A record number of 48 ambassadors join forces for the Believe in Her campaign to support women’s financial independence
Montreal, March 6, 2025 – Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Lise Watier Foundation is launching the fourth edition of its iconic Believe in Her campaign with a record-breaking 48 ambassadors from the Quebec and Toronto business communities. This unprecedented mobilization aims to raise $150,000 to allow more women to participate in the Let’s Start Up Pathway, a program that provides them with the tools and support needed to launch their professional journey and build long-term financial independence.
A solidarity movement that changes lives
In a context where nearly one in two women in Canada earns less than $30,000 per year [1], the Let’s Start Up Pathway serves as a powerful lever for those facing economic, social, or professional vulnerability.
When geese fly, they move in a V formation. This way, they move faster and face the bad weather. They take turns to lead the flock and make sure that they always support those who are injured or sick. They help each other to reach their goal. This solidarity inspired the Let’s Start Up program, because we believe that we too are stronger together ”, say Lise Watier, Co-Founder, and Marie-Lise Andrade, President and Co-Founder of the Lise Watier Foundation.
Since 2017, more than 1,250 women have benefited from the Let’s Start Up Pathway, and demand continues to grow. Thanks to the Believe in Her campaign, every $5,000 raised allows another woman to participate in this life-changing program.
[1] Statistics Canada (2022). Table 11-10-0240-01 Distribution of employment income of individuals by sex and work arrangement, Canada, provinces, and selected census metropolitan areas
Past participants giving back to future generations
Among this year’s ambassadors are several graduates of the Let’s Start Up Pathway who have chosen to give back by becoming ambassadors themselves, supporting the next wave of participants.
In 2019, I joined the Let’s Start Up Pathway with a dream, and today I am an independent, thriving entrepreneur leading two businesses. If I can do it, other women can too. By supporting the Believe in her campaign, I want to give back so that more women can thrive, gain independence, and build a future that matches their ambitions,” shares Marie-Christine Ekedi, a graduate of the Let’s Start Up Pathway.
A call for solidarity: 48 committed ambassadors
backgrounds have answered the call—a record number since the campaign’s inception. Their mission: mobilize their networks and raise awareness to give more women the opportunity to transform their future.
List of 2025 Ambassadors
- Martïne Auger, McDonald’s Franchisee,
President, Ronald McDonald House Québec city
- Sophie Banford, President and Publisher, KO Media and KO Editions
- Isabelle Béland, Managing partner, Investissement M2B inc
- Audrey Bernard, LL.B., DESS., B.Sc., McDonald’s Franchisee
- Julie Blanchard*, Founder, Aux Petites Soies
- Claudine Blier, Certified coach, specialized in grief support and self-discovery, CAP Coaching
- Vicky Boudreau, CEO and cofounder, Heylist / Advisory board member and cofounder, bicom
- Caroline Boyer Laquerre*, CEO, Essences Zen Inc
- Magaly Charbonneau, Partner, Inovia Capital
- Amy Dietz-Graham, Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, National Bank Financial
- Tania D’Iorio, Manager – Practice Management, National Bank Financial
- Lina Donnard, Founder & CEO, Compagnie NOBOX
- Isabelle Doré*, Founder, RosEva
- Isabel Dunnigan, Executive and Professional programs, and Valorisation du français, Concordia University | Lifelong learning
- Janie Duquette, Author and Founder, Groupe Alma ma terre
- Marie-Christine Ekedi*, CEO, Àlagarderie.ca (GASC Services inc)
- Karine Fournier, Partner, Fasken
- Audrey Gagnon, Partner, Langlois Avocats
- Sergina Guéry, President & Founder, EvenemenCiel Agency
- Sandrine Jeanjean*, Certified Professional Coach, Sherpa Coaching
- Jason Jovellanos, FMA, CIM, FCSI, Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager
- Paule Labelle, Managing Partner, Cava Rose
- Stéphanie Lagassé, President & Founder, Agence Brix
- Roxane Laliberté*, CEO-Founder, Dynamic Events
- Ève Laurier, Vice President, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, Bombardier
- Catherine Laurin, Senior Portfolio Manager, BMO Nesbitt Burns
- Marie-Pier Lauzon-Laprise, CPA, Executive Director, KPMG
- Kim Ledoux, Corporate Lawyer, Dentons Canada
- Liu-Anne Lemieux-Rousseau, Digital Marketing Manager, Familiprix
- Valérie Lesage, Guide accompagnatrice, ORIA / Fondatrice, Les Éclairés
- Caroline Lévesque, CA, Directrice Principale, Bureau de gestion familiale, KPMG
- Joanna Lozowik, Senior Manager, Compliance, National Bank Financial (NBIN)
- Sabrina Mach, Senior Associate in Business Law, Dentons Canada LLP
- Catherine Marquis, Sales Director – Canada East, Corporate Traveller
- Sophie Montminy, Author and CEO, Tagada inc.
- Natalie Motyka, CFA, Wealth Advisor, National Bank Financial
- Sarah Nadeau, Vice President, Transformation and Financial Performance, Industrial Alliance
- Dominique Nadeau*, Co-owner, Les Fées sorcières
- Elena Pavlova*, B.Sc. biochemistry B.Sc. biology, Founder and CEO, Abeilles de la colline
- Caroline Pelletier, Venture capitalist & startup coach
- Jennifer Plenert, Senior Vice President, National Sales Manager, National Bank Financial
- Anik Rancour, CEO, Bazooka Concept, Promotional items and corporate gifts
- Marie Hélène Rouleau, Partner, EdgePoint Wealth Management
- Elisabeth Starenkyj, Co-president, Senior Partner, La Tête Chercheuse
- Nadia St-Laurent, Residential Real Estate Broker, Williams | St-Laurent & Cie for Engel Volkers Montréal
- Caroline Thélémaque, President, Groupe GAZELLES / Founder, Club Les GAZELLES
- Marie-France Theobald, Expert Advisor – Partnerships, Desjardins
- Kimberly Wood, Wealth Advisor, National Bank Financial
*Beneficiaries of the Let’s Start Up Pathway
How to contribute
Donate to the Believe in Her campaign and give women the means to spread their wings!
About the Lise Watier Foundation
The mission of the Foundation is to support and encourage the professional development and financial independence of women here by providing them with the means to reach their full potential. We aspire for all women to thrive and contribute to the local economy in order to create a richer and more equitable society. www.fondationlisewatier.com
