Famous Canadian Business Women

Elizabeth Arden was a Canadian-American businesswoman who founded Elizabeth Arden, Inc., establishing a cosmetics empire in the United States. By 1929, she owned 150 salons across Europe and the U.S., with her 1,000 products sold in 22 countries. As the sole owner, she became one of the wealthiest women globally at the peak of her career. Arden's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to beauty and skincare revolutionized the industry, leaving a lasting legacy of success and innovation.

Pansy Ho Chiu-king is a prominent Hong Kong billionaire businesswoman with major interests in two of the six casino license-holders in Macau. She is the managing director of various companies founded by her father, including Shun Tak Holdings. Pansy has been recognized for her significant wealth and influence in the business world, being named 25th on Forbes' list of Hong Kong's 50 richest people in 2021. She is also noted as the second richest woman in Hong Kong, with an estimated fortune of HK$31.8 billion (US$4.1 billion).

Belinda Stronach is a Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist known for her diverse career in politics, business, and charitable work. She served as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons of Canada, initially with the Conservative Party before crossing the floor to join the Liberals. During her political career, she held ministerial positions in the government. Post-politics, she played a key role at Magna International, a leading automotive parts manufacturer, and founded The Belinda Stronach Foundation. Additionally, she is involved in various business ventures and has been recognized as a future leader by prestigious organizations and media outlets.

Jayde Nicole is a prominent Canadian model and successful businesswoman. She gained widespread recognition after being featured as Playboy's Playmate of the Month in January 2007, subsequently earning the prestigious title of Playmate of the Year in 2008. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Canadian Playmate of the Year in over two decades. With a career marked by achievements in the modeling industry and entrepreneurship, Jayde Nicole continues to make her mark as a respected figure in the world of business and entertainment.

Sunanda Pushkar was a successful businesswoman with experience as a sales director at TECOM Investments in Dubai. She was also involved in the sports industry as a co-owner of Rendezvous Sports World (RSW), which was a cricket franchise in the Indian Premier League. Her professional life was marked by her roles in business and sports, showcasing her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.

Yael Cohen Braun is a prominent health activist known for her work in founding the nonprofit organization "Fuck Cancer." She has made significant contributions to raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs. Through her leadership, the organization has grown to become a prominent charity dedicated to fighting cancer. Yael's passion for making a difference in the healthcare sector is evident in her commitment to supporting those affected by cancer and her advocacy for improved access to care and resources.

Andrea Jung is a Canadian-American executive and non-profit leader based in New York City. She served as the first female CEO and chairman of Avon Products, Inc., from 1999 to 2012. Jung was also the first woman to chair the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association and the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations. She later became president and CEO of Grameen America in 2014. Jung received the 2010 Clinton Global Citizen Award for her leadership in public-private partnerships supporting women's health causes.

Mary Ann Shadd Cary was a pioneering American-Canadian anti-slavery activist, journalist, publisher, teacher, and lawyer. She was the first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. Shadd established the influential newspaper Provincial Freeman, advocating for equality, integration, and self-education for black people. She played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, assisting those fleeing slavery in the US. Shadd's commitment to civil rights led her to recruit soldiers during the Civil War and pursue a legal education to further her advocacy work.

Quinn Lundberg is a Canadian businesswoman, policy advocate, and charity worker known for co-founding nonprofit organizations such as 'Growing Voices' and the educational platform LOOM. She has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including promoting mental health awareness, sustainable community development, and domestic violence alleviation. With a degree in Public Policy, she has a strong background in advocating for social causes. While she typically prefers to stay out of the limelight, she occasionally attends Hollywood events with her husband, actor Zach Galifianakis.

Kathryn Pennington Teasdale was a trailblazing Canadian auto racing driver and businesswoman. She started racing Formula Fords in 1988 before transitioning to stock car racing. Teasdale made history as the first Canadian woman with an international racing license, the first female competitor in the Indy Lights road racing series, and the first woman in the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series. A three-time Canadian national champion in the Chevrolet Camaro racing series, she earned sponsorships, owned her own racing team, and won over 180 races before retiring in 1998.

Sonia Syngal is an accomplished American businesswoman who has made significant strides in the corporate world. She is renowned for her leadership as the former CEO of Gap, Inc., the prominent specialty apparel company in the United States. With a strong background in the retail industry, Syngal has demonstrated exceptional business acumen and strategic vision throughout her career. Her tenure at Gap, Inc. showcased her ability to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence, solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential figure in the business community.

Cindy Lee is a successful Canadian businesswoman renowned for founding the prominent retail grocery chain, T&T Supermarket. She assumed the role of CEO and president of the company in 1993, showcasing her leadership skills and business acumen. Before establishing T&T Supermarket, Lee gained experience as a bookkeeper, demonstrating her financial expertise. Through her dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Cindy Lee has made significant contributions to the business world, leaving a lasting impact on the retail industry in Canada.

Menaye Donkor is a multi-talented individual with a successful career as a businesswoman, entrepreneur, model, and philanthropist. She gained recognition as Miss Universe Ghana in 2004 and went on to represent Ghana in the prestigious Miss Universe 2004 pageant. Donkor's professional life is characterized by her dedication to various business ventures, including her entrepreneurial pursuits and her philanthropic efforts, which aim to make a positive impact on society. Additionally, she is known for her successful modeling career and her commitment to charitable causes.

Caroline Mulroney is a Canadian businesswoman, lawyer, and politician. She currently serves as the President of the Treasury Board of Ontario and Minister of Francophone Affairs. Mulroney has a diverse educational background, having graduated from Harvard University and New York University. She was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament for York—Simcoe in 2018 and has been actively involved in the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. Mulroney also has experience working in financial services and has contributed to charitable initiatives.

Dominique Anglade is a Canadian businesswoman and former politician. She served as the leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition of Quebec. Anglade was a member of the National Assembly of Quebec representing Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne. She made history as the first woman to lead the Quebec Liberal Party, the first black woman to lead a provincial party in Canada, and the first person of Haitian descent to be a cabinet minister in Canada. Anglade also held the position of the first female CEO of Montréal International.