kirke Leadership Inc. is a trusted partner in leadership and executive development across major industries, including Fortune 500 and global organizations. Her bilingual team delivers measurable results through coaching and experiential programs in English, French and Spanish. As a purpose-driven entrepreneur, Joanna helps leaders unlock their full potential — and gives back through volunteer work supporting women and children. Her mission: to build more human, courageous and impactful leadership for the next generation of business challenges.

Lindsay Mattick
BA, BJourn.
Co-Founder and Chief Creative Director, Pomp & Circumstance PR, and Bonus Track

Lindsay Mattick’s Pomp & Circumstance is an award-winning PR/Creative agency named one of Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies. Recognized as PR Person of the Year and a Top PR Under 40, she has spent 20-plus years helping leading brands tell their stories. She is also the bestselling author of Finding Winnie (Caldecott Medal winner) and Winnie’s Great War (nominated for a Governor General Literary Award). Lindsay lives in Toronto with her two children.

Lana Rogers
Founder and Director, Gentle Lion Communications;
Alberta Director of Advocacy & Partnerships, Women's Health Coalition

Lana Rogers brings nearly two decades of marketing and PR expertise as founder of Gentle Lion Communications, where she leads with human-centered methodologies and redefines conventional communication models. With deep hospitality roots, she’s the ultimate connector who excels at bringing people together and creating meaningful relationships. Currently serving as the Alberta Director of Advocacy and Partnerships with the Women’s Health Coalition, Lana continues to champion vital access to women’s health education.

Jennie Coleman
ICD.D
President and Co-owner, Equifruit

Equifruit is North America’s leading importer of Fairtrade-certified bananas. Since taking the helm in 2013, Jennie has led Equifruit through sustained growth, pushing for transparency and equity in banana supply chains. With a deep commitment to social justice, Jennie is a vocal advocate for ethical sourcing, challenging supermarkets and consumers to recognize the hidden cost of cheap bananas. In 2024, Jennie was named Canada’s Most Admired CEO by Waterstone Human Capital.

Israa Hilles
B.A. HRM, B.A. CompSc and Database
Founder and President, Escritoire Inc.;
Owner and Founder, Hilles.ca

Israa Hilles is an award-winning entrepreneur, community leader and author recognized among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100. Founder and President of Escritoire Inc. and owner of Hilles.ca, she empowers newcomers and entrepreneurs in Canada. Named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018, Israa is an IVLP alumnae and former owner of Escritoire Coworking Space.With a passion for leadership, innovation and social impact, she continues to inspire change through her ventures, writing and advocacy.

Gina Livy
CEO and Founder, The Livy Method

Gina Livy is the bold, purpose-driven creator of The Livy Method, a lifestyle behaviour change program transforming weight loss by helping people focus on how they eat, think and feel. Gina is a best-selling author and keynote speaker, and has helped over 147,000 people ditch diets for good. With 30-plus years of experience, she’s built a community in 55-plus countries, with 6.4 million podcast downloads and a mission to make weight loss kind, accessible and sustainable.

Maya Nathani
RPN, SWAN
CEO and Founder, Universal Health Hub

Bharti “Maya” Nathani is a cancer survivor, visionary leader and health-care innovator transforming senior care. She integrates technology with compassion to improve accessibility and preventive care for aging populations. Through AI-powered solutions, nurse training programs and community partnerships, Maya has reduced preventable hospitalizations while empowering health-care professionals. Her resilience, mentorship and commitment to dignity in elder care continue to inspire systemic change across health care.

Dr. Lesley Steele
DVM, BSC
Owner and CEO, Steele Veterinary Group

Dr. Lesley Steele’s Steele Veterinary Group of Companies consists of eight Veterinary Hospitals, a telecommunications and training company that is Canada and U.S.-focused, and real estate holdings. Her super power is surrounding herself with incredible team members who have the skills and passion to grow and innovate her group of companies. She is passionate about offering ownership opportunities to women veterinarians and to keep independently owned veterinary hospitals in a heavily consolidated and corporatized environment.

Monique Allen
B.Sc., MBA
Chief Information Officer, Canada & Global Enterprise Architecture, Sun Life

Monique Allen is an accomplished technology leader overseeing technology strategy for Sun Life’s Canadian businesses and global enterprise architecture. Known for transforming software businesses and driving innovation, she advocates for equity, diversity, inclusion and wellness, serving on several related boards. Her achievements include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Women in IT Awards Canada. Monique holds an Honours Bachelor of Science and an MBA and is also an avid athlete and musician.

Denise Dias
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Terry Fox Foundation

Denise Dias leads the Terry Fox Foundation’s global public relations, marketing and digital strategy. An award-winning brand storyteller and seasoned strategist, she has spearheaded some of Canada’s most iconic cultural fundraising initiatives and campaigns, with leadership roles at the Royal Ontario Museum, Edelman and Rethink Breast Cancer. A bestselling author of multiple children’s books, her writing has also appeared in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star and Toronto Life.

Chinyere Eni
B.A., MBA. PFP
Head, RBC Origins, RBC

Chinyere is an award-winning business executive known for driving financial services innovation, delivering access to capital and cultivating winning teams across challenging operating environments. She leads RBC’s enterprise Indigenous markets strategy, banking business and Truth and Reconciliation Office focused on shaping the business for the future and advancing reconciliation and human rights. She sits on the commercial banking operating committee with her leadership spanning personal banking, commercial banking, financial planning, risk management, strategy and governance.

Jennifer Gray
Chief Financial Officer, Metrolinx

Jennifer Gray is accountable for financial strategy, audit, procurement and information technology at Metrolinx, where she plays a pivotal role in delivering the $80B transit expansion program. A values-driven leader and critical enabler of the business, she ensures strong governance and effective decision-making. As executive sponsor of the Metrolinx Women’s Network, Jennifer champions inclusion, mentorship and collaboration — empowering colleagues to thrive as the organization delivers transformative transit solutions for communities across the region.

 Yvonne Jeffery
MSc
Vice-President, Sustainability, Vermilion Energy Inc.

A seasoned executive, Yvonne brings deep expertise in embedding sustainability principles into corporate strategy to drive long-term value and resilience. Her early experience in the Canadian Army sparked a lifelong inquiry into multi-sector collaboration, and has been instrumental in shaping community initiatives that have made a difference internationally and at home. Currently leading communications and sustainability strategy at Vermilion, Yvonne is also a member of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board and chairs the board of Commissionaires Southern Alberta.

Heather Tulk
ICD.D
President, Commercial and Public Sector, TELUS

A change agent, customer evangelist and experienced P&L leader, Heather leads a team that delivers digital solutions to enable the growth of business customers across Canada and around the globe. Committed to social purpose, Heather is actively engaged in causes related to youth betterment, mental wellness and helping everyone reach their full potential. You can often find her enjoying time with her family on or near the water.

Sarah Bull
Managing Partner, KJ Harrison Investors

Sarah Bull has 25 years of experience in finance and has driven the firm’s growth to $2B AUM, recently guiding its acquisition by Harbourfront Wealth, expanding AUA to $10B-plus. Known for her client-focused approach, she specializes in wealth management for individuals and families, with a passion for empowering women in finance. Named one of Canada’s Top 50 Leading Women in Wealth (2024), Sarah also leads major philanthropic initiatives and serves on boards including the ROM and Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

Johanne Duhaime
MBA, ICD.D, IAS.A
Senior Executive Vice President, Technology and Organizational Performance, Desjardins Group

Johanne Duhaime is the Senior Executive Vice President, Technology and Organizational Performance, at Desjardins Group. With over 35 years of IT experience, she leads a team of 15,000 people working in operations development, security, IT, data and analytics, project delivery, and government, legal and regulatory affairs. Known for her strong leadership, she received the 2019 “Canadian CIO of the Year Award” and has broken new ground as the first female Chief Information Officer at Hydro-Québec and Desjardins. Johanne is actively involved in the community and in promoting women in technology.

Melanie Fatouros-Richardson
Vice-President, Communications and Government Relations, Skip

Since joining in 2019, Melanie’s leadership has been instrumental in steering Skip through some of its most notable milestones and evolutions, helping transform the Prairies-born startup into the nation’s homegrown delivery network and beloved Canadian brand. Under Melanie’s guidance, her team is responsible for driving critical business, corporate and consumer strategies and campaigns, as well as mobilizing powerful internal engagement, government relations and ESG strategies across the country.

Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano
Honours BA, MA, PhD
Provost and Vice-President Academic, Full Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano has published widely, including a monograph and several edited volumes, and serves on several academic and community boards. Roberta is one of three executive co-chairs of both the Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism and the TRC Strategic Working Group at TMU. She received the 2023 CIBPA Award for Professional Excellence and the 2025 CIBPA Women’s Leadership Champion Award.

Krystyna Koczanski
MSc., BSc.
Associate Dean (Administration), Senior Instructor, Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Manitoba

At the University of Manitoba, Krystyna Koczanski ensures science works — from million-dollar lab builds to fixing the AC when it doesn’t. She works with an outstanding team across HR, finance, IT and infrastructure to make things happen. With a deep belief in shared purpose and creating spaces where everyone feels they belong, Krystyna builds environments where people thrive — proving that spreadsheets, scientists and beautiful spaces can (and should) co-exist.

Kathryn Chayka
CEO, JKC Restaurants

Kathryn Chayka leads JKC Restaurants, which operates over 75 restaurant locations across Canada and Romania. She is the recipient of the 2018 Jim Near Legacy Award for her achievements attracting and retaining the best people, leading to significant sales and transactions growth. Kathryn serves as an adviser on many Wendy’s committees, including the Global Next Gen Kitchen design. She graduated with her HBA & Certificate of Entrepreneurship from the Ivey Business School in 2014.

Ashley Kosowan
Co-Owner & CEO, Jenna Rae Cakes

Ashley Kosowan co-leads Jenna Rae Cakes, a boutique bakery in Winnipeg known for its whimsical designs and sweet creations. With her twin sister she has grown JRC into four locations, published bestselling cookbooks, and expanded into lifestyle products.

Adebola Esan
B.A.ED
CEO, Flavours Restaurant

Adebola Esan is the owner and visionary behind Flavours Cuisine & Catering, a leading African restaurant in Calgary renowned for its authentic West African dishes, warm hospitality and vibrant dining experience. Since opening in 2013, she has grown Flavours into an award-winning culinary destination. Passionate about preserving and sharing African culture through food, Adebola has played a key role in introducing Calgary’s diverse community to rich, flavourful traditions.

Kat Langley
B.Sc
Owner-Operator, Finance & Marketing, Tide & Vine Oyster House, Fish Market, Catering and Wholesale

Kat Langley launched Tide & Vine Oyster House, a Niagara-based seafood destination, in 2012 from a food truck that grew into a beloved regional restaurant and seafood market. With roots in New Brunswick and a background in both hospitality and science, Kat is nationally recognized for her award-winning oyster shucking skills. She leads with integrity and passion, building a workplace where talent thrives and guests experience fresh, sustainable seafood at its best.

Lauren Castelino
Founder, Green Career Centre

Lauren Castelino is an environmentalist, entrepreneur and founder of the Green Career Centre. She supports underrepresented youth, particularly BIPOC, newcomers and women, in accessing and landing green jobs through skill-building, leadership retreats and policy advocacy. Impressively, she has reached over 500,000 youth and secured $3.2M-plus in funding for impact-driven initiatives. Through her research, she informed a historic $405M commitment to climate philanthropy from nine Canadian funders. Lauren has been recognized nationally and internationally for her ground-breaking impact.

Linxi Mytkolli
BSc., MSc.
Director, Patient Engagement & Knowledge Mobilization, Diabetes Action Canada;
Director of Government Relations, Young Canadians Roundtable on Health

Linxi Mytkolli is a health equity leader whose lived experience with chronic illness fuels her systems change work. She leads patient-driven engagement for over 400 partners at Diabetes Action Canada, supporting $25M in research annually. Linxi founded the Research-to-Action Fellowship, a globally recognized initiative where patients co-create award-winning, culturally grounded health tools impacting five continents. Her work reimagines research, policy and care with justice, reciprocity and joy. A first-generation Albanian-Canadian, she turns co-design into a vehicle for inclusion, reciprocity and tangible systems impact.

Sara Emira
MScOT, OT Reg. (Ont.)
Occupational Therapist, CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

Sara Emira is an award-winning occupational therapist and content creator. Having noticed major gaps in accessibility and health equity along her educational journey, Sara set out to explore different avenues for advocacy including blogging, academic research, clinical work and podcasting. Sara shares her adventures on her Instagram blog, Egyptian.OT, where she also provides mentorship for students and early- career professionals from underrepresented backgrounds in health care.

Stephanie Quon
BASc, MGC
Founder and Executive Director, The Sprouts Initiative

Stephanie Quon is a medical student and electrical engineer passionate about accessibility, health equity and advocacy. She founded The Sprouts Initiative, an international organization with over 300 volunteers, which has organized over 200 community projects and raised $3.7M for sustainability and inclusion. Stephanie has experience with Microsoft, Goldman Sachs and Medtronic, and was the 2024 Canada’s Walk of Fame Community Hero and a BC Business Women of the Year Rising Star.

Lori Bieda
BA
Founder, ElleExcel Women's Circle

Lori Bieda is an AI and analytics industry thought leader, published writer and top woman in STEM. She’s been named Best Executive by Globe and Mail and Top Data Power Women by CDO Magazine. Lori has led international data, analytics and AI teams for three decades for Fortune 500 companies, receiving multiple global innovation awards. Blending her technical know-how with her passion for women’s empowerment, the ElleExcel platform arms women with content, connection to other women and inspiration to excel.

Dr. Tito Daodu
MD, MPH, FRCSC
Assistant Dean of Research and Scholarship — Precision Equity and Social Justice Office,
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
Pediatric Surgeon, Alberta Children's Hospital

Canada’s first Black woman pediatric surgeon, Dr. Oluwatomilayo (Tito) Daodu focuses on eliminating systemic barriers in surgical care for equity-deserving populations. Nationally recognized for her leadership in research, education and advocacy, she leads equity-focused research through the EQuIS research platform.

Dr. Katherine Kearns
MD, CCFP, NABBLM-C, FCFP, FABM, IBCLC
Co-Founder, Winnipeg Breastfeeding Centre (WBC);
Founding Board Member, North American Board of Breastfeeding and Lactation Medicine (NABBLM);
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine & Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba

Dr. Katherine Kearns is a family physician specializing in breastfeeding and lactation medicine, and low risk obstetrics and gynaecology and a Red River Metis. Co-founding both the WBC and NABBLM, she has improved clinical care, and created an international specialty for the mammary gland. Dr. Kearns also works internationally in African countries improving reproductive health and rights of women and newborns. Through teaching, research, curriculum & guideline development and advocacy, Dr. Kearns is a leader in advancing equity and clinical excellence, transforming maternal and infant health locally and beyond.

Angelique Magi
B.A., CIP
Vice President Element Risk Solutions – Insurance, Element Fleet Management

Angelique has been in property and casucalt Insurance for over 30 years and in leadership positions last 15 in the specialty fleet and transportation industries. She has brought new product lines, risk solution-based underwriting practices and telematics behaviour pricing analysis to the market with global insurers and in fleet management with Element. She has worked extensively with Canadian trucking associations and the Insurance Bureau of Canada and is a board member with Trucking HR Canada and the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.

Aalia Ratani
P. Eng
Partner, McKinsey & Company

Aalia Ratani leads work in the energy sector, advising clients on strategy, operations, organizational development and transformation. She began her career as an engineer in oil and gas. Aalia serves as Board Chair of YWCA Calgary, leads McKinsey’s Advancing Women Executive program, and is a frequent publisher on women’s leadership.

Professor Lori Wilkinson
PhD, FRSC
Distinguished University Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology, Canada Research Chair (CRC) Migration Futures, University of Manitoba

Lori Wilkinson’s applied research in migration and refugee resettlement has influenced policy changes in Canada that have facilitated the successful resettlement of thousands of refugees. She is an active volunteer in the migration sector and was elected to the Royal Society of Canada in November 2024.

Dr. Teresa Chan
MD, MHPE, MBA, FRCPC, DRCPS
Dean, School of Medicine; Vice-President, Medical Affairs, Toronto Metropolitan University; Emergency Physician, William Osler Health System

Dr. Teresa Chan is the founding dean of the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine (Canada’s 18th medical school) as well as TMU’s Vice-President, Medical Affairs, and still practices medicine at William Osler Health System. Dr. Chan’s contributions as a physician leader have transformed medical education. She is a well-published researcher, impactful leader and generous mentor. In 2024, Dr. Chan was named one of the top 10 most influential leaders in the Maclean’s Power List for Health Care.

Jennifer Dunn
CPA, CA, TEP
Partner, Tax, Doane Grant Thornton

Jennifer Dunn is a former national board member, policy advocate and dedicated mentor. Jennifer has influenced tax reform, driven regional economic development and elevated her profession through leadership roles with CPA PEI and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation. Known for her strategic insight and community focus, she champions women in business and leads with purpose, impact and a deep sense of service.

Amy Lamb
BSP
Executive Director, Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC);
Founder and Pharmacist, Lamb and Sage Personalized Health Solutions

Amy Lamb is a Métis mother of two, dedicated to the holistic and systemic healing of patients and communities. As a pharmacist and the Executive Director of Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada, she advocates for equity and evolution in Canadian health systems. She founded Lamb and Sage Personalized Health Solutions to provide much-needed advocacy and clinical expertise in women’s health. Amy honours and upholds cultural and land-based teachings, knowing that cultural diversity, like ecological biodiversity, strengthens and sustains the world.

Dr. Nardine Nakhla
RPh, PharmD
Associate Professor, University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy;
CEO and Co-Founder, MAPflow Inc.;
Community Pharmacist

Dr. Nardine Nakhla’s MAPflow is a healthtech platform powering 3,500-plus pharmacy professionals at 2,000-plus sites and serving 250,000-plus patients. An internationally recognized authority in minor ailment management, she co-authored Ontario’s pharmacist prescribing regulations and has published nearly 100 peer-reviewed works and delivered over 350 invited presentations. Her award-winning leadership and teaching have empowered thousands of students and pharmacists, enabling millions of Canadians to access timely, high-quality care through pharmacies.

Marla Tremblay
President, Markey Consulting;
Executive Director, MineConnect Supply and Service Association

At MineConnect, Ontario’s mining supply and services association, Marla Tremblay has led significant membership growth, expanded operations province-wide and strengthened industry advocacy. With over 25 years in economic and business development, she is a bilingual Certified Economic Developer committed to workforce development, Indigenous engagement and promoting women in mining. She has played a key role in major industry initiatives, including the award-winning Northern Ontario Mining Showcase.

Meg Atreya
Vice President, Business Solution Delivery and Relationship Management, goeasy Ltd.

Meg Atreya brings over 15 years of experience across retail, health care, finance and consulting. She has held leadership positions at Bayshore Healthcare, Loblaw Companies Ltd. and LCBO. Her consulting experience includes roles at JDA Software, Capgemini and Deloitte. A University of Michigan engineering graduate, Meg is known for her servant leadership — fostering high-performing, inclusive teams — and for driving digital innovation that delivers measurable business impact.

Emily Deeth
Commercial Projects Manager, Infrastructure Ontario

Readily committed to public service, Emily is spearheading the development of Infrastructure Ontario’s digital twin strategy, drawing on international leading practices to shape innovative approaches for the planning, development and maintenance of Ontario’s critical infrastructure. Through this work, Emily is demonstrating the benefits stemming from utilization of digital twin by leading the creation of a proof-of-concept. Outside of work, she’s an avid windsurfer and cyclist, always chasing the next breeze or trail with the same energy she brings to her projects.

Farzia Khan
BHons, CISSP
Senior Manager, Information Security, TD Bank;
Founder, Ellehacks

Farzia Khan is an award-winning cybersecurity leader, innovator and children’s book author. At TD Bank, she leads enterprise-wide cyber resiliency initiatives and is the visionary behind TD’s Cyber Academy. She is the founder of Canada’s first and largest all-women hackathon, has earned 15-plus national and international awards, and serves on several cyber and tech advisory boards. Farzia holds a Computer Science degree, is a polyglot fluent in six languages, and is committed to building a safer, more inclusive digital world.

Dr. Heather Murphy
BEng, MASc, PhD, PEng
Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair, University of Guelph

Dr. Murphy is a leading global expert on waterborne diseases. Her international research focuses on safeguarding water supplies, which has led to the development of tools and policies that save lives. Her domestic groundbreaking research demonstrates that millions of people across North America have been excluded from access to safe water. She has secured $14.2 million in funding, including from the NIH for her landmark study that seeks to determine if treating well water will reduce disease in children.

Dr. Sheila Singh
MD, PhD, FRCSC, FAANS
Professor and Head, Neurosurgery, McMaster University; 
Director, Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (McMaster); 
Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Human Cancer Stem Cell Biology

Dr. Sheila Singh is a Professor of Surgery and Biochemistry, Senior Pediatric Neurosurgeon at McMaster Children’s Hospital, Division Head of Neurosurgery, and Founding Director of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR) at McMaster University. She holds a Tier 1/Senior Canada Research Chair in Human Brain Cancer Stem Cell Biology, and was founding Director of the McMaster Surgeon Scientist Program. She is scientific founder of multiple brain cancer therapeutic companies, and has published over 200 manuscripts in journals such as Nature, Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine.

Dr. Denise Belsham
PhD
Professor of Physiology and Medicine, University of Toronto;
Founder & CSO, ZAPetite

Dr. Denise Belsham is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair with over 30 years of neuroendocrine research accolades. She is the President of the International Neuroendocrine Federation. Awarded the President’s Teaching Award, she is a champion for women in STEM, and uses innovative methods to enhance learning. To distribute her unique “neurons in a dish” worldwide, she founded her first company, CELLutions Biosystems. She recently founded ZAPetite after discovering a nature-identical plant hormone for appetite and weight management.

Grace Gong
Product Manager, Microsoft;
Founder, Youth180

Grace studied Computer Science at Western University. She founded Youth180, a nonprofit empowering youth to reach their academic potential and engage in community service, mentoring hundreds of students. Recognized as a Top 50 Major League Hacking (MLH) Hacker globally with 14-plus hackathon awards, Grace champions diversity in tech. As a Google Developer Student Club Lead, she grew communities to 1,000-plus members while advancing social impact as a volunteer for numerous organizations.

Andrea Krupa
M.A.
CEO, PhotoSat Information Ltd.

Andrea Krupa leads PhotoSat, a Vancouver-based geospatial technology leader. Recognized as a “Top 50 under 40 Geospatial World Rising Star” in 2023, she drives PhotoSat’s innovation. Andrea oversees operations, team and revenue, specializing in satellite data processing for critical applications like mine site surveying and alteration mineral mapping, supporting safe and responsible projects worldwide. She holds an MA in Counselling Psychology and a BA in Recreational Therapy. Andrea balances her dynamic role with family life in North Vancouver.

Professor Mojgan Rastegar
PhD, DEA, MSc, BSc
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba;
Vice-President, Canadian Society of Molecular Biosciences

Dr. Mojgan Rastegar is an internationally recognized expert in epigenetics, stem cells, neurodevelopmental disorders and Rett Syndrome. With a leadership role in Rett Syndrome research in Canada, she established Human Rett Syndrome Brain Bio-Repository, as the sole Canadian site for post-mortem organ donations from these patients. Throughout her career, she has trained over 100 trainees, publishing over 200 original research, reviews, and abstracts. Dr. Rastegar is Chair of CIHR Stem Cell Oversight Committee and Vice-President of Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences.

Ruth Uy
MBA, MASc, P.Eng
Board Director, GlobalMedic;
Vice-President Health and Safety, GFL - Green For Life

Ruth Uy is long-standing board member, safety professional and executive in non-profit, social justice, public infrastructure. A professional engineer with over 25 years of experience, she advocates for diversity in underrepresented fields through mentorship and speaking engagements. Through her background in energy, circular work and technology she has built partnerships across industries to propel companies to sustained process improvements. Recognized among Canada’s Top Women in Safety (2025) and BMO Women on Boards (2024), Ruth champions women in STEM through mentorship, board leadership.

Joellah Fletcher
Carpenter Apprentice, Just Working Construction Inc.

Joellah Fletcher began working on construction sites at 17 years old, starting with high school co-op placements, a dual credit program and a pre-apprenticeship program. Now a 403A carpenter apprentice, she is also a public speaker, mentor and advocate for women and minorities in the trades. She believes in the future of a more inclusive, equitable and diverse industry — and despite being early in her career, she’s already driving meaningful change within Ontario’s skilled trades community.

Julia Lundvall
RSE & MSR Brick and Stone Masonry
Instructor of Masonry, Ontario Masonry Training Centre;
Red Seal Brick and Stone Mason

Julia Lundvall is a Red Seal brick and stone mason, Health and Safety Trainer, and the first female lead masonry instructor at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre. A passionate advocate for skilled trades, she draws on her experience to inspire and empower the next generation of masons. Julia is also the founder of The Brick Chick Masonry and is committed to making the trades more inclusive, with a vision to launch an all-female bricklaying company in the near future.

Emily Pyke
RSE
Automotive Service Technician, Heffner Lexus;
Head Mechanic, Director of Trades, AutoCate;
Instructor, mentor and tutor, Support Ontario Youth

Emily Pyke is a passionate automotive technician, mentor and change-maker who is redefining what it means to belong in the skilled trades. A Red Seal certified technician and co-founder of AutoCate, Emily is driven by a deep commitment to equity, education and empowerment in the automotive industry. Through AutoCate, Emily leads transformative workshops across Ontario, teaching women, youth and underserved communities how to maintain their cars and reclaim confidence and independence.

Sydney Schultz
Powerline Technician, District Operator, SaskPower

Sydney Schultz operates out of Weyburn, Sask., and SaskPower’s first and only female Red Seal powerline technician. With less than two per cent of PLTs in Canada being women, Sydney is proud to have paved the way for others in the trade. Over her nine years with SaskPower, she has worked on city and training crews and is also the first female to issue permits, all while keeping power reliable for her community.

McKenna Goodwin
RSE
Manager, Career Services, Build a Dream; 
Ottawa Chapter Co-Host, Women on Site;
Red Seal-Endorsed General Carpenter

McKenna Goodwin is a Red Seal general carpenter and a leading advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in Canada’s skilled trades. As Manager of Career Services with Build a Dream, she supports women and equity-priority groups to thrive, break barriers and build sustainable careers in trades. McKenna also serves as Vice-Chair of the CSA Z301 committee on inclusive apprenticeships and as a chapter co-host for Women On Site, shaping a skilled trades industry with equity, opportunity, and representation nationwide.

Constanza Maass
B.Sc.
Environmental Specialist and Director of Strategy, Women on Site

Constanza is an advocate for diversity in construction and building science. With a biology background she found purpose in outdoor, hands-on environmental work. After facing unsafe conditions and inequities, she spoke out online and co-founded Women on Site, where she fosters inclusion, retention of a diverse workforce, and belonging on construction sites. Through her leadership, social media and speaking engagements, Constanza inspires future generations and bridges the gap between sustainability and construction for a more equitable industry.

Samara Sampson
RSE
Local Union Organizer, Smart Local 285;
Director of Communications, Women on Site

Samara Sampson is a skilled tradesperson and Red Seal sheet metal worker who brings frontline experience to every role she holds. She is a union organizer and executive board member with SMART Local 285, where she also leads the Women’s Committee. Samara sits on the SMART International Women’s Committee and co-founded Women on Site, a national nonprofit focused on building community and increasing retention for women and gender-diverse people in construction and related industries.

Vanessa Sukkar
Owner and Certified Roofing Contractor, Guns N' Hoses Roofing & Contracting;
Founder & Industry Influencer, That Roofer Chick

After a devastating dump truck accident levelled Vanessa Sukkar’s business/mobility two years ago, she rebuilt with fierce determination. Now a certified contractor, she’s Ventilation Maximum’s first sponsored influencer, Spar-Marathon’s first female award-winning roofer, and a Green Queen Ambassador with Primeline Tools. She collaborates with Women On Site, among other tradeswomen and advocates for better Ontario building codes, and pursues multi-manufacturer certifications to elevate industry standards.

Lori-Ann Beausoleil
FCPA (Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant), FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant)
CEO, Board Diversity Network Inc.;
Board Director, Canadian Apartment Properties REIT, Brookfield REIT, GO REIT, Metro Inc.

Lori-Ann Beausoleil is a corporate director and retired PwC Partner of 35 years. She led the national compliance, ethics, forensics and real estate teams and also was a member of the PwC Deals Leadership Team. Today, she chairs audit committees and drives governance across major REITs including Canadian Apartment Properties REIT, Brookfield REIT, and GO REIT plus serves on Metro Inc.’s board. A CPA Ontario Fellow and University of Toronto Commerce graduate, she brings strategic insight to Canada’s corporate landscape.

Kate Stevenson
Chair of the Board, CIBC

Kate Stevenson is Chair of the Board of Directors of CIBC. Kate also serves on the board of Open Text Corporation as well as Unity Health Toronto. Kate has extensive corporate governance experience having held leadership roles on numerous public company and not-for-profit boards in Canada and the U.S. over the past two decades. Kate graduated from Harvard University magna cum laude. She holds the professional designation F.ICD. with the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Rita Parikh
BJ, MA, ICD.D
Board Chair, Vancity Credit Union;
Board Chair, Vancity Community Investment Bank

Rita Parikh leads with visionary and counter-cultural boldness. She is a powerful champion of the co-operative business model, demonstrating how values-based banking is not only key to profitability but also to creating just, regenerative and people-centred economies. Rita is a passionate feminist, and a long-time change-maker and activist in the social justice and international development sectors. She brings more than three decades of executive management, governance and regulatory experience to the board table.

Natasha Koifman
Founder and President, NKPR

Recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful and innovative women in public relations, Natasha Koifman created NKPR in 2002 to combine her two passions: sharing stories of substance and championing important causes. NKPR has established itself as a highly-regarded full-service public relations, advertising, talent, marketing and digital agency in North America, representing over 40 diverse national and international brands.Natasha has also collaborated with Lanterra Developments on a 47-storey high-rise namesake condominium, Natasha the Residences, inspired by her. Natasha is the Chair of the Board of Artists for Peace and Justice in Canada and the U.S., and has been instrumental in raising over $36M to support the people and youth of Haiti over the last 17 years.

Atoussa Mahmoudpour
LLB, JD
Founder and Principal, AMR Law

Atoussa Mahmoudpour is founder of Canada’s first woman-led business law firm, focused on life sciences, technology and artificial intelligence. Adviser to growth-stage and publicly listed companies, Atoussa is known for her strategic legal counsel on complex M&A transactions, cross-border commercial structuring, regulatory compliance and data privacy. Her clients span North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — reflecting her global outlook and fluency in English, French and Farsi. In 2025, she was elected Co-Chair of both the Health Law Section and the Women Lawyers Forum of the Canadian Bar Association–BC Branch (CBABC), advancing thought leadership and community-building in areas critical to the legal profession and public interest. She lives in Vancouver with her daughter, husband and elderly parents. Atoussa is a four-time Top 100 winner, and a WXN ambassador.