There is more to International Women’s Day than meets the eye; it is a worldwide rallying cry for women’s emancipation and parity in power. It is a symbol of the fight against prejudice and discrimination that has never ended and of the many accomplishments made by women from all walks of life. An annual celebration of women’s achievements and struggles, International Women’s Day has its roots in the early 20th-century labour movements and continues to have an impact throughout the world today.
It is impossible to exaggerate the role of female business leaders in Canada’s economic development and innovation. They are essential to the country’s economic growth, innovation, and employment creation. They bring new ideas and viewpoints to the entrepreneurial scene via their many firms in fields as varied as healthcare, retail, technology, and finance.
Despite several hurdles, such as access to financing, gender prejudices, and juggling work and home duties, women entrepreneurs in Canada continue to survive and make significant progress. Their resilience, creativity, and determination not only propel their success but also serve as inspiration for future generations of women to chase their entrepreneurial aspirations.
What’s more, the ultimate objective of empowering women in all spheres of life and attaining gender parity is intricately linked to the prosperity of female leaders. These super women are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes to create more inclusive and diverse business environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of gender. It is essential to acknowledge and support the significant contributions of these inspiring women to the Canadian economy as we celebrate International Women’s Day. Let’s empower each other, inspire change, and build a legacy of inclusion. Because when women rise, we all rise. The human race looks forward to empowerment and inclusion as we inspire ourselves with each passing day. #InspireInclusion
The top 30 female business leaders to keep a watch on this International Women’s Day are as follows:
Throughout her varied career and tireless campaigning, Rechie Valdez—who’s both a serving Minister of Small Business and a successful entrepreneur—has made significant contributions to the Canadian economy. Her unique background and experiences enrich policymaking as the first Filipina Canadian to hold the office of minister in the federal government and as the first woman of Filipino descent to represent the Mississauga-Streetsville constituency. Rechie has a first-hand understanding of the possibilities and threats that small companies face because of his fifteen years of experience in both finance and entrepreneurship, during which he founded a successful dessert company.
Her commitment to economic expansion and community development is exemplified by her participation in philanthropic endeavours, including the coordination of basketball tournaments that benefit children’s charities. Minister Valdez’s unwavering support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, coupled with her proactive demeanour, fosters economic growth and innovation throughout Canada.
Natasha Walji, Managing Director of Google Customer Solutions Canada, has played a critical role in boosting the Canadian economy by enabling small and medium-sized companies (SMBs) with breakthrough AI solutions. Bringing a breadth of knowledge to her leadership position, Natasha’s diversified career includes consulting, software development, and a great emphasis on community involvement.
In addition to helping small and medium-sized businesses expand, her dedication to using technology for social good has had a more comprehensive social effect via her work in areas such as public health, poverty reduction, and disaster relief. In her roles as an angel investor and member of Blue Ivy Ventures’ Investment Committee, Natasha is actively involved in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs and promoting innovation in the business world. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN, Natasha’s diverse accomplishments highlight her crucial role in propelling economic development and social advancement nationwide.
Mona-Lisa Prosper has achieved remarkable accomplishments in her role as director of the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program at Futurpreneur Canada to encourage inclusive economic development and entrepreneurship throughout the country. Mona-Lisa, who possesses a legal foundation and vast industry experience encompassing fashion, technology, and economic development, is cognizant of the critical nature of resolving systemic obstacles that impede the progress of nascent enterprises.
Under her guidance at Futurpreneur Canada, she has fervently advocated for diversity and inclusion, exerting considerable effort to deconstruct barriers encountered by African American entrepreneurs. In addition to her professional responsibilities, Mona-Lisa maintains an active involvement in her community, holding the presidency of the Women’s Young Chamber of Commerce of Québec and serving on multiple committees that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her unwavering commitment to cultivating a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups not only propels their achievements but also substantially enhances the robustness and liveliness of the Canadian economy.
Under the leadership of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) CEO Alison Simpson, innovation and economic expansion in Canada have been significantly propelled. Alison’s extensive background as a seasoned marketer and executive leader endows her with a profound comprehension of brand strategy and consumer engagement. Before commencing her tenure at CMA, she occupied esteemed roles as the president of several agencies, where she spearheaded marketing initiatives for internationally recognized companies, including TMX Group, Rogers Communications, and Holt Renfrew.
Alison is an active member of the community besides her professional pursuits. She supports the Smith School of Business’s Master of Management Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Program as a director of the CNIB Foundation. She provides her expertise to the Advisory Board for that program. Alison Simpson’s enduring influence on the marketing domain in Canada, facilitated by her astute leadership and strategic acumen, stimulates the expansion of enterprises and propels GDP.
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) President and CEO Tabatha Bull is a fierce supporter of Indigenous peoples’ rights to economic autonomy and racial harmony. Tabatha, a member of the Nipissing First Nation, was named CEO of the Year by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in 2022 for her exceptional leadership. Tabatha, who has a degree in electrical engineering, is devoted to helping promote diversity and inclusion among Indigenous peoples, especially in the energy industry.
As an ardent advocate for diversity and the elimination of structural hurdles that limit possibilities for Indigenous women and companies in all sectors, Tabatha toils away at CCAB’s mission to fortify the Indigenous economy. She is so committed to helping Indigenous communities grow economically that she serves on many boards, such as Wigwamen Inc. and the Dexterra Group.
Tabatha’s impact extends well beyond CCAB because of her tireless work with national and international political authorities, where she advocates for Indigenous business challenges and provides professional analysis. Tabatha Bull has been an ardent advocate for a more equitable and prosperous Canadian economy, and her leadership has been essential in this movement.
With an unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and the promotion of economic expansion, Mairead Lavery has served as the President and CEO of Export Development Canada (EDC). She has been at the helm since 2019. In that time, she has been an outspoken supporter of trade initiatives, a champion of diversity and inclusion, and an advocate for the organization’s environmental, social, and governance duties.
Her leadership has been instrumental in EDC’s meteoric rise in international assistance for Canadian companies, enabling a yearly trade and investment of over $100 billion across 200 markets. As a key component of the Canadian government’s economic reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak, EDC supplied vital liquidity to businesses throughout the country.
Beyond her role at EDC, Mairead has had a significant impact on the business environment in Ontario and innovation projects throughout Canada via her roles as Board Chair of FinDev Canada and on other advisory boards. An important player in Canada’s economic growth and international trade relations, Mairead brings a plethora of expertise to her post with a career in senior roles at Bombardier and a profound academic basis.
Entrepreneurship promotion and economic expansion in Canada have been significantly propelled by the leadership of Startup Canada’s CEO, Kayla Isabelle. She has connected millions of entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and community to flourish by facilitating Startup Canada’s initiatives, which have furnished them with invaluable support and resources. Startup Canada has been transformed into a pillar of the entrepreneurial ecosystem due to Kayla’s strategic vision and leadership, which have had a direct impact on the achievements of more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and fifty grassroots Startup Community organizations.
Her advocacy and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial scene are evident in her support of women in leadership roles and the tools offered by the Startup Women Podcast. Kayla’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs of all backgrounds aligns with Startup Canada’s goal of promoting economic prosperity and competitiveness through entrepreneurship, leading to substantial contributions to the Canadian economy.
Strategically astute and steadfast in her dedication to fostering economic expansion in Canada, Isabelle Hudon, the President and Chief Executive Officer of BDC, is a dynamic leader. Isabelle brings to her position a multitude of experiences gleaned from her illustrious career, which includes serving as Canada’s ambassador to France and Monaco and holding executive positions at Sun Life Financial.
At BDC, Isabelle has been a driving force behind projects that seek to empower businesses and encourage sustainable economic growth. Her team of 2,900 coworkers has been inspired by her to prioritize activities that have a significant effect and contribute to the advancement of the organization’s objective. By virtue of her leadership, the BDC is intensifying its efforts to encourage economic development that is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable, therefore presenting itself as a catalyst for good change.
Isabelle’s commitment to community and culture is apparent not only in her position at BDC but also in her membership in numerous organizations and her numerous honours, which include being awarded the Commander of the Legion of Honour by the French government. The enduring influence of Isabelle’s forward-thinking leadership on the Canadian economy is evident in the way it continues to mould and enhance the country’s prosperity.
A seasoned professional with a deep dedication to serving her community, Frances Delsol is the VP of operations, national partnerships, outreach, and procurement at the Black Business & Professional Association (BBPA). Frances, a proficient Procurement & Supply Management specialist with 36 years of experience, has effectively merged her dedication to social progress with her occupational vocation. Her prior positions as Communications Director and Corporate Secretary of the BBPA and founding President of the Council of Caribbean Association attest to her commitment to community service. In these capacities, she promoted collaboration and elevated the status of marginalized communities.
She is motivated to fix societal problems like racial discrimination and economic inequality because of how her parents taught her the value of “paying it forward” when she was growing up in Dominica. Frances endeavours to establish robust collaborations and optimize initiatives under the auspices of the BBPA in order to better prospects and enhance the quality of life for African Canadians. In doing so, she ultimately contributes to the economic well-being of Canada as a whole.
The significance of cultivating an inclusive workforce and the capacity for technology to bring about profound changes are both exemplified by Rola Dagher, the Global Channel Chief at Dell Technologies. Rola’s leadership philosophy revolves around providing exceptional service to both employees and consumers throughout her 25-year career in the technology sector. Her advocacy for a corporate environment that values and respects individuals above all else is rooted in her Canadian upbringing and Lebanese heritage.
Rola’s zeal to establish a positive working atmosphere for her staff members demonstrates her conviction regarding the critical significance of a diversified and empowered labour force in propelling achievements in the era of digitalization. Under her guidance, she not only propels Dell’s worldwide endeavours forward but also renders substantial contributions to the Canadian economy, demonstrating an understanding that technology is fundamental to both economic growth and human advancement. Fundamentally, Rola personifies the tenet that although technology can facilitate progress, individuals are the genuine catalysts for transformation.
Being the CEO and Co-Founder of Ownr, Shadi McIsaac is a shining example of Canadian economic innovation and entrepreneurship. Shadi has shown an enduring dedication to using technology to bring about revolutionary change throughout his impressive career in technology, which has included prominent positions at IBM and RBC Ventures. They have shown a dedication to enabling entrepreneurs and supporting company development throughout their path, from spearheading digital innovation at RBC Ventures to co-founding Ownr. Aspiring company owners in Canada have significantly benefited from Shadi’s assistance via Ownr, which has simplified the process of starting and growing businesses.
With over 50 investments in early-stage businesses under their direction, their leadership at RBC Ventures has dramatically enhanced the vitality of Canada’s startup environment. In her role as an entrepreneur and mentor, Shadi has been and will be an inspiration to many, especially young women. Canadian entrepreneur Shadi McIsaac exemplifies the drive for innovation and economic progress that characterizes the country. McIsaac has an extensive background and a strong academic background, having earned a BA from Western University and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management.
Using her business savvy and steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation, Manjit Minhas has created significant contributions to the Canadian economy as co-founder and chief executive officer of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries. Manjit Minhas’s incredible adventure began while she was a petroleum engineering student. At the tender age of 19, she and her brother Ravinder entered the beer business. In spite of widespread skepticism, they were able to break into the Canadian beer market with a bang, catapulting their brand to new heights of prosperity.
Minhas’ goods, which include over 90 brands of beers, spirits, liqueurs, and wines, have received accolades in Canada, the United States, and 16 other countries. Aside from her economic accomplishments, Manjit promotes social responsibility, spearheading programs such as voluntary management warnings on her goods to encourage responsible consumption. With sales topping $220 million in 2020 and a slew of industry accolades to her credit, Manjit Minhas continues to exhibit innovation, leadership, and social conscience, influencing the Canadian economy and encouraging entrepreneurs throughout the country.
When it comes to reviving and empowering Indigenous businesses throughout Canada, Carol Anne Hilton has been at the forefront of the #indigenomics movement as CEO and Founder of the Indigenomics Institute. Carol Anne has shown remarkable leadership in growing a movement around Indigenous economic systems from its humble beginnings as a single hashtag. Carol Anne is a trailblazer when it comes to bringing about significant change. She serves as an adjunct professor at Royal Roads University’s School of Business. She has director positions on prominent boards, including the BC Digital Supercluster and the Canadian Economic Growth Council.
Reshaping the discourse and encouraging novel approaches for Indigenous communities, her support for the $100 billion Indigenous economic target constitutes a new norm. Carol Anne is making a lasting difference on a national and international scale by bringing together institutions, relationships, and resources to help Indigenous economies thrive. She is devoted to bringing about national and global change that will continue for generations to come, and her strategic ideas and work on social, environmental, and economic initiatives are evidence of that.
Dr. Rumeet Billan exemplifies a paradigm shift in leadership within Canada, utilizing her extensive range of skills and knowledge to reconfigure organizational climates and stimulate economic advancement. The influence of Dr. Billan, who founded Viewpoint Leadership and is CEO of Women of Influence+, is felt in many other fields. Her groundbreaking investigation into Tall Poppy Syndrome has illuminated the systemic obstacles that women encounter in professional environments. Moreover, her dedication to comprehensive well-being is exemplified through her partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association on the Happiness at Work Study.
Dr. Rumeet, who holds a doctorate from the University of Toronto and is a distinguished scholar, is also a well-known speaker and author whose perceptive contributions to education and personal growth are widely acknowledged. Her commitment to empowering people of all ages is demonstrated by her TEDx presentation on The Future of Education and her best-selling book, “Who Do I Want To Become?”
Dr. Rumeet, who is a member of the Board of Directors for First Book Canada and has received an abundance of honours, continues to influence the Canadian economy by advocating for workplaces that are resilient, inclusive, and prosperous.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC), Alison Kirkland has played a pivotal role in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and stimulating economic expansion in Canada. WEOC has become an indispensable resource for women’s entrepreneurial support organizations across the nation since her tenure began in 2019. Alison possesses an extensive repertoire of knowledge and skills in her capacity as a certified small business counsellor and possesses more than two decades of experience in communications management.
Alison’s strategic vision has resulted in the development of thorough training programs and creative financing initiatives, which have empowered female entrepreneurs nationwide. She has dedicated herself to nurturing global relationships by sharing her expertise and experiences with businesses and organizations in Ukraine and Vietnam. Alison’s participation in programs like the CUSMA SME Counsellors Network Pilot Program and the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce demonstrates her commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment in Canada.
Prominent in the domain of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Frincy Clement is renowned for her revolutionary contributions to the Canadian economy and unwavering commitment to empowering women in technology. In her capacity as the Women in AI community’s representative, she has led the expansion of the Canadian chapter, coordinating the efforts of more than 1250 members and 50 volunteers in seven locations.
With her leadership in AI as a Principal Data Scientist at ADP and her previous roles at TELUS and AltaML, Frincy leverages her skills to foster innovation and development in addition to her community-building activities. Her dedication to promoting the progress of women in STEM disciplines has garnered her acknowledgment, which culminated in 2021 with the prestigious Connection Honours Leaders of Excellence Award.
Her trajectory from her roots in Kerala, India, to her present position as a reputable leader in artificial intelligence in Canada, Frincy, demonstrates her fortitude and resolve to surmount obstacles and bring about constructive transformation. Frincy Clement’s ongoing leadership and advocacy efforts continue to yield significant benefits for the tech ecosystem and economy of Canada.
As Dell Technologies Canada’s Country Leader and Managing Director, Pamela Pelletier has had a significant impact on the country’s economy via her work guiding the company’s strategic direction and development. Pamela has shown herself effective in driving sales growth and fostering professional development within the technology sector since taking on her post in May 2021. She has been essential in leading different areas, including Canada Commercial, Enterprise, and Federal.
With over 20 years of experience, Pamela has shown herself to be an exceptional leader. Her unwavering commitment to advancing women in IT and her love of teaching and mentoring colleagues at Dell Technologies and beyond are testaments to her leadership skills. As a leader, her enthusiasm for taking on difficulties is contagious, and she uses them to her advantage by bringing people together and empowering them to achieve their maximum potential. Pamela has made a real difference to the Canadian economy via her initiatives, which demonstrate her dedication to fostering development and innovation.
The Canadian economy has significantly benefited from the leadership and knowledge of Sarah Steele, a renowned financial expert and current Senior Director of Visa Small Business Products. Over the course of her twenty-plus-year career journey, Sarah has shown her mastery of strategy planning, team leadership, and product development in a variety of settings, including consulting and product management. As a consultant at Visa, Sarah worked to improve her customers’ bottom lines by coming up with creative product ideas and providing them with individualized consulting services. She used her extensive knowledge of analytics and financial markets to glean valuable insights from Visa’s payment processing data, which in turn drove the company’s expansion.
Currently, Sarah is in charge of a group of product managers responsible for driving go-to-market strategies in the United States and Canada for Visa’s small business products and platforms in North America. Her extensive skill set, which encompasses strategy planning, product management, and risk management, highlights her significant impact on supporting the development of small businesses and the economic well-being of Canada.
The Canadian economy has been forever changed by the legendary serial entrepreneur Michele Romanow, who is also the Executive Chairman of Clearco. From her time as the youngest Dragon on Dragons’ Den at the young age of 28, Michele has tirelessly driven innovation in a wide range of businesses, garnering recognition such as Fortune’s 40 Under 40 by the time she was 35. Clearco, her most recent creation, is the biggest e-commerce investor in the world, with a value of over $2.5 billion, and it has changed the face of venture capital with its innovative revenue-sharing model.
Among Michele’s many honours include the 2021 Innovation Award from the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, which she has received for her dedication to promoting change and excellence in addition to her business pursuits. Michele Romanow has left an everlasting impression on the Canadian entrepreneurial scene through her visionary leadership and dogged innovation, beginning with her first venture as an engineering student at Queen’s University, where she spearheaded the first zero-consumer-waste café in North America.
By virtue of her inventive approach to loungewear fashion, Ashley Freeborn, co-founder and chief executive officer of Smash + Tess, has contributed significantly to the Canadian economy. Ashley and her mother saw a need in the market and filled it in 2016 with the debut of Smash + Tess, a line of fashionable yet reasonably-priced loungewear. From a small team of three to over forty employees strong, Smash + Tess has grown exponentially under her direction.
Ashley assumes a diverse range of responsibilities in her capacity as CEO, including supervision of design, financial planning, and innovative marketing initiatives. Smash + Tess has amassed considerable acclaim for its partnerships with celebrities and for being at the forefront of the Romper Revolution. This initiative promotes comfort and femininity for women of all physiques and shapes.
Ashley is dedicated to philanthropy in addition to her business accomplishments, spearheading charitable endeavours that benefit organizations such as Mamas For Mamas and Matriarch Movement. Her accomplishments include being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and placing Smash + Tess on The Globe and Mail’s list of Top Growth Companies for three consecutive years, both of which are attributable to her exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial acumen.
The Canadian economy has been profoundly impacted by the remarkable marketing career of Fatima Israel, who has worked across a variety of industries for the last fifteen years. Currently, she serves as Chief Marketing Officer at EY Canada. Fatima, in her role as Head of Brand, Marketing, and Communications, leads demand creation and growth marketing efforts with a data-driven and strategic focus on the client. She plays a multi-talented job at EY Canada, managing brands, digital marketing, social media, public relations, communications, and CSR. She makes a big difference in the market and society.
The fact that Fatima has served as a judge for the Canadian Marketing Association awards shows that her knowledge goes beyond her professional arena; she has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Beyond her professional achievements, Fatima juggles the duties of a dedicated mom with her job, demonstrating her dedication to her family and her work. Her commitment, multilingualism, and experience have given her a global view and allowed her to make lasting contributions to Canada’s economy.
As the founder and co-chief executive officer of Indigenous Box Inc., Mallory Y is a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian economy. She is also a driving force behind community participation and entrepreneurship. With her wealth of experience, strong community connections, and educational background, Mallory leads efforts to promote positive change. She holds the role of Chief Reconciliation Officer, where she champions Indigenous businesses and fosters valuable relationships between Indigenous communities and corporate Canada.
Mallory’s distinctive viewpoint, along with her Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management from MacEwan University and her achievement as the only Indigenous individual in Canada to receive a Supply Chain Management designation, establishes her as a pioneer in her industry. She has a significant impact on the business world. Plus, she contributes to initiatives focused on advancing Indigenous representation and economic development, making a lasting impression at local and national levels.
A driving force behind the revolutionary transformation in Canada’s healthcare system, Amy Vodarek is a significant economic contributor and founder of Insight Edge. Amy has been involved in coaching and teaching for over 30 years, drawing on her experience as an APRN and professor at McMaster University’s School of Nursing. By establishing Insight Edge, she encourages healthcare industry women to think outside the box and drive innovation and progress by reimagining existing systems and solutions.
Amy’s entrepreneurial zeal, clinical expertise, and coaching prowess holistically establish her as an invaluable resource for women seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of healthcare leadership. The support she provides to assist leaders in realizing their full potential and effecting significant change reflects her dedication to promoting organizational and individual culture transformation. In addition to increasing the number of women in positions of authority, Amy’s contributions improve the quality and efficacy of healthcare provision in Canada.
Stephany Lapierre, the Founder and CEO of Tealbook, is a pioneer in supplier intelligence, making substantial contributions to the Canadian economy. Stephany is celebrated for her innovative approach to utilizing supplier intelligence, earning recognition as a prominent female tech entrepreneur and a leading figure in supply chain management. She tackles the inefficiencies affecting enterprise buyers and suppliers by providing the largest, most robust B2B network powered by machine learning through Tealbook. The author’s perspective on Tealbook not only improves supplier data but also encourages creativity and value generation, establishing the company as a key player in Canada’s changing procurement environment.
Stephany Lapierre has been designated one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Supply Chain, and her firm Tealbook has received the Cool Vendor Award from Gartner and has been named one of Spend Matters’ top 50 companies to watch. Before Tealbook, Stephany dedicated a decade to establishing a thriving consulting firm specializing in strategic sourcing and procurement, with a focus on large-scale sourcing optimization projects.
A management consultant and company entrepreneur with extensive, varied expertise, Zulfira Pulotova founded Connect Local & Global Inc. and has made significant contributions to the Canadian economy. For over 15 years, Zulfira has helped organizations both at home and abroad by drawing on her knowledge in research, program management, and capacity development.
Her consulting and training services, offered via Connect L&G, assist social purpose organizations, small enterprises, and nonprofits with strategy, sales, leadership, and customer service, among other areas. With her extensive history in consulting, Zulfira creates engaging classes that help company owners and workers succeed, which in turn encourages innovation and development in Canada’s corporate world. To drive economic success and social impact, Zulfira exhibits leadership and entrepreneurship via her dedication to lifelong learning and community participation.
By virtue of her innovative approach to IT and telco recruitment, Aneela Zaib, Founder and CEO of emergiTEL, has had a substantial impact on the Canadian economy. Under her guidance, emergiTEL has significantly transformed conventional recruitment approaches by establishing an all-encompassing 3D qualification system that evaluates applicants on the basis of their cultural compatibility, technical aptitude, and interpersonal skills.
Customizing the approach not only guarantees that job requirements and candidates are optimally matched but also promotes the sustained success and retention of employees. Aneela’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender diversity is apparent in the endeavours of emergiTEL, where women occupy 75% of senior leadership positions and 40% of technical positions. These figures demonstrate her determination to cultivate inclusive work environments within the technology sector in Canada.
By empowering marginalized communities, Adebola Adefioye, Founder and Executive Director of the Afro Women & Youth Foundation, has made substantial contributions to the Canadian economy. After observing the difficulties her daughter encountered while relocating to Canada due to prejudice, Adebola established the Afro Women and Youth Foundation in an effort to assist migrant and Black women and youth who were confronted with comparable obstacles.
The foundation has established initiatives in Toronto and Sudbury, Ontario, in conjunction with benefactors, partners, and members of the community, with the purpose of cultivating self-advocacy, leadership, and self-assurance among racialized adolescents and women of African descent. Through the provision of mentorship programs, workshops, and training pertaining to topics such as gender-based violence and anti-Black prejudice, Adebola’s organization advocates for systemic change and inspires individuals. Driven by a desire to foster a cohort of empowered leaders and exemplars, Adebola’s endeavours serve as a prime illustration of how grassroots movements can effect profound changes in economic well-being and social integration.
A perfect example of a leader with a mission is Dr. Tina Elinwa, founder of Dawnspring Consulting Inc. and Transvolve Academy. Armed with a Ph.D. in Communications and over a decade of expertise in marketing and communications, she has left an indelible mark on the Canadian economy. Tina has transformed company strategy via Dawnspring Consulting Inc., enabling teams and executives to effectively overcome complicated obstacles. Tina’s influence, however, transcends boardrooms. Her dedication to community involvement and mentoring young people demonstrates her conviction regarding the efficacy of altruism. She has spearheaded a platform for personal and business development through Transvolve Academy, which provides an abundance of resources, mentorship programs, and events with the objective of empowering women and nurturing boundless development.
Tina’s pursuit of a purposeful existence is an inherently rewarding journey—a notion she continues to steadfastly uphold—as evidenced by her holistic approach, which combines professional excellence with a deep sense of social responsibility.
By virtue of her entrepreneurialism and communications strategy expertise, Eva Hartling, President and Founder of The Brand is Female, has contributed significantly to the Canadian economy. Through strategic alliances with notable corporations, including TD, L’Oréal, and Sony Pictures, her consulting practice has propelled expansion and innovation in a variety of industries.
More importantly, Eva’s establishment of The Brand is Female, the preeminent podcast on female leadership in Canada, serves as a testament to her dedication to cultivating inclusive work environments and empowering leaders who are underrepresented. Eva continues to promote equitable leadership and foster opportunities for women and marginalized communities by means of strategic consulting, media production, and DEI initiatives. In doing so, she ultimately contributes to the progress of the Canadian economy.
Sachi Kittur, the founder and chief flavour officer of Sachili, has made significant and lasting contributions to the Canadian economy via her diverse range of activities. Sachi, who has collaborated with visionary CEOs of successful technology start-ups, including Sigma Systems, Yahoo Canada, and others for over two decades, has been instrumental in driving business growth through operational excellence and strategic talent management.
With her proficiency in establishing high-performing organizations, cultivating critical competencies, and mentoring leaders, she has facilitated the development of genuine cultures propelled by empathetic leadership and invested personnel. Presently serving as the leader of Sachili, Sachi’s entrepreneurial trajectory has reached its culmination, providing indispensable perspectives to bolster entrepreneurial pursuits and leadership in the ever-evolving Canadian business environment.
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