TWO CANADIAN TRAILBLAZERS:

Dr. Jinzi Zheng:

Co-founder of Nanovista, an imaging agent which aims to help surgeons perform higher precision cancer surgery: “To be bold for change means that you need to test your own limits and push the invisible boundaries within yourself. Too often we limit ourselves in our actions and choices well before we reach our potential, because we are afraid of failure. But this in itself is a failure because we owe it to ourselves to try and realize our full potential ... I don’t think we should solely focus on encouraging girls to pursue fields in which women are under-represented. We need to inspire all girls and give them the confidence that, regardless of which subject matter interests them and which career they dream of, if they put their minds to it and if they persevere, they can be successful. Being bold means to believe in yourself.”

Dr. Shelley Boyd:

President and chief scientific officer at TMi, JLABS @ Toronto: “By embracing your passion, the broadest global challenge and most pressing local concern can be tackled by women who have a vision to see beyond the horizon. Being bold is not about being brave: It is striving for change with a determination and tenacity that defies the traditional path. Embrace this passion and focus it — focus keenly. Being bold also means not needing to know the entire trajectory before you start, instead being prepared to take your next step and seeing where you land. This starts with turning the page in your homework assignment and tackling the next; being strong enough to ask for help when you need it, strong enough to let others share and shape your dream, and strong enough to reject those who don’t. Your vision will change the future.”