National Post - Financial Post Magazine
PROFESSIONALS Awards
Recognizing women who are professionals in practice and play a leadership role within their organizations
DR. SUSANNE BENSELER
MD, PHD Director, ALBERTA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE; Staff physician, ALBERTA CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, CALGARY, ALBERTA
BIO: Dr. Susanne Benseler is a pediatrician caring for children with rare and chronic diseases including childhood arthritis, vasculitis, lupus and brain inflammation resulting in strokes and seizures. She is also a pediatric emergency medicine physician. She currently serves as the Director of the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, leads the institutional, transdisciplinary child health and wellness strategy and the recently awarded National Canadian Child Health Research Initiative “One Child Every Child”— a national partnership of families, health-care teams, universities and communities.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Build bridges and celebrate diversity.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Being part of a strong, passionate and diverse team.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Being helpful, kind and humble.
POWER SONG: Lovely Day, Bill Withers
MARGARITA de GUZMAN
M.A., RPA Managing Director, CIRCLE CRM GROUP INC.
BIO: With over 20 years of extensive archaeological experience, Margarita has managed many large-scale historical resources impact assessments and recorded numerous historic resource sites. In 2022, she launched The Fair Field Foundation to promote and celebrate women in the field of archaeology. It offers womenled programs to facilitate professional growth, such as mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and educational programs. Margarita is committed to promoting gender equity in the field, and employs 50 per cent women for archaeological experience assessments in British Columbia and Alberta.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means leaving a positive legacy, having a positive impact on those around you, and helping the less fortunate.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Standing on your own, standing up for yourself, being able to do the things you want to do, and being able to make your own choices.
DR. DANIELLE BROWN-SHREVES
MD, CCFP, MSGH Executive Medical Director, Founder, RESTORE MEDICAL CLINICS; CEO, RESTORE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION
BIO: Dr. Danielle Brown-shreves is a family physician with a passion for serving others. She aims to touch the world through her work as a physician leader and humanitarian. She is an influential thought leader, serving on many leadership tables. Dr. Brown-shreves is the CEO and founder of Restore Medical Clinics, the first black-led multidisciplinary clinic of its kind in Ottawa. Her practice is focused on providing comprehensive, collaborative and compassionate care to the community, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON:THE most important lesson I have learnt is that I must always remain authentic, staying true to myself and the things I value.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Living like a legend means I am courageous, a trailblazer touching lives through my unique and impactful work.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: The ability to influence change that brings meaningful impact to my community and the world at large.
ANNAFLOR FELIPRADA-PATRIZIO
B.sc.pharm., R.PH. Pharmacist – Owner, SCHOMBERG VILLAGE PHARMACY, WHOLEHEALTH PHARMACY PARTNERS; Founder, ANG BÁYE SA AGRI (THE WOMAN IN AGRICULTURE)
BIO: Annaflor Feliprada-patrizio is a multi-awarded Filipina-canadian community pharmacist and co-owner of Schomberg Village Pharmacy. She is globally recognized as one of 2022’s “Most Influential Filipina Women in World” for her leadership highlighted during the pandemic. She founded Ang Báye sa Agri in the Philippines, aiming to foster interest among high school females in agriculture, collaborating with local agriculture entrepreneurs. Through speaking engagements, she continues to amplify her voice and sharing her journey as a Filipina immigrant and an entrepreneur.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Harnessing the power of active listening.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: A lifetime journey of self and life mastery. This means a dynamic process of learning, unlearning and relearning.
JUTTA BRUNNÉE
Professor
Dean, Faculty of Law, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
BIO: Professor Jutta Brunnée is the world’s foremost scholar of international environmental law, and a leading figure in the general theory of international law. The combined power of her scholarship in these fields makes her work of the highest importance to addressing global climate change. Professor Brunnée has a unique gift for building consensus and promoting a respect-based organizational culture. As Dean, she has pursued inclusive excellence during a period of renewal and revitalization.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: That you never stop learning - or should not!
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: I don’t wake up in the morning and think ‘how am i going to live like a legend today.’ Rather, every day I try to do my best, and I try to support others – faculty, students and staff – in doing their best.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To be respected by those you work with.
DR. MARIE-JOSÉE HÉBERT
MD, FRCPC Vice-rector for Research, Discovery, Creation and Innovation, UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL
BIO: As vice-rector of Research, Discovery, Creation and Innovation, Dr. Marie-josée Hébert plays a leading role in the development of major interdisciplinary research initiatives, including the launch of IVADO – Institute for Data Valorization, Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, the Digital Health Consortium and the Montreal Declaration for the Responsible Development of Artificial Intelligence. In May 2023, she received the City of Montreal's highest honour, Chevalière de l'ordre de Montréal. She is the Chair of the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Trust your values.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Holding true to your values, even in the most challenging times.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Having the capacity to change things… for the better.
IDALIN MCKENZIE
CPA, MBA, MSC, CDI.D Principal,
KLAM CONSULTING
BIO: Idalin supports businesses as CFO and delivers digital transformation strategies and initiatives that scale and simplify finance and business operations. Idalin's experience spans organizations in the public and private sectors, including professional services, energy, financial services, real estate, crown corporations and non-profits. Idalin is a non-profit board director and a mentor to future CPAS, and business and technology professionals. A Rotman alumnus, in 2022, Idalin was named Poet & Quants Best & Brightest Executive MBA.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: To continuously embrace the 3Cs of Courage, Connection and Competence, as these 3Cs have helped me to be more flexible and adaptable.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To be bold, resilient and independent yet vulnerable to share, seek support and empower others.
POWER SONG: I Know Who I Am, Sinach
SHARA ROY
BA, LLB
Chief Legal Counsel, Member of the Executive Committee,
ERNST & YOUNG LLP; Executive Managing Partner,
EY LAW LLP
BIO: Shara is recognized as a visionary leader, passionate champion for diversity and experienced lawyer. Following a seasoned career as a commercial litigator, Shara joined EY as Chief Legal Counsel. In her role, Shara leads the Canadian General Counsel's office, and sits on the firm's Executive Committee. Shara is the Executive Managing Partner of EY Law. Shara is married and has three children, Ben, Emma and Lolo.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Leaving things better than I found them. It means paving the way for the next generation, making things easier, but also making the next things (bigger and better things) possible.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Taking responsibility and accountability. It means seeing what's not right and fixing it. For yourself and others.
DR. JESSICA METCALFE BSC, DMD CEO, SKYL GROUP
BIO: Dr. Jessica Metcalfe, a former Dental Oncologist and Education Director, evolved from enhancing cancer patients' quality of life to cultivating clinician well-being. Her book, "Speak Kindly, You're Listening," ignites change, debunking impostor syndrome and burnout culture. As SKYL Group's visionary leader, she drives workplace culture improvement across diverse industries. A transformation catalyst engaging in difficult conversations, her expertise shifts away from fear-based leadership and uncovers the future of work from the people's perspective.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: It means embodying the qualities of extraordinary individuals who have left a lasting impact on the world. It's about embracing courage, determination, and being true to oneself even during moments of utmost challenge.
POWER SONG: Queen of Kings, Alessandra
LARA SHEWCHUK
CPA, CA, GCB.D
COO & CFO, ARCHITECH; Co-chair Board of Directors, CANADIAN CENTER FOR WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
BIO: Lara is an experienced global leader, business strategist, board director and sustainability professional whose purpose and work is driven toward the empowerment and equity of women and marginalized populations. Lara is currently COO and CFO of global technology company Architech and is a member of the faculty of Competent Boards. Lara is recognized on global LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists, which showcase business leaders who are breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive workplaces across the world.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Say yes even if you don't have the confidence to do it. Believe in yourself. You can not grow by staying inside your comfort zone. Being your true self is the most important formula for success. We all have superpowers – find yours!!
POWER SONG: 9 to 5, Dolly Parton
POONAM PURI
Professor of Law, OSGOODE HALL LAW SCHOOL, YORK UNIVERSITY; Research Chair in Corporate Governance, YORK UNIVERSITY
BIO: A full professor of law at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, Poonam Puri is an internationally recognized scholar of corporate law, corporate governance and capital markets regulation. She is the York Research Chair in Corporate Governance, Investor Protection and Financial Markets. Co-founder and Director of the Osgoode Investor Protection Clinic, she chairs the board of directors of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto and serves on the board of the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Colliers.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Keep trying in the face of adversity, take risks, and say yes to new opportunities, no matter how daunting they may be!
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Being a leader in my discipline and positively influencing my students, mentees, and colleagues.
POWER SONG: Sabali, featuring Theophilus London, Amadou and Mariam
Continuously embrace the 3Cs of Courage, Connection and Competence ~ Idalin Mckenzie
Say yes even if you don’t have the confidence to do it ~ Lara Shewchuk
#WXNTOP100
INKA SKINNER
B.A, Executive MBA Data, Analytics and AI, ACCENTURE
BIO: Inka Skinner is one of the leaders at Accenture Canada's Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence practice where she enables clients to deliver business value through the strategic application of data, analytics, AI and automation. Inka is a strong advocate and mentor for female empowerment and is the Chair for Women of Ivey at Ivey Business School. She has a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, along with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from Ivey Business School, Western University.
ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Staying true to oneself and acting with integrity. It is leading by example and aligning actions with words and values.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: Confidence, independence and resilience.
DR. JULIE WILSON
BSC, MD, CCFP Founder, Medical Director, Family Physician, TERRA NOVA MEDICAL CLINICS
BIO: Dr. Julie Wilson is a renowned Family Medicine Physician and founder of Terra Nova Medical Clinics, serving over 46,000 patients. Her devotion to education shines in her role as a health-care advocate and UBC Clinical Instructor. Recognized for her leadership, she has won multiple business awards and been a finalist for Canadian Businesswoman of the Year. Her vision propels Terra Nova's expansion to add more medical centres and care providers, reinforcing its status as a beacon of health-care excellence.
MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: The correct answer is the one in which you act with the most kindness and integrity.
ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To be able to want to make change and then be able to do it
POWER SONG: Eye of the Tiger, Survivor
Keep trying in the face of adversity, take risks ~ Poonam Puri
The correct answer is the one in which you act with the most kindness and integrity ~ Dr. Julie Wilson
#WXNTOP100