Speakers / Types: Women of Influence
Women of Influence
It may be that the glass ceiling has yet to shatter, but our women of influence have dealt it a staggering number of cracks. From political figures and business leaders to sports stars and entertainers, these women have blazed paths for others to follow.
Dr. Shimi Kang
Award-Winning Harvard-Trained Physician | Bestselling Author | Global Social Entrepreneur
An award-winning medical doctor, researcher, and expert on the neuroscience of innovation, leadership, and motivation, Dr. Shimi Kang provides science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace, classroom, and at home. With 20 year...
Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk
Eight-Time National Long Drive Golf Champion | Change and Peak Performance Specialist
How can you stay at the top of your game and perform at the highest level, year after year? Eight-time National Long Drive Champion Lisa “Longball” Vlooswyk, went from being a high-handicap recreational golfer to a professional player who hits farther th...
Christine Sinclair
Olympic Medalist | Canadian Women’s Soccer Captain
Christine Sinclair scored her first international goal at the age of 16, competing in the 2000 Algarve Cup. She has scored more than 185 more goals since and, in January of 2020, became the all-time leading scorer in the history of international soccer. She wa...
Susan Cain
Bestselling Author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts
Susan Cain believes society dramatically undervalues the talents of introverts. In her bestselling book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, and in her record-smashing TED talk, Cain explores ways to tap-in to the quieter c...
Rosie MacLennan
Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Trampoline
As a child, Rosie MacLennan often tagged along to her older siblings’ trampoline lessons aching for her chance to shine. And shine she did. Now the current two-time Olympic champion and reigning Pan American Games champion in the individual trampoline eve...
Polly LaBarre
Co-Author, Mavericks at Work | Founding Member, Fast Company Magazine
For nearly 20 years, Polly LaBarre has worked to embolden and equip leaders to ramp up originality, invention, and game-changing disruption. Co-author of Mavericks at Work: Why the Most Original Minds in Business Win and founding team member of Fast Company ma...
Sheila Watt-Cloutier
Environmental, Cultural, and Human Rights Advocate
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Sheila Watt-Cloutier is in the business of transforming public opinion into public policy. Experienced in working with global decision-makers for more than a decade, Watt-Cloutier offers a new model for 21st century leadership. She sp...
Hayley Wickenheiser
Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist | Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hayley Wickenheiser is considered one of the best female hockey players in the world. Seven world championships, six Olympic appearances, five Olympic medals — she is a titan of sport and a leader both on and off the ice. Wickenheiser now sits on the Interna...
Sami Jo Small
Gold Medal-Winning Goalie with the Canadian Women's Olympic Hockey Team
The night before the Olympic game, in the race to the gold medal, Sami Jo Small was told that she would not be on the ice. At first, she was devastated and angry, but eventually, she chose to rise above those feelings and embraced her new role with enthusiasm....
Ziya Tong
Author of The Reality Bubble | Award-Winning Broadcaster
Award-winning host Ziya Tong has been sharing her passion for science, nature and technology for almost two decades. Best known as the co-host of Daily Planet, Discovery Canada’s flagship science program, she brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and ent...
Joannie Rochette
Six-time Canadian Figure Skating Champion | Olympic Medalist
At the 2010 Winter Olympics figure skater Joannie Rochette inspired a nation when she won the bronze medal, just days after tragically losing her mother. Following her performance, she was named Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremonies, and chosen...
Tracy Moore
Host, Cityline
Tracy Moore is the enigmatic, award-nominated host of Cityline — Canada’s longest-running, influential lifestyle program for women. From Monday to Friday, Moore is seen on screens across North America dipping into do-it-yourself projects, learning new reci...
Anna Olson
Culinary Master | Host of Bake with Anna Olson
Anna Olson is Canada’s baking sweetheart, and with her positive and common-sense approach in the kitchen, she has become one of the country’s most recognizable television chefs. Hosting the Food Network’s Bake with Anna Olson, Fresh with Anna Ols...
Nilofer Merchant
Former Tech Executive | Bestselling Author
Nilofer Merchant is a renowned business strategist and innovator on a mission to reinvent work so that it actually works. A bestselling author, TED mainstage speaker, and recipient of the “Future Thinker” Award from Thinkers 50, Merchant says few companies...
Tasha Kheiriddin
Bilingual Host, Moderator, and Media Commentator
If you’re looking for political insight, a strategic keynote, a polished moderator or MC, look no further than Tasha Kheiriddin. Fluently bilingual, Kheiriddin is a principal with Navigator Ltd., Canada’s leading high stakes strategic advisory and ...
Catriona Le May Doan, O.C.
Olympic Champion Speed Skater | Olympic Broadcaster
Catriona Le May Doan was the fastest woman on ice, and the first Canadian to defend a gold medal at any Olympic games. Having held the world record in the 500 metre speed skating event for ten years, Catriona is a world champion athlete and an inspiration to e...
Katty Kay
Lead Anchor, BBC World News America | Co-author, Womenomics and The Confidence Code
Katty Kay is the lead anchor for BBC’s World News America where she covers the full gamut of American and global affairs―reporting on US elections, the White House, Congress, Wall Street, global economies, and world trouble spots. Kay also frequently act...
Jessi Cruickshank
Television Personality
As the host of many of television’s most popular programs, Jessi Cruickshank knows how to capture eyes and ears. Acclaimed for her hilarious humour and friendly demeanour, Jessi showcases her unique abilities as an emcee, moderator, or on-stage interviewer f...
Ilona Dougherty
Leading Expert on Millennials and Generation Z | Social Entrepreneur
For businesses, organizations, and governments striving to succeed in the innovation economy, and anyone who hopes for a bright future, Ilona Dougherty’s perspective is what you have been waiting for. Ilona Dougherty is an award winning social innovator and ...
Cheryl Cran
Future of Work Expert
Cheryl Cran helps leaders and their teams to build future workplaces, today. Recognized as the #1 Future of Work influencer by Onalytica, Cran’s research into the future of work, technology, and leadership, driven by her “people first” and digital second...
Julie Daniluk
Co-Host of OWN Network’s Healthy Gourmet | Nutritionist | Bestselling Author
Nutritionist Julie Daniluk has a knack for breaking down complex scientific research into practical, real solutions that everyday people can relate to. The co-host of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s Healthy Gourmet―a reality cooking show that highlights th...
Cassie Campbell-Pascall
Former Captain of the Canadian Women's Hockey Team
Cassie Campbell-Pascall laced up her first pair of skates when she was five years old. Today, she is a heroine of Canadian sport. A passionate and dynamic speaker, Campbell-Pascall draws on her accomplishments as the captain of the gold-medal winning Canadian...
Jennifer Botterill
Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Jennifer Botterill is one of Canada’s most successful athletes, achieving Olympic glory on numerous occasions. A member of the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team for 14 years, Botterill attended four Olympic games, winning three gold medals and one silver me...
Roberta Bondar
Astronaut | Physician | Scientist | Photographer
The first Canadian woman and neurologist to fly in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar is globally recognized for her pioneering contributions to space medicine research, fine art photography, and environment education. She expanded the horizons of millions when she joi...
Cheryl Bernard
Canadian Olympic Curler
At the age of 23, Cheryl Bernard started an insurance brokerage and propelled the agency to six million dollars in sales in just 11 years. At the age of 43, she helped Canada win a silver medal in curling at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. Passionate about i...
Sally Armstrong
Human Rights Activist | Journalist | Author
Sally Armstrong has covered stories in zones of conflict all over the world. From Bosnia and Somalia to Congo and Afghanistan, her eyewitness reports have earned her the Amnesty International Media Award four times over, as well as acclaim all over the world. ...
Trey Anthony
Award-Winning Canadian Playwright | Diversity Expert
Trey Anthony is a visionary creator, comedian, television writer, and award-winning playwright of international significance. The first African Canadian woman to have her own program on a primetime Canadian network, she is the writer of the critically acclaime...
Zahra Al-Harazi
Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Purpose-Driven Leadership Expert
The road to real leadership is rarely a straight one. Among Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs, few have faced more obstacles than Zahra Al-Harazi. With a no-holds-barred attitude, Al-Harazi helps people and organizations realize their potential for succ...
Susan Aglukark, O.C., LL.B
Award-Winning Inuk Singer/Songwriter
Award-winning Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists, who blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. Aglukark’s ta...
Clara Hughes
Six-Time Olympic Medalist | Mental Health Advocate
After spending half her life striving to be the fastest person in the world, six-time Olympic medalist Clara Hughes decided to switch gears and “slow down to the pace of a human being.” This led her to hike over 16,000 kilometres, where she discovered the ...
Nora Young
Host of CBC Radio’s Spark | Author of The Virtual Self
Nora Young is an informed and ideal guide for anyone looking to examine — and plan for — the ever-changing, high-tech landscape. As the host and creator of Spark, CBC’s national radio show and podcast about technology and culture, and the author of The V...
Margaret Trudeau
Celebrated Canadian | Mental Health Advocate
Margaret Trudeau is a Canadian icon, celebrated both for her role in the public eye and as a respected mental-health issues advocate. From becoming a prime minister’s wife at a young age, to the loss of both her son and her former husband, to living with bip...
Barb Stegemann
CEO and Founder, The 7 Virtues | Social Entrepreneur
Barb Stegemann’s entrepreneurial vision was formed after her best friend—a soldier—was severely wounded in Afghanistan. Understanding that supporting Afghanistan’s economy was key to building stability for its people, Stegemann launched The 7 V...
Tara Slone
Co-Host, Hometown Hockey
Tara Slone’s eclectic resume and unique perspective have made her one of the most recognizable faces in the Canadian entertainment industry. The co-host of Hometown Hockey, Tara speaks about her intriguing career path which saw her transition from rock star ...
Dr. Samantha Nutt
Founder of War Child Canada and War Child USA
A leading authority on current affairs, war, international aid, and foreign policy, Dr. Samantha Nutt, a medical doctor and founder of the internationally renowned non-profit War Child, is one of the most recognized voices in the humanitarian arena. For more t...
Giselle Kovary
Generational Expert | Organizational Performance Consultant
As president and co-founder of n-gen People Performance, Giselle Kovary is dedicated to building strategies and programs that help clients target, motivate and engage employees in order to increase performance and productivity. She is a sought after resource t...
Marnie McBean, O.C.
Three-Time Olympic Gold Medallist | Specialist in Athlete Prep and Mentoring to Olympic Teams
Marnie McBean is one of Canada’s most decorated Olympians, and an expert in turning potential into performance. As a former Specialist in Olympic Athlete Preparation and Mentoring for the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), McBean prepared athletes emotionally...
Arlene Dickinson
Arlene Dickinson "Dragon", CBC's Dragons’ Den & Founder and General Partner, District Ventures Capital
“The purpose of marketing is to deliver business results,” says Arlene Dickinson, renowned CBC “Dragon” and one of Canada’s most successful communications entrepreneurs. Whether explaining how to leverage marketing in even the tou...
Sarah Kay
Spoken-Word Poet
Sarah Kay uses the power of spoken word to inspire creativity and self-empowerment in others. In her famous TED talk–a talk that inspired two standing ovations and has been seen by over seven million people online–she tells the story of her metamor...
Jessica Holmes
Celebrated Comedian | Author | Mental Health Advocate
Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has been a perennial favourite on Royal Canadian Air Farce for 15 years, and has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. Her hilarious take on life’...
Jeanne Beker
Iconic Fashion Journalist
Jeanne Beker is one of the most influential women in the fashion industry—in Canada and around the world. A long-time celebrity, Jeanne speaks on how she rose to the top of arts and culture media as the iconic host of TV’s Fashion Television, along with wh...
Jann Arden
Renowned Musician | Bestselling Author
Jann Arden can bring a hall full of people to tears through song, only to have them, moments later, rolling in the aisles from her off-the-cuff comedy. Whether she’s performing her music, hosting an event, or telling her deeply personal and affecting stories...