Helen Valleau
Director, welcome hOMe Toronto
Helen is a life coach, minister, facilitator, and meditation specialist. Her life’s work revolves around energy and creating environments that are filled with deep compassion and love. To her, women supporting women is the way forward.
Helen Valleau
“I think there is a real shift in the consciousness of the world. The old masculine way of doing things doesn’t work anymore and we need to bring more feminine energy in. Women are willing to raise each other up instead of being in it for their own benefit.”
Jennifer Goldhar
President, The Characters Talent Agency
Jennifer Goldhar is passionate in all of her many roles, as a mother, as a former water polo player, as an agent, and as the President at the Characters Talent Agency.
Jennifer Goldhar
“I hope to be a great role model for my kids and show them that you can love your job and love your family, and be good at both. I am proud that I love what I do. I think it is an important message to pass onto them; to find something that they love to do.”
Julie Benneyworth
Co-Owner and Principal, Star Academy
From studying abroad, to co-owning a private alternative education school, to being a strong role model for her daughter, Julie inspires others with the confidence in knowing that everyone creates their own beautiful path.
Julie Benneyworth
“Being the best version of myself and putting my best foot forward every day. That's who I want to be to my daughter. Epic.”
June Roos
Media - Retired
June is a proud mother, grandmother, and has enjoyed a dynamic career working at local newspapers, the Hamilton Spectator and the Ottawa Sun. June has watched women’s roles evolve throughout her life and is thrilled to see women today being bold, independent leaders who mentor each other and refuse to be limited by societal constraints.
June Roos
“Be the best you can be. It's up to you, you're the one who has to choose to be yourself. Women are so strong, we have to be.”
Kathleen Kauth
Olympian (2006) and World Championship Medalist for Team USA- Ice Hockey
After her gritty, outstanding career on the ice, mother of three and Olympic Bronze Medalist Kathleen transitioned to leading and innovating in the Cleantech and Energy industries. Kathleen knows better than anyone the power of passion and working hard for what you want while promoting inclusivity.
Kathleen Kauth
“I lived my entire life in a ‘man's world’. I have seen firsthand how much better a team functions when it's balanced and has a diversity of experience. I am a big believer in promoting that but also pushing to become part of the very fabric of the organization you are a part of.”
Kathy Gregg
Elementary School Teacher, Mother of CAN Fund Recipients Jamie and Jessica Gregg- Speed Skating
Kathy, who was an athlete herself, has raised four incredible children who have all become successful athletes. CAN Fund Recipients Jamie (Long Track Speed Skating) and Jessica (Short Track Speed Skating) both represented Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.
Kathy Gregg
“Keep positive, keep working hard. Fighting through tough times will make you stronger. Keep persistent and reach out if you are struggling!”
“Just knowing that other successful, driven women see our potential and see where we can get with their help and they know the work we are putting in even when most don’t, it just makes my heart feel nice and really excited to have the opportunity in the future to give back.” – Natalie Wideman – softball, CAN Fund #150Women recipient
Kelly Rogers
Artist, Mother of CAN Fund Recipient Sydney Payne - Rowing
After years as a partner in a design studio, Kelly transitioned to working on her own as an artist. This adjustment enabled her to travel freely for her daughter Sydney’s alpine skiing competitions. When Sydney shifted to rowing, her athletic career took off; she has qualified for the Games next summer!
Kelly Rogers
“My daughter was asked ‘what made her think she could do what she’s doing’ and as a result, she was puzzled. She’d never been told that she couldn’t! Believe in yourself. There’s far too little of that!”
Kenda Nurse
Dairy Farmer and Partner, Nurseland Farms, Mother of CAN Fund Recipient Cristy Nurse- Rowing
The daughter of a dairy farmer, Kenda studied English at Mount Allison University before partnering with her husband to run a dairy farm of their own. Kenda is passionate about animal husbandry, educating people about where their food comes from, and loves teaching her granddaughters about horses.
Kenda Nurse
“You have to be true to yourself. It's an evolution and you get there by trial and error, but life is so short and you need to be doing what you really enjoy.”
Kristy Spence
Special Education Teacher, Mother of CAN Fund #150Women Recipient Emma Spence- Gymnastics
Mother, teacher, and fierce supporter of women in sport, Kristy deeply admires the women who have fought for the freedom that allows her daughters to pursue their athletic dreams.
Kristy Spence
“Emma’s great grandmother was in the 1932 Olympics. To hear her stories, it is really amazing to see the evolution of women’s participation in sport over the last 100 years. Having young women and girls participating and also having other women supporting them is a really special thing.”
Laurel Scott
Investment Associate, National Bank Financial, Mother of CAN Fund Recipients Candace and Jack Crawford- Skiing
Laurel has forged her unique life path through perseverance and encourages women not to let fear hinder their ambition. Laurel has built an outstanding career in the financial world while raising two World Cup skiers, Candace and Jack.
Laurel Scott
“My daughter figure skated before skiing and I remember watching her trying to get her double axel. She would fall, get up, and do it again. And again. And that's what people have to do. I'm not an athlete but that’s what I do.”
Lee Fairclough
President, Saint Mary’s General Hospital, Former Canadian Rugby Player
Lee swam through her third year of university and then went on to represent Canada in rugby. She represented Canada as an athlete while working to support her athletic pursuits.
Lee Fairclough
“I look at the performance of Canadian women at the Olympics, and we do well. If there is an investment that is worth it, it is in Canadian female athletes. I like that CAN Fund thought very deliberately about how to reach female athletes and female donors. They have a thoughtful approach to supporting an important group of athletes.”
Leslie Black
Sales Representative at Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Triathlete (Half and Full Ironman, Marathons)
Leslie loves competing and never gives up whether that is in winning the 2007 Toronto Marathon, finishing top 3 in the world in her age group for Half Ironman races, being a mother, or selling houses in real estate. With so many things out of our control recently, Leslie is proud of how her family and friends have let go and really embraced uncertainty!
Leslie Black
“Leslie gained her confidence later on in life and wants all young women to know: “You are enough.”
