This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.
Lifefemale ceoinfluential womenInfluential Women In

Influential Women In Canada 2014: 25 Names You Should Know

25 Influential Canadian Women We Should Know
Arti Patel
Open Image Modal
Women Of Influence

We may be used to looking at lists of powerful women made up of international celebrities, influential politicians and CEOs of some of the most successful companies in the world, but when you really put a microscope down to the local level, there are women making change in their industries right in our very own backyards.

For four years, Women of Influence Inc. has announced their 25 most influential women in the Canadian market in areas of health, business, non-governmental organizations, professional services and the public sector. Each year, candidates are ranked based on how many degrees they hold, their current board directorships, the number of employees they manage, their social media following and other criteria.

“This year’s women may have varied backgrounds, professions, personalities and skills, but they all share in common the passion, ambition and drive to make meaningful contributions to the Canadian economy, their communities, their workplaces, and to the next generation," said Carolyn Lawrence, president and CEO of Women of Influence in a statement.

The list this year includes Ontario's first female premier Kathleen Wynne, as well as Mary Ann Turcke, the executive vice president of field operations for Bell Canada Enterprises Inc..

In 2013's Global Gender Gap Report released by the World Economic Forum, Canada moved up one spot to rank 20th (out of 136) for gender equality worldwide. According to the report, the country improved in areas of labour force participation and estimated earned income between genders. There was, however, a decrease in wages equity.

But an influential list like this one is meant to not only challenge some of these statistics around female leadership in the country -- another report by Deloitte pointed out that despite the progress women have made, they are still absent from decision making and senior leadership roles across the country -- but to also inspire other women to achieve their goals.

Below are this year's picks of the most influential women in the country. Check out their credentials and words of wisdom when it comes to leadership, teamwork and their industries:

25 Most Influential Women In 2014
Ann Buller(01 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Ann Buller, president and CEO of Centennial College of Applied Arts & TechnologyArea of Influence: Public sector From her bio: "Under her leadership, students and staff have participated in Global Citizenship and Equity Learning Experiences in Ghana, Kenya, Cuba, Peru and The Dominican Republic."Buller on leadership: "Leadership for me is about embedding the values that let you think critically, act courageously and be relentlessly optimistic, even though you've got both feet firmly planted on the ground."
Annette Bergeron(02 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Annette Bergeron, principle at Bergeron ConsultingArea of Influence: Professional From her bio: "This year Annette was elected to serve on the board of Engineers Canada and honoured as a Fellow of Engineers Canada."On bossiness: "Ms. Bergeron kept the report card her kindergarten teacher wrote in 1969 that chided her for being 'a bit bossy at times.' She wonders how much she unconsciously toned down her leadership style after being labelled bossy as a child and compares the statement to one by her favourite boss, who last year described her as quiet, thoughtful, and strategic but not an A-type personality who pounds her fist on the table."—r/ally
Farah Mohamed(03 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Farah Mohamed, founder and chief empowerment officer of G(irls)20Area of Influence: NGOFrom her bio: "For 10 years, Farah worked closely with some of Canada’s most senior politicians. Farah began her political career in 1995 with The Honourable Paddy Torsney."On being engaged: “My parents taught [my sister and me] that we should find a way to give back [to this country]. Rather than reading the comics, my parents made us read the papers,”
Carol Wilding(04 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Carol Wilding, soon-to-be former president and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of TradeArea of Influence: NGOFrom her bio: "For her leadership in the not-for-profit sector, Ms. Wilding was awarded the Public Affairs Association of Canada’s 2011 Award of Distinction and named to the Top 100 list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for 2010."On integrity: "Maintaining your reputation is vital, particularly in tough times. A reputation is built on integrity. Your integrity is your biggest asset and you must protect it ... It’s about being authentic and trustworthy. Your word is your guarantee."
Cheryl Reicin(05 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Cheryl Reicin, partner, chair of the technology and life sciences Practice groups at Torys LLPArea of Influence: Professional From her bio: "Reicin assists companies in formulating domestic and international growth strategies and in sourcing capital. She advises on venture and later-stage financings, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, licensing transactions and joint ventures or alliances with strategic partners."
Connie Clerici(06 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Connie Clerici, president and CEO of Closing the Gap Health Care GroupArea of Influence: Health From her bio: "Connie is a life-long learner, having participated in extensive training in leadership and business at a variety of institutions including Ivey, Rotman, Shulich, McMaster and York Universities."On teamwork: "There really is no 'I' in opening a company .. I have quickly learned you devalue your organization the more 'I' there is."
Anne Sado(07 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Anne Sado, president of George Brown CollegeArea of Influence: Public From her bio: "Anne received one of the country’s highest civilian honours in June 2013 when she was appointed Member of the Order of Canada by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada."On women in engineering: "Go for it. Don’t be daunted by the math and science. You can do it. Engineering seems to be the last hold out in terms of having equal participation of men and women. The engineering profession needs the balance of diverse views – and our economy needs STEM graduates to ensure we continue to innovate and grow."
Daniela Crivianu-Gaita(08 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Daniela Crivianu-Gaita, vice president and CIO of The Hospital for Sick ChildrenArea of Influence: Health From her bio: "Daniela is involved in a number of regional, provincial and national initiatives and committees, and has built successful partnerships with other healthcare organizations, as well as universities and colleges."
Dr. Catherine Zahn(09 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Dr. Catherine Zahn, president and CEO of Centre for Addiction and Mental HealthArea of Influence: Health From her bio: "[Dr. Zahn] is a champion for the integration of psychiatry and neuroscience, working to steer mental illness into the mainstream of medicine and promoting equitable access to healthcare resources for people with mental illness."On leadership: "Besides leading from having a vision and leading from a base of your core values, I think it's important to know yourself, to be creative and open to new ideas, and to be a good communicator."
Dr. Eve Tsai(10 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Dr. Eve Tsai, staff neurosurgeon and clinical scientist at The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa Area of Influence: Health From her bio: " Her research focuses on spinal cord repair strategies, axonal regeneration, MRI imaging of spinal cord tracts in humans and animals, and clinical outcomes after spine surgery."Advice for aspiring women leaders: "Look for and take advantage of the opportunities. If all you see are the barriers, you will never be able to see and take advantage of the opportunities."
Irene Orysia Sushko(11 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Irene Orysia Sushko, president of the World Federation of Ukranian Women's OrganizationArea of Influence: NGOFrom her bio: "Orysia Sushko has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee medal, the Order of Canada and the Order of St. Volodymyr, Ukrainian World Congress in 2008."
Dr. Janis Sarra(12 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Dr. Janis Sarra, UBC presidential distinguished professor at the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Law and Peter Wall Institute for Advanced StudiesArea of Influence: Public From her bio: "She has published 10 books and more than 100 refereed articles in corporate finance, corporate governance and management, securities law and commercial insolvency law."
Karen Sheriff(13 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who? Karen Sheriff, president and CEO of Bell Aliant Regional Communications Inc. Area of Influence: Business From her bio: " In 2012, she was named Woman of the Year by the Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) and has been recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine and one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women on three separate occasions."On women in business: “There are problems women have, which they like to talk about to other women – and so, as a senior woman, you become a magnet and a role model.”
Kathleen Wynne(14 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Kathleen Wynne, premier of Ontario Area of Influence: Public From her bio: "Kathleen Wynne is Ontario’s 25th Premier and first female Premier. Before being elected to the Ontario Legislature, Premier Wynne served as a Public School Trustee on the Toronto District School Board."On making change: "We have to stand up and really place our flag in the sand and say this is where we are, and this is what we believe, and this is the value system we need. We have to be strong and not be afraid to take progressive positions; we need to not backtrack from our value system."
Fiona Macfarlane(15 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Fiona Macfarlane, managing partner, British Columbia, chief inclusiveness officer of Ernst & Young LLPArea of Influence: Professional From her bio: "In 2011 Fiona was awarded an Honorary CA. Fiona holds a bachelor of arts, commerce and law degree from the University of Cape Town. She also earned a master of law degree from Cambridge University."On success: "You're going to be most successful if you do things because you care about them, because they align with your values. You'll give more."
Mary Ann Turcke(16 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Mary Ann Turcke, executive vice president, field operations Area of Influence: Business From her bio: "In 2013 Mary Ann was inducted into the Hall of Fame representing Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 for her accomplishments in her management role, vision and leadership, corporate performance and community service."On creating change: "For me innovation failure or innovation killing happens when people come up with great ideas and for one reason or another they are stripped down in front of others because of it ... That is the kind of attitude in the new culture that we are trying to get away from because we know we can’t do it like that."
Olga Kovalchuk(17 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Olga Kovalchuk, professor and board of governor's research chair, CIHR chair in work and health at the University of LethbridgeArea of Influence: Public From her bio: "I am a strong believer in training and educating the next generation of researchers. I teach my students all that I know trying to set a positive example of devotion to science and society."
Pernille Fischer Boulter(18 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Pernille Fischer Boulter, president and CEO of Kisserup International Trade Roots Inc & EuropeArea of Influence: Professional From her bio: "Ms. Fischer Boulter currently serves on several international Boards in Europe, Caribbean and North America. She volunteers her services as an international Mentor to Women on their Way (WOW) and on the Board of Dress for Success."
Rosemary McCarney(19 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Rosemary McCarney, president and CEO of Plan International Canada Inc. Area of Influence: NGOFrom her bio: "Rosemary has had an extensive international career in law, business and the not-for-profit sector, having worked in more than 100 countries."On staying true to yourself: "I think that one of the things that’s important, and often I worry that young people, in particular young women, don’t get enough counselling on, is that you’ve got to be the same person you are at work that you are at home ... I think you’ve got to be the same person whatever the situation, and you shouldn’t compromise on that."
Sara Austin(20 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Sara Austin, director, president's office of World Vision Canada Area of Influence: NGOFrom her bio: "Sara’s efforts have led to changes in policies and practices from the local to global level that have changed the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children."
Dr. Rosemary Moodie(21 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Dr. Rosemary Moodie, president of YWCA of Toronto Area of Influence: Health From her bio: "As a dedicated volunteer and philanthropist, Rosemary’s work targets organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being of vulnerable members of our society, particularly women and children."
Sharon Geraghty(22 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Sharon Geraghty, partner at Torys LLPArea of Influence: Professional From her bio: "Her clients include two of Canada’s leading financial institutions, Canada’s largest stock exchange and one of Canada’s largest communications and media companies."
Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima(23 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Suhayya (Sue) Abu-Hakima, co-founder, president and CEO of Amika Mobile Area of Influence: Business From her bio: "Sue Abu-Hakima is a co-founder/CEO of her second Start-up Amika Mobile. She has been an entrepreneur for 15 years and exited her first start-up to Entrust successfully. She has also published 29 patents over two start-ups. “
Zabeen Hirji(24 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who Zabeen Hirji, chief human resources officer, Royal Bank of Ontario Area of Influence: Business From her bio: "In 2005 she was named a Fellow of Centennial College in recognition of her international leadership in diversity."On overcoming obstacles: "The approach I’ve generally taken is, first of all, most people face some kind of barriers, although immigrants, visible minorities and women have more specific ones. The most important turning point for me was realizing that the biggest barrier to people is often themselves. They get into this mode where they say: 'I can’t do this because …' Instead of doing all the things they can do, they instead point to the barriers being placed by others."
Kathy Bardswick(25 of25)
Open Image Modal
Who President and CEO of The Co-operators Group LimitedArea of Influence: Business From her bio: "A graduate of McMaster University’s M.B.A. program, Kathy also holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from the University of Manitoba."

Related

female ceoinfluential womenInfluential Women Inkathleen wynneliving
Suggest a correction
-- This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.