Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Vancouver for 2022. The city, a vibrant west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among the country’s most dense and ethnically and linguistically diverse cities. It is regularly named as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life. Vancouver is home to many women leaders who are charting new territories and driving change for large and small organizations. This year’s awardees are dedicated professionals who exceed expectations year after year and are role models for future women leaders.
Among this year’s awardees are Laura Socha, Senior Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Capco, who drives the delivery of client transformational strategies and is a core member of the company’s global banking leadership team. Awardee Mary Lou Lauria, Vice President of Operations for Environment and Water for Advisian in North America, makes her impact by managing large environmental and social project teams for industrial sectors all over the world. Also awarded is Bukkie Adewuyi, Vice President of Finance and Business Intelligence at Prospera Credit Union, who deploys her collaboration and multi-disciplinary skills to work with peers in achieving the strategic and operational goals of the organization.
This group of women are experienced and skillful pacesetters in their respective fields. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Vancouver for 2022.
1. Jen Robertson-Hatanaka
Regional VP of Operations, Starbucks
Jen Robertson-Hatanaka is a Regional Vice President of Operations of Starbucks. Robertson-Hatanaka is an experienced and passionate operations leader with 18 years in the retail, hospitality, and member services industry. With Starbucks, she has been directly responsible for planning and prioritizing field initiatives, development of customer care strategies, and ensuring talent attraction and retention. Prior to her current role, Robertson-Hatanaka served as a regional and national director of licensed stores.
Before joining Starbucks, Robertson-Hatanaka was a regional director of Western and Atlantic Canada at Weight Watchers, and before that, a regional operations director at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. Earlier in her career she worked with Starbucks Coffee Australia as a store manager.
2. Laura Jamieson
VP of Technology & Innovation, Analyst Relations, SAP
Laura Jamieson is the Vice President of Technology & Innovation, Analyst Relations for SAP. AIn her role, Jamieson brings her deep experience with analytics solutions and the analytics business at SAP to engage industry analysts in supporting customer success and SAP business strategy. She has served with the company for nearly 15 years in various roles including senior director of analyst relations, executive director of global analytics, and director of business strategy.
Jamieson is actively involved in community activities within SAP. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Vancouver Business Women’s network, acting as co-chair in 2011-12. She previously chaired the SAP Vancouver Community team driving employee engagement initiatives for the entire SAP Vancouver site. She graduated from the University of Guelph with an undergraduate degree.
3. Christine Patterson
VP & Director of Operations, AECOM
Christine Patterson is a Vice President and Director of Operations for AECOM’s Canada Environment business. AECOM is the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM consults public and private sector clients in transportation, buildings, water, new energy, and is ranked among the top environmental firms by Engineering News Record in key environmental market segments, including Environmental Science, Engineering/Design and Construction Management/Project Management.
Patterson has been with AECOM for over 20 years helping to lead and grow the Environment business across Canada. She initially started with the company as an Environmental Engineer. Since then, she has held progressive roles in all facets of site investigation and remediation management including feasibility studies; remediation action plans; regulatory liaison and permitting; and remediation design, implementation, and optimization on complex sites across the country including project manager to department manager. Patterson has consistently applied innovative strategies and solutions to help provide solution drive support to clients by integrating forward-thinking techniques and approaches. As Director of Operations, Christine is recognized as a dynamic, analytical, and results-oriented leader who provides operational excellence and financial discipline to the teams she manages. She is driven to develop, motivate and mobilize team leaders and staff, maximizing their potential in parallel to driving profitable growth.
4. Laura Socha
Senior Partner & COO, Capco
Laura Socha is a Senior Partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Capco. She first joined the company in 2021 as a banking partner. Capco is a global technology and management consultancy specializing in driving digital transformation in the financial services industry. With a growing client portfolio comprising of over 100 global organizations, Capco operates at the intersection of business and technology by combining innovative thinking with unrivaled industry knowledge to deliver end-to-end data-driven solutions and fast-track digital initiatives for banking and payments, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance, and the energy sector. Socha is a banking executive with 27 years of financial service experience in delivering digital transformation, payments, and multi-channel customer experience.
Socha is recognized for deep expertise in the card industry and the execution of customer migrations and conversions. Prior to her current role, she served as the VP of customer experience and business development and VP for brands and loyalty for Citibank. Before that, she was a senior manager of financial services consulting for Accenture. Socha first got her start with CIBC serving in various roles including director of internet banking and national account manager.
5. Lyndsay Charles
Regional Vice President, Sun Life
Lyndsay Charles is the Regional Vice President of Sun Life, a leading financial services organization dedicated to helping people achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. It is one of the largest public companies in Canada and its financial strength ratings are some of the highest in the industry. Sun Life provides a wide range of insurance, investment products and services, and asset management in key markets around the world including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It has a network of Sun Life advisors, third-party partners, and other distributors. Through them, Sun Life is helping set its clients free to live their lives their way, from now through retirement. Charles has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
Charles has been dedicated to Sun Life for her entire career. Prior to her current role, she served in various positions including financial center manager, regional manager, and senior associate manager. Charles graduated from Bishop's University with an undergraduate degree in sociology and women’s studies.
6. Jenn Markey
VP of Product Marketing, Payments & Identity, Entrust
Jenn Markey is the Vice President of Product Marketing, Payments & Identity for Entrust. Entrust offers an unmatched breadth of digital security and credential issuance solutions at the very heart of all these interactions. With more than 2,500 colleagues, a network of global partners, and customers in over 150 countries, it’s entrusted by some of the world's most trusted organizations. Markey leads product marketing for the company’s payments and identity business units. She is responsible for developing and driving the implementation of go-to-market strategies to grow Entrust’s share of this rapidly transforming market. Markey brings 25+ years of high-tech sector experience to her current position, predominantly in senior marketing and product management roles across many different technology domains including cybersecurity, SaaS, IoT, telecom, and semiconductors.
Prior to her current role, Markey served in executive leadership roles with several companies including 360pi (acquired by MarketTrack / Numerator), Ross Video, Semiconductor Insights (acquired by UBM TechInsights), and Optm. She graduated from Carleton University with an undergraduate degree in information systems and from York University with an MBA in international marketing.
7. Jill Schnarr
Chief Social Innovation & Communications Officer, TELUS
Jill Schnarr is the Chief Social Innovation and Communications Officer of TELUS. She first joined the company in 1992 as marketing analyst of BC TEL mobility. TELUS is a telecommunications company, a digital customer experience innovator, that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions. It is engaged in the business of providing communications products and services, which include data, internet access, voice, entertainment, healthcare, video, and IPTV television. As Canada’s largest healthcare IT provider, TELUS Health is committed to making healthcare more accessible for all Canadians, especially their most vulnerable. It offers powerful digital healthcare tools for general practitioners and specialists.
Previously, Schnarr was a marketing analyst for nexus engineering at Scientific Atlanta. Schnarr earned an MBA from the University of Victoria, a master’s degree in social innovation from the University of Waterloo, and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Western University.
8. Cindy Malcolm
Regional VP of HR, Sysco
Cindy Malcolm began her professional career 24 years ago. Today, she is a Regional Vice President of Human Resources for Sysco, the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. It delivers exceptional produce, custom cuts of meat, high-quality seafood, and imported foods offering global flavors. Its network of specialty suppliers pairs well with Sysco’s culinary and business expertise. Sysco’s unparalleled selection of innovative ingredients and cutting-edge products connects businesses to the industry-leading distribution network, keeping them stocked with the freshest products, trends, and ideas. Sysco’s family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries.
Malcolm first got her start in 1998 as a manager at Community Outreach Services. From there, she went on to the Canadian Red Cross before eventually rising to become a HR and operations specialist at Decisive HR, her most recent position prior to joining Sysco.
9. Rebecca Marstaller
SVP of Brand Marketing & Community, lululemon
Rebecca Marstaller began her professional career 17 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing and Community of lululemon, a healthy lifestyle-inspired athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training, and most other sweaty pursuits, creating transformational products and experiences which enable people to live a life they love. It aims to elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness, and create components for people to live longer, healthier, fun lives. Setting the bar in technical fabrics and functional designs, lululemon works with yogis and athletes in local communities for continuous research and product feedback. The company has 574 stores internationally, and also sells online.
Marstaller first got her start in 2005 as an account manager at zig Ideas. From there, she went on to TBWA before eventually rising to become a managing director at Invoke Media, her most recent position prior to joining lululemon. Marstaller graduated from McGill University with an undergraduate degree in industrial relations, business, economics, and sociology.
10. Eleanor Lee
Chief Project Officer & Executive Director, Provincial Health Services Authority
Eleanor Lee is a Chief Project Officer and Executive Director for Provincial Health Services Authority, a publicly funded health service provider in the province of British Columbia. PHSA is unique in Canada as the only health authority having a province-wide mandate for specialized health services, although within British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority is also non-regional and highly dispersed. PHSA's primary role is to ensure that BC residents have access to a coordinated network of high-quality specialized health care services. PHSA operates provincial programs including BC Children's Hospital, BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, BC Emergency Health Services, BC Cancer, BC Centre for Disease Control and BC Transplant. Lee has 21 years of experience. She began her career in 2001.
Lee graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in architecture and from McGill University with an undergraduate degree in marketing and international business.
11. Mary Lou Lauria
VP of Operations, Advisian
Dr. Mary Lou Lauria is the Vice President of Operations, Environment, and Water for Advisian, the consulting arm of the Worley Group, a 50,000+ person-strong global corporation. Mary Lou also is a member of the Board of Directors for Marine Renewables Canada. For Mary Lou, growing up in rural farmland in Hereford, England and the urban bustle of Queens, New York was a privilege that gave her an appreciation of different cultures and world views as well as a love of travel. She is drawn to the ocean, a lure originating from her father's Navy background; excited by business, stemming from her mother’s career and determination; and passionate about protecting nature, a value instilled in her by her grandmother. "We are a result of our influencers and I am fortunate to have had such a diverse and positive mix in mine."
Mary Lou pursued an academic career through a marine biology and business degree, then a PhD in oceanography before landing in environmental consulting, where she knew she had found her professional home. Working in this field allows her to combine her passions and gives her the opportunity to create meaningful change through environmental and social responsibility. She is grateful and proud to be part of the Advisian and Worley family for over 20 years. Based in Vancouver, the unceded and ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Mary Lou leads the Advisian Environment and Water Consulting business across North America. She is energized by environmental and social governance, a movement inspired by the desire to create responsible investment and a sustainable future. She is delighted that she and her colleagues, today’s generation and the next, get to be part of a monumental effort where we all work together on what we care most deeply about and what affects us all. “It is an honor and a privilege to lead a business in an industry that creates so much opportunity to change the trajectory for the world's climate, water use, biodiversity, and social equity. What could be more important and exciting than that!”
12. Lilly Kazaz
Director, Vice President & Portfolio Manager, RBC Dominion Securities
Lilly Kazaz is a Director, Vice President, and Portfolio Manager for RBC Dominion Securities. She first joined the company in 1997. RBC is a full-service securities firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities that offers portfolio management and advisory services to individuals, institutions, trusts, private funds, charitable organizations, and investment companies. For more than a century, RBC has helped individuals, families, businesses, charitable foundations, and other organizations build on and preserve their wealth through sound financial planning, trusted investment advice, and unparalleled wealth management solutions. Today, RBC Dominion Securities is one of Canada's leading full-service investment and wealth management firms.
Previously, Kazaz was in global trading and sales at CIBC World Markets. She earned an MBA from York University and an undergraduate degree in English literature from McGill University.
13. Jo-Ann Smith
Chief Information Security Officer, Long View
Jo-Ann Smith is the Chief Information Security Officer of Long View, one of the most powerful IT solutions and services companies in North America with offices across the continent. Its IT services include developing a converged infrastructure and optimal foundation for cloud solutions, integrating and managing applications, providing end-user computing support, and streamlining the project management process by helping transform IT infrastructure. With a clear focus on combining business and technology through its hybrid IT solutions including cloud, IT infrastructure, managed services, and end-user support, Long View is able to define and customize what the future of IT looks like for its clients. Smith has 14 years of experience. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining Long View, Smith was a director of information security at Vancity, and before that, a director of information security and privacy at Absolute Software. Earlier in her career she worked with Best Buy Canada as a manager of the information security global team.
14. Jennifer Wong
Chief Executive Officer, Aritzia
Jennifer Wong is a Chief Executive Officer for Aritzia, a vertically integrated design house with an innovative global platform offering apparels and accessories online and in its boutiques. One of the reasons Aritzia is so popular is because it is able to make on-trend items that are of a higher quality than what can be purchased at fast fashion retailers. A unique aspect of Aritzia is that it is welcoming to women of all ages. Founded in 1984, Aritzia prides itself on creating immersive and highly personalized shopping experiences at aritzia.com and in its 100+ boutiques throughout North America to everyone, everywhere. Wong has 35 years of experience. She began her career in 1987.
Wong graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in economics.
15. Sara Nathanson
Vice President, Aritzia
Sara Nathanson began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Aritzia, a Canadian women's fashion brand founded in 1984. Aritzia sells a variety of lifestyle apparel through various upscale retail stores across Canada and the United States and online. It develops its own brands, treating each as an independent label with its own creative team and aesthetic. Aritzia is about good design, quality materials and timeless style, all with the well-being of its people and planet in mind. Aritzia community is also committed to supporting organizations that help women and girls succeed at work and in life and mental wellbeing.
Nathanson first got her start in 1999 as a senior sales associate at Aritzia before eventually rising to become a senior director of organizational development and HR at Please Mum, her most recent position prior to returning to Aritzia. Nathanson graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in education and from Western University with an undergraduate degree in English language and literature.
16. Bukkie Adewuyi
VP of Finance & Business Intelligence, Prospera Credit Union
Bukkie Adewuyi is the Vice President of Finance and Business Intelligence at Prospera Credit Union. As a community-based, purpose-driven organization, Prospera delivers financial services to more than 117,000 members across British Columbia through a network of 26 branches and their Member Service Centre. Adewuyi is part of the Prospera Leadership team where she is deploying her collaboration and multi-disciplinary skills to work with her peers in achieving the strategic and operational goals of the organization. She moved into her current role after leading and transforming the internal audit function for the credit union. Always one to get involved beyond core work responsibilities, she is a member of the credit union’s DEI council where she gets the opportunity to contribute to the strategy in this area, sits on the Prospera Foundation board as a member and was also an integral member of the team that co-created and created awareness of the new Prospera values.
Adewuyi is a business leader with over 19 years of consulting and audit experience. Prior to relocating to Canada in 2019, she was a partner and director with SNG Grant Thornton in South Africa, leading large complex portfolios and providing insights to boards, audit committees, and the c-suite. She played a big role as an advisor enabling clients' anticipation and management of both current and emerging risks, transforming their internal controls, and fostering an effectively governed environment. An active player in the industry, Adewuyi was a board member of the Leadership Academy of the IIA(SA) as well as chair of the Occupational Qualifications Committee. She was also a panel member of the ACCA (South Africa) and part of the Community of Expert Practitioners (CEP) that redeveloped the national occupational qualifications for Internal Audit in South Africa. Adewuyi was one of the esteemed judges on the Annual Global CFO Competition from 2016 - 2019. She is currently a board member and treasurer for Impact Toolbox, an NGO in Canada and a participant in the Dress for Success program with the Professional Women’s Group (PWG) in Vancouver. She is passionate about community impact and currently achieves this by volunteering on various programs with her tribal group – The Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC. As an eloquent communicator and public speaker, Adewuyi has been quoted on topical issues in publications such as BusinessDay, FINWEEK, NEW AGE as well as the IIA Adviser, the ACCA Accounting & Business and the ACCA Ambition Magazine, alongside her speaking activities at various forums and conferences. She graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University with an undergraduate degree in accounting, and from the University of South Africa with an MBA.
17. Seonaid Charlesworth
Chief Executive Officer, Spencer Stuart
Seonaid Charlesworth is the Chief Executive Officer of Spencer Stuart. She first joined the company in 2018. Spencer Stuart is trusted by organizations around the world to help them make the senior-level leadership decisions that have a lasting impact on their enterprises. Through Spencer’s executive search, board, and leadership advisory services, it helps build and enhance high-performing teams for select clients ranging from major multinationals to emerging companies to nonprofit institutions. Privately held since 1956, Spencer Stuart focuses on delivering knowledge, insight, and results through the collaborative efforts of a team of experts spanning more than 70 offices, over 30 countries, and more than 50 practice specialties.
Previously, Charlesworth was an SVP of succession and assessment at Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge, and before that, a managing principal at Candela Strategies Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with HR Decisions Ltd as an applied research consultant. Charlesworth earned a PhD and an MA in industrial and organizational psychology from The University of British Columbia, and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Queen's University.
18. Jay Grewal
President & CEO, Manitoba Hydro
Jay Grewal is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Hydro. She first joined the company in 2019. Manitoba Hydro is a provincial Crown Corporation and one of the largest integrated electricity and natural gas distribution utilities in Canada. It is a leader in providing renewable energy, clean-burning natural gas, and the lowest electricity rates in Canada. More than 98% of electricity generated in Manitoba comes from clean and renewable sources such as hydroelectricity and wind, and nearly 70% of it is produced by hydroelectric generating stations on the Nelson River.
Previously, Grewal was a president and CEO at Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and before that, an SVP of strategy and corporate development at Capstone Mining. Earlier in her career she worked with Accenture as a managing director. Grewal earned an MBA from Western University.
19. Susan Gushe
Principal & Managing Director, Perkins&Will
Susan Gushe is a Principal and Managing Director of Perkins&Will. She first joined the company in 1993. Perkins&Will is a global design practice founded in 1935. Since then, Perkins&Will has believed that design has the power to make the world a better, more beautiful place. Clients and community members on nearly every continent partner with Perkins&Will to design healthy, happy places in which to live, learn, work, play, and heal. The company is passionate about human-centered design, and how design can impact lives through sustainability, resilience, well-being, diversity and inclusion, and mobility, and it is committed to advancing design through research. Its team of 2,500 professionals provides worldwide interdisciplinary services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, landscape architecture, and more.
Gushe earned an undergraduate degree in architecture, environmental studies, and pre-professional architecture from the University of Waterloo.
20. Doris Hall
Chief Human Resources Officer, Olds College
Doris Hall is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Olds College. She first joined the college in 2021. Olds College, the largest agricultural College in Alberta, works to be the premier Canadian integrated learning and applied research community specializing in agriculture, horticulture, and land and environmental management. The college’s emphasis on hands-on training, applied research, and innovative learning creates graduates who are in-demand and have the skills and the tools they need to succeed. Hall’s passion is building strong and trusting relationships by developing programs that enable leaders to engage, grow, and develop in order to gain measurable business results.
Previously, Hall has worked with and led teams in many environments varying in size and complexity in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors, including the government. Her skill lies in the ability to take lessons from across the spectrum of these experiences and apply them into the current context; that of a leader, consultant, business owner, advisor, or board director. Prior to her current role, she served as the VP of people, culture, and learning for Alberta Energy Regulator. Hall graduated from Red River College Polytechnic with an undergraduate degree in business administration and from Royal Roads University with an MBA.
21. Farzin Ismail
VP of Risk Services & ESG, Ritchie Bros
Farzin Ismail is the Vice President of Risk Services & ESG of Ritchie Bros, a global asset management and disposition company, offering customers end-to-end solutions for buying and selling used heavy equipment, trucks, and other assets. Ismail has 23 years of experience. She began her career in 1999.
Before joining Ritchie Bros, Ismail was a director and an internal audit & risk management practice leader at Deloitte. Ismail graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in management information systems.
22. Stephanie Wiriahardja
Co-Founder & Design Leader, BoxNotBox
Stephanie Wiriahardja is the Co-Founder and Design Lead of BoxNotBox. BoxNotBox is a Vancouver-based creative studio that specializes in designing and producing bespoke laser cut goods. Since its founding in 2017, BoxNotBox has designed and manufactured thousands of personalized laser cut decorations for birthdays, weddings, brand activations, store branding and more.
Previously, Wiriahardja was a manager of community programs at Vidyard, and before that, a creative staff leader at Le Méridien Bali Jimbaran. Earlier in her career she worked with the Olympic Broadcasting Services of Vancouver as a logistics assistant. Wiriahardja earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in interactive arts and technology from Simon Fraser University.
23. Morgan Whitney
Chief Operating Officer, INDOCHINO
Morgan Whitney is the Chief Operating Officer of INDOCHINO. INDOCHINO is at the forefront of a global suit revolution that is seeing more and more people suiting up each year. INDOCHINO offers suits, shirts and other clothing that are completely customizable and tailor made to the wearer’s personal measurements, all at an incredible value. Their omni-channel experience allows customers to order their made-to-measure clothing online, via mobile or in person at INDOCHINO showrooms across North America. Whitney joined INDOCHINO in 2016 as VP of finance. She was promoted to CFO in 2017 and COO in 2020. Whitney currently leads the operations of INDOCHINO as well as the sales and marketing, supply chain, and product functions. In previous roles, Whitney was responsible for all areas of finance, business intelligence, real estate and legal.
Prior to joining INDOCINO, Whitney served eight years with lululemon athletica, and before that, was a senior staff accountant with Ernst & Young. Whitney holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation from CPA Canada and graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in mathematics.
24. Miriam Redford
General Manager, Fasken
Miriam Redford is the General Manager of Fasken. She first joined the company in 2005 as director of administration and finance. Founded in 1863, Fasken is a leading international law firm with more than 800 lawyers and ten offices on four continents. Clients rely on Fasken for practical, innovative, and cost-effective legal services that provide expertise in every sector, including complex and high-profile matters across more than 130 practices and industry specialties. It solves the most complex business challenges, providing exceptional value and putting clients at the center of the company.
Previously, Redford was a controller at Davis LLP, and before that, an accounting manager at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP. Earlier in her career she worked with Edwards, Kenny & Bray LLP as an accounting supervisor. Redford earned an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Waterloo.
25. Tara Ataya
Chief People & Diversity Officer, Hootsuite
Tara Ataya is the Chief People and Diversity Officer of Hootsuite, a social media management tool with features to help with planning, scheduling, and syndicating social posts. Key features include automatic scheduling, social media monitoring, performance reporting, basic task management, and more. With Hootsuite, their clients can manage multiple social media accounts from one single dashboard. Ataya has 16 years of experience. She began her career in 2006.
Before joining Hootsuite, Ataya was a VP of human resources at Vision Critical, and before that, a human resources manager at Sierra Systems. Earlier in her career she worked with Deloitte in human resources. Ataya graduated from Simon Fraser University.
26. Kim Lucas
SVP of Sales for North America, STEMCELL
Kim Lucas is the Senior Vice President of Sales for North America of STEMCELL. She first joined the company in 2005 as an international sales manager. STEMCELL Technologies is a biotechnology company that develops specialty cell culture media and cell separation products to support research in the fields of immunology, hematology, neuroscience, mesenchymal cell, stem cell and epithelial cell biology. It also provides instruments, cytokines, antibodies, training courses, proficiency testing and contract assay services. Driven by science and a passion for quality, STEMCELL delivers over 2500 products to more than 80 countries worldwide.
Lucas earned an undergraduate degree in genetics from The University of British Columbia.
27. Deborah Maynard
Chief Human Resources Officer, Coast Mental Health
Deborah Maynard is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Coast Mental Health. She first joined the organization in 2010 as a director of HR. For over 45 years, Coast Mental Health has been empowering people living with mental illness by providing three essential pillars of sustained recovery including housing, support services, and employment/education. Maynard is an HR professional with more than 25 years of experience in strategic HR performance management, labor relations, HR strategy, employee engagement, succession planning, employee relations, coaching, and leadership development.
Prior to joining Coast Mental Health, Maynard served as the VP and director of HR for Cascade Aerospace and the VP of HR for Golden Boy Foods. She graduated from Royal Roads University with a graduate certificate in HR and from Athabasca University with an MBA. Maynard has previously been awarded with the HRD Global 100 in 2021 and the HR Canadian Team of the Year in 2020.
28. Jenna Nowson
Managing Director, Accenture
Jenna Nowson is the Managing Director of Accenture, a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud, and security serving clients in more than 120 countries. With more than 710,000 people worldwide the company provides services across strategy, consulting, interactive, technology, and operations. Accenture also operates more than 100 “innovation hubs,” developing digital and cloud-based solutions for a broad range of industries, all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, Accenture takes on clients’ big problems that require a transformational journey, which requires high-end, exceptional talent. Nowson has 11 years of experience. She began her career in 2011.
Nowson graduated from the University of York with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
29. Chantal Mackenzie
Regional Vice President, Canada Protection Plan
With over three decades of experience in the financial industry, Chantal Mackenzie is the Regional Vice President at Canada Protection Plan, a Foresters Financial Company for Alberta South, NWT/YT. As Vice President, she focuses on transforming and coaching advisors and general managing agencies with their business growth plans. With an impressive record of success in developing winning growth strategies and building effective teams, Chantal has set strategic direction for brokers and distributors through Canada Protection Plan and Foresters Financial product solutions and tools. Over the course of her career, her experience in growing organizations has ranged from traditional to simplified issue insurance providers.
30. Gordana Vicentijevic
SVP of Project Development, Equinox Gold
Gordana Vicentijevic began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Project Development for Equinox Gold, a well-financed, multi-asset mining company with seven gold mines and a clear plan to increase production by advancing a pipeline of growth projects. It is delivering on its growth and diversification strategy, rapidly growing from a single-asset developer to a multi-mine producer, and is advancing toward its vision of producing one million ounces of gold annually. Equinox Gold has the properties, the people, and the plan to achieve its vision of becoming a million-ounce gold producer, and is one of the only gold producers of scale operating entirely in the Americas.
Vicentijevic first got her start in 1997 as a plant engineer at Anvil Range Mining Corporation – Faro Mine. From there, she went on to BYG Natural Resources before eventually rising to become a VP and project director of Tasiast Phase Two at Kinross Gold Corporation, her most recent position prior to joining Equinox Gold. Vicentijevic graduated from the University of Alberta with a master’s degree in engineering management and from the University of Belgrade with an undergraduate degree in mechanical in mining engineering.
31. Chrystal Burns
SVP of Retail, QuadReal Property Group
Chrystal Burns began her professional career 26 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Retail of QuadReal Property Group, a global real estate investment, operating and development company with a global perspective that is entrepreneurial, ambitious and focused on developing exceptional communities where people choose to live, work and play. From its foundation in Canada as a full-service real estate operating company, QuadReal has expanded its capabilities to invest in equity and debt in both the public and private markets.
Burns first got her start in 1996 as a research analyst at BC Ministry of Trade. From there, she went on to Morguard, before eventually rising to become a VP of investment management at Bentall Kennedy, her most recent position prior to joining QuadReal Property Group. Burns graduated from Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management with an MBA in commerce, and from the University of Cape Town with an undergraduate degree in psychology and law.
32. Claire Johnson
President, TSX Trust
Claire Johnson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of TSX Trust, a wholly owned subsidiary of TMX Group that provides transfer agent, corporate trust, employee equity plans and other corporate services to publicly traded companies and private issuers along with ancillary services to security holders. As President and CEO, Johnson oversees the business's overall strategic direction, promotes its client-centric culture, and executes its growth strategy. Since joining the company in 2018, TSX Trust has doubled its number of clients through both organic growth and acquisitions and increased the number of service offerings to include workflow automation for private transactions, employee equity plans, proxy advisory services and structured financial services. TSX Trust services over 1,800 clients and employs approximately 250 employees. Johnson also serves on TSX Trust’s board of directors. She is an experienced business leader with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector.
Johnson joined TSX Trust as President and CEO after a 20-year career at CIBC Mellon, a leading Canadian financial-services company exclusively focused on the investment servicing needs of Canadian institutional investors and international institutional investors. At CIBC Mellon, Johnson served in increasingly senior roles, including senior vice president - strategy and corporate development, chief financial officer, head of marketing and product, and in an operational role as manager, investment fund accounting. She is a board member of JA Americas, a youth-serving NGO creating pathways for employability and job creation. Johnson is a graduate of Queen’s University and holds a CPA, CA designation. She is a proud mother of five.
33. Stacey Emerson
VP of Corporate Services, Century Group
Stacey Emerson is Century Group's Vice President, Corporate Services. Century Group is a family-owned real estate development and property management company with a mission to curate places people love. For 65 years, Century Group has built a portfolio of operating real estate assets and land, residential rental properties, seniors' residences, hotels and restaurants, and commercial retail spaces, emphasizing a mixed-use approach. As a senior leader, Stacey oversees the company's project management framework, accountability and engagement approach, enterprise information systems, and corporate communications vision, planning, and strategy. Her focus is to ensure that the business has the resources, training, and support required to succeed and be future-ready. She ensures the company is agile and that Century Group's team is passionately aligned with Century Group's values of community, diversity, and integrity.
Stacey is a finance professional with decades of experience in construction and real estate development and holds a Certificate in Strategic Management. She leverages a broad range of multidisciplinary expertise in corporate services, including digital strategy, project and corporate governance, marketing and communications, human resources and employee services, to help develop strategic plans that achieve comprehensive organizational objectives.
34. Jaclyn O'Neill
VP of Investments, BentallGreenOak
Jaclyn O'Neill began her professional career 16 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Investments of BentallGreenOak, a leading, global real estate investment management advisor and a globally recognized provider of real estate services. It serves the interests of more than 750 institutional clients with expertise in the asset management of office, retail, industrial and multi-residential property across the globe. BentallGreenOak has offices in 28 cities across thirteen countries with deep, local knowledge, experience, and extensive networks in the regions where it invests and manages real estate assets on behalf of its clients.
O'Neill first got her start in 2006 as a sales coordinator at Platinum Project Marketing. From there, she went on to Altus Group, before eventually rising to become a VP of asset management and investments at Triovest, her most recent position prior to joining BentallGreenOak. O'Neill graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in political science and economics.
35. Patti Glass
VP of Corporate Marketing & Communications, Grosvenor
Patti Glass began her professional career 19 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Communications for Grosvenor. Grosvenor develops, manages, and invests to improve property and places across many of the world’s leading cities. In the food & agtech sector, its growing investment portfolio includes some of the industry’s most innovative businesses working towards a better food system. Grosvenor manages rural estates and their environmentally sensitive habitats, while supporting charitable initiatives targeted at vulnerable young people. It is a values-led organization which represents the Grosvenor family, and shares a common purpose of delivering lasting commercial, social and environmental benefits, addressing today’s needs while taking responsibility for those of future generations.
Glass first got her start in 2003 as a senior sales & marketing coordinator at Magnum Projects Ltd. From there, she went on to Polygon Homes Ltd., before eventually rising to become a corporate marketing manager at Read Jones Christoffersen, her most recent position prior to joining Grosvenor. Glass graduated from the University of Toronto with an MBA and from the University of Victoria with an undergraduate degree in economics.
36. Tina Thomas
VP of Commercial Operations, Absolute
Tina Thomas is the Vice President of Commercial Operations of Absolute. She first joined the company in 2021. Absolute Software specializes in software and services for the management and security of computers and smartphones. For individuals, Absolute provides peace-of-mind by physically recovering stolen computers and remotely deleting sensitive files from them. It provides endpoint visibility and control to help self-healing endpoint security and always-connected IT asset management to protect devices, data, applications and users, on and off the corporate network. Bridging the gap between security and IT operations, only Absolute gives enterprises visibility they can act on to protect every endpoint, remediate vulnerabilities, and ensure compliance in the face of insider and external threats.
Previously, Thomas was a senior corporate counsel at Galvanize, and before that, a commercial counsel at Hootsuite Media Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with McCarthy Tétrault as an associate.
37. Sarah Crone
VP of Sales, Aviso Wealth
Sarah Crone is the Vice President of Sales for Aviso Wealth, a leading wealth services supplier for the Canadian financial industry, helping hundreds of institutional and retail organizations from coast to coast to gain a competitive edge. It empowers better wealth management for all Canadians, Canada's credit unions, as well as a range of independent financial organizations. In the vast and unpredictable sea of financial markets, clients come to Aviso in search of seasoned professionals who can help them take advantage of investment opportunities and manage their exposure to market risk. With decades of experience in the industry, and proprietary research methods, Aviso advisors have the tools to help. Crone has 14 years of experience. She began her career in 2008.
Before joining Aviso Wealth, Crone was an inside wholesaler at Sun Life Financial, and before that, she was a business development associate at Franklin Templeton Investments. Earlier in her career she worked with TD as an investment consultant. Crone graduated from Royal Roads University with an MBA.
38. Ella Misfeldt
General Manager, MBS Equipment Company Canada
Ella Misfeldt is a bold and empathetic leader who acts with integrity and clarity to build teams that exceed expectations for customers. After 20 years holding progressively more responsible roles in the energy industry with Fortune 500 companies, she took on a new challenge in the TV and movie production industry 18 months ago, heading up Lighting & Grip Operations for MBS Equipment Company in Western Canada, one of the world’s largest sources for lighting, grip, and expendables. They work as a collaborative partner on a customer’s team, helping them navigate the complexity of their production and working together to bring their vision to life.
Misfeldt holds a Black Belt in Continuous Improvement and uses this expertise to identify challenges across functions and to guide teams. She is passionate about building cultures where employees are empowered and feel their contributions make a difference. Misfeldt’s career highlights include guiding her current team through an acquisition, growing a new market segment delivering fuel to end customers wherever they’re parked, and launching a national loyalty program in the U.S. for 750 ExtraMile convenience stores, found at Chevron gas stations. She is a volunteer with Girl Guides and Scouts for over 25 years in a variety of national and local roles spanning group leadership to event planning to marketing communications. Misfeldt will be volunteering to give 50,000 youth from around the globe the experience of a lifetime at the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in summer 2023.
39. Lisa Schwenk
Regional Vice President, TMP Worldwide
Lisa Schwenk began her professional career 31 years ago. Today, she is the Regional Vice President of TMP Worldwide. TMP leads talent marketing through personalized employer branding and communication. Powered by proprietary intelligence from nearly 400 million user sessions from its TalentBrew network, TMP can predict, personalize, and influence the entire candidate experience to help build and retain the right talent. Since its inception, TMP Worldwide has progressed every single day, developing new technology and revolutionizing the industry as it goes. Today, they are a global innovator in talent acquisition that leverages software, strategy, and creativity to develop and deploy its clients’ employer brands. It has revolutionized the way companies and candidates connect.
Schwenk first got her start in 1991 as a classified sales manager at WestEnder & Kitsilano News, before eventually rising to become a VP and managing director at Bernard Hodes Group - Canada, her most recent position prior to joining TMP Worldwide. Schwenk graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in history.
40. Aislinn McCarry
VP of Energy & ESG, Brightly
Aislinn McCarry is the Vice President of Energy & ESG of Brightly. She first joined the company in 2022. Brightly (formerly Dude Solutions) is the global leader in intelligent asset management solutions that enable organizations to transform the performance of their assets. Its sophisticated cloud-based platform leverages more than 20 years of data to deliver predictive insights that help users through the key phases of the entire asset lifecycle.
Previously, McCarry was a director at Energy Profiles Limited for Western Canada, and before that, a project manager and technical lead of green planning and design at WSP. Earlier in her career she worked with Bioenergy 2020+ GmbH as a junior researcher. McCarry earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Queen's University.
41. Carey Green
VP of Customer Enablement, LifeWorks Wellbeing Solutions
Carey Green is the Vice President of Customer Enablement of LifeWorks Wellbeing Solutions. She first joined the company in 2020. LifeWorks (formerly Morneau Shepell) is a world leader in digital and in-person solutions that support the total wellbeing of individuals. It delivers a personalized continuum of care that help clients improve the lives of its people and by doing so, improve their business. Throughout its history, LifeWorks has supported employees' health, productivity, and financial security. It provides wellbeing, administrative, health and productivity, and retirement solutions. LifeWorks is trusted by over 24,000 client organizations in more than 160 countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Previously, Green was a senior director of customer success operations at Morneau Shepell, and before that, a director of account management operations and support at Shepell.fgi. Earlier in her career she worked with School District 42 (Maple Ridge) as a business education teacher. Green earned an undergraduate degree in secondary education of business, and an undergraduate degree in marketing and organizational behavior from The University of British Columbia.
42. Sheetal Narwal
CEO, Harkav Security
Sheetal Narwal began her professional career a little over 12 years ago. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of Harkav Security, a Canadian private security services company offering commercial building security, parking enforcement, loss prevention service, security in uniform, event security, patrol services, surveillance, and security advisory services. Harkav Security strives to provide the clients complete peace of mind with transparency and diligence of the premier security services. They aim to offer the greatest value to their clients with services, and give back to a large number of communities by providing maximum employment possibilities all across Canada.
Sheetal is a seasoned leader with demonstrated history in the profit and non-profit, academic, and government sectors. Over the course of her career, she has developed a broad skillset and experiences including cybersecurity, digital strategies, branding, corporate strategies, customer relationship management, competitive intelligence, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and stakeholder relations. Under her leadership, Harkav Security has been winning multiple awards year after year across various security domains. She is a keen listener, strong relation builder, and a great leader and mentor. She sits on multiple boards for various non-profit organizations. She is the perfect example of leadership that drives performance in the company and her unique management style which sets the right example for the c-suite to create efficient strategies for the success of the business.
43. Sherry Tryssenaar
SVP & CFO, Rocky Mountaineer
Sherry Tryssenaar began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rocky Mountaineer, a rail-tour company that operates luxury scenic trains on four rail routes in British Columbia, Alberta, Colorado, and Utah. With world-class hospitality service, Rocky Mountaineer offers custom-designed coaches that provide panoramic views, regionally inspired cuisine that features local ingredients and flavors, and hosts that are dedicated to making onboard experience as memorable as the scenery outside. With Rocky Mountaineer, their clients get maximum views and maximum comfort. While delivering its world-class service, Rocky Mountaineer also ensures health and safety so customers can be confident and comfortable throughout their journey.
Tryssenaar first got her start in 1999 as a director of corporate finance at RBC Technology Ventures. From there, she went on to OncoGenex Technologies, before eventually rising to become a corporate director at Pure Multi-Family REIT LP, her most recent position prior to joining Rocky Mountaineer. Tryssenaar graduated from The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with an MS in international relations, and from Simon Fraser University with an undergraduate degree in business and economics.
44. Kate Leblanc
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Saje Natural Wellness
Kate Leblanc is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Saje Natural Wellness. She founded the company in 1991. Saje Natural Wellness is a retailer of private-label essential oils, skin care, diffusers, and refill blends products, derived from natural ingredients extracted from plants, fruits, flowers and trees. Since 1992, it has been passionately helping people live healthier, happier and longer lives. Its 500+ products are all 100% natural and sold exclusively on the company’s ecommerce channels and in its growing number of experienced-based retail locations throughout North America. Many Saje essential oil blends, which are sourced from around the globe, are recognized by Health Canada and the FDA. All Saje products are derived from safe and renewable resources, and the company doesn’t use plants that can’t be harvested sustainably. Saje Natural Wellness’ goal is to connect people with the healing power of plants by using ingredients sourced straight from nature. It has been ranked by Canadian Business and PROFIT as one of Canada’s fastest growing companies.
45. Diane McIntosh
Co-Founder, PsychedUp & SwitchRx
Dr. Diane McIntosh is the Co-Founder of SwitchRx, an online psychotropic switching tool. She is also the Co-Founder of PsychedUp, a continuing medical education program developed to encourage appropriate, rational prescribing. She also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor for The University of British Columbia.
In addition to her roles with PsychedUp, SwitchRx, and The University of British Columbia, Dr. McIntosh is the Chief Neuroscience Officer for TELUS. Her role is to ensure all mental health solutions TELUS offers are aligned with their mental health vision of providing personalized, accessible mental healthcare, backed by science, and delivered with compassion. She has published blogs in the Huffington Post and Psychology Today, focusing on mental health issues. Dr. McIntosh graduated from Dalhousie University, where she completed an undergraduate degree in pharmacy before completing her medical school training. After 2 years of a pediatric residency, she transferred and completed an adult psychiatry residency. She has a community psychiatry practice and is extensively involved in continuing medical education programs to colleagues nationally and internationally, with a focus on rational pharmacology. She has a particular interest in the neurobiology of mood and anxiety disorders and ADHD.
46. Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund
President & Certified Coach Practitioner, Automate Canada
Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund is an organizational, process and leadership development specialist whose passion is for helping individuals, teams and organizations deepen their impact both professionally and personally. For over twenty-five years she has worked in and with industries encompassing manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, government and not for profit, small and large. She has helped organizations improve performance by effectively assessing needs and designing solutions that deliver strong leadership with impactful strategies and execution models. Jeanine continues to be involved in initiatives aimed at skill development, leadership and business improvement & innovation. Through her consulting agency, she also continues to apply her experiences to challenging work in the gap that exists between managing processes and leading people and shares her past outcomes in her book titled Stupid Conversations with Crazy People.
Jeanine started her career in manufacturing as a pioneer, being one of the first female skilled trades in the Windsor Essex area. She progressed through various roles and leadership responsibilities, including various project management, leadership and special launch activities of platforms and manufacturing locations. Jeanine left the manufacturing industry in late 2010 as director of quality over North America for a global automotive firm, which saw her and her team of professionals responsible for product quality, but also quality systems, product warranty and continual improvement. She continued to stay connected to industry through her consulting practice which launched in 2005. Her years in industry exposed her to professional development opportunities where she attained certifications and certificates for business operations, program management, leadership, training and development, quality management and continual improvement but it’s her keen interest in people and the environments they operate within that allow her to shine.
47. Argiro Kotsalis
VP of Legal & Chief Governance Officer, Vancouver Airport Authority
Argiro Kotsalis is the Vice President of Legal and Chief Governance Officer of the Vancouver Airport Authority, a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It is committed to the vision of a sustainable airport for the future of British Columbia. It strives to be a leader in the aviation industry by implementing innovative environmental, social, and economic programs. The company offers food and beverages, banking and currency exchange, health care, plaza premium lounge, hotels and conference facilities, and postal services. Kotsalis has 7 years of experience. She began her career in 2015.
Kotsalis graduated from The University of British Columbia with an undergraduate degree in laws and psychology.
48. Parm Hari
VP of People, Process & Performance, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Parm Hari began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of People, Process, and Performance for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the largest port in Canada and the fourth largest in North America by tons of cargo, facilitating trade between Canada and more than 170 world economies. Like all Canada Port Authorities, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is established by the Government of Canada pursuant to the Canada Marine Act, and accountable to the federal Minister of Transport. Its mandate is to facilitate Canada’s trade objectives, ensuring goods are moved safely, while protecting the environment and considering local communities. The port authority is also responsible for overseeing port development as Canada’s trade grows, and it does so by building infrastructure and by reviewing and permitting development projects in the port, such as terminal expansions.
Hari first got her start in 2001 as a director of international strategy at Caboodles Cosmetics LP. From there, she went on to Pierre Fabre, before eventually rising to become an executive director of people & culture for Vancouver Coastal Health, her most recent position prior to joining Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Hari graduated from The University of British Columbia with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in marketing and accounting.
49. Miranda Lievers
Co-Founder & COO, Thinkific
Miranda Lievers is the Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Thinkific, a highly rated platform used to create, market, and sell online courses or membership sites. The platform has revolutionized how individuals earn and learn online by building an all-in-one platform designed for both course creators and their audiences. It enables entrepreneurs to create, market, sell, and deliver their own online courses. Every Thinkific tool was built with audience’s learning experience in mind so their customers can maximize impact across the entire student journey. Thinkific Labs serves customers worldwide. Lievers has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Thinkific, Lievers was a co-founder and principal at Blue Olive Photography Inc. Earlier in her career she worked with TELUS in technical support manager. Lievers graduated from Athabasca University with an MBA and from the University of Alberta with an undergraduate degree in commerce.
50. Theresa Rowsell
SVP of Product & Technology, iQmetrix
Theresa Rowsell began her professional career 22 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President of Product and Technology for iQmetrix. iQmetrix’s intelligent retail management software is designed to power the telecom industry. Its software is built around enabling telecom retailers to deliver a buy-anywhere strategy through multi-channel inventory management and digital retail solutions. For 20 years, iQmetrix has been passionate about helping the leading brands in telecom to grow by providing excellent software, services, and expertise that enables them to adapt and thrive. iQmetrix is a privately held software as a service company with offices in Canada and the U.S.
Rowsell first got her start in 2000 as a loss prevention supervisor at Gap Inc. From there, she went on to lululemon athletica, before eventually rising to become a director of business solutions and delivery at O2E Brands, her most recent position prior to joining iQmetrix. Rowsell graduated from Mohawk College with an undergraduate degree in law and security administration.