Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Montreal for 2024. Montreal’s key economic sectors require talented, skilled leaders to continue taking the city into the future through innovation and forward-thinking strategies. A few of the top sectors in The City of Saints include software development, clean technology, AI, health technology, life sciences, cybersecurity, transportation, and fintech.
Among this year’s honorees is Tuyen Vo, the Head of Technology and Innovation Banking at the National Bank of Canada. Vo has been working with successful entrepreneurs for nearly 20 years, and in her current role, she has contributed to tripling revenues, as well as quadrupling her business volumes.
Next, we honor the accomplishments of Quyn Pham, the Director of Marketing and Communications at Jarislowsky Fraser, a renowned investment management firm that serves institutional and high-net-worth investors across Canada and internationally. As one of the women leaders at Jarislowsky Fraser, Pham leads strategic marketing planning and execution and is also a DEI champion.
Finally, we celebrate the career of a leader in the IT sector, Lyne Lazure. As the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Cofomo, she oversees innovative strategies and approaches that allow Cofomo to maintain its position as a high-level IT and business consulting services company.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Montreal for 2024.
1). Dimitra Georgakis
Chief Client Officer, Dentsu Creative
Dimitra Georgakis is the Chief Client Officer for Dentsu Creative in Canada. Dentsu is the network designed for what’s next, helping clients predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities in the sustainable economy. Taking a people-centered approach to business transformation, dentsu combines Japanese innovation with a diverse, global perspective to drive client growth and shape society.
Having started her career in PR, Georgakis pivoted into the world of advertising by marrying her love for storytelling, creativity, and business. Leading client relationships is what she does flawlessly by zeroing in on the human behind the brief and working on those relationships at the individual level. She excels at solving problems and bringing people together in the process. She prides herself on breaking barriers and getting teams to collaborate radically across markets and disciplines and credits her collaborative leadership style for her ascension in the organization. She proudly leads a national team out of Montreal and double hats as the Managing Director of the Quebec Dentsu office. She celebrates the seamless collaboration between her MTL and TO teams.
A mom of two young boys, Georgakis spends her weekends with her family, chasing after the boys on and off the soccer field. Outside of her family, she cherishes her circle of girlfriends, a group of dynamic successful women who are a huge source of inspiration and support. An avid learner, personal and professional development fill her cup, having Most recently, completed coaching training at the Co-Active Institute. She leverages those skills in the work that she does with her mentees through the Dentsu mentorship program. She actively works with the next generation of leaders to help finesse their leadership skills and help build their resilience, business, and relationship acumen. She also sits on the board of The Association of Creative Communications Agencies (A2C), shaping the advertising landscape of tomorrow.
2). Yaffa Cohen
Partner, BDO Canada
Stemming back to her early days at FL Fuller Landau, long before FL joined BDO in 2023, Yaffa prided herself on being an approachable and reliable professional, advocate, and colleague. Her commitment to quality, logic, and strong attention to detail made her an ideal choice, and a natural fit for partnership. Not only recognized as a great team player by her own team, Yaffa’s solutions-oriented approach has seen her become an integral part of her clients’ success.
Hard-working and conscientious, Yaffa has made a name for herself in the Montreal Not-for-Profit (NPO) space, garnering clients and much respect from the smallest of organizations to Montreal’s larger NPOs. Her relationship with clients is so much more than simply acting as their accounting professional, rather she has become a trusted confidante and fierce advocate for their continued accomplishments. Her leadership style, leading by example all the while maintaining complete discretion, has seen her excel in a field often overlooked, but in high demand.
Having spent 30 years in practice, Yaffa has seen many changes to the CPA professional order, but her commitment, determination, and dedication to finding the best solutions for her clients has not waned. While many professionals struggle to stay relevant in their field of interest, Yaffa continues to prioritize professional development and make sure she is always up to date on best practices and is constantly honing her skills in the fields of accounting and audit. Yaffa serves on the Board and Executive of Montreal-based charities all the while continuing to develop her expertise as an auditor and advisor. Yaffa is a woman of unwavering integrity and honor, a woman that you would want in your corner if you demand these qualities from your professional team.
3). Alison Chave
Senior VP & Co-Head Debt Capital Markets, JLL
Alison Chave is the Senior Vice President and Co-Head of Debt Capital Markets at JLL and is responsible for building debt advisory services in Canada. Chave is an accredited real estate appraiser in Quebec, a mortgage broker in Quebec and Ontario, and a certified green and sustainable financing professional with the Chartered Banker Institute.
Before joining JLL, Chave was AVP of the debt and structured financing team in another of the top brokerage houses in Canada, and prior to changing careers to capital markets brokerage, she was chief risk officer at one of the real estate subsidiaries of a major Canadian pension fund. During her career, starting as an appraiser, Chave has been involved in all aspects of real estate and institutional financing, as a lender, portfolio manager, and risk officer, with more than $6 billion of loans structured, underwritten, or approved. Chave is passionate about serving clients and advancing women in their careers and the environment.
Her clients benefit from her multifaceted expertise and her deep connections to the industry. Mentoring women in real estate is part of her DNA. As a past president of CREW Montreal, she helped spearhead the first Canadian CREW Conference. Her passion for sustainable financing has led her to participate in conferences as a speaker, panelist, and moderator – notably for the Canada Green Building Council, Montreal Real Estate Forum, Quebec Order of Appraisers, Institute of Urban Development, and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys. Publications include articles in Wealth Professional, Immobilier Commercial, and Premières en affaires. She co-authored JLL’s first Canadian white paper on value, debt, and sustainability. From BA Hons in English and French Linguistics and Literature (University of Portsmouth - UK) to co-head of debt capital markets at JLL, she believes that passion, curiosity, hard work, and surrounding yourself with the best are keys to success.
4). Tuyen Vo
Head, Technology & Innovation Banking, National Bank of Canada
Tuyen Vo has been working with successful entrepreneurs for nearly 20 years. She currently heads Technology and Innovation Banking for the National Bank of Canada (NBC). Among the big six banks of systemic importance in the country, National Bank is the only one headquartered in the province of Québec and the only one with a female leader at the helm of its Technology lending practice. Since joining the Bank in 2019, Vo has contributed to tripling revenues and quadrupling her business volumes through the successful expansion of her group across the country. Prior to joining National Bank, she held leadership roles within the retail, corporate banking, and credit risk divisions at two major Canadian banks. She is most proud of the strong and engaged teams she’s built along the way.
Vo has served on the NBC Inclusion and Diversity Council as the women's segment lead since 2020. In this capacity, she co-sponsored the launch of an innovative sponsorship program that earned National Bank the top recognition in the Equity-Diversity-Inclusion category in a prestigious 2023 HR Award. Vo also sits on the LPAC of Accelia Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies owned or led by women. She’s also involved with many causes aligned with her convictions and expertise, including education, the fight against poverty, and helping immigrants transition to a new country.
Vo holds a finance degree from HEC Montréal, including a stint at the Institut d’Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Pô). Having lived on four continents, Vo is fluent in three languages and can order a coffee in five more.
4). Jennifer Vincent
Head of Communications, Danone Canada
Jennifer Vincent is Head of Communications at Danone, a global CPG leader and Canada's largest consumer-facing B Corp, where she oversees external and internal corporate communications strategy and brand PR for iconic brands such as Activia, Oikos, Danone, Silk, International Delight, and Evian.
Jennifer has nearly 15 years of experience in strategic communications with a proven track record as a trusted advisor of CEOs and C-suite leaders in building strong corporate reputations and high-performing teams. She has led projects within corporate affairs, employer branding, CSR, stakeholder engagement, issues, crisis management, innovation, and operations across diverse organizational contexts including publicly traded, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and SMEs.
Having started her career in a family business succession for a manufacturing company, Jennifer is known for her entrepreneurial approach. Her profound respect and admiration for business leaders and their impact are a guiding light in her work, and she has promoted entrepreneurship through several board engagements, sharing her experience in youth programs and through mentorship. Prior to her current role, Jennifer led global corporate communications, the Canadian market, and national public affairs at Alimentation Couche-Tard/Circle K.
Jennifer has been recognized in the industry among Infopresse’s 30 under 30 and holds an APR accreditation from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). She is also a graduate of the E cole d’Entrepreneurship de Beauce and holds certifications in corporate governance from Universite de Laval and in global business from Yale University.
5). Linda Di Luzio
Director, Market Insights, Bell
Working in the marketing research industry for over 20 years, Di Luzio is currently the Director of Market Insights at Bell, Canada’s largest communications company. Since joining Bell in 2005, Di Luzio has held various roles within the organization and, in 2013 took on the responsibility of leading a brilliant group of researchers and analysts. In this capacity, she is beyond proud of all the insightful contributions put forward by her team members for the betterment of the company, its customers, and Canadians alike, most especially as it pertains to Bell’s commitment to mental health (Bell Let’s Talk) and creating positive outcomes for society, communities, and employees (Bell for Better).
Prior to joining Bell, Di Luzio held leadership roles at Vodafone New Zealand and Environics Research Group (now Illumina Research Partners). An academic at heart, she has taught Marketing Research at McGill University since 2013. Teaching University students keeps her up to date with the latest industry trends as she is shaping the minds of future marketers and business leaders. Di Luzio holds a Doctorate in Sociology from The University of Calgary and a law degree from l’Université de Montréal.
Di Luzio has served on various boards of the marketing research and insights industry in Canada and is also involved with outfits that are aligned with her values and convictions, including women and their fight against cancer. She is fluent in English and French and can hold a conversation in Italian and Spanish. She is a voracious reader, a theatre enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed travel junkie. Having lived in three Canadian provinces (Québec, Ontario, Alberta), including a stint in New Zealand, Di Luzio calls home, wherever her beloved husband Bruno and daughter Catherine are, as they make every day a whole lot brighter.
5). Leslie Quinton
VP, Communications, Ubisoft
Leslie Quinton is Vice President of Communications at global video game and entertainment pioneer, Ubisoft. Quinton has extensive expertise in culture and leadership and has held senior roles in global strategic communications, stakeholder relations, corporate social responsibility, internal communications, CSR, issues, crisis, and brand management. Quinton taught communications and PR at McGill University for eight years and at the Université de Sherbrooke in their Master’s program.
She was formerly the VP of corporate communications at Bombardier Recreational Products and Air Canada and was an SVP at SNC-Lavalin, a multinational engineering firm. She also spent seven years in global PR agencies, where she advised several Fortune 500 clients, such as IBM, Dyson, Home Depot, and Marriott, among others.
Quinton is involved in several nonprofit organizations as a board member and as a volunteer and is chair of the board for MedicAlert Canada. She is also a past president of the International Association of Business Communicators Montreal and the International Women’s Forum, Canada. She is a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at business conferences and universities, as well as a guest podcast, web, and radio contributor. Quinton has won multiple awards for communications and philanthropic leadership and studied humanities at Concordia University.
6). Fannie Jacques
VP of Human Resources, Pratt & Whitney Canada
Since April 2023, Fannie Jacques has held the role of Vice President of Human Resources at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a global aerospace leader. The company operates in over 25 countries, providing next-generation engines that power the largest fleet of business, general, and regional aircraft and helicopters worldwide.
Jacques oversees the global Human Resources strategy for P&WC’s over 15,000 employees worldwide, notably in Canada, Poland, China, and the United States, where its largest sites are located. Her career trajectory encompasses over 20 years of progressive experience in HR leadership roles with global multinationals, including TELUS, ABB, Bombardier Aerospace, and Nortel Networks. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated her expertise in organizational and leadership development. She is notably recognized for her know-how related to corporate and cultural transformations, labor relations, talent management, and mergers and acquisitions.
Jacques holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa in Ontario and is a member of the Order of Certified Human Resources Advisors. Over the years, she has served as a board member for several nonprofit organizations that support causes related to women and health.
7). Zyna Boubez
Associée Infrastructure / Infrastructure Partner & National Transport Lead, KPMG
Zyna Boubez is a Partner in KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory Practice in Montreal and acts as KPMG’s National Transportation Lead.
Zyna started her career in auditing and corporate finance but quickly over her 30-year career became passionate about infrastructure and more specifically about mobility and the transportation space. She has been involved in projects in a variety of spaces and sizes but has focused her work on delivering dozens of complex and multi-billion transportation infrastructure projects/programs, leading procurement and commercial activities for owners, typically federal, provincial and municipal governments.
Zyna has been involved in all aspects of infrastructure projects going from initial planning to financial close and execution. She focuses on the commercial, procurement, and financial aspects of those major capital projects, with the objective of maximizing value and ensuring a flawless process. She has led major projects in Québec, Canada, and the US, both for the public and private sector. Her vast experience in planning, managing, and executing projects has endowed her with the knowledge and skill to recognize, manage, and mitigate potential issues that can arise in the course of implementing major infrastructure projects, hence maximizing project success and transaction value.
In addition to her dedication to her clients and project teams, Zyna is recognized for her strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal, negotiation, multi-disciplinary team management, and stakeholder management skills.
Involved in causes that are dear to her heart, she’s been on the board of the Women Infrastructure Network since the inception of its Québec chapter more than 10 years ago, to help advance the place of women in the infrastructure space. She continues to be on the board of the Infrastructure Council, has been the governance chair of the board of directors of the Project Management Institute in Montreal for many years, and prior to that, on the board of the Québec Technology Federation.
Economist and a Chartered Accountant from McGill University, she also holds a Project Management Professional designation.
8). Laurence Audy
Assistant VP, Strategic Initiatives, DB Solutions, Sun Life Financial
Laurence Audy is a professional with more than 10 years of experience in defined benefit pension plan management. She is currently the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Sun Life’s DB Solutions business.
Laurence truly believes in DB Solutions’ purpose in the group annuity market, focused on helping DB plan sponsors de-risk their pension plans and help members achieve lifetime financial security. In her role, Laurence champions innovation to develop new and customized solutions that help plan sponsors de-risk their defined benefit pension plans. She is also responsible for the in-force management of Sun Life’s growing block of group annuities. Laurence enjoys working with her very talented and passionate team of actuaries to push boundaries and drive innovation in the market.
Prior to joining Sun Life, Laurence worked for one of Canada’s leading pension consulting firms where she worked on risk and financial management of defined benefit pension plans for small, mid-size, and large international companies.
9). Carolena Gordon
Global Senior Partner, Clyde & Co. LLP
Based in Montréal, Carolena Gordon is the Global Senior Partner at Clyde & Co., and she sits on the firm’s Management Board. In addition to her leadership role, Gordon is a well-respected litigator whose practice involves all aspects of dispute resolution and risk management for a range of insurance and commercial clients, with a special interest in the infrastructure sector.
Over her 30-year career, Gordon has handled complex, large-scale insurance and commercial disputes and has defended clients against major claims. Her practice focuses on professional liability, E&O and D&O liability, and class action defense.
A creative problem-solver, she applies a clear strategic focus from the outset. Her talent and ability to understand her client’s ultimate goals and guide them onto the best path to dispute resolution have earned her the respect of her peers. In fact, they selected Gordon as one of the 2023 Lawyer of the Year award recipients for her work in Insurance Law in Montréal. A fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and a frequent speaker on industry issues, Gordon is consistently listed and recognized in the yearly editions of various legal directories in the insurance, litigation, professional liability, construction, and infrastructure fields.
10). Christine Regimbal
Partner, Assurance, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton
Christine Regimbal holds a Bachelor of Commerce, and a Diploma in Accountancy from Concordia University, and has built up over 34 years of audit experience at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. Christine, who was named Partner in 2002, has worked primarily with private corporations in the manufacturing, processing, and retail sectors and with not-for-profit organizations. She also leverages her expertise for the benefit of clients in the public and para-public sectors through audit services for municipal, education, and health and social services entities. In addition to collaborating on audit engagements, she also participates in special financing and merger-acquisition assignments.
Christine was appointed a member of Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton’s Partnership Board by her peers in 2016 and completed two consecutive three-year mandates as allowed under the Firm’s statutes. She was appointed Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in 2020. Under her leadership, the Firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee that she created has achieved several objectives including enhancing the Supplementary Parental Insurance Benefit, drafting the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policy, organizing webinars relating to DEI challenges, and rolling out communication activities to highlight commemorative events linked to these challenges.
Christine Regimbal is very involved in both her community and her Alma Mater. She advises John Molson School of Business graduates on the best practices to adopt to optimize their chances of entering the labour market.
11). Isabelle Huot
CEO of NU·RISH cosmetic line, Dr Isabelle food line and media personality
An entrepreneur with a passion for nutrition, travel, and enology, Huot holds a PhD in Nutrition. Her love of travel developed at an early age, and she has visited nearly 70 countries since her teens. During her bachelor's and master's degrees, she studied in London, Lausanne, and Geneva, before becoming coordinator of an international research project. Huot has become a Quebec celebrity thanks to her TV and radio columns, as well as her many magazine articles for Le Journal de Montréal and various magazines.
Huot has written 17 best-selling books, several of whose titles have been translated into several languages. Alongside her media career, she has launched a food business. Her ready-to-eat range is now distributed online and in over 1,000 outlets across Canada. She dreamed of launching her own line of beauty products, drawing on her extensive experience in nutrition to create a range that was different and unique – skincare products based on high-performance, natural food ingredients. Nutrition is at the heart of the brand she founded: NU•RISH. If eating well is at the heart of health and beauty, cosmetics are also allies. Nourish your body with healthy foods, and sources of essential nutrients, and nourish your skin with active ingredients from nature. She holds the renowned WSET3 international diploma.
11). Jo-Anne Demers
Partner & Canadian Management Board Chair, Clyde & Co LLP
Based in Clyde & Co’s Montréal office, Jo-Anne Demers is a seasoned litigator with over 30 years of experience. She is the chair of the Canadian Board and sits on the firm’s Management Board. Throughout her career, she has regularly appeared before all levels of Québec courts, Disciplinary Councils, and Professional Tribunals and pleaded before the Supreme Court of Canada.
Demers practices commercial litigation with a focus on defending class actions, securities matters, professional liability, construction, and product liability. She represents a wide range of clients and insurers, including large multinational organizations, professional services industries, securities dealers, lawyers, engineers, brokers, and accountants.
Fully bilingual (English and French), Demers is Governor of the Québec Bar Foundation, as well as a member of the Canadian Bar, the Québec Bar, the Association of Insurance Women of Montréal, and the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS). She is consistently ranked as one of the leading lawyers in the professional liability, litigation, commercial insurance, and infrastructure fields and was recognized in 2023 by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Lexpert, and The Best Lawyers in Canada.
12). Julie Migneault
Senior Client Director, CDW Canada
Julie Migneault is the Senior Client Director of CDW Canada, a leading multi-brand provider of information technology solutions to business, government, education, and healthcare customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. In the dynamic world of Information technology sales, where agility and innovation reign supreme, Migneault stands tall as a shining example of determination, expertise, and trailblazing success.
With a career spanning over a decade, Migneault has consistently shattered stereotypes and exceeded expectations in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Embracing the challenge with gusto, Migneault quickly rose through the ranks, leveraging her technical background to bridge the gap between complex IT solutions and customer needs. Her ability to articulate the value proposition of cutting-edge technologies in a compelling manner has earned her the respect and admiration of clients and colleagues alike.
Beyond her professional achievements, Migneault is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech sales arena. She mentors aspiring sales professionals, particularly women, offering guidance and support as they navigate their own career paths. Her commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity has earned her recognition as a champion for change within her organization and the broader tech community.
12). Dayna Murray
Senior Director, Mental Health & EAP Operations, Dialogue Health Technologies Inc.
Dayna is the Senior Director of Mental Health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Operations at Dialogue, Canada’s premier health and wellness virtual care platform, serving over 6 million Canadians through 50,000 employers and organizations.
Under her leadership, Dialogue’s Mental Health and EAP service operations tripled the size of their care and practitioner teams, doubled the number of services offered to clients, and successfully scaled across Canada, enabling a 15X growth in eligible platform users.
Dayna is a hyper-growth strategist, a service designer, and an operational effectiveness leader. She is most proud of her strong, dynamic, and engaged teams, and the quality of care they deliver every single day. Together, they continue to build and continuously improve Dialogue’s services, providing access to care to a rapidly growing number of Canadians.
Prior to joining Dialogue, Dayna held strategy, customer experience, and operational advisory roles, working with clients across North America and Europe. She also worked in Corporate Strategy for a major global insurer with mandates spanning strategic planning, innovation, and competitive intelligence. She brings 15 years of diverse expertise working across a range of industries including healthcare, banking, insurance, energy, and consumer retail. She holds an accounting degree from McGill University. Based in Montreal, outside of her professional endeavors, she is a mom of twins, a food and wine enthusiast, and an avid traveler.
13). Patricia Lemoine
Senior VP, Teneo
Patricia Lemoine Smith is a Senior Vice President at Teneo, the global CEO advisory firm. She is committed to Teneo's purpose of partnering with its clients globally to do great things for a better future. In 2021, Lemoine transitioned into consulting with over 13 years of experience on the client side in corporate communications, media relations, public affairs, citizen communications, and management. During that first chapter of her career, she was also a spokesperson for large publicly traded companies in regulated sectors, such as healthcare, seniors’ housing, and manufacturing.
Lemoine is highly regarded for her expertise in crisis management, providing support to senior management and the chair of the board, market positioning with stakeholders, and integrating social and environmental responsibility into corporate strategic planning. She has recently focused on mobilizing government and association stakeholders in industries transforming, such as recycling and reuse, as well as manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on the ecological transition of products and services. She is passionate about finding solutions for a fair energy transition while fostering economic growth through critical minerals, supply chain management, transportation, carbon capture and sequestration, and professional engineering services that contribute to building climate-resilient communities.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lemoine has been actively involved in the field of mental health since 2014. She became an advocate for mental health after recovering from an eating disorder as a teenager and young adult. Lemoine testified about her personal experience with bulimia at the House of Commons in Ottawa and was selected as one of the spokespersons for the annual Faces of Mental Illness campaign sponsored by Bell Let's Talk, a Canadian mental health initiative. She also served as a spokesperson for the Friends of Bell Let's Talk campaign from 2015 to 2021. She firmly believes that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being and is dedicated to promoting awareness and support for mental health initiatives. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Law from the Université de Montréal and a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Concordia University.
14). Fil D'Urbano
Chief Leadership & Mindfulness Officer, Ardene
Fil D'Urbano is the Chief Leadership and Mindfulness Officer at Ardene, an accessories and jewelry retailer. After more than three decades as a senior HR executive for top-tier organizations, D’Urbano is embarking on an inspiring journey to unlock the potential of individuals and organizations through the transformative power of mindfulness and conscious leadership. As a compassionate leader who wears her heart on her sleeve, D'Urbano has earned a remarkable reputation as a change agent, culture-builder, and innovative thinker across some of the most fast-paced industries, ranging from telecommunications to aerospace, and retail. D'Urbano’s unwavering belief in mindfulness and conscious leadership as key to solving some of today’s most difficult people and culture challenges has led to the development of award-winning programs and groundbreaking culture shifts.
D'Urbano’s mission is driven by a genuine passion to make a positive impact on people’s lives and help them unleash their full potential both at work and in the world. With mindfulness as the cornerstone, D'Urbano’s approach reminds us all to look inward and build self-awareness to cultivate the conscious leadership approach we need to guide our teams through today’s ever-evolving landscape of work and societal pressures, rising uncertainty, and rapid change. By sharing her insights, wisdom, and leadership expertise, D'Urbano is elevating what it means to show up at work, and helping individuals lead with authenticity and compassion.
Today, D'Urbano is bringing the foundational principles of mindfulness and conscious leadership into workplaces across North America, helping businesses foster cultures, where success is not only measured by their financial results, but by the profound impact they can have on people’s lives.
15). Julie-Catherine Racine
Executive Director & Partner, Morgan Philips Group in Canada
As Executive Director and Partner of the executive search firm Morgan Philips Group in Canada, Julie-Catherine Racine draws on more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in communications, public affairs, reputation, and change management, gained both on the enterprise and the agency side. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of business structures and organizational dynamics, she strives to help people grow, develop talent, and build inclusive high-empowered teams. Results-oriented, she is recognized for her ability to think strategically in varied and complex environments and industries.
Over the years, Julie-Catherine has shown agility and leadership in advising several management groups and mobilizing diverse, cross-functional teams to achieve ambitious goals. Motivated by an innate drive to help others, she now couples her business experience with her passion for people to contribute to the success of both candidates and organizations. As a recruitment and talent consultant, she specializes in executive search for innovative industries (pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, life sciences, biotechnologies, minerals, materials, green energy/transportation, engineering) and sectors supporting employee experience (communications, human resources, recruitment, corporate affairs, public affairs, marketing, culture, change management).
Julie-Catherine holds a Bachelor's degree in Law from Université de Sherbrooke and a Bachelor's degree in Communications (Public Relations) from Université du Québec à Montréal. For several years, she has been committed to promoting women's leadership and ensuring equity, diversity, and inclusion. To this end, she has completed a Certificate degree in Diversity and Inclusion in Human Resources at Cornell University (NY) and is now completing a second Certificate degree in Strategic Human Resources Management.
15). Lyne Lazure
Executive VP & General Manager, Cofomo
Lyne Lazure, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Montreal at Cofomo, has over 20 years of experience in strategic relationship management, particularly in the IT field. She holds a Bachelor of Administration with a specialization in finance and has completed the Director Development Program and obtained the ICD.D designation. An integral part of Cofomo's rapid growth over the past 20 years, Lazure’s exceptional background, rich in experiences and learnings, has allowed her to carve out an enviable place for herself both within the organization and in the Canadian IT industry.
Not only does she participate in the establishment and enhancement of Cofomo's strategic vision, but Lazure also contributes significantly to the achievement of financial objectives and daily pursues the unique, value-added approach she has put in place to accurately determine client needs while assuring them of the best solutions and practices in the industry. Responsible for the operations of Cofomo's Montreal business unit, Lazure works closely with the president and the management team. She oversees the implementation of innovative strategies and approaches to maintain the organization's industry-leading position and continue its impressive growth (17% annualized revenue growth).
Over the years, Lazure has seen Cofomo grow from 15 to over 2,800 employees - primarily through organic growth. Now ranked 55th among Les Affaires' Top 500 and a leader in the IT and business consulting industry, Cofomo offers its clients a diversity of IT experts to achieve their digital transformation through the deployment of innovation, cloud computing, intelligence, strategy, security, and agility solutions.
16). Marie-Lou Gauthier
Director, Customer Success, Meetup for Business
Marie-Lou Gauthier started her professional career as a lawyer at the prestigious law firm Stikeman Elliott in Montreal (Canada) focusing her practice in corporate and employment law. In this role, she built experience working on important transactions and was for example part of the employment team who served as legal counsel to Lowe’s Companies Inc. in Canada in its acquisition of Rona Inc. (total transaction value of C$3.2 billion (US$2.3 billion)) in February 2016.
After a few years in the law field, she started getting interested in the tech world. In 2017, she decided to move to New York to explore new opportunities. She quickly landed at Meetup, a social media platform for hosting and organizing in-person and virtual events around shared interests. From an entry-level position supporting French-speaking customers, she eventually grew to become the Director of Customer Success for Meetup Pro, a B2B solution to build, manage, and scale brand communities. In this role, Gauthier is responsible for leading and executing strategies to ensure customer satisfaction, retention, and growth within Meetup Pro’s customer base. She has contributed to the team’s achievement of nearly doubling the annual revenue in the last 5 years by developing a successful playbook to retain and expand enterprise customers from various industries (, including tech and Fortune 500 companies, such as Google, IBM, and Microsoft). She also created new upselling opportunities for customers by understanding their business needs and solving them by leveraging the competitive advantage of Meetup. Her several promotions within the Meetup Pro team are a testament to her work ethic, intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and drive for personal and professional success.
Gauthier’s passion for community and the customer success field has led her to organize virtual events for customer success professionals in New York. Back in Montreal since January 2023, she has recently joined the leadership team of the Customer Success Montreal community, where she volunteers her time to host local events to create opportunities for customer success professionals to network and learn from industry leaders.
16). Laura Duckett
Director, Energy Business Unit, GCM Consultants
Laura Duckett began her professional career 13 years ago at GCM Consultants, a multidisciplinary engineering firm with offices across Canada and the founding branch of the GCM Corporation. Laura has seamlessly transitioned through various roles at GCM, continually expanding her responsibilities by demonstrating her capability to overcome any challenge. Her eagerness to contribute not only propels her career advancement but also underscores her ability to navigate the delicate balance of professional success while maintaining a fulfilling family life. Today Laura is the Director of the Energy business unit, a partner at the firm, and sits on the board of one of the fastest-growing subsidiaries in the corporation.
Laura plays a pivotal role in enhancing the company's energy-based client portfolio while maintaining her involvement in project management. With a keen focus on renewable fuels, she actively tracks the evolving market dynamics and swiftly adapts strategies to align with regulatory compliance and incentive programs, ensuring GCM remains at the forefront of sustainable energy initiatives. Committed to her clients and colleagues, her ability to get to the heart of complex situations with simple and powerful relationships ensures consistent high-quality results. She takes pride in her accomplishments, serving as a beacon of inspiration for young women aspiring to achieve their career goals in traditionally male-dominated fields.
17). Laureen Bardou
Senior Director, Philanthropy, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Foundation
Two career paths, in art history/museology and arts administration, have informed Laureen’s work in numerous museums in Montreal and abroad. As an internationally accredited CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive), she has more than ten years of experience in arts administration, in the university milieu, and in the health system.
Convinced of the determinant role art contributes in the collective good and of its benefits in understanding social problems, she believes that philanthropy can be an essential tool in resolving these problems. Laureen works to facilitate conversations with donors desiring to create a better world for the next generations.
Laureen has several passions in life: her family with her two daughters aged 4 and 7 who keep her busy; her current job as Senior Director, Philanthropy at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Foundation; and her various volunteering involvement in the community. Indeed, to help advance the profession and the causes she serves, Laureen sits on the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global governance committee, on one of the two national boards of AFP Canada, on its local chapter board (AFP Québec), as well as on the board of Ensemble Obiora, Canada's first classical music ensemble composed mostly of professional musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds.
18). Karine Huard
Vice-president, Business lead, Cossette
Karine Huard is Vice-President and Business Lead at Cossette, where she guides teams to excellence on global brands such as BRP (Can-Am, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo), contributing to the agency’s reputation as a strategic partner offering unparalleled integrated brand experiences. With more than 25 years of experience in worldwide, prominent, creative media agencies, Karine is an agile, modern leader in business management, team building, digital advertising, and content.
Huard's extensive background includes launching Forsman & Bodenfors as SVP Managing Director in Canada and propulsing Mindshare (GroupM) in Quebec as Managing Director. She began her career at lg2 and later Sid Lee. Huard holds a degree in psychology from Laval University and a specialized graduate diploma in marketing communication from HEC.
Recognized by Infopresse as one of 10 standout women in the industry, Huard is known for her passion, determination, collaboration, and enthusiasm. She is innovative and trustworthy, consistently going the extra mile to achieve positive results. Captivated by social psychology and its insights into human influence, Karine found a natural fit in communication. She is passionate about exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) enhances communication and amplifies positive social impact, promoting understanding, collaboration, and progress globally.
Huard delivers excellence by pooling top talents, leveraging their strengths, and fostering creativity to help businesses thrive.
19). Hellen Christodoulou, PhD
Executive VP, Engineering, Sustainability & Business Development, Corbec Inc.
Hellen Christodoulou brings 44 years of expertise in bridges and structures, in conceptualization, design, and rehabilitation. She has a PhD in Civil Engineering, a degree in Civil and Common Law, an MBA, and a distinguished reputation as a “trendsetter”.
Hellen’s career journey is noteworthy. She worked for CP Rail (Chief Engineering- Bridge) leaving her mark on a plethora of high-profile bridge projects across Canada. She was the first Engineer to introduce Orthotropic deck design for rail bridges. Practiced as a leading expert in forensic analysis of bridge structures and as an arbitrator for major bridge projects. She was the Director of Steel Market and Industry for the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. She has a reputation as a bold influencer, strong advocate, and driver, promoting local procurement policies, prompt payment legislation, bridge quality assurance specifications, and efforts that resulted in projects such as the 124 new steel bridges of the Turcotte interchange in Montreal, the Samuel de Champlain bridge approaches, and the Gordie Howe Bridge.
Since August 2023, she has held the position of Executive Vice-President of Engineering, Sustainability, and Business Development at Corbec Inc., the leading hot-dip galvanizer in Canada since 1965, with five stellar galvanizing facilities across Canada. Her role is aligned with her visions, her expertise in sustainability, promoting solutions for sustainable design and construction, and low carbon operational maintenance.
She is an active member of technical, Code, and construction industry committees, chairperson of the CISC National Bridge Committee, the S6 Canadian Bridge Design Code committee for steel, the Transportation Association of Canada Structures and Construction Committees, and member of several advisory boards.
Author, presenter, keynote speaker at national and international conferences, and University lecturer, she is considered a leader for change, betterment, and protection of the construction industry. A recipient of many prizes and distinctions; including the Senate Sesquicentennial Medal, in “Recognition to her valuable professional service to the nation”, by Senator Rosa Galvez.
19). Charlène Brahim
Co-Founder & CMO, Humanify
Charlène Brahim is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Humanify. Humanify operates, manages, and optimizes customized, on-demand recruitment and talent attraction projects.
Brahim founded the company based on her dream to revolutionize the recruitment agency model by changing the lack of transparency, recruiter commission, heavy costs, and uncertainties related to percentage-based billing on candidate’s salaries. Since Humanify was born, she has consistently built this dream with her team, clients, and collaborators.
In addition to her roles with Humanify, Brahim is also the co-founder and host of the Hiring Stories Podcast and the Meet-R organizer for Meetup. She previously served as an executive assistant with EY and as a director of recruitment and client experience for MATAIA. Brahim’s educational background is in psychology and human behavior.
20). Catherine Doyle
Senior Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships, Orchestre Métropolitain
With an unwavering commitment to advancing the philanthropic landscape within prominent Canadian cultural institutions, Catherine Doyle currently serves since November 2023 as the Senior Director, of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Orchestre Métropolitain in Montréal, Québec. In her brief tenure, she has set achievable yet ambitious objectives, aiming to formulate and execute a comprehensive private funding strategy. Catherine is dedicated to leading her team towards achieving an annual fundraising goal of $3.5 million, contributing over 30% to the orchestra's revenue.
This objective-driven approach reflects Catherine's proactive leadership style, where she emphasizes the importance of setting and surpassing challenging goals to ensure the financial sustainability of the orchestra. Her strategic vision involves not only meeting but exceeding targets, showcasing a commitment to elevating the orchestra's financial position within a relatively short timeframe.
Inspired by a deep passion for the arts and culture, Catherine aspires to continue evolving and growing as a leader within her current leadership role, contributing strategically to the overall growth and development of cultural institutions. A proactive leader, Catherine envisions leveraging her expertise and innovative approaches to make lasting contributions to the vibrancy and sustainability of the Canadian arts scene.
At the Fondation du Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, Catherine held key roles, showcasing rapid professional growth and exemplary leadership. Over the course of two consecutive years, she not only exceeded annual fundraising targets despite the challenges posed by the pandemic but also implemented a year-end fiscal strategy that garnered 25% of annual donations in December alone. Managing a diverse portfolio of approximately 800 donors, including a significant cohort of donors aged 40 and under, Catherine brought about innovative strategies such as multi-year unrestricted donation plans, resulting in increased engagement and financial support.
Her career trajectory also includes roles at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, and the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, where she contributed significantly to educational projects and philanthropic development. A dedicated professional, Catherine holds a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from the Boston University Center for Professional Education, complementing her Bachelor's degree in Commerce with a major in management from the John Molson School of Business of Concordia University.
Catherine is not only a skilled professional but also an active participant in various community endeavors, serving as a board member for organizations like Groupe Paradoxe, the Norwegian Association of Montreal, Travail Sans Frontières, and Production Alma Viva. Her volunteer work showcases a commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.
In addition to her professional achievements, Catherine further solidified her reputation as a thought leader in the cultural and philanthropic landscape by sharing her insights and expertise through speaking engagements at notable events such as part of the AFP Québec, the Conversations philanthropiques en culture, and Un Acte pour le Théâtre.
21). Indra Kubicek
CEO, Digital Moment
Indra Kubicek is the CEO of Digital Moment, an award-winning Canadian charity mobilizing communities to build a better future through digital education.
Indra is passionate that digital education must be more inclusive and equitable in order to solve the world’s biggest challenges (SDGs). She believes youth voices are imperative in the conversations around the SDGS and how technology, specifically through the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence, to help solve these challenges.
Prior to joining Digital Moment, she was part of the leadership team at the Raspberry Pi Foundation in London, UK where she built partnerships with NGOs in Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, France, New Zealand, South Korea, and Ukraine.
Before joining the social impact space, she worked in Risk Management in London, UK for multinational companies and in an advisory role. She led leaders in large-scale change management and implementing new systems. She also built and managed a corporate foundation and spent time working in Sub-Saharan Africa.
She is a Canadian Chartered Accountant and also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Professional Accounting, a Master of Public Policy focused on the Millenium Development Goals (now the SDGs) and she has certifications in Social Entrepreneurship from INSEAD and Impact Management & Measurement from Oxford.
Indra has spoken on the importance of digital skills education and also the importance of building sustainable social purpose business models to have a greater impact on society. She sits on the Boards of Accelerate 2030 Quebec, and Start-Up Montreal and is an advisor to Mila’s (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms) StartUp Committee.
22). Anastasia Hamel
Marketing Director, Xiphos, Epiq (Veritas Capital)
Anastasia Hamel leads the marketing efforts at Xiphos and Epiq, a Veritas Capital company portfolio that offers commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and software solutions, such as SDR (software-defined radio) and Low-SWaP space computing solutions. With a dual Master's in Art History and Arts Marketing and over a decade of experience developing effective digital marketing strategies for tech B2B companies, Anastasia stands out for her ability to weld artistic vision with a deep understanding of technical marketing tactics.
Having worked in wireless, AI, software, and hardware, Anastasia has been part of some incredible startups and played pivotal roles in a variety of companies. She skillfully planned and rolled out campaigns and led teams to achieve major rebrands, complete with all-new websites (most recently, www.epiqsolutions.com, wwww.xiphos.com, and www.noze.ca).
Beyond her expertise, Anastasia is deeply committed to mentoring and getting startups off the ground. As a coach with Startup Montréal, she guides a broad range of early-stage startups, helping founders and their teams find the best recipe for their go-to-market, define a marketing tech stack, launch MVPs, kick-start marketing strategy, and improve campaign performance.
23). Bhoomi Pathak
Chief Operating Officer, Mirasee
Bhoomi Pathak is the Chief Operating Officer of Mirasee. Mirasee helps expertise-based entrepreneurs grow their services-based businesses through online courses and business coaching.
After a career in management consulting working with Fortune 500 companies, Pathak joined Mirasee in 2013 and was responsible for putting in place structures, processes, and execution capabilities that enabled us to grow aggressively. She continues to build the success team and the infrastructure to increase our scale and impact in serving our community of expertise-based entrepreneurs.
Previously, Pathak was a manager at Deloitte Consulting. Before that, she was a consultant at Accenture. Earlier in her career, she worked with Bombardier Aerospace as a financial analyst. She earned an MBA from Ivey Business School at Western University and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Concordia University. In her spare time, she enjoys hanging out with her two young kids and business partner/husband Danny Iny, entertaining friends and family, and traveling to interesting places.
24). Rachelle Claveau
EVP & Managing Director, Broken Heart Love Affair
With a background shaped by leadership roles in prominent advertising agencies in Montreal and Toronto spanning the past two decades, Rachelle brings a wealth of cross-discipline expertise to her clients. Her focus lies in facilitating meaningful connections between brands and consumers and working with marketers to benefit from commercial creativity. Rachelle has had the privilege of collaborating with major US and Canadian brands across various sectors including QSR, telecommunications, financial services, health and beauty, pharmaceuticals, grocery, CPG, tourism, and travel.
In addition to her agency experience, Rachelle is the co-founder of blovd.ca, alongside her two daughters. Blovd Cookies, their brainchild, is a small yet ambitious cookie company with a unique mission: to foster self-love through every bite. Each cookie conceals a surprise message designed to remind you of your inherent worth and brilliance.
About Broken Heart Love Affair
Named one of Ad Age Best Places to Work 2024, Strategy’s Small Agency of the Year 2022, and Ad Age Silver Newcomer Agency 2021, Broken Heart Love Affair is a global brand agency based in Toronto and Montreal is the partnership of industry veterans Jason Chaney, Carlos Moreno, Denise Rossetto, Todd Mackie, and Beverley Hammond. BHLA is focused on gathering the most decorated talent on a mission to bring back the love for brands, clients, and the creative community. The agency’s roster of category-leading client partners includes Burger King, Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Destination Ontario, GoRVing, GreenShield, Kruger Products, Lactalis, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Simplii Financial, Toys ‘R’ Us, World Vision and more.
25). Isabelle Landreville
President & Chief Insight Seeker, Sylvestre & Co.
Isabelle Landreville is a distinguished figure in the market research industry. As the President and Chief Insights Seeker at Sylvestre & Co., she brings over 20 years of internationally honed expertise in qualitative research and moderation. Her leadership at Sylvestre & Co. is marked by a commitment to leveraging emerging technologies and building authentic relationships, which are instrumental in delivering deep consumer insights that empower businesses.
Under Landreville’s leadership, Sylvestre & Co. has become a bicultural and bilingual hub, offering services in both English and French. This strategic positioning allows the firm to effectively bridge cultural gaps and deepen connections between businesses and their consumers. Her approach involves leveraging emerging technologies and cultivating genuine relationships to uncover valuable insights that propel client growth and innovation. Her commitment has nurtured a loyal clientele that depends on her team's expertise to stay ahead in the market.
Additionally, Landreville hosts "Insightful Inspiration," a popular podcast featuring brilliant individuals who shape the insights industry. This initiative underscores her role as a thought leader and demonstrates her dedication to advancing the market research community. Through her professional achievements and contributions, Landreville not only highlights her expertise and dedication but also stands as a trailblazer for women in leadership, inspiring a new generation to strive for excellence with integrity and passion.
25). Virginie Bussières
VP, Communications, Marketing & Government Relations, Pyrowave
Virginie Bussières is a dynamic force in the realm of sustainable innovation and communication. As the Vice President of Communications, Marketing, and Government Relations at Pyrowave, she contributes to paving the way to a new circular economy by launching initiatives that offer sustainable solutions for the next generation of low-carbon materials, with a particular focus on plastics' circularity.
Fuelled by a deep passion for environmental innovation, Bussières puts her skills to the service of rallying stakeholders together, in the sectors of recycling, electrification, and decarbonization. She strongly believes that collaboration and collective action are essential to achieving high-impact results. In a complex and ever-evolving world, Bussières recognizes that public relations offer a privileged pathway for open dialogue and mutual understanding. She embraces the challenge of deploying engaging strategies within highly regulated environments, ensuring that business objectives align with the creation of value for local and international communities.
Bussières also shares her expertise as a university lecturer in Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement. Additionally, she serves as a dedicated Board Member of an Academic Foundation focused on educational innovation, further exemplifying her commitment to education and advancing sustainable practices.
26). Karen Groom
Founder & CEO, Groom & Associates
Karen Groom, the Founder and CEO of Groom & Associates, has achieved remarkable success as an entrepreneur. As one of Canada's foremost staffing firms, Groom & Associates, established in 1996 and spearheaded by a female leader, has experienced exponential growth from its humble beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized agency. Specializing in STEM sector placements, the firm has effectively collaborated with numerous Canadian companies, forming valuable partnerships at local and national levels.
KarGroomen firmly believes that adaptability and forward-thinking are crucial attributes for any successful leader. She attributes the remarkable growth of her company to its unwavering commitment to understanding and responding to evolving workplace trends, enabling them to provide exceptional service to their clients. With an extensive background of over 30 years in human resources and recruitment, Groom emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with current industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.
In addition to her role as CEO, Groom actively serves as a mentor for aspiring female entrepreneurs. She previously held the position of president at Community Shares and currently contributes to the Capital Campaign for the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence. Her dedication to supporting and empowering others extends beyond her professional endeavors, making her a respected figure within her community.
27). Kate Shingler
Director, Marketing & Communications, Brain Canada
In the dynamic realm of strategic communications, few individuals embody the intersection of professional expertise and heartfelt community commitment as profoundly as Kate Shingler. With a multifaceted career spanning strategic communications, public relations, and journalism, Kate has not only excelled in her professional endeavors but has also dedicated herself to making a tangible difference in the communities she serves through her volunteer work.
After graduating with a degree in Women’s Studies from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kate was awarded an RBC Career Edge scholarship and worked for a small grassroots women’s news magazine in Toronto. She subsequently completed a graduate program in Journalism at Concordia University in Montreal and worked for more than a decade in print and television as a news reporter. Beginning on-air and ascending to the position of senior producer and assistant news director at Global TV in Montreal, Kate honed her skills in storytelling and media management.
Transitioning into strategic communications after the birth of her third child, Kate dedicated herself to helping organizations articulate their messages effectively and authentically. Kate served as the Director of Communications at a prominent public policy think tank, where she played a pivotal role in shaping public discourse on critical issues such as early childhood education, and housing access. Her ability to craft compelling narratives and engage diverse stakeholders solidified her reputation as a strategic communications expert.
Kate's passion for making a difference led her to the McGill University Health Centre Foundation, where she collaborated on innovative campaigns to raise awareness of new healthcare initiatives and transformative research. Her emphasis on purposeful storytelling drove impactful results, demonstrating her commitment to leveraging communication for social good.
Kate is proud to serve as a mentor to young people who are interested in entering the field of Communications and Public Relations. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers guidance, support, and invaluable insights to the next generation of leaders, empowering them to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry with confidence and integrity.
Since 2020, Kate has led Brain Canada's communications and marketing efforts with a steadfast commitment to elevating the organization's profile and amplifying its impact in the field of neuroscience research. Her strategic leadership and innovative approach have positioned Brain Canada as a leading voice in advocating for brain health and advancing scientific discovery.
In her dual roles as a communications expert and dedicated community volunteer, Kate Shingler epitomizes the power of communication to drive positive change. Whether through her strategic counsel or her tireless commitment to service, she continues to bridge the gap between professional success and meaningful impact, leaving a legacy in the communities she touches.
28). Caitlin Bailey
Executive Director, Vimy Foundation
An accomplished non-profit leader and public history professional, Caitlin Bailey has been the Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation since 2019. During her time there, Caitlin has run multiple national and international commemoration projects, reduced overhead by 40% in her first year, and will begin the Foundation's first endowment fund in 2024. Under her leadership, the Vimy Foundation has increased revenues by 200% since 2019, doubled the team, and successfully amalgamated with another organization in the commemoration field.
Caitlin has guided the Foundation through a complete digital transformation, resulting in multiple large-scale digital commemoration and heritage projects with national partners including Veterans Affairs Canada, The National Film Board, and the Canadian War Museum. These initiatives have reached millions of Canadians through ambitious marketing campaigns, and have been nominated for several national awards including a Prix Numix for “Vimy: A Living Memorial”.
Caitlin is committed to highlighting the role of Canada’s history in public life and its contribution to maintaining a civil society; she is a frequent media commentator on heritage issues and has appeared on Parliamentary committees as a subject expert. A graduate of the University of Calgary and McGill, Caitlin holds degrees in Russian Literature, and Library and Information Sciences. She has been a member of the Banff Forum since 2018, and serves on the Veterans Affairs Canada Commemorations Advisory Group, and the Advocacy Sub-Committee of the Canadian Museums Association.
29). Caroline Casabon
Vice-présidente & chef de l'exploitation, Management OPS
With over 30 years of leadership experience, including a decade dedicated to training and professional placement, Caroline Casabon currently serves as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Management OPS. Specializing in operations and human resources management, her mission revolves around enhancing and optimizing processes, systems, and teams in alignment with the organization's vision and strategic goals.
Passionate about project management, CRM, marketing, and communication, Casabon leverages her extensive expertise and certifications to drive added value for clients, partners, and collaborators. She firmly believes in the transformative power of human potential, diversity, and innovation as catalysts for organizational success and growth. Previously, as general manager at Code Bleu Placement en santé, a private agency serving healthcare needs throughout Quebec, she spearheaded operations management, business development, client relations, and team supervision. Through strategic initiatives such as implementing effective CRM systems, targeted marketing strategies, and comprehensive staff training programs, she significantly boosted revenue, placement rates, and client satisfaction.
Caroline has led numerous projects aimed at continuous improvement, process optimization, and digitalization of services, all contributing to Code Bleu Placement en santé's mission of delivering top-tier, efficient, and secure healthcare services through highly skilled personnel. She takes great pride in her contributions to the success and mission-driven ethos of both organizations and looks forward to continuing to drive positive change and growth in the industry.
30). Elizabeth Gomery
Founding Partner, Philanthropica
Ten years ago, Elizabeth Gomery co-founded Philanthropica, a national, strategic advisory firm for not-for-profits and charities. She saw an opportunity to create a philanthropic consulting firm unlike anything that currently existed, one that would change the not-for-profit consulting space and ensure that sustainability and deliverables were at the centre of the work. In ten years, Philanthropica has become one of the leading philanthropic advisory firms in the country and has expanded its services, while never losing sight of its core values. Liz' clients have included some of the biggest not-for-profits in North America as well as some of the smallest and most effective community organizations and movements.
Appreciated as a frank and effective communicator, Liz is a trusted advisor to leadership and Boards. A well-respected expert on governance, she has helped transform charitable boards, empower their volunteers, and hold staff and directors accountable for their work. She is frequently invited to speak at fundraising and business development conferences across Canada in both English and French and is a regular contributor to Canadian media outlets on giving trends and philanthropy in Canada, having appeared on CBC/Radio Canada, Global, CTV, and in Forbes and Les Affaires.
Elizabeth is an active volunteer and has sat on numerous boards, including those of The Walrus, McGill University’s Faculty of Arts Advisory Board, the Women’s Y Foundation, McGill University’s Friends of the Library, and the Honorary Committee for Les Impatients. Beyond Board work, she has mentored several women and regularly gives her time and expertise to organizations and people. She was one of 225 Canadians selected to participate in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and is a Scarlett Key recipient for outstanding leadership at McGill University.
When Liz isn’t working, she can usually be found on a tennis court or in the Eastern Townships, pretending to farm with her husband, two daughters, and an extensive posse of animals.
31). Andrea Roy
VP of Product, WERKLIV
After studying industrial design at the renowned Ontario College of Art and Design University, Andrea Roy quickly earned both international and national acclaim for her forward-thinking sense of design. In the years following, she successfully led international product launches for well-known, medium to large companies.
Currently, Roy holds the position of Vice President of Product at WERKLIV, where her contribution to their visionary “inside-out” approach is invaluable. By not only aligning the company vision through product development, procurement, branding, and interior design, she ensures that the Werkliv spirit lives at every touchpoint.
Roy has a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University. She studied marketing at Concordia University.
32). Melissa Ciciola
Director, Management Consulting & Service Excellence, Promethee Consultants
A passionate leader specializing in customer relationship improvement strategies and transformation projects, Melissa identifies opportunities and inspires people to embrace a worldview open to possibility.
Melissa is the Director of Management Consulting and Service Excellence at Promethee Consultants, a leading firm that helps clients optimize and transform their organization and customer relationships. With over 25 years of experience in this field, she has developed and led teams and projects, designed strategies, and supported leaders that enhance customer experiences, business results, and employee experiences.
At the heart of technological and human transformations in organizations, Melissa knows how to bring meaning to change, translate it into concrete action, and engage executives and front-line teams. With her, every project becomes an experience in surpassing oneself and an opportunity to have fun.
She also leads a team of Consultants at Promethee who design, deploy, and improve strategies, processes, training, operations, and change management initiatives. Her work is driven by her personal WHY “To connect people to possibilities so that we build a more courageous world and lay the foundations of growth and innovation.” She believes that organizations are destined to transform to support the future of work and that employees can thrive in a culture of engagement and empowerment. She is an advocate for Female, Human, and Conscious Leadership, coaches Veterans entering the workforce, and mentors rising leaders. She helps leaders create environments where customers feel connected to the brand and where people can build meaningful connections with each other.
Intentional in everything she does, she anticipates customers' needs to deliver outstanding service worthy of the most prestigious brands.
33). Jillian Friedman
Chief Operating Officer & CFO, Ether Capital
Jillian, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Ether Capital Corporation, plays a pivotal role in positioning the company as a leading institutional holder of digital assets. Under her leadership, Ether Capital Corporation not only focuses on being a net accumulator of Ether on its balance sheet but also seeks to generate substantial value through strategic yield generation (staking) and intellectual property development.
With her extensive background as a lawyer, banker, and digital asset specialist, Jillian has skillfully guided the company through significant transitions, including a landmark shift to convert the company into an ETF, pending a shareholder vote in June 2024. Her expertise shines in navigating the intricate landscapes of financial markets, regulatory frameworks, and new technology challenges, adeptly balancing shareholder interests and corporate governance.
Prior to her current role, Jillian was instrumental in spearheading the blockchain and digital assets program at the National Bank of Canada. Her early engagement with digital assets began in 2014 when she established a law practice dedicated to emerging technologies and their legal implications. As one of the first legal experts in fintech, Jillian has made significant contributions to the field, including co-authoring a book on Bitcoin law and sharing her insights at numerous conferences and even before the Canadian Senate.
In addition to her strategic and financial responsibilities, Jillian manages investor relations and treasury operations. Known for her proactive and enterprising approach, she is recognized as a maverick in the industry—always ready to embrace new challenges and achieve results.
34). Maude Frechette
Co-Founder, Lawyer & Partner, YULEX
Maude Fréchette is a Co-Founder, Lawyer, and Partner of YULEX, Attorneys and Strategists. YULEX offers entrepreneurs and their businesses, both at the start-up, growth, and maturity stages, strategic, pragmatic, and accessible legal services in business, intellectual property, and technology law, both locally and internationally. The firm is also part of Interlegal, an international legal network offering expertise in commercial law.
For almost twenty years, Fréchette has supported small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs during times of expansion and growth. She is frequently invited as a speaker and trainer for entrepreneurs. She has been involved over the years in many non-profit organizations as a director and advisor. She currently acts as one of the directors of the Compagnons de Montréal’s board, a non-profit organization dedicated to adults living with an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder. In 2009, she won the AJBM Corporate Lawyer of the Year award. Maude Fréchette earned an undergraduate degree in the University of Quebec at Montreal and a graduate degree in business law from University of Montreal.
35). Vanessa Croome
Founding Executive Creative Director, Fondation LRDG
Vanessa Croome is an artistic innovator in the world of classical music, bridging classical and contemporary concepts to engage new audiences. An accomplished musician, she is also the founding Executive Creative Director of Fondation LRDG, an organization dedicated to building community through the universal language of music, supported by the Language Research Development Group. Vanessa is the creative force behind projects including 'Vin + Opera,' a series that pairs wine with opera to engage audiences with musical forms; 'Le Pub Classique,' an open mic concept for classical music; and 'Galerie,' a collaboration with artists from Opéra de Montréal and tech leaders. This initiative merges visual arts, AI technology, and music in an interactive gallery, designed to deepen audience understanding of musical themes before concerts.
Vanessa completed graduate studies at McGill in both Music and Marketing in 2024. She is the co-founder of the Montréal chamber ensemble Duo Étrange and an alumna of artistic residency programs at Opéra de Montréal, the Santa Fe Opera, and the Opera Theater of Saint Louis. Her digital project, "Not Ur Grandpa’s Classical Music," promoted diversity within the genre and earned a Wonder Woman grant from Daisie.com. As a student at McGill, Vanessa was a Digital Ambassador and was selected for the Humanise Collective Masterclass cohort, leading her team to victory in a pitch competition crafting an innovative engagement campaign for CF Malls.
Beyond her creative endeavors, Vanessa is committed to mentoring and community engagement. She founded and scaled the Co/Pro program at Fondation LRDG, providing over 40 self-producing artists with production and space resources in downtown Montreal. Vanessa is also a digital media consultant and bilingual content creator, and is proud to have served as a volunteer for the Montréal Children's Hospital, Marigold Music Program, and the Segal Centre for the Performing Arts.
36). Celine Reze Cohen
Marketing Consultant, CRC Marketing
Celine Reze Cohen is a master storyteller who looks at both traditional and innovative methods to uncover a brand's true insights to develop a relevant and effective marketing strategy that drives sales and delights customers. Benefiting from an extensive career in world-class advertising agencies working across a variety of industries, she is an expert in marketing principles and tools to make an impact. A citizen of the world having lived and worked in NYC, London, Nice, and Montreal, she also holds a unique appreciation for cultural differences and how best to embrace them.
Cohen started her career in renowned NYC and London agencies working with clients such as British Airways, Pepsi and Unilever on brand strategy, new product launches and award-winning campaigns. She then spent a decade launching and running DTC retail businesses with a keen eye for setting and exceeding KPI's and continuously improving on a brand's core message and omnichannel strategy. She is currently consulting with CRC Marketing, helping B2C and B2B businesses set up and accomplish their marketing goals. She's also a lead consultant for Caisse Desjardins' startup accelerator, Startup En Residence, helping AI, MedTech and other startups in the cohort on their go-to-market plans, branding, and other strategic initiatives and a mentor for Concordia University's Digital Advertising program.
She lives in Montreal with her husband, two boys, and a dog.
38). Marie-Claude Brassard
Vice-President & Regional Manager, National Bank Financial
A visionary leader of influence in the financial sector for more than two decades, as well as strategic business development consultant to National Bank, Marie-Claude Brassard has been Vice-President and Regional Manager of National Bank Financial – Wealth Management (NBFWM) in Central Quebec, Mauricie, and the Eastern Townships since 2019. Over the years, Brassard has helped build the NBFWM of tomorrow and contributed to the creation of the largest securities branch in Canada. As Assistant Regional Manager, she managed over 300 Wealth Advisors and Associates.
Today, Brassard supports the growth of 23 multi-disciplinary wealth advisory teams that are involved in supporting more than 40 foundations in carrying out their respective missions. With a human-first leadership style and always putting the client at the heart of what she does, Her results speak for themselves. In only four years, her teams have grown their assets under management by 50% and their revenues by a substantial amount. Furthermore, they have taken their business to another level by adapting to the changing needs of their clients and the increased regulatory requirements. They now offer clients a comprehensive wealth-management service, from generation to generation.
Holder of a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in international studies and economics from York University, she is a sought-after speaker, panel moderator, and instructor at various events organized by NGOs, universities, and clients. Brassard leads the National Bank Financial Diversity Development Council in Quebec. She also heads various committees and is a proactive participant in the activities of the Association of Quebec Women in Finance and NBC’s Women’s Leadership Network. In addition, she serves as a mentor to young women in finance.
39). Myriam Boutin
Architect & Principal Director of Private Markets, Lemay
Myriam Boutin is an Architect and the Principal Director of Private Markets at Lemay, an architecture and planning company. She has been working in the field of architecture since 1995. She brings a vast experience of the commercial environment and an in-depth understanding of retail branding and user experience. She is responsible for connecting the interdisciplinary teams and complementing the mixed-use project team with strategic insights.
Front-facing with retailers for 22 years, her list of loyal clients can be attributed to her warm personality and strong communication and leadership skills. An excellent leader, she has the ability to clarify goals and streamline project flow. Her ability to grasp the big picture and anticipate problems allows her to achieve client objectives and provide leadership to all team members.
Boutin's adaptive approach allows her to adapt to the specific requirements and needs of various projects. Her analytical mind and her judgment abilities allow her to have an excellent global vision on various situations and thus, to maximize the efficiency of the work to be accomplished.
40). Camille Fortier-Jordan
Vice-President, Managing Director, Publicis Montréal
With over 15 years of experience in marketing communications, CRM, and customer engagement, Camille is the Managing Director at Publicis Montréal, a leading global creative agency. In this role, she oversees operations, the strategic direction, creative execution, and business development of the agency, working with clients across various industries and sectors.
She also leads a talented and diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Prior to joining Publicis Montréal, Camille was the Partnerships Director at Nesto, a fintech company that offers online mortgage solutions. There, she developed and managed partnerships with financial institutions, real estate brokers, and other stakeholders, driving growth and customer acquisition. She is passionate about creating impactful and engaging experiences for customers, leveraging data, insights, and creativity. In 2023, she completed the Women Transforming Leadership Programme at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford thanks to la Bourse Madeleine St-Jacques.
41). Josiane Pepin
Chief Operating Officer| Advocate | Dirigeante d’agence, Bardagi Équipe immobilière
As the Chief Operating Officer and Lawyer at RE/MAX du Cartier G.B., Josiane Pepin oversees the operations and compliance of one of Canada's top-performing real estate teams, dedicated to exceptional customer satisfaction and operational excellence. With over 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, Josiane has earned numerous accolades, including the Club Chairman, the Lifetime Achievement, and the Hall of Fame awards.
Under her leadership, the sales team at RE/MAX du Cartier G.B. consistently ranks as the most performant in Quebec and fifth across Canada. As a partner in the agency founded by Georges Bardagi, Josiane's role extends beyond legal counsel to include managing operations, optimizing processes, and steering the company's strategic direction.
Previously, Josiane served as a licensed real estate broker at RE/MAX du Cartier. Her career began at RE/MAX Imagine | Privilège as a real estate agent. She is currently finalizing an MA in Law, specializing in Dispute Prevention and Resolution, from the University of Sherbrooke. She holds an undergraduate degree in law from UQAM.
42). Lisa Goulet
Présidente, propriétaire, Aiguisatek
Lisa Goulet is a visionary leader and inspiring female figure in Montreal's business landscape. She currently holds the position of CEO at Aiguisatek, a reputable tooling and sharpening company located in Delson, Quebec. With a solid career spanning over two decades in the healthcare industry, Goulet’s journey stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence. Her Master's degree in Applied Sciences and specialty in administration at McGill University endowed Goulet with strategic decision-making and problem-solving capabilities. Since 1997, she has held various management and leadership roles, spearheaded the development of intra-hospital organ and tissue donation programs, and collaborated with numerous stakeholders in federal and provincial government agencies.
In 2010, Goulet transitioned to the industrial sector and took the helm of Aiguisatek, a family-owned company founded by her father over three decades ago. Her dedication to research, quality, and innovation helped position the company as an industry leader across Quebec and beyond; In just a few years, she steered its growth and propelled it to new heights by upgrading to a state-of-the-art facility, investing in cutting-edge technology and successfully diversifying into PCD cutting tools. By prioritizing customer service, operational efficiency, and innovation, Goulet has positioned Aiguisatek as a trusted provider of high-performance tools. Her leadership has fostered an environment of excellence, where service, quality, consistency, and innovation are paramount.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Goulet is driven by a genuine desire to help and inspire others to pursue their career and personal development goals. She is a proud member of EntreChefs PME, an energetic community of over 2000 SMB entrepreneurs focused on collaboration and business growth. Her accomplishments have been recognized in various prestigious events, including the 2020 Gala EntrepreneurEs in Chambly, Quebec, and the Chambre du Commerce et d’Industrie de la Rive-Sud (CCIRS), where Aiguisatek was nominated as a finalist at the prestigious Gala du Prix Excellence.
43). Poonam Madan
Director, Global Sustainability, Gildan
Poonam Madan is the Director of Global Sustainability at Gildan Activewear Inc., where she is responsible for developing and implementing enterprise-wide sustainability strategies that support corporate performance.
Madan draws on her authentic leadership style, backed by sound knowledge gained from over 20 years of experience in the energy, mining, power, and apparel sectors. She is known as a transformational leader who is able to bring her energy and passion for sustainability to bring various stakeholders together and build deep connections in order to drive innovation with stakeholders across the organization and with external stakeholders like investors, governments, NGOs, and the community.
Since joining Gildan, Madan has supported the development and implementation of the company’s Next Generation ESG Strategy, which includes 10 ambitious targets focused on climate, energy, and water; circularity; gender parity and health and safety; community investments; and ESG disclosures elevating and enhancing the company's ESG performance as a global leader. In her current role, she is strongly supported by her leadership team, allowing her to bring her full self to Gildan enabling her to drive value and implement change across the organization. She is immensely grateful for the incredible encouragement and support of numerous managers, mentors, colleagues, friends, and most importantly, her family, who continue to offer support, have been a strong ally and/or a sponsor, and have helped her to drive a positive impact as a leader.
44). Quyn Pham
Director, Marketing & Communications, Jarislowsky Fraser Limited
Quyn Pham is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Jarislowsky Fraser, the renowned Montreal-based investment management firm that serves institutional and high-net-worth investors across Canada and internationally. She leads strategic marketing planning and execution, ensuring that marketing initiatives directly support corporate goals. In her role, she leads branding, advertising/media, sponsorships and events, web, content creation, and production. She is also responsible for all corporate and client communications, as well as client reporting. As one of the women leaders at Jarislowsky Fraser, she champions diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI), as well as employee engagement, as part of her role on the firm’s DEI Council and chair of the Employee Giving Campaign.
Pham has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and client services within the financial services and investment industry. She was previously a senior director at RBC Global Asset Management, where she was responsible for branding, advertising, and creative services, as well as leading the marketing team at RBC GAM US. Prior to that, she was a director of communications and web at CIBC Asset Management.
Pham is involved in the community through her volunteering. She is passionate about women’s causes and is currently a board member of Dress for Success Montreal, an organization whose main purpose is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and development tools to help women thrive.
45). Sophie Labelle
Director, Engineering, Suncor
Sophie Labelle is the Director of Engineering at the Suncor Montreal refinery. Suncor is a Canada-based energy company that develops, refines, supplies, and trades crude oil, natural gas, sulfur, and petroleum coke for businesses. In 1967, they pioneered commercial development of Canada's oil sands – one of the largest petroleum resource basins in the world. Since then, Suncor has grown to become a globally competitive integrated energy company with a balanced portfolio of high-quality assets, a strong balance sheet, and significant growth prospects.
In this role, Labelle is responsible for rigorously managing the project portfolio and optimizing the allocation of capital, as well as delivering the expected project benefits. Labelle is a member of the refinery leadership team. Since joining Suncor in 1998, she has held a variety of roles in the downstream, including operation, engineering, production control, strategic planning, product, and crude supply, which brought her to work out of Mississauga and Calgary. In 2016, she became Plant Director of the Ethanol Plant in St. Clair, Ontario. And since 2018, she has been happy to be back at the Montreal refinery, where she started her career.
Labelle obtained a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from the University of Sherbrooke in 1997.
46). Annabelle Beauchamp
Design & Brand Director, NEUF architect(e)s
Annabelle Beauchamp, NEUF’s Design and Brand Director, holds a post-professional master’s degree from McGill University in the history and theory of architecture. Very early in her career, her interest in representation and language led her to develop a hybrid approach at the intersection of design and architecture. Beauchamp has worked for various firms developing concepts and imagery, as well as with artists, photographers, filmmakers, painters, sculptors, and scenographers–both locally and abroad–all of, which contributed to forging her experience in print and digital media.
Within the firm, which she joined in 2006, Beauchamp regularly works with the various departments on all project phases, from ideation to finish selection. One of her most notable contributions was to the design process for the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), for, which she ensured the consistency of the project’s visual identity.
Beauchamp also supervises the development of NEUF’s brand image through her coordination of the communications and marketing team. Most recently, she helmed the firm’s fiftieth-anniversary campaign, known as NEUF50. She was the project director and designer of the firm’s award-winning retrospective book, Un demi-siècle et toujours NEUF / Half a Century of Building Storeys.
47). Marianne Perron
Senior Director, Artistic Sector, Orchestre symphonique de Montréal
After completing her studies in violin performance at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), Marianne Perron went on to earn a Master’s degree in Musicology from the Université de Montréal and a graduate diploma in arts management from the École des Hautes Études Commerciales (HEC) Montréal.
Perron taught violin and musical æsthetics for many years before opportunities in the artistic department of the Orchestre National de Lyon and the Auditorium de Lyon brought her to France in 1997. She returned to Canada in 1999 to join the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) as head of education and contemporary music. She was appointed associate director of music programming in 2008, and director of music programming in 2010.
Since 2021, Perron has served as Senior Director of the Artistic Sector of the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM). In this capacity, she designs the orchestra’s musical programming in collaboration with its music director Rafael Payare, takes part in the organization’s strategic planning, and designs special concerts to broaden audiences and increase the orchestra’s community presence and outreach. She manages the six departments of the Artistic Sector, including music programming, artistic operations, artistic projects, production, education, and musicians.
48). Denise Kehler
Head of Delegated Portfolio Management, Willis Towers Watson
Denise Kehler is the Head of Delegated Portfolio Management for Willis Towers Watson (WTW). WTW provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk, and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of their colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, they help sharpen strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate workforces, and maximize performance. Kehler is known for being a strategist for WTW. Her leadership has been recognized as a key component in building and maintaining portfolios for Canadian clients.
Prior to joining WTW, Kehler was the president, CEO, and chief investment officer for the Teachers’ Retirement Allowances Fund, where she provided leadership and direction to the organization in the areas of investments, governance, finance, stakeholder relations, and communication. She also previously served as the chief investment officer for the Public Employees Benefits Agency, where she was charged with the development of policies and strategic investment advice for $8 billion in assets for 14 legal entities, including the Public Employees Pension Board and the Municipal Employees Pension Commission.
Kehler graduated from the University of Regina with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in business administration.
49). Lynne McVey
CEO, Santé Monde
Lynne McVey is the CEO of Santé Monde, a highly credible non-government organization in global health and international co-development affiliated with Laval University and funded primarily through Global Affairs Canada and the World Bank. The organization currently leads funded projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Haïti with a focus on primary healthcare prevention, the health of women and girls, and the support of health systems in low-income and developing countries.
A Fellow of the Wharton Business School Management Education for Nurses Program, McVey has occupied president and CEO positions in Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system for over 8 years. At the Douglas Mental Health University Institute as CEO and then leading a large regional health system throughout the pandemic, she has demonstrated her ability to transform teams at all levels to maintain responsiveness and meet operational challenges head-on. Born connector and strategic leader with a diplomatic and humanistic nature, McVey has received recognition from her peers for her leadership in the form of publications in peer-reviewed journals, where her students are always the first authors.
McVey is an RN with the Canadian Nurses Association and the Order of Nurses of Quebec. As Developer of Executive Education for Nurses at McGill University, she is currently leading an initiative designed to revitalize healthcare through preparing nurses for their promotion to CEO positions in healthcare thus bringing proportional representation of the nursing profession to decision-making tables of healthcare. Through online education, mentorship, executive coaching, and the creation of a nationwide database tracking nurses who are appointed to CEO positions or the highest levels of decision-making in government, she mentors nurses to achieve their career goals. In addition, McVey believes strongly and is investing her leadership strength towards the goal of having healthcare systems internationally that are agile and that strive to attain the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being.
50). Shaheen Shariff
Principal Investigator & Director, iMPACTS
Shaheen Shariff is a James McGill Professor at McGill University. Over the last 20 years at McGill, Professor Shariff has brought together academia and private industry from law, the arts, and social media to collaborate on addressing multi-sector and multi-disciplinary responses to cyberbullying and sexual violence in workplaces, universities, and schools through policy and practice, working with Quebec's provincial ministries and serving as an expert witness to the Federal Senate and Parliamentary legislative committees. Her numerous funded research projects have culminated in the iMPACTS Project on sexual violence that addresses three important domains, including law and policy, arts, activism and popular culture, and news and social media.
Shariff has sole-authored seven books and has recently published Interrupting Sexual Violence: The Power of Law, Education, and Media as series editor with Peter Lang. She has given over 100 national and international keynotes, panel presentations, and workshops on cyberbullying and sexual violence, including to judges, prosecutors, and legal bar associations. She was invited to speak at the United Nations Conference on Cyberhate, chaired by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
Shariff was the recipient of the Economic Empowerment of Women award from The International Alliance of Women, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to policy in Canada. She has supported, sponsored, and mentored numerous young women in various fields of education and is working to provide improved access to young women whose careers are affected by political situations beyond their control. Over the span of her 20 years of international and local work, she has been interviewed regularly by media on Quebec, national, and international radio and television networks, including the CBC, The Current, and The National, as well as print media interviews. In 2025, Shariff will bring to Montreal her partners, co-investigators, students, and artists to a grand finale culminating in the work of iMPACTS over the last 8 years that will include art exhibits, video documentaries, panels, keynotes, and excerpts from theatre performances developed under iMPACTS.