From fashion to advocacy to media, these Canadian women-founders are breaking barriers and building inclusive, innovative businesses. Get inspired by their stories of success and impact.
Okay, let’s talk about something real. You know how you’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, catching up on the funny memes and the occasional pet video?
You laugh, you share them with the two people who actually care, and you keep it moving. But when these women speak? Nah. You pause. You listen. You learn. They’re not just creating businesses—they’re accelerating action and changing the game.
As we approach International Women’s Day 2025, with this year’s theme focused on “Accelerate Action,” it’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the incredible Canadian women pushing boundaries and driving the change we all need.
And just like in previous years (2024, 2023), this list is by no means exhaustive. Canada is overflowing with powerful women who are making waves and shaping the future in ways big and small.
And keep in mind—you don’t have to be a “founder” to change the world or even your own community. Every day, women are making moves, pushing boundaries, and igniting movements in ways big and small.
But for now, let’s take a moment to celebrate these fierce founders and trailblazers who are leaving their imprint on everything from business to media to social justice.
Here’s a list of 10 Canadian women-founders who are doing all the things and leaving all of us inspired.
1. Shannae Ingleton-Smith – Founder, Kensington Grey Agency Inc
- Mission: To elevate BIPOC voices in the marketing and PR space.
- Change Making Moves: Shannae founded Kensington Grey Agency to champion diversity and inclusion in the marketing world, curating campaigns that amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Her work doesn’t just speak to the trends—it creates them. When you need bold, unapologetic messaging that challenges the status quo, Shannae is your go-to.
2. Camille Dundas – Co-Founder, ByBlacks.com & Racial Equity Educator
- Mission: To educate and advocate for racial equity while providing a platform for Black excellence.
- Change Making Moves: Camille and her co-founder built ByBlacks.com into Canada’s most widely-read online magazine for Black Canadians. She is also dedicated to educating others on racial equity, helping businesses understand the importance of inclusion while empowering marginalized voices. She’s out here dismantling stereotypes and showing the power of Black narratives.
3. Noura Sakkijha – Founder & CEO, Mejuri
- Mission: To make fine jewelry accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
- Change Making Moves: Noura revolutionized the fine jewelry industry by building a brand that centres on inclusivity, transparency, and sustainability. Through Mejuri, she created a new kind of jewelry business—one where luxury isn’t just for special occasions, but an everyday celebration. She’s also breaking the mold by building a business that listens to and serves women, offering a direct-to-consumer model that empowers customers to be part of the creation process.
4. Amy Burstyn Fritz – Co-Founder, Misette
- Mission: To create thoughtful, sustainable, and beautiful dinnerware that tells a story.
- Change Making Moves: Amy co-founded Misette, an artful dinnerware company that isn’t just about setting a table—it’s about telling a story with every piece. She’s redefining luxury in the dinnerware space, combining craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural heritage. When she designs a plate, she’s also designing a moment.
5. Catriona Smart – Founder, That Good Inc
- Mission: To create innovative, inclusive, and culturally relevant experiences that transform brands and connect them with diverse audiences.
- Change Making Moves: Catriona Smart is the driving force behind That Good Inc, a creative agency reshaping the way brands engage with their communities. With a focus on event design, brand strategy, and digital creative, Catriona’s work ensures brands go beyond just marketing—they build relationships. Her expertise spans talent management, media relations, and campaign strategy, all with a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and impactful storytelling.
6. Lisa Mattam – Founder, Sahajan
- Mission: To blend tradition, science, and sustainability in skincare.
- Change Making Moves: Lisa Mattam’s Sahajan brings centuries-old Ayurvedic practices to the forefront, creating skincare products that honour natural ingredients while ensuring they meet the highest standards of modern skincare. With a focus on sustainability and clean beauty, she’s redefining what it means to take care of your skin, inside and out.
7. Tiffany Callender – Co-Founder & CEO, FACE (Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Entrepreneurs)
- Mission: To support Black entrepreneurs and advance economic development in Black communities.
- Change Making Moves: Tiffany co-founded FACE to create pathways for Black entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, resources, and community. She’s actively shifting the narrative around Black businesses in Canada, helping them access capital, networks, and opportunities that have traditionally been out of reach.
8. Sara Koonar – Founder, Platform Media
- Mission: Empowering diverse communities through authentic media and content creation.
- Change Making Moves: Platform Media has become a key player in shifting how BIPOC communities are represented in mainstream media. Sara’s work is all about changing the narrative, giving people a platform to share their truth. She’s giving marginalized voices the megaphone they’ve always deserved, and let me tell you, the world is listening.
9. Erin Brillon – Founder, Totem Design House
- Mission: To create high-quality, ethically made, and culturally inspired clothing that blends modern design with traditional Indigenous elements.
- Change Making Moves: Erin Brillon is the visionary behind Totem Design House, a lifestyle and clothing brand that beautifully fuses contemporary fashion with Indigenous cultural heritage. Through her work, Erin is making waves in the fashion industry, proving that style can be both innovative and rooted in meaningful cultural storytelling. By prioritizing ethical production and community-driven design, Erin is not just building a brand—she’s creating a platform for Indigenous voices in fashion.
10. Mallory Greene – CEO, Eirene Cremations
- Mission: Reshaping the death-tech landscape with a more compassionate, accessible approach to end-of-life services.
- Change Making Moves: Mallory is the visionary founder of Eirene Cremations, a service focused on bringing innovation and sensitivity to the death industry. By creating a seamless, respectful cremation service that is accessible to all, Mallory is disrupting an industry that is often shrouded in tradition and discomfort. She’s making sure that the journey through grief can be handled with care, dignity, and ease.
As the founder of See Girl Work, I’m nowhere near the level of success that these women have achieved, but trust me, they’re my “founder goals”. I’m inspired by their hustle, their drive and their unwavering commitment to making a difference.
These women are rewriting the rules, accelerating action, and taking no prisoners. In fact, every woman—whether through her career, activism, or simply showing up for her community—is changing the world in meaningful ways.
So, let’s raise our glasses to these Canadian women-founders. They’re the movers, the shakers, and the creators. They’re the ones who are making this world a little brighter, one bold move at a time.
Here’s to accelerating action, today and every day.
