Meet Extraordinary Women in Tech in Toronto

    Within the dynamic tech hub of Toronto, exceptional women abound, each making significant contributions that reverberate throughout the industry. Their prowess in technology, leadership acumen, and commitment to innovation mark them as pivotal figures within Toronto's tech landscape. From spearheading groundbreaking projects to driving organizational change, these women stand as pillars of excellence, shaping the trajectory of the tech sector in profound ways.

    Anna Leon, Partner, Digital Public Sector at KPMG Canada

    Anna Leon is a seasoned leader in the technology industry with extensive experience in driving digital transformation and innovation within the public sector. With a career spanning over two decades, Anna has excelled in roles focused on sales, business development, and strategic leadership, consistently exceeding revenue targets and fostering key partnerships. She is recognized for her expertise in areas such as enterprise architecture, cloud integration, data analytics, and intelligent automation, contributing significantly to the advancement of technology solutions in government settings.

    Arlene (Enero) Demsyn-Jones, Sr Engineering Leader at New Relic

    Arlene (Enero) Demsyn-Jones is a seasoned engineering leader with over 15 years of experience in the software industry, known for her expertise in building and leading high-performance distributed teams. With a background in full-stack engineering, particularly in Java and JavaScript, Arlene has held various leadership roles in prominent tech companies like Postmates, Skillz, and Zeta Global, where she has consistently driven product development and innovation. She is recognized as an empowerer and enabler, passionate about fostering diverse and inclusive environments within the tech industry while pursuing continuous learning and growth, as evidenced by her pursuit of an MBA.

    Briana-Rose Sekulic, Partner - Data & Technology Transformation at IBM

    Briana-Rose Sekulic is a distinguished figure in the technology sector, recognized for her extensive contributions to digital strategy, transformation, and advanced analytics. With a career spanning several years, Briana has showcased her leadership prowess by spearheading innovative initiatives and driving large-scale programs across various industries. She is also known for her advocacy efforts aimed at advancing women in tech and championing sustainability within the industry, leaving a lasting impact on the tech landscape.

    Camas Winsor, Managing Director at Accenture

    Camas Winsor is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in corporate strategy and operations within the tech sector. With a diverse skill set encompassing business development, client services, product management, and operations, Camas has played a pivotal role in driving the success of numerous emerging and established companies. Renowned for her innovative problem-solving abilities and strategic vision, she has consistently delivered operational excellence and fostered team empowerment, leaving a significant impact on the tech industry landscape.

    Charmaine Wong, Partner, National Digital Leader at Deloitte

    Charmaine Wong is a distinguished leader in the tech industry, renowned for her strategic acumen and pragmatic approach to solving complex problems. With over 18 years of experience, she has played a pivotal role in driving enterprise transformation through digital innovation, new business launches, and mergers & acquisitions. Charmaine's expertise in bringing together business, marketing, digital, and technology teams has resulted in successful large-scale transformations and the delivery of measurable results, particularly in the realm of customer experience objectives.

    Cristiane Xavier, Sr Business Project Manager at CIBC

    Cristiane Xavier is a seasoned project management professional with over two decades of experience in fast-paced industries, particularly within the tech sector. She excels in driving multimillion-dollar Client Operations transformation and modernization projects. Cristiane is known for her expertise in process improvement, change management, and her ability to empower teams to deliver value while simplifying and innovating workflows. Additionally, she serves as the local leader of the WomenTech Network Toronto chapter and holds the role of WomenTech Network Global Ambassador, where she actively advocates for gender diversity and empowerment in the tech industry.

    Dominique Simoneau-Ritchie, CTO at Affinity

    Dominique Simoneau-Ritchie is a highly experienced engineer with over two decades of impactful contributions to the tech industry. Renowned for her expertise in building and leading engineering teams, she has left her mark at renowned companies such as Shopify, Lever, Wealthsimple, IBM, and BlackBerry. Dominique's passion for building platforms and APIs that excel in performance and functionality is evident through her successful redesign and launch of various groundbreaking projects, including the first BlackBerry 10 device on QNX and pioneering GraphQL APIs for Shopify. Notably, her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in tech has led to significant increases in the representation of women and non-binary individuals within engineering teams under her leadership, setting a benchmark for gender balance and inclusivity in the industry.

    Georgia Woods, Executive Vice-President, CIO Canada at Canada Life 

    Georgia Woods is a seasoned tech executive with over three decades of experience in the financial sector. She has held influential roles at major institutions like CIBC, BMO Financial Group, and Canada Life, where she demonstrated expertise in digital transformation, application management, and infrastructure development. With a career spanning from IT Professional to Executive Vice-President, her leadership has significantly shaped the technological landscape of prominent organizations in Canada and the United States.

    Karina Sidhu, Chief Technology & Data Officer at IMCO

    Karina Sidhu is a highly accomplished technology leader with a rich background spanning over two decades in the financial and technology sectors. With notable positions at RBC Capital Markets and BMO Financial Group, she has demonstrated expertise in technology strategy, business enablement, and digital transformation. Karina's roles as Managing Director & Global Head of Technology & Strategy and Chief Technology & Data Officer underscore her proficiency in driving innovation and leveraging data for strategic decision-making.

    Kimberly Simon, VP - Partnerships & Alliances at ControlCase

    Kimberly Simon is a cybersecurity expert, author, and VP of Partnerships and Alliances at ControlCase. With over a decade in the industry, she's a renowned speaker advocating for cybersecurity compliance. In her role, Kimberly facilitates knowledge sharing and revenue growth through strategic partnerships, emphasizing the benefits of compliance in lowering risk and enhancing cybersecurity maturity for organizations.

    Laura Money, Executive Vice President & Chief Information and Technology Innovation Officer at Sun Life

    Laura Money is a seasoned technology executive with a remarkable career spanning over three decades. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Information and Technology Innovation Officer at Sun Life, she leads global technology initiatives. Laura's extensive experience includes senior leadership roles at major financial institutions like CIBC and BMO Financial Group, where she spearheaded strategic programs, managed technology infrastructure, and drove innovation. With a strong track record of delivering transformative projects and optimizing operational efficiency, Laura is a recognized leader in the field, known for her strategic vision and operational excellence.

    Melonie de Guzman,Technical Program Manager at MDG Services

    Melonie de Guzman is a seasoned Technical Program Manager. With a strong focus on inclusivity and diversity, she is a renowned public speaker, having delivered keynotes at global women in tech conferences and Canadian universities. Melonie is dedicated to empowering underrepresented individuals in the tech sector through mentorship, offering tailored guidance and support to women, people of color, and recent graduates. Additionally, she is a member of the Women in Tech Council of WomenTech Network, furthering her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry.

    Michelle Joliat, SVP, Product and Delivery at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan

    Michelle Joliat is the Senior Vice President of Product and Delivery at Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan. Michelle has a proven track record of driving digital transformation and innovation. She has led large-scale restructuring initiatives and developed agile methodologies, resulting in improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced client experiences. Michelle is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, serving as the Executive Sponsor of the Women at Teachers' Employee Resource Group. Her leadership and expertise continue to shape the landscape of technology delivery and product management.

    Neelima Mangal, Vice President - Americas AI Operations, Global Head at AlpineGate AI Technologies Inc | CoFounder of Spectrum North | Member of the Forbes Council, MIT CIO Sloan

    Neelima Mangal is a seasoned technology leader renowned for her impactful contributions across the tech industry. With a diverse background spanning management consulting, innovative product development, and agile project management, she has played a pivotal role in driving global-scale solutions for organizations like Exeevo, Nutcache, and Indegene. Neelima's expertise extends to areas such as customer success, quality engineering, and fostering diversity and inclusion through initiatives like Spectrum North. Her thought leadership, recognized by Forbes and MIT Sloan, underscores her commitment to shaping the future of technology with a focus on innovation and inclusivity.

    Priya Mouli, Head of Information Security at Sheridan College

    Priya Mouli is a seasoned professional in the tech industry with a diverse background spanning cybersecurity, risk advisory, and software engineering. With extensive experience gained from reputable firms like PwC, KPMG, and Deloitte, Priya has established herself as a trusted leader in information security and tech risk management. Her contributions have not only enhanced the resilience of organizations but also shaped best practices in cybersecurity across various sectors globally.

    Rebecca Schriver, Vice President Technology and Information Services Gas Distribution and Power at Enbridge

    Rebecca Schriver is an accomplished technology executive with a wealth of experience in driving business transformation and innovation in the tech industry. With over two decades of tenure at Celestica, including roles as Vice President of Business Transformation and Enterprise Applications, and Global Director of Supply Chain Solutions, Rebecca has demonstrated her expertise in leveraging IT to enhance operational efficiency and drive business growth. 

    Saba Shariff, SVP, Chief Strategy, Product & Innovation Officer at Symcor

    Saba Shariff is an esteemed technology executive with extensive experience in spearheading strategic initiatives and driving innovation in the financial services sector. With a career spanning over 18 years at Symcor, including roles such as SVP, Chief Strategy, Product & Innovation Officer, and Head of New Product Development & Corporate Strategy, Saba has showcased her adeptness in leading teams to bring new products and solutions to market. 

    Sanya Pecenovic, Product Delivery Principal - Program Director at Thoughtworks

    Sanya Pecenovic is a seasoned leader in the tech industry, renowned for her strategic acumen and delivery excellence. With a career spanning various tech-focused roles, she has spearheaded multimillion-dollar client engagements, led complex implementation initiatives, and pioneered agile methodologies. Sanya's knack for building high-performing teams and driving business transformation has cemented her reputation as a visionary leader, making significant contributions to the growth and success of organizations across the technology landscape.

    Shannon Bell, EVP, Chief Digital Officer at OpenText

    Shannon Bell is a seasoned technology executive with a rich history of driving digital innovation and transformation across various industries. With extensive experience in leadership roles at companies like OpenText, Rogers Communications, and Amdocs, Shannon has been instrumental in spearheading technology strategies, architecting solutions, and managing large-scale IT operations. Known for her strategic vision and ability to deliver results, she has played key roles in product management, marketing, and sales engineering, consistently shaping the direction of technological advancements and driving business growth. 

    Stefanie Nastou, Vice President Marketing at TeamViewer

    Stefanie Nastou is a highly experienced marketing executive with a proven track record of success in driving global demand generation and digital marketing initiatives. With over two decades of experience in leadership roles at companies like TeamViewer, Oracle, and OpenText, Stefanie has demonstrated her ability to lead diverse teams and deliver exceptional results. Known for her strategic vision and expertise in performance marketing, integrated campaigns, and lead generation, she has played a pivotal role in driving pipeline growth and revenue expansion.

    Tatjana Lalkovic, CTO at Definity

    Tatjana Lalkovic is an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience driving digital innovation and transformation in the financial and telecommunications sectors. With a background spanning over two decades, she has held key leadership positions at prominent companies such as Definity, Rogers Communications, and TD Bank, where she has consistently delivered strategic technology solutions. Tatjana's expertise lies in areas such as technology strategy development, digital channels delivery, fraud detection solutions, and global FX sales and trading technology. 

    Thanuja Karunamoorthy, Vice President, Digital Banking, Technology at EQ Bank

    Thanuja Karunamoorthy is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience in the banking and financial services industry. Currently serving as the Vice President of Digital Banking Technology at EQ Bank, Thanuja is responsible for leading digital transformation initiatives and overseeing the development of innovative digital banking solutions. Prior to her role at EQ Bank, Thanuja held various leadership positions at Equitable Bank and BMO Financial Group, where she demonstrated expertise in IT strategy, product management, cloud computing, and cross-functional team leadership. 

    Van (Vanessa) Little, Global CTO at IDX Systems a Converge Company

    Vanessa Little, known as Van, is a distinguished technology leader with a rich background in IT infrastructure, architecture, and innovation. Currently serving as the Global Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at IDX Systems, a Converge Company, Van oversees technology strategies and initiatives on a global scale. With extensive experience in the telecommunications and IT sectors, Van has held key leadership positions at reputable organizations such as VMware, where she spearheaded global telco innovation and directed NFV ecosystem architecture efforts. 

    The remarkable women highlighted in this exploration exemplify the epitome of excellence and leadership in Toronto's tech sphere. Their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of diversity and inclusion within the industry.