VersaFi, formerly known as Women in Capital Markets (WCM), has announced the recipients of its 2024 Champions of Change Award. These 20 individuals will be recognized for their efforts in advancing equity within their firms and across the finance sector at a gala event in Toronto on June 25.
The annual award highlights those who work to ensure women can thrive and succeed in the finance industry. Tanya van Biesen, president and CEO of VersaFi, emphasized the importance of this recognition amid global challenges to equity initiatives.
“The finance sector is critical to our economy, making it essential for women to be fully represented at every decision-making level,” van Biesen said. “The underrepresentation of women in finance, particularly at mid and senior levels, continues to be an issue. However, it’s not merely a women’s issue — it’s a business problem. Addressing this will ensure we do not leave valuable talent behind. Our 2024 Champions of Change winners understand this and are striving to change the status quo.”
Van Biesen added that the awardees are leading committees, acting as sponsors, mentors, and allies, showcasing the power of innovation and creativity in fostering a culture of inclusion. “They remind us of the value of fostering a culture of inclusion — and in doing so, are helping to ensure that our talented women are able to contribute, thrive and advance at all levels,” she noted.
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Champions of Change Awards. The 2024 recipients include:
| Winner’s Name | Job Title | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Leslie J. Anderson | Global Head, One Client Wealth Management | BMO Financial Group |
| Eoin Brady | Partner, National Mergers and Acquisitions Tax Leader | PwC Canada |
| Dale Burgess | Executive Managing Director of Infrastructure and Natural Resources | Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan |
| Jim Byrd | Global Head, Macro Products | RBC Capital Markets |
| Tristan Cammaert | Partner, Business Consulting | EY |
| Nick Chan | Managing Director and Head, Financial Resource Management | BMO Capital Markets |
| Sarine Chitilian | Director, Business Operational Strategy, Resilience and Risk Management | National Bank Financial Markets |
| Étienne Dubuc | Executive Vice-President, National Bank Financial Markets, Member of the Senior Leadership Team | National Bank Financial Markets |
| Marin Gagliardi | Managing Director, Syndicated & Leveraged Finance Group | TD Securities |
| Sean Gilbert | Managing Director & Global Co-Head, Debt Capital Markets, Global Investment Banking | CIBC Capital Markets |
| Erin Griffiths | Senior Vice President, Client Solutions, Canadian Wealth Management | Scotiabank |
| Maria Hushovd | Managing Director and Head ESG Credit Group | RBC Capital Markets |
| Michelle Joliat | Senior Managing Director of Product and Delivery | Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan |
| Brian Kernohan | Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets | Manulife Investment Management |
| Meric Koksal | Managing Director, Wealth Solutions Group, Deputy Head and Head of Structuring, Innovation & Private Markets | CIBC Capital Markets |
| Michael Kruse | Global Head, Multinational Banking and CEO and Head, Global Banking and Markets U.S. | Scotiabank |
| Neil Pengelly | Canadian Technology Solutions Delivery Leader, Partner | EY |
| Lindsay Scott | Managing Director, Canadian Diversified Industries | TD Securities |
| Carly Stallwood | Partner, Finance Leader for Assurance | PwC Canada |
| Jasmine Tehara | Global Head of Retirement Operations | Manulife |
VersaFi, established in 1995 and rebranded in 2024, is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating equity for women and gender-diverse individuals in the finance sector. The organization supports talent at all career stages, advocates for gender equity, and collaborates with finance sector leaders to implement structural and cultural changes. VersaFi’s community includes over 4,000 members from various segments of the finance industry.