IMPACT INITIATIVE

CGI believes in Liliia

Julie Godin, Executive Chair of the CGI Board of Directors  and Liliia Shandak, Let’s Start Up Pathway Graduate

From Kyiv to Montreal, building a sustainable future

CGI, a committed partner for inclusion

CGI, a global leader in IT and business consulting services, is deeply committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society. By joining the Lise Watier Foundation’s IMPACT Initiative, CGI reaffirms its dedication to supporting women in their professional and entrepreneurial journeys, providing them with concrete tools to achieve their full potential.

At CGI, we believe that every individual should have the means to reach their full potential. The mission of the Lise Watier Foundation, which helps women build lasting financial independence, aligns perfectly with our values of social responsibility, community engagement, and solidarity. As an organization, we have always prioritized respect, talent, trust, and empowerment — principles that the Foundation embodies with both rigor and compassion.” – Julie Godin, Executive Chair of the CGI Board of Directors

Liliia Shandak: From Ukraine to Quebec, resilience in action

Originally from Ukraine, Liliia Shandak began her career at the age of 16 as a reporter. After earning a master’s degree in journalism, she transitioned into marketing, a field in which she thrived for over 15 years. In 2022, she immigrated to Canada with her daughter, facing the dual challenge of learning two new languages and adapting to a different job market.

Through the Let’s Start Up Pathway, Liliia gained the confidence to launch her own marketing agency and secure her first client. Since then, she has grown her client base, collaborating with local partners such as McGill University, as well as European companies seeking to expand into the North American market.

A marketing agency focused on innovation

Today, Liliia is building an agency specializing in paid advertising campaigns on Google, Meta (Facebook and Instagram), and LinkedIn Ads. With her international experience, she provides her clients with a personalized approach grounded in deep analysis of their digital assets and market context.

Her ambition is clear: to lead large-scale campaigns across North America and build a dynamic team around her. By combining technical expertise with creativity, Liliia contributes not only to her clients’ growth, but also to increasing the visibility of women entrepreneurs in Quebec.

When mentorship and scholarships open new horizons

With the Impact Grant, Liliia is currently completing the Diploma in Big Data Business Analytics at Concordia University, a program that allows her to acquire cutting-edge skills in business intelligence and data analysis.

At the same time, the support offered by CGI will give her privileged access to experienced mentors, a strong business network, and unique opportunities for professional development. This win-win partnership allows Liliia to build her business on solid foundations, enhance her credibility with clients, and position herself as a leader in her field.

The Impact Initiative thus becomes a tangible springboard: CGI amplifies its role as a catalyst for social change, while Liliia takes another step toward financial independence and the realization of her entrepreneurial ambitions.