As Canada navigates transformative shifts in its political, social, and economic landscape, prioritizing gender equality has never been more critical. Recent lessons underscore how inclusive and equitable policymaking can tackle pressing challenges—spanning the economy, climate, technology, and democracy. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering equity-driven solutions, Canada can achieve sustainable progress and create a just society that benefits all genders and generations to come. Join Canadian Club Toronto on February 27 for a special conversation in honour of International Women’s Day, with Tanya van Biesen, CEO of VersaFI, and Mitzie Hunter, CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
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Mitzie Hunter is a dynamic, community-grounded leader and President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. Her 30 years of leadership spans the nonprofit sector, private sector, and government. Mitzie has a trailblazing track record and many successes championing infrastructure and community improvements. She was the first Black woman to serve as Ontario’s Minister of Education. She also served as Ontario’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Associate Minister of Finance.
Mitzie is a respected advocate for diverse women, girls, and Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary people across Canada. She is known for her expertise in an array of issues, from women’s leadership to inclusive economies to sustainable neighbourhood and city building.
Mitzie is a founding visionary of the Prosperity Project. She served as Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Community Housing Corporation, CEO of CivicAction, Vice President of External Relations and Corporate Secretary at Goodwill Industries, and President of SMART Toronto, a technology hub. She is a Senior Fellow with the C.D. Howe Institute and a Canadian Urban Leader at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. Mitzie has also served in several board leadership positions in nonprofit and public service bodies, including United Way Greater Toronto and TVO. In 2023, Mitzie ran for mayor in the City of Toronto by-election.
Prior to joining VersaFi, Tanya led the Canadian Board & CEO Practice for a global human capital firm where she focused on advising corporate clients on their most important leadership decisions.
Previously, Tanya led member engagement and operations at Catalyst, a global non-profit, focused on the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups in the workplace. In this role she was responsible for 35 team members working with over 500 companies around the world to build gender-inclusive workplaces. She was also accountable for leading and operationalizing partnerships in Latin America, the Middle East, and AsiaPac.
A passionate advocate for gender equality as a driver of economic growth and progress, Tanya is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and architect of change. She has contributed to several research studies analyzing leadership trends and is a frequent contributor to news media on issues related to women’s advancement, leadership, and workplace equality.
Tanya is an active member of the community. She is a Member of the Culture External Advisory Committee at OSFI, Chair of the Executive Sleep-Out at Covenant House Toronto, a Member of the Advisory Board at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, and a Board Member of the Canadian Club of Toronto.
Tanya holds a Master of Business Administration in Management from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management as well as a Bachelor of Commerce from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
