March 8 is International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme – Give to Gain – is all about the power of generosity and collaboration. It’s the idea that when we give our time, talent, or treasure to support women, everyone reaps the rewards.
Five Queen’s alumnae are showing what that looks like in action every day. Late last year, they were honoured with Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, given out by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) to celebrate those making big impacts on industries and communities across the country.
In a statement, WXN Owner and CEO Sherri Stevens said that each of the inductees has “turned setbacks into breakthroughs, uncertainty into courage, and ambition into real impact. Their achievements light a path for others, proving that strength, confidence, and purpose are unstoppable – and that when women rise boldly, they change the whole world around them.”
In the Entrepreneur category, Joanna Kirke, Artsci’97, made the list for building Kirke Leadership into a trusted partner in leadership and executive development across industries. Through coaching and experiential programs, she and her team help leaders unlock their full potential. Kirke extends that work through volunteer work supporting women and children.
In the Leadership category, KJ Harrison Investors Managing Partner Sarah Bull, Artsci’93, was named for steering the company through major growth, empowering women in finance, and giving back through philanthropy and board service, including with the Royal Ontario Museum and the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Heather Tulk, MBA’94, was also honoured for her leadership. As president of Commercial and Public Sector at Telus, she leads a team that delivers digital solutions to businesses across Canada and beyond. She also stays closely connected to causes that support youth, mental wellness, and helping everyone reach their full potential.
Susan Christoffersen, Artsci’89, made the list in the Professional category as dean of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Known as a highly respected researcher and curriculum innovator, she has introduced new programs and experiential learning opportunities designed to prepare students for an evolving financial world.
And in the STEM category, Kathryn Hong, Artsci’17, MSc’19, was celebrated for opening doors for others. As the founder of Girls SySTEM Mentorship, she has grown a grassroots initiative into a nationwide nonprofit that helps young women and gender non-conforming students access STEM mentorship and programming. Alongside her work as a physician and scientist at the University of Toronto, Hong also advocates for greater equity in health care.
Together, these five alumnae reflect the spirit of Give to Gain – leadership grounded in service and a commitment to lifting others up. This International Women’s Day, it’s also a moment to say thank you: for everything these alumnae give through their work every day, and for the ways they inspire others to follow.
Inspired by these leaders? This International Women’s Day, consider supporting initiatives in the Faculty of Arts and Science aimed at advancing women and girls. Learn more.
