CHERYL REICIN

Partner, Head of the Technology and Life Sciences Practice Groups

TORYS LLP

Cheryl Reicin’s practice focuses on biotechnology, medical device, health information and other technology-based companies. She assists companies in Canada, the U.S. and Israel formulate domestic and international growth strategies and in sourcing capital and IP and regulatory strategy.

“Building a robust global life science group from scratch.”

“Chaim Herzog, the sixth president of the State of Israel. I was his intern when he became president. He assumed leadership roles from a sense of purpose and mission, rather than a need for ego gratification.”

“I was told I couldn’t be a single mother and do the job; I couldn’t practice corporate law focused on just one industry; I couldn’t move to Canada to re-establish a family and maintain a global U.S. practice; and I couldn’t start a high-impact non-profit without a multi-million-dollar budget. Good thing I’m slightly hard of hearing!”

Sherry Schluessel is on a mission to deliver great service in the development/management of sustainable properties. Her leadership enabled the building of Mayfair South, one of Edmonton’s largest attainable housing developments.

“I am most proud of the launch of our Signs of Change initiative, which turns valuable hoarding advertising space into a fundraising tool for Big Brothers Big Sisters, because through it we help build better foundations for our youth today, for their futures tomorrow.”

“As a woman, you have to value your skills. If you don’t exude confidence in yourself it will be a bigger barrier than what others will place in front of you. Typically, when I am at an executive meeting or dealing with a municipal government, I am still the only woman in the room, and that can feel like I am scaling mountains, until I remember that my credentials got me to where I am, not my gender.”

Martha Tory is a recognized leader in auditing and accounting for the not-for-profit sector in Canada. In addition to providing counsel to clients such as the University Health Network (and related foundations, including Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation) and other organizations, she develops and presents training courses for EY professionals and clients related to issues unique to not-for-profits.

“The professional achievement I am most proud of is having been selected as an EY Americas Chairman’s Value Champions Award recipient, an award that honours those who make EY an exceptional place to work by making a difference for their colleagues, clients and the wider community.”