IMPACT INITIATIVE
Training Mentoring Support
With the Impact Initiative,
the Lise Watier Foundation is redefining philanthropy
More than ten companies have chosen to go beyond their support of the Foundation’s annual Ball by investing directly in the women participating in the Let’s Start Up Pathway. Through this initiative, generosity takes on a new dimension: each company has been paired with a woman supported by the Foundation, offering her far more than financial assistance. Thanks to the Impact Grant, personalized mentoring, access to professional networks, and opportunities for career development, these partnerships open the door to a truly transformed future.
$300,000+
invested
11 partners
engaged directly
11 women
receiving personalized support
One shared goal:
empowering women to achieve professional growth and financial independence.
Powerful Partnerships, Inspiring Stories
Behind each pairing is a human connection, an authentic exchange, and a story of transformation.
Eleven companies, eleven women, and just as many journeys marked by resilience, courage, and ambition. Discover these inspiring duos!
National Bank believes in Natalia
Turning her entrepreneurial dream into reality in Quebec
Scotiabank believes in Sonya
Empowering her leadership in the healthcare sector
CGI believes in Liliia
From Kyiv to Montreal, building a sustainable future
Desjardins believes in Amandine
Making her dream of supporting families thrive through breastfeeding a reality
National Bank Financial_Team Guy Côté believes in Yanith
Reinventing yourself after professional burnout
KPMG believes in Olena
From a career in Ukraine to a new future in Quebec: Finding the path to stability
Novacap believes in Stéphanie
Boldly redesigning her life in the construction industry
PwC believes in Cindy
Finding her path: From neurodivergence to purposeful entrepreneurship
Sanimax believes in Nancy
From educator to construction: one mom’s journey to entrepreneurship
TD believes in Rafaelle
From massage therapy to specialized acupuncture, building her clinic for women’s health
WSP believes in Trang
Making science communication accessible
From Vision to Impact: An initiative sparked by our 12th annual Ball co-chairs
“For me, this initiative was driven by two motivations: to leave a tangible legacy for the Foundation and to foster direct, meaningful connections with participants, going beyond a simple financial contribution.”
Julie Godin
Executive Chair of the CGI Board of Directors
“We initially expected to engage just five or six companies. Today, more than a dozen organizations—even some that normally compete—have come together to support a shared cause. When philanthropy is at work, logos fade away. What truly matters are the women we empower.”
Nicolas Patard
Managing Director and Head, Financial Products
Listen to our co-chairs talk about the initiative
In this video, our co-chairs introduce the Impact Initiative, highlighting its purpose and impact. Discover how this project brings the mission of the Lise Watier Foundation to life.
Transformational Support in action
The IMPACT Initiative is about stories of resilience, ambition, and renewal.
“Thanks to KPMG, I will be able to take an accounting course and acquire the skills needed to advance my career. Having left Ukraine to offer a better future for my children, this support gives me renewed confidence in kindness and collaboration in these troubled times. With this encouragement, I feel inspired and ready to make a positive contribution to Quebec society.” – Olena Michurina, Recipient of the IMPACT Grant
Our Impact Partners
What sets the Impact initiative apart is the active involvement of participating companies. Together, they form a unique ecosystem of support, where philanthropy takes the form of tangible action.
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