National Post - Financial Post Magazine
COMPASS ROSE Entrepreneurs Awards
Recognizing women who own and operate thriving businesses
ANITA AGRAWAL
B.SC, M.A. CEO,
BEST BARGAINS JEWELLERY/JEWELS 4 EVER; Founding Member, BETTER WAY ALLIANCE
BIO: Anita Agrawal is CEO of the multi-award-winning Toronto jewellery manufacturer Best Bargains (Jewels 4 Ever), and a four- time international design award recipient for jewellery design from INSTORE magazine. She is an SME advocate and TEDX speaker regularly interviewed on issues impacting women and minorityowned small business and ethical employment (CBC, BNN, Globe & Mail etc.). She is a founding member of the Better Way Alliance, former president of Owittoronto and professor of business at Centennial College.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Building a community, lifting others up and working together with like-minded people will not just help your own career but everyone.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Being bold, courageous and making an impact in your community regardless of how small or grand that difference is.
POWER SONG: Titanium, Sia; Diamond, Rihanna
ERIN CRAVEN
CEO & Freedom Founder,
UROSPOT
BIO: Founder of UROSPOT, Erin Craven disrupted the pelvic health industry to give women (and men) a modern solution to common challenges like bladder leaks and urgency while you remain fully clothed. She left a 20-year career in health care to launch her idea that combines non-invasive technology, education and health coaching to change lives. Four years later, with 20-plus clinics (open or in development) UROSPOT has fast become a national brand known for pelvic health done differently.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: When the work you do truly benefits the greater good, more good will come to you.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: If I can be confidently authentic in all aspects of my life. The older I get, the more confident I feel when I am my most authentic self.
POWER SONG: Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
KELSEY BESSEL
B.com President, CEO and Founder,
KMB CONSULTING
BIO: Kelsey Bessel is a trailblazer, breaking the mold of what it is to be an entrepreneur in the technology/ marketing industries. Having founded three successful data and technology service companies, she is at the forefront of launching her fourth company and first product start-up. She solves complex, global business problems through technology, data, process, people and strategy. Currently leading an all-women team at her technology services firm, Kelsey has dedicated her career to building opportunities and advocating for women in business.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means leaving your mark in a world where you are not the standard -- making hard decisions and owning them; taking actions you are proud of; all in the spirit of creating change and making a difference.
POWER SONG: I Am Woman, Emmy Meli
DR. MARJORIE DIXON
MDCM, FRCSC, FACOG Founder, CEO, Medical Director, ANOVA FERTILITY & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH; Assistant Professor,
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO,
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
BIO: Dr. Marjorie Dixon, an esteemed reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, is founder of Anova Fertility, Canada's premier full-service fertility and IVF centre. Internationally renowned in her field, she is the recipient of over five national awards. Driven by a passion for improving reproductive care, she is dedicated to helping patients achieve family-building goals with industryleading innovative techniques and compassion. With a deep commitment to equity, she advocates for accessible care for underserved individuals, particularly within the 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized communities.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: I LOVE to disturb. I am differentiated in my inability for complacency. I constantly push the envelope to be best in class. And I truly believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
POWER SONG: I'm Every Woman, Shaka-khan
ROSA CAPUTO
BSC
Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Board Member, KEYDATA ASSOCIATES INC.
BIO: A recognized Canadian expert in Cybersecurity, Rosa is CEO, Keydata Associates, a Cybersecurity company she founded in 2005. Focusing on service excellence, Rosa grew Keydata to become a leader in IAM services, winning awards year over year and providing IAM Security services to an extensive customer base including some of the largest companies in Canada, e.g. federal government, banks, telcos, pipelines, utilities and other critical infrastructure companies. Recently acquired by PE firm CIVC Partners, Keydata is expanding into the U.S. market.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To believe in yourself.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: With humbleness, using the tools and relationships we have to overcome obstacles and achieve a shared goal.
POWER SONG: Hero, Mariah Carey
KRISTI HINES
RN, BSCN, OHN Founder & CEO,
HINES HEALTH SERVICES INC.
BIO: Kristi Hines is Founder and CEO of Hines Health Services, a leader in occupational health, emergency medical services and recruitment services that serves some of the largest organizations and government agencies in Canada. Her dedication to the profession of occupational health and specialized medical services is evident through her practice, mentorship and innovation. Proudly raised in Fort Mcmurray, Alta., Kristi is an award-winning, passionate entrepreneur and community-builder, and recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee award.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Doing the right thing for the right reasons. Trying, stumbling, learning and getting back up, with the goal of being better every day.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Showing respect and gratitude to the team that makes the dream a reality and supporting others to do great things.
POWER SONG: Levels, Avicii
GINA LIVY
B.A., History CEO & Founder,
WEIGHT LOSS BY GINA, INC./THE LIVY METHOD
BIO: Gina Livy is the Founder and CEO of Weight Loss by Gina Inc., a business that helps people lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, so they can move on with their lives and never have to worry about weight loss ever again. Gina's mission is to change the diet industry by showing people there's a different way to lose weight that's healthy for their body and their mind, while making it accessible, affordable, doable and sustainable.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Don't wait until it's perfect, or you'll never get started. For me, it has always been “progress over perfection”, and that applies not only to business but also in life.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: The ability to help and inspire others to make positive changes in their lives.
POWER SONG: Dog Days Are Over, Florence And The Machine
FADWA MOHANNA
Founder & CEO,
ONE37
BIO: Fadwa Mohanna's One37 is a leading technology company revolutionizing digital trust and identity solutions. With a background in computer and communications engineering, she led the launch of six telecommunications networks across the Middle East and Africa. Her expertise in blockchain and AI technologies and global perspective have inspired her to establish One37 Digital Trust Platform, empowering individuals and organizations to manage their digital identities securely. Fadwa has received prestigious awards including the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur "Ones to Watch" Award.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Choosing perseverance and resilience to face challenges and setbacks transforms ordinary paths into legendary journeys.
POWER SONG: Sinnerman, Nina Simone
JENN LOFGREN
MCC, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, CDTLF, ICD.D Founder and Managing Partner,
INCITO EXECUTIVE & LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
BIO: Jenn Lofgren is a master certified coach with 15-plus years of experience working with high-performing leaders, driving remarkable growth and success. An accomplished speaker and author of "The Inspired Leader: A Reference Guide”, she has received multiple awards, including being named Leadership Coach of the Year by CEO Today in 2022. Jenn is a passionate volunteer, actively serving on various boards and committees to advocate for youth, education, business, and the arts.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: To be a leader who seeks to bring out the best in others, both in character and performance.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: The most important quality of leadership is humility. Humility means letting go of the constant need to be right, liked, or win at all costs. It's in the letting go that we find our power.
POWER SONG: Just Like Fire, Pink MEGAN RAFUSE
MSW, RSW CEO & Co-founder, SHIFT COLLAB
BIO: Megan is a therapist turned CEO who spent over a decade providing psychotherapy for thousands of highly-driven professionals. Since founding Shift Collab in 2016, the largest Canadian online mental health practice that is female and clinician-owned, Megan has delivered engaging mental health-focused keynotes at top companies including Vena, Ubisoft, Textnow and North. Megan is a vocal advocate and mentor within the mental health industry and was recently awarded the Exceptional Alumni 2023 award from Lakehead University.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Speak kindly and fairly of others, and don't be afraid to set boundaries and trust what you need. Thank your mentors. No one is self-made. Everyone is shaped, supported, held accountable and celebrated by their communities.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Creating your lasting legacy while living it.
LISA MELCHIOR BA, MBA Founder & Manager Partner, VERTU CAPITAL
BIO: Lisa Melchior is the first woman to launch a private equity firm in Canada and one of the country's leading private equity technology investors. Over the course of her career, she has invested more than $1.5B in 30 companies, leading a number of transformational deals in the enterprise software space. She is an awardwinning investor and thought leader in her sector. Lisa has been a board director for numerous public and private companies across North America and Europe.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Focus on the long term and build enduring authentic relationships.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Be bold. Thriving outside of your comfort zone.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Being in complete control over your destiny and ignoring limitations imposed by others.
POWER SONG: Don't Stop Me Now, Queen
I LOVE to disturb. I am differentiated in my inability for complacency ~ Dr. Marjorie Dixon
Don’t wait until it’s perfect, or you’ll never get started ~ Gina Livy
#WXNTOP100
JOANNE SALLAY
President & CEO TEACHERS ON CALL – TUTORING; Volunteer Chair, CORSAGE PROJECT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHILDREN'S AID FOUNDATION OF CANADA
BIO: Joanne Sallay leads Teachers on Call, an awardwinning tutoring service providing one-on-one in-person and online support by professional 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.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Leadership is the ability to address difficult choices, act with agility and adapt to a constantly changing world, while letting your core beliefs and values guide you in the process.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Recognizing your unique personal strengths and superpowers, and using them to help, empower and inspire others.
AMI SHAH
MBA Co-founder and CEO,
PEEKAPAK INC.
BIO: Ami Shah is an education technology leader dedicated to fostering skills like empathy and stress management in students worldwide. Driven by a deep passion for education, Ami ventured from her corporate job at P&G to teaching in K-4 classrooms, which fueled her desire to make a broader impact in the field of education. It also inspired her to co-found Peekapak, a platform that helps school systems teach and measure social emotional learning skills.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Make sure you're adaptable. The business world is constantly evolving, and success hinges on the ability to adjust swiftly to new challenges and opportunities.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Demonstrating a commitment to your principles, and constantly striving to make a difference in all aspects of life.
POWER SONG: On Top of This World, Imagine Dragons
ALLISON TAYLOR
MBA
Chief Executive Officer, Co-founder and Portfolio Manager, INVICO CAPITAL CORPORATION
BIO: Allison Taylor is the CEO and Co-founder of Invico Capital Corporation, providing strategic oversight on all investment, compliance and accounting functions. She has helped grow the firm's assets under management to over $2.5 billion since 2005 and serves as a trailblazer by employing a diverse workforce that is majority female. In 2023, Allison was named CEO of the Year at the Wealth Professional Awards. She is also an avid runner and has completed over 60 marathons.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Resiliency is the foundation for success and that without it, I wouldn't be where I am today.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Leading with vision, tenacity, and resilience to create a lasting impact not only on our clients' financial well-being, but also on our team and the broader community.
POWER SONG: Ordinary Day, Great Big Sea