Held at the iconic Fairmont Royal York Toronto this November, the event was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of female power and influence. As a symbol of their towering accomplishments, each of these remarkable women received a distinctive Big White toque. These aren't just pieces of headgear; they are emblems of the extraordinary heights these leaders have ascended. Like conquering the most challenging slopes, these women have navigated the terrains of their respective fields with grace and determination, reaching new pinnacles of success.
Credit: Josh Fee Photography
The theme of this year's awards, “Powerful Like a Legend,” goes beyond recognizing accomplishments. It's a celebration of the indelible impact that these women have made and continue to make in their respective fields. From corporate boardrooms to creative arts, from public service to entrepreneurial ventures, these women have not only left a mark but are paving the way for future generations of female leaders. These women, much like the athletes who master the slopes, demonstrate that every summit is within reach with the right blend of passion, skill, and determination. Join us as we celebrate eight of these incredible 100 trailblazers!
Joanne Sallay, is the President & CEO of
Teachers on Call – Tutoring, an award-winning
tutoring service providing one-on-one in-person and
online tutoring by professional Canadian Certified Teachers for elementary and high school students. Passionate about helping students achieve academic success and supporting education and community programs, Joanne also volunteers as Chair of the Corsage Project in partnership with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. She was selected for the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women North America program and with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee awards.
Allison Taylor, is the CEO and co-founder of Invico Capital Corporation, a Calgary-based investment fund management firm holding over $2.7 billion in assets across North America. She has over 25 years of experience in corporate financing and serves as a Portfolio Manager for Invico’s managed investment offerings, including the award-winning Invico Diversified Income Fund. Allison was named CEO if the Year in 2023 and has twice been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 award winners.
Dr. Marjorie Dixon, CEO, Founder, and Medical Director of Anova Fertility, is a celebrated specialist in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, known for her pioneering work in ovarian aging and fertility. A dedicated educator and philanthropist, she has made substantial contributions to advancing fertility care in Canada, advocating for accessible reproductive services, particularly for marginalized communities. Her innovative efforts in establishing cutting-edge fertility labs and her commitment to promoting women's wellness and health education underscore her leadership in the field.
Jill Schnarr, is Chief Communications and Brand Officer at TELUS and leads corporate communications, public relations, government relations, brand marketing, sponsorship, philanthropy, and community investment. Jill brings TELUS’ purpose to life, leveraging its world-leading technology to enable remarkable human outcomes while fostering a high-performance culture that has propelled TELUS to be recognized as a global leader in social capitalism and one of the most valuable brands in Canada.
Joyce Carter, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Halifax International Airport Authority, which operates, manages, and develops Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the 8th busiest airport in Canada. Joyce is deeply committed to supporting and advising the aviation industry, particularly women in aviation, through mentoring and various board memberships, locally, nationally, and internationally. She is a Board Member and Past Chair of the Canadian Airports Council, the first woman to hold that role.
Kristine Hines, is a renowned entrepreneur from Fort McMurray, Alberta, who leads Hines Health Services Inc., providing emergency medical and occupational health services across Canada. Her commitment to occupational health and medical solutions is reflected in her roles as Past President of the Alberta Occupational Health Nurses Association and positions with Fort McMurray Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, and Alberta Chamber of Commerce. Hines is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and the Women of Inspiration Award.
Prerana Manoj, is a 16-year-old passionate about bridging gaps within health care, education and sustainability with the power of artificial intelligence. In 2021, Prerana pitched her social enterprise start-up on Dragons Den and was offered a $25K shared investment. She is co-founder and co-developer at Project HeartScope, which reached the Technovation Girls Internationals and travelled to San Francisco to pitch the idea. In addition, she is a Human-Computer Interactions Research Intern at Ontario Tech University, exploring the role of emotions in online learning environments.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, is the Vice Chair and Managing Director of Global Investment Banking at CIBC Capital Markets. Ms. Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets in January 2020 after careers in the public and private sectors. Her focus is on senior client coverage and business development with clients in the energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors. Previously, Ms. Raitt was the President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority. She was elected to the House of Commons in 2008 and held three senior portfolios. Ms. Raitt was the Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada.
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The WXN compiles this prestigious list annually, recognizing women who have made outstanding contributions to their organizations, industries, and communities. Their achievements span various sectors, including business, academia, arts, and public service, showcasing the diverse ways in which women lead and inspire.
Learn more and view the complete list of 2023 winners here.
