From the front lines to behind-the-scenes; in boardrooms as executives to classrooms filled with children; women have played an essential role in fighting the pandemic. Despite the critical roles we play, we have suffered disproportionately with increased unemployment, domestic violence and poverty. A narrative that we are all sadly too familiar with – and now amplified. The road to pandemic recovery is a long one and will take all of us. One thing is clear, however – a brighter future for everyone is one where women are treated with equality in the workplace and have the same opportunities, pay, duties, respect and voice.
Arlene Dickinson – CEO, District Ventures Capital
Arlene Dickinson is a serial entrepreneur and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund focused on helping market, fund and grow entrepreneurs and their companies, in the food and health space.
She is a three-time best-selling author, podcaster and accomplished public speaker. Dickinson is widely recognized for her role as a Dragon/Venture Capitalist for over 12 seasons on the multi-award-winning CBC television series, Dragons Den.
Ms. Dickinson’s leadership has been recognized many times, including Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame, the Pinnacle Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, as well as PROFIT and Chatelaine’s Top 100 Women Business Owners. She is a Marketing Hall of Legends inductee and a proud recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award. Dickinson has served for many years as an Honourary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy.
She sits on several public and private boards and is actively involved in supporting the community and country.