Five Schulich Alumnae Recognized as Canada’s Most Powerful Women
Women’s Executive Network (WXN) recently announced their Top 100 Awards winners, which features five Schulich alumnae. These women are recognized as Canada’s Most Powerful Women for the way they empower and champion others and influence positive change in their workplace and communities.
“Schulich is proud of the career success of these five outstanding alumnae,” said Interim Dean Detlev Zwick. “They are business and community leaders, trailblazers and innovators, and most of all, inspirational role models. We applaud their achievements.”
The list honours women in a various professional fields and career levels and is divided into 13 awards, three of which recognize one or more Schulich alumna(e).
Mercedes-Benz Emerging Leaders Award
Recognizes women between the ages of 30 to 45 years, who have been targeted for successive leadership positions within their organizations and have a proven passion for learning and innovation.
Lorraine Gray (MBA ’09) is a Professional Engineer with 15 years of experience at Hydro One, 12 of which have been in leadership positions. In her current role, Lorraine is responsible for one of six zones covering the Province of Ontario. Today, she leads over 100 employees that service and maintain crucial electricity equipment. She is one of only three women to ever hold this position and is a fierce advocate for women pursuing non-traditional roles. Lorraine also sits on the Board of Directors for the Whitby Public Library.
Fatema Pirone (EMBA ’16) is a bold leader who constantly strives to create impactful change; qualities that have driven her dynamic career at CIBC. She is a trailblazer who redefined Innovation across the bank, evolving CIBC’s Innovation mandate from a simple vision to an established unit. Her leadership provokes thoughtful conversations, results in impactful execution and creates purposeful client experiences. Fatema is currently the Senior Director, Enterprise Innovations at CIBC.
BMO Entrepreneurs Award
Recognizes women who own and operate thriving businesses.
Reetu Gupta (MBA ’08) is a force to be reckoned with, sitting as the CEO of three companies; The Easton’s Group, The Gupta Group and The Gupta Family Foundation. She also is the co-founder of Rogue Insight Capital. Reetu was honoured with the distinction of WXN’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2019 as well as Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in June 2017. She is wildly passionate and with this energy she continues to excel and is an inspiration not only in her industry, but for women everywhere.
CIBC Executive Leaders Award
Recognizes women, aged 46 plus, who not only exemplify what it means to be a great leader, but also build confidence and champion others.
After holding executive roles in multiple sectors, Effie Simanikas (MBA ’01) joined IAMGOLD in 2011, where she is the Vice President, Operations, Finance and Information Technology. Effie has also played a key role in evaluating several growth options that led to IAMGOLD’s current transformational growth strategy. She serves on several Cote Gold joint venture committees, is a board member of Euro Ressources, and is actively involved in several organizations committed to women’s career advancement, including the WXN’s Diversity Council.
Susan Uthayakumar (EMBA ’12) has been with Schneider Electric for 15 years, progressing through increasingly senior roles until being appointed Country President in January 2018. Throughout her 23-year career, Susan’s demonstrated ability to break down barriers and turn challenges into opportunities has empowered her to chart a path of success. Susan is an influential voice in the industry and is passionate about building the next generation of leaders.