On April 8, 2026, The Globe and Mail hosted its Women Lead Here 2026: Driving gender equity in the workplace event - bringing together people from across Canada to recognize the progress being made - and the work still ahead - in creating real pathways to success for women in business. Throughout the day, an exceptional group of executives and founders shared their insights, experiences, and ideas on how to cultivate, support, and drive true gender diversity in business.
Missed the live event or would like to view it again or share? Please scroll down to the video player, below.
For seven years Report on Business magazine’s Women Lead Here program has tracked gender diversity in the executive ranks of Canada’s largest public companies. Each year, leaders from organizations on the list, together with other diversity champions, gather to share strategies to build on current progress. Once again, the event also included recognition of the Top Growing Women-Led Companies, celebrating women entrepreneurs and trail blazers.
Featured speakers included:
- Erin Adams, VP Human Resources, The Globe and Mail
- Poonam Singh, Vice Chair, Deloitte "
- Dawn Calleja, Editor, Report on Business Magazine
- Cheryl Manuel, Chief Brand and Relationships Officer, Deloitte Canada
- Jennifer Lee, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Corus Entertainment Inc.
- Chenny Xia, Co-Founder and CEO, Gotcare
- Deanne Gage, Globe Advisor Reporter, The Globe and Mail
- Dr. Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute”
- Dayo Kefentse, Founder & Managing Director, DAYO Media & Communications Inc.
- Amélie Gagnon, Vice-President Transformation and Products, Desjardins Insurance
- Sandra Heller, General Manager, Astellas Pharma Canada
- Dr. Titilayo Olupona, Primary Care Physician & Executive Lead Physician, Cleveland Clinic Canada
- Kristy Kirkup, Health Reporter, The Globe and Mail
- Marnie Rabinovitch, CEO, Founder & Chief Anti-Chafing Champion at Thigh Society
- Rachel Wong, Co-Founder, Monday Girl
- Sandra E. Martin, Standards Editor, The Globe and Mail
- Whitney Bell, Chief Marketing Officer, Toronto Tempo
- Rachel Brady, Sports Reporter, The Globe and Mail
The Globe and Mail presented the event with sponsor support from Desjardins, Deloitte, Astellas, PwC, and Sun Life. To learn about upcoming Globe and Mail events, visitwww.globeandmail.com/events.
Event summary produced by The Globe and Mail Events team. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.