Liz Leckie
Financial Planner | Former National Team Athlete- Canoe/Kayak
Through determination, perseverance and adaptability Liz has successfully transitioned from a national canoe/kayak athlete to a finance business owner. She encourages others to trust in their abilities to succeed in whichever path they choose.
Liz Leckie
“Make an impact, everyone has a different version of what that might be. Find what you are passionate about and make an impact.”
Louise Costescu
Retired- Held Positions Across Multiple Fields
Louise was inspired to join CAN Fund #150Women because as a woman, she cherishes supporting female athletes in Canada. Her positive attitude and fierce will to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves are what makes Louise proud. “I am 68 and there are different challenges with old age. I remind myself I can do anything I want to do. We need to remind ourselves of that.
Louise Costescu
“We hear so many stories of women tearing each other down – I think women lift each other up and CAN Fund #150Women is a great way to lift up.”
Lucille De Haître
Director, Public Sector at Lenovo Canada | Mother of CAN Fund Recipient Vincent De Haître- Speed Skating and Track Cycling
Have a mentor! “My mentor, Marcia Lamb, still plays a key part in my life. Not only is she the Godmother to my oldest son René but I still don’t make a career move without reviewing with her. Marcia took me under her wing in 1986. I always said that if someone took me under their wing, I would take someone under mine because we can’t keep going in this male-dominated field without supporting one another. If we just gave a push to someone or a chance to someone, imagine how they would flourish versus trying to make it alone with the boys.
Lucille De Haître
“The more we stand together, the more powerful we will be!”
Mary O’Brien
MD Specializing in Internal Medicine and Critical Care Patients, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Memorial University
Mary’s life philosophy is healthy mind and healthy body, and she lives by that message through her work with patients, with students, and through embracing challenges, day by day. "I am delighted to be the first CAN Fund #150Women from Newfoundland and I encourage more women to join me. I was a competitive middle-distance runner and competed in the World Student Games, and now my daughter Catherine is on Canada’s artistic swimming team."
Mary O’Brien
“I live by the saying “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and that has served me well. ”
Megan Meeds
Mother of three
Megan was introduced to CAN Fund #150Women by her sister Erin McLeod who is an Olympic bronze medalist soccer player and a CAN Fund #150Women recipient. A mother of three, Megan loves supporting the tenacity that athletes exhibit in and outside of sport.Megan loves encouraging others to stay active, whether it be through coaching soccer and volleyball or running Zoom workouts for other busy mothers in her community.
Megan Meeds
“It is fascinating to me the mentality that athletes have. It was important for me to get involved to try and foster this among more women and female athletes.”
Nancy Mollenhauer
Teacher- Retired | 2 time Olympian (1984, 1988)
As an Olympic field hockey player, a teacher for 30 years, and a mother of two daughters, Nancy has touched many lives with her incredible stories, love for sport, and drive to support other female athletes striving to achieve their dreams.
Nancy Mollenhauer
“The benefits of being a female athlete are tremendous, so anytime you can support other female athletes to chase their dreams as well, it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
“Having our hard work recognized and having the means to take our game to the next level has meant the world to me and all of the athletes supported by CAN Fund. It’s an amazing feeling to know that I am supported by a strong group of women!” – Jessica Gaudreault – water polo, CAN Fund #150Women recipient
Robin Campbell
Lawyer- Retired
Robin’s inspiration to delve into a career in law came from many directions. She was excited by the freedom to study what she loved and had exceptional role models as women in law were making powerful strides forward. Robin was drawn to the economic independence of being a lawyer as she deeply values the societal benefits of philanthropy, especially as a woman.
Robin Campbell
“To be successful and happy you have to find something that gives you joy. Persevere and find the thing you love and then believe in yourself.”
Shawna Pereira
Co-founder and Creative Director, Wonderkind
Shawna is a thoughtful and creative entrepreneur with a life-long passion for community building. After meeting her business partner Tara while volunteering at their daughters’ school, they decided to put their energy into something impactful; they created Wonderkind, unique gift-catering experience that connects customers with over 100 women entrepreneurs, makers and artists. Wonderkind is about giving a gift with a purpose that supports small, female-led businesses across Canada and at the same time supporting a charity.
Shawna Pereira
“Anything to do with women empowerment and the powerful network that stands behind the CAN Fund #150Women is an amazing opportunity to connect with other women and to support.”
Sonal Dandavate
Experienced Commercial Relationship Manager, BMO
Sonal deeply values the key role that life experiences play in personal development. She grew up in Dubai and moved to Toronto to study at York University. After graduating, Sonal went back and forth between Canada and U.A.E to work and to then pursue a business degree at Western University. Sonal strongly believes in utilizing a support system and always helping other people.
Sonal Dandavate
“Before, I was a little bit fearful of people who were at a higher level than me. Being away for a few months gave me the confidence to network and say, ‘hey, I need to ask for more’.”
Tammy Dewhirst
Real Estate Agent, Royal LePage Terrequity Realty
Tammy is grateful for the relationship she has with her sister, Sabrina Gaspar. Her sister has always been 100% supportive of her no matter the choices she made, whether it was moving to another country, travelling the world, or changing careers. A true inspiration to her!
Tammy Dewhirst
“I have a great circle of strong independent women around me and I think the strength of women together is incredibly powerful!”
Tania Edwards
Business Logistics Manager, Myrtha Pools Canada | National Team Athlete- Archery
Tania is a mother, a former swimmer, and in 2015 began representing Canada in Archery. By 2019, Tanya was competing at the World Championships. Tania’s atypical career path has developed her sense of hope, perseverance, and self-love.
Tania Edwards
“I never felt limited. With Jane putting this CAN Fund #150Women group together, there is a sea of successful women willing to share and help each other. More than ever I wanted to be a part of that.”
Tania Leil O’Brien
Chief Marketing Officer, Ausenco
After studying drama and politics at Queens, Tania changed paths and channeled her creative energy into marketing. As a Chief Marketing Officer for a global mining and engineering firm, Tania is grateful for the female leaders who taught her to own the greatness in herself.
Tania Leil O’Brien
“I find that when women define success they try to replicate what success looks like for men. That world can be colder, and as women, our gift can be to warm it up and lead with kindness. That is the next generation of leadership.”
