Business Leaders

Karen Holland - Founder, Gifting Sense

Karen is on a mission to teach youth the value of thinking before buying. Her non-profit, Gifting Sense, helps children develop good financial habits early on, using simple tools that encourage them to consider whether a purchase is necessary. By focusing on thoughtful spending, Karen is helping to uplift a generation of intelligent, conscious consumers who understand the impact of their decisions. 

Sasha Boersma - Co-Founder/Producer, Sticky Brain Studios

At Sticky Brain Studios, Sasha is pushing the limits of digital storytelling. She's a leader in tech and media, constantly working to ensure women's voices are heard in these spaces. Sasha's innovative approach to storytelling and passion for inclusivity makes her someone to watch as she shakes up the industry. 

Kerry Swanson - CEO, Indigenous Screen Office & Co-Founder, Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival

Kerry leads the  Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) and co-founds the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival. Through ISO, she supports Indigenous creators in the film and TV world, while the fashion festival showcases Indigenous talent on the runway. 

Andrea Robinson - Founder, Robinson Global Management

Andrea is all about leadership, which makes a difference. As founder of Robinson Global Management, she advises businesses on how to grow while staying inclusive and sustainable. Andrea is primarily focused on empowering women of colour to step into executive roles, ensuring that leadership is as diverse as it is effective.

Producers 

Jennifer Podemski - CEO, Shine Network Inc

Jennifer is a storyteller at heart. As CEO of Shine Network Inc., she's committed to amplifying Indigenous voices in film and television. With a career spanning producing, writing, acting, and directing, Jennifer's focus on underrepresented communities brings powerful, authentic stories to audiences everywhere. Her work proves that representation matters—and she's leading the charge.

Trish Dolman - Founder, Screen Siren Pictures

Trish is a powerhouse in the Canadian film world. As the founder of Screen Siren Pictures, she's known for producing films that tackle important issues, from environmental activism to personal happiness. Her commitment to telling diverse, meaningful stories has earned her a strong reputation as a producer who doesn't shy away from tough topics.

Katie Bird Nolan & Lindsay Tapscott - Co-Founders, Babe Nation

Together, Katie Bird Nolan and Lindsay Tapscott are making waves with Babe Nation, their Toronto-based production company. Focused on female-driven stories, they're creating entertaining and thought-provoking content. By prioritizing women's perspectives and underrepresented voices, Katie and Lindsay are helping to reshape the media landscape for the better. 

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril & Stacey Aglok MacDonald - Co-Owners, Red Marrow Media

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald are two filmmakers passionate about telling Inuit stories. Together, they own Red Marrow Media, a production company dedicated to bringing northern Indigenous voices to film and TV. Their work is rooted in their deep connection to Inuit culture, and they're using their platform to share those stories with the world.

Filmmakers 

Alison Duke & Ngardy Conteh George 

Alison and Ngardy use film to explore important topics like race, identity, and social justice. As founders of OYA Media Group, they're committed to highlighting underrepresented voices and shining a light on important social issues. Their recent work, including Black Community Mixtapes, is getting well-deserved recognition for its powerful, insightful storytelling. 

Tracey Deer 

Tracey is known for her bold and honest portrayal of Indigenous life in her films. Best known for her hit series Mohawk Girls and her feature film Beans, Tracey's work is both personal and political, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities of being Indigenous today. Her storytelling is raw, honest, and impossible to ignore. 

Eva Thomas 

Eva is bringing Indigenous women's stories to the forefront. As a filmmaker, she explores themes of identity, resilience, and reconciliation, offering audiences a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities. With films like Redlights and Aberdeen, Eva is quickly becoming a name to watch in the Canadian film scene. 

Ric Esther Bienstock

Ric isn't afraid to tackle tough topics. She's made a name for herself with hard-hitting documentaries that explore global issues like human trafficking and war crimes. With titles like Enslaved and The Accountant of Auschwitz under her belt, Ric's films are both eye-opening and deeply moving, proving the power of investigative storytelling. 

These women are redefining what it means to be a leader, storyteller, and changemaker. While Women’s History Month is winding down, let’s keep the celebration going. We support their projects and honour their contributions all year long… and you should too!