In honour of International Women’s Day, we are excited to celebrate the Chairs of three of our most important governance committees – Stéphanie Émond, Andrea Nicholls and Barbara Zvan. We asked these remarkable women to share what motivates them and what this day means to them.
For Stéphanie Émond, VP and Chief Impact Officer at FinDev Canada, Chair of McConnell’s Impact Advisory Committee and member of our Investment Committee, “it is a real privilege to contribute expertise, insights, and networks to support organizations dedicated to driving positive change. I find it immensely inspiring to see how collective efforts can make a significant difference in communities and beyond.”
Stéphanie has dedicated her career to impact-driven initiatives in Canada and internationally. She currently chairs the Canada Forum for Impact Investment of Development (CAFIID) and was previously Director of FINCA Canada (Foundation for International Community Assistance), where she helped advance microfinance solutions aimed at alleviating poverty – especially for women – by supporting financial inclusion and economic resilience.
For Stéphanie, International Women’s Day is a call to action, not just a celebration. “Gender equality is not a given; it requires persistent effort,” she explains.
“As leaders, we have the responsibility to use our voices to push for systemic change and create space and opportunity for future generations of women leaders.”
Andrea Nicholls, Chief Financial Officer at Dentons Canada LLP and Chair of McConnell’s Audit, Finance and IT Committee, sees governance work as a way to give back. “It’s not enough for those of us in the corporate world to move forward with blinders on,” she says.
As a Black woman in leadership, Andrea sees International Women’s Day as a reminder not only of how far women have come, but of the work that remains. “It wasn’t that long ago that women like me wouldn’t be anywhere near a leadership table,” she reflects. Nicholls is also the co-founder of Dentons Canada’s Black Professionals Network, and a member of their Inclusion & Diversity Council.
“With attacks on DEI, there are those who want to take us back decades. We need to celebrate the achievements of women and stay vigilant—because progress can disappear if we don’t keep pushing forward.”
“Let’s stay the course in supporting all women, in all walks of life, to move forward in all spaces,” Andrea offers.
Barbara Zvan, President and CEO of University Pension Plan (UPP) and Chair of McConnell’s Investment Committee has dedicated her career to pensions and responsible investing. She knows first-hand how governance work shapes the future. “No single organization or individual can drive systemic change alone,” she says. “Collaboration across sectors is key. When we work together, we build stronger, more resilient systems that benefit everyone.” In 2022, Zvan was named CEO of the Year by the Globe and Mail’s Report on Business magazine. Reflecting on this achievement, she sees International Women’s Day as an opportunity to challenge traditional ideas of leadership. “Early in my career, I saw how biases influence who is seen as a leader,” she notes.
“There’s this stereotype that a CEO needs to be the loudest voice in the room. But leadership comes in many forms – vision, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making matter just as much. To me, being named CEO of the Year was proof that making an impact doesn’t mean fitting a mold – it means leading and making an impact in a way that’s authentic to you.”
Staying the Course
The words of Stéphanie, Andrea and Barbara remind us that progress is not a given, it requires constant commitment. We are deeply grateful for the expertise, guidance, and vision that these three amazing women bring to our work.
Happy International Women’s Day!