ABOUT
What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A Chamber of Commerce is an organization with a goal to further the interests of the businesses they serve and to advocate at all levels of government for the interests of their members.
CanWCC is the first – and only – Chamber of Commerce for women-identified and non-binary business owners in Canada. (Before 2017, we didn’t exist, so there’s a lot of catching up to do). As a chamber of commerce, we represent your needs with the government. Our position and title as a chamber gives us access to people who impact change.
We’re working hard to make the change you deserve now- not in 100 years.
Why does Canada need a Women's Chamber of Commerce?
Women and non-binary entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs deserve the same opportunity to reach their full economic potential as men and people who traditionally hold power do. While there is a Canadian Chamber of Commerce, we know not everyone feels welcome, seen, or heard there. CanWCC is here to prioritize the needs of women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Not make them an afterthought.
our story
In 2015, CanWCC founder Nancy Wilson left the security of the corporate world behind in favour of the freedom, flexibility and possibility of entrepreneurship.
She set out as a freelance accountant serving women-owned businesses – but discovered quickly that being a woman entrepreneur in Canada came with some significant challenges and barriers.
She heard her own frustrations reflected back to her time and again through her clients – and couldn’t help but notice that they didn’t seem to translate to the male ‘experience’ of entrepreneurship.
At the same time, Nancy was looking for community – but found the vast majority of networking groups targeted to women were lacking in the substance she was looking for - real tools for growth and valuable connections that were useful for her business.
So she decided to do something about it – and, in 2018, The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) was born.
Community
We’re building networks of women on the ground growing successful businesses.
CONNECTION
We give you a chance to participate and contribute your voice and experience to building a new strategy for women in business.
Impact
We take this strategy as an advocacy agenda to policy makers and demand that they address systemic challenges to create lasting change.
Resources
Resources, discounts, and referrals from our partner network to achieve your goals.
We have a ‘come as you are’ philosophy
We believe that women-identified entrepreneurs and business owners are competent, innovative, and ambitious.
You do not need to be fixed - the system does.
Our team works every day to connect our members with the information and resources they need to succeed – on their terms – while advocating for the removal of systemic barriers to growth.
CanWCC is partially funded by a grant from the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE).
We value: Community & Connection
We believe that business and community interests are not mutually exclusive. Just as businesses rely on community resources, they also have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support them.
We strive to promote, elevate and nurture cultural values, wellness and businesses that sustain both our communities and ourselves.
We believe in providing inclusive access to CanWCC’s programs, services, and resources and value the work done by all persons involved with the organization, both tangible and intangible.
We recognize the diverse experiences of newly immigrated, racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQIA2S+, gender non-binary, francophone, Northern and rural, low-income, young and senior women, and women with disabilities. We seek input from these communities to ensure programs, services, and resources provide equitable support to all women in business.
We value: Collaboration
We choose to focus on complementing, rather than competing with, services, resources, and organizations in Canada’s business ecosystem. We value mutual benefit for all parties in all partnerships with members, sponsors, partner organizations, governments and the public.
We believe that compassion and empathy are the building blocks of connection and value the humanity, autonomy, and independence of all individuals.
Honestly, inclusion, and openness are essential to creating connection, and we strive to live these values in all interactions with members, sponsors, partners, governments and the public.
We value transparency and openness in our partnerships with members, sponsors, partner organizations, government and the public, and strive to be transparent in all communications. All advocacy, policies, programs, resources, and services are non-partisan.
We value: Change
We strive to ensure CanWCC remains responsive to changes in the Canadian business ecosystem and member-voiced concerns. We will remain open to change and relevant to our membership for the lifetime of the organization.
To learn more about CanWCC, read our story, or meet our team. For membership info – or to join us! – please visit our membership page.
Catherine Chan
Chief Operating Officer
Catherine is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, consultant, and writer. A graduate of The University of Western Ontario Master of Arts program, she started her career in marketing in the entertainment industry before finding her home in management. Catherine has been a successful retail store manager, sales manager, hiring manager, and training manager.
On the entrepreneurship side, Catherine founded and built FitIn, a marketplace-enterprise software solution for the fitness and wellness industry. She has also supported small business owners in a consultant capacity for over 25 years, most recently as a fractional COO. This wide experience plus her talent for growing and organizing teams with “excellent bedside manner” is what makes Catherine such an effective leader.
Catherine is a long-time lover of running, has competed in kettlebell competitions as well marathons, and has her Grade 4 sash in Wing Chun Kung Fu. Most recently, she returned to her musical roots, learning to play the ukulele and now the guitar. No garage band auditions are planned as yet, but she’ll keep you in the loop.
Nancy Wilson
Founder & CEO
Nancy Wilson is the Founder, CEO and chief rabble-rouser here at CanWCC. In addition, Nancy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with more than a decade of accounting experience in various corporate roles. She also owned and operated an accounting and business advisory firm serving women business owners and entrepreneurs. Nancy launched CanWCC in January 2018 out of frustration regarding the barriers, lack of resources and difficulty finding connection she experienced as a business owner – and has been working ever since to create a powerful network of women through which to drive change and create equality in Canadian business. Nancy is a driven and accomplished feminist entrepreneur who loves learning new things, meeting new people, discussing the philosophical underpinnings of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and watching horror movies.
Ashleigh Gilbert-Lonsdale
Executive Assistant
Ashleigh Gilbert-Lonsdale
Executive Assistant
Ashleigh Gilbert-Lonsdale, a resident of Peterborough, ON, originally from Kingston/Sydenham, brings a unique blend of academic prowess and practical experience to the world of finance. Armed with a BSc in Psychology from Trent University and a current pursuit of an Accounting Diploma from Sir Sanford Fleming, Ashleigh has over a decade of accounting expertise.
Founder of “AGL Bookkeeping and Virtual Assistance,” Ashleigh transitioned from a corporate Operations Manager role to entrepreneurship, driven by a commitment to creating a more inclusive environment, especially for women. This is why Ashleigh is especially excited to begin working with CanWCC.
Certified with various accounting and bookkeeping credentials, including QBO Pro Advisor, Ashleigh’s skills are matched by her passion for causes like human rights, climate activism, and animal welfare. In her downtime, she indulges in reading, art, games, and relaxation with her feline companions.
Beyond the professional realm, Ashleigh aspires to own a hobby farm filled with rescued animals. This dedication extends to her volunteer work with the Peterborough Humane Society, aligning her values with hands-on contributions to animal welfare.
Join Ashleigh on a journey where numbers meet empathy, and every balance sheet tells a story.
Deirdre Cleveland
Research Analyst
Deirdre Cleveland
Research Analyst
Deirdre is a research and policy nerd based in Toronto with experience in community mobilizing, advocacy, and public affairs. She holds a Master of Public & International Affairs from York University and a Master of International Relations from Sciences Po.
After five years working with the federal public service, she is thrilled to join the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce as a Research Analyst. Deirdre is the proud daughter of immigrants, neurodivergent, and navigates life with a chronic pain disability. These aspects of her identity propel her to pursue radical social change, and integrate her lived experience and foundational belief in intersectional feminism into her life and work.
Jenna Cloughley
Director, Membership & Community
Jenna Cloughley
Director, Membership & Community
A natural relationship builder, Jenna thrives on connecting people around shared values. Jenna has a thirst for knowledge. She has a keen interest in policy developments, strategies for building social movements, and the macroeconomic, political, and social conditions that arise from the overlapping crises we find ourselves in.
Jenna is an engaging writer and communicator. She has deep convictions, especially around women’s economic resilience, intersectional feminism and Indigenous communities’ rights – and voices these convictions, even when it would be easier to stay silent. She aims to live life like having fun is her only job. She believes in the power of “women-led”, and that naps matter. Connect with Jenna on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Jenna lives and works on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and home to the Métis Nation. She recognizes that her water originates in Shoal Lake 40 First Nation territory.
Judy Rebick
Strategic Advisor
Judy Rebick
Strategic Advisor
Judy Rebick is one of Canada’s best-known feminists. While semi-retired, she continues to work for change as a speaker, advisor and writer. She is the author of 6 books, her latest a memoir, Heroes in My Head. Judy was the first CAW Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy at Ryerson. She hosted two national TV shows on CBC in the 1990’s and is also the founding publisher of rabble.ca, Canada’s most active independent online news and discussion site. She is the former president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women and was a spokesperson for the pro-choice campaign that won legal abortion in Canada in the 1980’s.
Lise Déesse Manirakiza
Program Coordinator
Lise Déesse Manirakiza
Program Coordinator
Lise is dedicated to challenging the status quo and promoting equity. With a Master’s degree in Public Management and Policy, she has honed her expertise in advocating for marginalized communities, particularly Afro-descendants, striving to address racism and champion inclusive policies.
With experience in addressing issues of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment, Lise brings a nuanced understanding of power dynamics and inequality to her role as the program coordinator of our Flip the Script and membership programs. Inspired by the belief that balance is key, she is passionate about health, wellness, and nurturing relationships. Dreaming of travelling the world, Lise embraces the richness of human diversity, soaking up different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Her goal? To truly understand and empathize while also tackling significant global issues.
Maricruz Vazquez
Marketing Manager
Maricruz Vazquez
Marketing Manager
Maricruz Vazquez is a marketing professional specializing in social media and public relations, currently serving as the Marketing Manager at CanWCC in Toronto. Her extensive background spans diverse industries, including fashion, technology, beauty, and charitable organizations. After graduating in Fashion Communications, Maricruz embarked on a career journey with national and international brands in Canada. Driven by her strong ethical values, she expanded her client portfolio to include companies that share her commitment to integrity.
Now a vital part of the CanWCC team, Maricruz is dedicated to elevating and nurturing this vibrant community through strategic communications initiatives. Beyond her professional endeavors, Maricruz is deeply passionate about animal welfare, travel, and culinary exploration.
Maryam Masoumi
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Maryam Masoumi
Manager, Strategic Partnerships
Maryam Masoumi is the Strategic Partnerships Manager at CanWCC, based in Guelph, ON. With over ten years of hands-on experience in marketing and Business Development, Maryam firmly believes that forming and building partnerships is inherently about mutual benefit, showcasing the highest degree of trust. Her approach to partnerships is informed by her deep understanding of market dynamics and her commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for women in business.
Growing up in an environment where women were often viewed as the inferior gender fueled her passion to fight for equal rights and the advancement of women in business. This passion was further ignited by earning a master’s degree from the University of Guelph in Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship, which deepened her enthusiasm for the world of entrepreneurship.
Connect with Maryam on LinkedIn.
Paula Fletcher
Marketing Coordinator
Paula Fletcher
Marketing Coordinator
Paula Fletcher coordinates, executes and manages social media channels. Blending an eclectic mix of startup, marketing, nonprofit, film, and television experience, Paula loves to tell stories, curate interesting content and foster online communities.
Paula has worked in a variety of production and marketing roles, primarily specializing in social media and events management. She’s worked for all sorts of organizations including National Geographic, CBC, CTV, MTV, P&G, TIFF, Fashion Designer Annie Thompson, brain sensing hardware startup InteraXon and many others. Paula is also passionate about gender equality and women’s entrepreneurship and is proud to be a founding team member for the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce. A member of the CanWCC leadership team from day one, she built CanWCC’s social media and community strategy from the ground up. Paula expertly uses a variety of strategies and platforms to propel engagement and community growth and is a critical member of CanWCC’s team because of it.
In her spare time, you can usually find Paula cross-stitching or taking quirky photos of toys for her Instagram account, @PCLFletcher.
Board of Advisors
Andrea Sayde
Andrea Sayde
Andrea has over 7 years in member management, stewardship, and growth roles. She is an authentic, intentional, inclusive relationship builder and manager excelling in roles where she is able to support others in their personal and professional journeys.
As the Membership Manager at the Centre for Social Innovation, Andrea directly supported a portfolio of over 300+ online community members/entrepreneurs across Canada. For new members she was the first point of contact supporting them in kickstarting their journey into the community and connecting them with opportunities and people who could support their personal, entrepreneurial, and professional growth.
Prior to the Centre for Social Innovation she was VP of Member Relations at Young Women in Business were she was able to support a network of professionals (including entrepreneurs) from various industries through events, education, mentorship, and programming.
Andrea holds a Master of Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Environmental Studies focusing on Politics, Governance, and Policy, both from York University. Her major research paper titled “Gender-Based Violence in Lebanon: An arts-based approach to advocacy” focused on Sustainable Development Goal 5, gender equity.
Brittany Gataveckas
Brittany Gataveckas
Brittany is a social sustainability expert who helps organizations advance gender equity, strengthen human rights commitments, enhance decent work practices, and improve workplace diversity and inclusion. Her work has greatly accelerated the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by Canada’s private sector.
Brittany currently serves as Co-owner and Director, Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Chester & Fourth Inc, a Canadian advisory firm. She is responsible for driving sustainable business growth and designing high-impact gender equity and human rights initiatives.
In her previous roles with the Canadian chapter of the United Nations Global Compact, Brittany oversaw Local Network Canada’s national portfolio on corporate human rights and labour. She was responsible for securing and delivering multiple national government funded projects to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace with the goal of building a more resilient and sustainable private sector. Brittany joined the UN Global Compact Network Canada to help to deliver the Gender Equality Leadership in the Canadian Private Sector project where she co-authored the Blueprint for Gender Equality and Maturity Model self-assessment tool. Her earlier professional experience includes consulting, research, and strategic communication roles with leading nonprofits, universities, and financial institutions.
Brittany holds a PhD in international relations from McMaster University.
Christianne McMartin
Christianne McMartin
Christianne McMartin leads The Scotiabank Women Initiative Small Business Strategy across Canada. Chris took on this role in September of 2021, to help build and enhance a program that helps women overcome the challenges they face on their path to success when starting, sustaining, and growing a business. Chris leads many national events and partnerships such as the Master Class Series, The IWD: She Shoots She Scores, StrikeUP Virtual Conference and the mentorship program.
Chris joined Scotiabank in 2008 as a Financial Advisor. In 2012 Chris progressed to the role of Small Business Advisor where she found her passion for Small Business which she carried with her throughout her career to date.
Chris also has a passion for people which has led her to champion equity initiatives through many diversity, equity and inclusion roles within the bank. She currently sits as the Co-Chair for the National Allyship Council, a Stream Lead for the Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group and a participant on the Employee Pulse Committee.
At home Chris leads another team; she is a mom of four. Chris has three teenage boys and a young daughter that keep her on her toes. Even while running her children to dance classes, football practices and part time jobs she finds time to enjoy her own hobbies like going to the gym and coaching a dance team.
Cindy James
Cindy James
Cindy James, a dynamic Silverpreneur, boasts a two-decade career with profound contributions to the pet industry, business development and higher education. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur full time, Cindy used her coaching skills to increase the capacity of managers, students and administrators at Acadia University. Her 12-years at Acadia included designing focus groups and surveys to create strategy around equity, change management, cooperative education, and entrepreneurship training.
Following Acadia University, Cindy worked with the Centre of Entrepreneurship Education and Development in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Here she was at an executive level advising on marketing, branding, public affairs and social enterprise development. Working alongside aspiring entrepreneurs to create program delivery that met their unique business development needs.
Her work with CPJ Consulting, a firm she created to respond to curated contracts, included:
– community capacity building around the tidal energy sector
– redesigning the food & hospitality program for an adult education centre
– building the strategic direction for Richmond County recreation
– currently working as a coach for Side Hustlers and growing rural companies in Pictou County, Nova Scotia
Since 2016, she has focused on the joy of pet care, culminating in the establishment of Crafty Beasts Brewing Company in 2020. In education, Cindy’s passion shines as an educator and small business coach. She innovatively shapes young minds and aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing inclusivity and lifelong learning. A captivating public speaker, Cindy has left lasting impressions at conferences, seminars, and workshops.
Heidi Penning
Heidi Penning
Heidi is the proud founder and co-owner of Ravens Rest Retreat, a coastal farm stay getaway on the Noel Shore of Nova Scotia. She is passionate about cultivating an experience for her guests where they are free to be their authentic selves and leave the grind culture behind. With a robust background in community engagement, she is a staunch advocate for gender equality and is dedicated to driving transformational change, fostering growth and inclusivity in both the business and broader community.
Hermine Mbondo
Hermine Mbondo
Hermine Mbondo, with over 15 years of experience in marketing, branding, and communications, is a social impact advocate, investor, mentor, advisor, and educator. Aspiring to leverage marketing to amplify the impact of brands and organizations that are making the world a better place, she founded B4brand in 2017, a bilingual English/French, storytelling-driven marketing agency for purpose-driven brands. Passionate about fostering educational opportunities and cultivating inclusive spaces for diverse perspectives to intersect and enrich learning experiences, she launched the Global Impact Hub, a one-stop marketing online platform and community for changemakers, and also teaches at La Cité, the largest French-language college of applied arts and technology in Ontario. With a diverse background spanning multiple countries, Hermine excels in storytelling, brand strategy, and advocacy. Her portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations and recognition as one of Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch. Hermine holds a Master’s degree in Management from SKEMA Business School.
Melissa Maloney
Melissa Maloney
Melissa Maloney is a visionary leader dedicated to fostering positive change through empowerment, inclusivity, and engagement. With a profound commitment to leadership, she is the co-founder of AWL Partners where empowerment is not just a goal- but a standard!
In her role as the co-founder of All Women LEAD, Melissa champions the cause of empowering women across various sectors. Through this initiative, she strives to break barriers, promote diversity, and create a supportive network that propels women to leadership roles. Her passion for gender equality and inclusive leadership has made All Women LEAD a powerful force in the journey towards a more equitable future.
As the Vice President of TechAlliance, Melissa brings her strategic vision, and 25 years of executive leadership in Sales and Operations. Melissa’s commitment to advancing technology in a way that benefits society reflects her belief in the transformative power of innovation.
Melissa is not only a leader in the professional realm but also a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights and experiences on leadership, gender equality, and productivity in the workplace. Her engaging and dynamic speaking style captivates audiences, leaving a lasting impact and inspiring individuals to become catalysts for positive change.
With a diverse background encompassing entrepreneurship, women’s leadership advocacy, and wellness, Melissa Maloney embodies the spirit of a modern leader who envisions a world where everyone can thrive. Her dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative future makes her a beacon of inspiration for aspiring leaders and changemakers alike.
Meltem Kilicaslan
Meltem Kilicaslan
Meltem is a designated Qualified Mediator by ADR-Ontario, committed to fostering workplace harmony and a culture of peace. As the Founder of MELTEM K, she promotes healthy workplace relationships through consulting, mediation, and customized training programs, including group workshops and coaching.
The core tenets of her coaching philosophy are to harness the transformative power of conflict resolution, effective communication, creative thinking, building healthy boundaries, and instilling a collaborative problem-solving mindset.
Meltem holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Manitoba’s Asper School of Business. With over 20 years of international business and entrepreneurial experience, she brings a global perspective and cultural sensitivity to her work. Trilingual in English, Turkish, and German, Meltem leverages her diverse background to help organizations and leaders create more positive, equitable, and inclusive work environments.
Dedicated to peace work and women’s empowerment, Meltem is an active member of Mediators Beyond Borders International and volunteers as a speaker and trainer at various nonprofits supporting women entrepreneurs and youth.
Pam Ivey
Pam Ivey
Pam Ivey is a seasoned marketing educator and strategist with over 30 years of experience, including two decades in the online space. She is the founder of Flourish Marketing Co., where she empowers small business owners, particularly women-led ventures, to overcome marketing overwhelm and build clear, actionable strategies for sustainable growth. Pam is passionate about helping businesses get noticed and thrive, and her work focuses on simplifying marketing while maximizing results.
A graduate of the Harvard Business School Online’s Business Strategy Certification program, Pam has also developed a deep interest in sustainable business practices, furthered by her studies in Sustainable Business Strategy. Her hands-on experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial sectors enables her to understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses, and she is committed to helping them achieve long-term success.
Pam has served as a trusted advisor to countless businesses, helping them clarify their messaging, attract their ideal clients, and grow their revenue through innovative and practical marketing solutions. She is also the creator of the Flourish Growth Framework, a five-step system designed to guide business owners through every stage of their marketing journey.
With a deep commitment to supporting women in business and a passion for fostering community-driven growth, Pam is eager to contribute her skills and insights as a member of the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board.
Raksha Manaktala Bhayana
Raksha Manaktala Bhayana
Raksha M. Bhayana is currently CEO of the Bhayana Family Foundation and Principal, Bhayana Management focused on managing investment portfolios. Her career spans both the nonprofit and private sectors in senior managerial and consultative capacities Prior to her move to the business world, she was active in directing a range of not-for-profit organizations. Remain active in research on social sector issues leading to publication of the findings.
Raksha and her husband were recently named among the 2021 Indiaspora Global 100 Philanthropy Leaders List.
Ms. Bhayana has over 25 years of Board Governance experience with a wide range of health care, nonprofit and private sector organizations. These include TELUS Community Advisory Board (GTA) Central Local Health Integration Network, United Way of Greater Toronto, Canadian Mental Health Association (Toronto Branch), Right to Play, Ontario Early Years Champion Steering Committee, UNICEF Canada, Surrey Place Centre, Family Service Association, and Ontario Association of Professional Social Workers. She is currently on the Board of Rise and the Government Relations Committee of Reena.
Zahra Abdullah
Zahra Abdullah
Zahra Abdullah is a leadership consultant and business transformation expert with over 18 years of global experience. Holding an MBA and currently a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership at Columbia International University, she began her career in Saudi Arabia with Elixir, a McKinsey-owned consultancy, where she became the first woman promoted to associate partner, leading change management initiatives with C-level executives.
Currently, Zahra consults with BOxD Better Organizations by Design on post-M&A changes and cultural transformations and is a business consultant with Umbrex, focusing on transformation strategies. She also conducts DEI workshops for leaders across Canada and mentors global company leaders with Ezra and Better Up.
Zahra’s diverse experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to gender equity and leadership development make her a valuable asset to any organization dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and empowering women leaders.
Board of Directors
Ashley Wilke
Ashley Wilke
Ashley Wilke is a charismatic executive with a demonstrated record designing and leading progressive human resources management programs aligned to enhance organizational development. She holds a Master Human Resources Management (MHRM) degree as well as a CPHR designation and is known for having a keen sense of human capital responsibility, leveraging strategic direction, and change management as opportunities for organizational effectiveness and success. She is highly engaged influential leader, skilled at building strong inclusive relationships at all organizational levels. Ashley lives in the Queen City of Regina, SK. with her husband Chris, and two kiddos, Sawyer and Collins.
Catherine Chan
Chief Operating Officer
Catherine Chan
Chief Operating Officer
Catherine is a serial entrepreneur, mentor, consultant, and writer. A graduate of The University of Western Ontario Master of Arts program, she started her career in marketing in the entertainment industry before finding her home in management. Catherine has been a successful retail store manager, sales manager, hiring manager, and training manager.
On the entrepreneurship side, Catherine founded and built FitIn, a marketplace-enterprise software solution for the fitness and wellness industry. She has also supported small business owners in a consultant capacity for over 25 years, most recently as a fractional COO. This wide experience plus her talent for growing and organizing teams with “excellent bedside manner” is what makes Catherine such an effective leader.
Catherine is a long-time lover of running, has competed in kettlebell competitions as well marathons, and has her Grade 4 sash in Wing Chun Kung Fu. Most recently, she returned to her musical roots, learning to play the ukulele and now the guitar. No garage band auditions are planned as yet, but she’ll keep you in the loop.
Daniella Etienne
Daniella Etienne
Daniella Etienne is no stranger to the sting of exclusion. As a Black Haitian woman born to immigrant parents, she is all too familiar with the way it feels to never see yourself reflected in marketing and advertising. Daniella created Le Code Switch to change that narrative and ensure that people from diverse communities are no longer left out of the conversation.
And she has the experience and skill to lead that shift. Daniella is a veteran of the marketing and communications industry. For over 20 years, she has brought her talent and her passion for inclusion to several high-impact roles. Most notably, Daniella has led marketing, communications, and stakeholder engagement with the Government of Canada’s Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat. Her work spans national and international campaigns, initiatives, and partnerships to address racism, Islamophobia, and other inequities, and has earned her two Deputy Ministers’ Awards.
Elizabeth Hesp
Elizabeth Hesp
Elizabeth Hesp is a credentialed professional coach and cross-cultural consultant with over six years of experience helping women entrepreneurs and mid-career women professionals from diverse backgrounds confidently navigate changes in their businesses and careers. Her professional services are strategically delivered within an equitable and inclusive framework and through a trauma-informed lens for transformative outcomes.
She is the founder of Elizabeth Hesp Coaching and Consulting in Kingston, Ontario and has been twice nominated by her clients as a Woman of Influence for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards (2021 and 2022). As a public speaker, she builds agency to support systemic change and gender equity.
As a professional visual artist, she has received Ontario Arts Council grants, self-published, and held exhibitions of large-scale installations of her fine art photography work. She has also advocated for artists’ professional development opportunities and was the first South-Asian immigrant women arts-entrepreneur in South Eastern Ontario to sell directly to clients her Art for Business service (Elizabeth Hesp Fine Art, 2015 – 2021).
When not working, she volunteers as a board director or advisory member for non-profits. As a mindfulness practitioner, she believes awareness is paramount to personal and professional growth. She enjoys long walks, spending time with family and friends and a good cup of spiced tea when engaging in generative conversations with peers.
Erin Scott
Erin Scott
Erin Scott is a dedicated entrepreneur and advocate for women in business, with a strong focus on fostering growth within the Northern Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem. As the founder of Mikro Match, Erin leverages her extensive experience to support and empower female entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the unique challenges they face.
With a background in building a Northen Startup Ecosystem, Erin combines her passion for innovation with a commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for women in business. She actively engages with various stakeholders to promote systemic change and enhance access to resources for women entrepreneurs.
Erin’s leadership is characterized by her collaborative approach and her ability to build meaningful relationships across diverse networks. Through her work, she aims to amplify the voices of Canadian female entrepreneurs, particularly those from Northern regions, ensuring they have the support and representation needed to thrive.
Helen Lugar
Helen Lugar
Helen Lugar leads CHIMA’s community portfolio, driving engagement and fostering collaboration across the health information field. With a focus on expanding shareholder relationships and building effective communication structures, Helen creates opportunities for meaningful connections and future-focused initiatives.
Experienced in managing cross-Canadian, multi-disciplinary teams, Helen leverages her bilingual skills in French and English to engage diverse audiences. Passionate about creating positive relationships, Helen is dedicated to advancing the health care through collaboration and community leadership.
Maroquine Aziz
Maroquine Aziz
Maroquine Aziz, who holds an MBA from the University of Laurier and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Toronto, has pursued a diverse career driven by her passion for innovation and knowledge. As a strategic visionary and transformational leader, she excels at integrating digital innovations within the technology and high-growth sectors. Her forward-thinking strategies are designed to enhance customer experiences, reduce risks, and streamline operations for increased efficiency, all while fostering excellence among diverse global teams. With a focus on global perspectives and a creative mindset, she values continuous learning, teamwork, coaching, and mentorship. A true changemaker, Maroquine is dedicated to addressing complex business challenges and driving success.
Nancy Wilson
Founder & CEO
Nancy Wilson
Founder & CEO
Nancy Wilson is the Founder, CEO and chief rabble-rouser here at CanWCC. In addition, Nancy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) with more than a decade of accounting experience in various corporate roles. She also owned and operated an accounting and business advisory firm serving women business owners and entrepreneurs. Nancy launched CanWCC in January 2018 out of frustration regarding the barriers, lack of resources and difficulty finding connection she experienced as a business owner – and has been working ever since to create a powerful network of women through which to drive change and create equality in Canadian business. Nancy is a driven and accomplished feminist entrepreneur who loves learning new things, meeting new people, discussing the philosophical underpinnings of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and watching horror movies.
pk mutch
pk mutch
PK Mutch (she/her/elle) is a tkaronto/Toronto based serial award-winning feminist/eco/food entrepreneur, activist, university educator, writer, and indie publishing professional who works at the intersection of entrepreneurship + feminism + post growth economics. Governance experience includes Chair, Vice Chair and committee work on several University business school advisory boards, ZooShare (Energy Cooperative), OCAD U, Canadian Nature Conservancy (National Board), Equitable Now, A Black-led Toronto based social agency focused on harm reduction. pk has recently also joined the CEDNet board (Community Economic Development) and the Flourishing Business Organization board (International).
pk mutch has served on the CanWCC founding board since 2018.
Rose Kattackal
Rose Kattackal
Rose Kattackal is a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience in governance, strategic development, and socio-economic policy analysis. She fosters inclusive leadership, and driving cultural change across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Rose has a proven record of collaborating with senior leaders and organizations to implement sustainable, innovative solutions that enhance organizational performance while promoting diversity and economic empowerment.
Rose has developed forward-thinking inclusion strategies and led initiatives that address systemic barriers to social and economic participation. Notably, Rose spearheaded programs that empowered over 1,000 Indigenous businesses and supported the integration of 250,000 newcomers into the Canadian workforce.
Rose’s experience in the areas of recruitment, talent management, and leadership coaching has successfully guided organizations through complex transitions and fostering environments where diverse talent thrives. Rose has coached hundreds of leaders, helping them build inclusive cultures and embrace innovation.
Currently serving on a number of advisory boards. Rose is committed to improving access to resources and opportunities for marginalized groups. With a Master’s in Public Administration and experience in inclusive leadership and intersectional issues, she is contributing to social and economic inclusion through systemic change across sectors.
Sanka Kangudi
Sanka Kangudi
Sanka Kangudi is a visionary change agent with over 20 years of experience in transforming business disruption into growth. As the founder of Trendsetting@Work, she empowers businesses to thrive in volatile markets using her unique C.O.D.E. methodology. Sanka’s expertise lies in developing antifragile mindsets, strategic planning, and operational agility. Her career spans executive roles in talent optimization and communication, making her a catalyst for companies seeking to enhance their decision-making and operational frameworks. Through keynotes, podcasts, and mentoring, Sanka offers actionable insights that help businesses not just survive, but excel in today’s challenging environment. Her mission is to ignite hope, uncover possibilities, and propel sustainable growth for organizations embracing change.
Shilpa Tiwari
Shilpa Tiwari
Dr. Shilpa Tiwari is an accomplished sustainability, social impact, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) leader with over two decades of experience. She is the founder and CEO of No Women No Spice, a pioneering social enterprise that partners with women farmers in Tanzania, to produce and export fair trade organic spices. Through this venture, Dr. Tiwari champions sustainable agriculture and financial independence for women in East Africa, integrating her expertise in ESG and her passion for responsible business practices.
With a PhD in Social Anthropology and a BSc in Environmental Biology, Dr. Tiwari brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Her professional journey spans leadership roles in sustainable investing and corporate sustainability at major organizations such as OMERS and Manulife. As a seasoned consultant, she has guided global clients in sectors like mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure on environmental and social impact assessments, with projects supported by the World Bank, IFC, and ADB.
Dr. Tiwari is also a sought-after speaker and writer, with contributions to prominent publications including Corporate Knights and Investment Executive, where she delves into topics such as ESG strategy, intersectional sustainability, and the need for a human and planet-centered economy. She is a recognized thought leader in the field, with a vision of driving systemic change and creating a sustainable future that benefits both people and the planet.
