School of Graduate Studies
Queen's UniversityNatasha Sharpe - Top 40 Under 40
Natasha Sharpe has come a long way since doing her Master’s in Philosophy at Queen’s
Natasha Sharpe, Queen’s alumnist (NSc’93, MA’95)
Established in 1995 by Doug Caldwell, the Top 40 Under 40 awards annually celebrates the achievements of young Canadians. Five categories are taken into consideration when choosing the recipients: vision and leadership; innovation and achievement; impact; growth and development; and community work.
Since leaving Queen’s, Sharpe continued her education by attaining PhD’s in Community Health and in Epidemiology (UofT) and then went on to do her MBA. Sharpe, 39, is now chief credit risk officer at Sun Life Financial Inc., where she creates risk policy for the company’s $110-billion in managed assets.
Sharpe had spent a decade working in corporate finance and risk assessment at the Bank of Montreal, when the opportunity to work at Sun Life Financial as the first ever chief credit risk officer came about. It was a perfect fit for Sharpe
In addition to her new role at Sun Life Financial, Sharpe is also chair of the board at Kensington Health Centre, a 350-bed long-term care facility in downtown Toronto. Sharpe has played a hands-on role in the centre’s construction. It’s a role that connects her education and business abilities with her passion for community health.
“Playing a part in providing security for others, in their financial lives and for their health care, is tremendously rewarding,” Sharpe said. “I am honoured to be recognized, along with such talented recipients from across Canada in business, academia, and health services. Their dedication to their organizations and communities is truly inspiring.”
Queen’s would also like to congratulate Dr Sharpe on the arrival of her son (now four months old).
(Information courtesy of – Queen’s News Centre April 28, 2011; Sun Life Financials corporate communications, and Globe & Mail report April 28, 2011)