Mary Schryer has been a dedicated advocate for gender equality and women's empowerment throughout her career, both in her role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and as Deputy Mayor of Quispamsis. Serving as Minister for the Status of Women from 2007 to 2010, she was instrumental in championing policies that advanced gender equity and supported women’s rights across New Brunswick. Beyond her time in provincial government, Mary founded the annual International Women's Day event in Quispamsis, which has become a vibrant platform for empowering women and celebrating their achievements. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to break down barriers for women, whether through advocating for pay equity, leading anti-poverty initiatives, or increasing women’s political representation through organizations like Women for 50% and Equal Voice NB. Mary’s visionary leadership has also included the creation of partnerships for seniors' housing, specialized care, and affordable housing in her community, as well as significant contributions to advancing public health and support for survivors of domestic violence. Her ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality continues to inspire and create lasting change for women in New Brunswick.

Susan Farquharson, Executive Director of the Atlantic Canada Fish Farmers Association (ACFFA), is a true embodiment of the VIVE values—visionary, inspirational, vibrant, and empowering. Through her transformative leadership, she has championed gender equity within the aquaculture sector, spearheading inclusive hiring practices that resulted in a predominantly female team. Susan’s dedication to fostering opportunities for women in the industry is evident in her creation of the Women of Salmon Farming Symposium and the production of career videos that inspire the next generation. Her impactful work extends beyond local borders, as she has collaborated with global organizations and implemented actionable initiatives like the Sea of Change roundtable. Susan’s legacy of promoting diversity and inclusion in aquaculture continues to benefit individuals and communities both locally and globally.

Prisme demonstrates visionary leadership by promoting gender equality and fostering a safe and inclusive environment through its engaging activities, advocacy work and support services. Prisme hosts events such as drag shows, Sexpédition and awareness campaigns for Transgender Day of Remembrance and Coming Out Day, building a sense of belonging while breaking taboos and supporting marginalized groups. The association actively engages with students and the community at large, offering resources, consultations and support in French, which is vital to the Francophone population of New Brunswick.

Prisme’s commitment to inclusion, diversity and mental health makes it an exceptional advocate for gender equality and an inspiration for us all.

Sarah Sherman is a dedicated advocate for gender equality and survivor support, turning her personal trauma into transformative action. After enduring 18 years of intimate partner and sexual violence, Sarah founded We’re Here For You Canada (WHFYC) in 2021 to provide comfort kits for survivors of sexual violence. These kits, now available in 17 locations across New Brunswick, include essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and culturally appropriate items, helping survivors regain dignity and control after their experiences. Sarah tirelessly shares her story to raise awareness about coercive control and healthy relationships, addressing audiences from youth to policymakers. Her efforts have inspired systemic change, including a call to action for New Brunswick to declare intimate partner violence and gender-based violence as an epidemic. Sarah’s unwavering commitment to trauma-informed care and advocacy exemplifies her impactful contributions to gender equality and women’s rights.

Gignoo Transition House Inc., New Brunswick's only Indigenous women's shelter, has been a vital force for empowering Indigenous women and children since 1993. Through culturally grounded approaches, Gignoo addresses the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women, including intergenerational trauma and violence. Their initiatives, such as the Honouring Our Matriarchs event and the Voices of Resilience conference, have highlighted the leadership of Indigenous women and sparked important conversations about gender and Indigenous identity. By providing support, advocacy, and education, Gignoo continues to inspire and empower women, drive systemic change, and advance gender equality in the province. Through culturally grounded approaches, Gignoo addresses the unique challenges faced by Indigenous women, including but not limited to, intergenerational trauma and violence. 

Shadwa Ramadan exemplifies resilience and visionary leadership in advancing gender equality and women's rights. From her groundbreaking academic work addressing wartime sexual violence to her transformative initiatives in New Brunswick, she has dedicated her life to challenging societal taboos and empowering marginalized voices. As Manager of Women and Gender Initiatives, at New Brunswick Multicultural Council, Shadwa collaborates with settlement agencies, shelters, and government stakeholders to support newcomer women affected by gender-based violence. Through innovative projects like IMvisible GBV and culturally sensitive approaches, she bridges gaps in services, inspires change, and creates inclusive spaces where diverse women can thrive. Her efforts are a testament to her passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to equality.

Dora Lanteigne has devoted more than 20 years to advocating for women who are victims of domestic violence, launching transformative initiatives that have reshaped the community response. Through her work, she has established support groups for women to help them regain self-confidence and rebuild their lives. Her tireless efforts to raise awareness, break taboos and mobilize resources have had a lasting impact, while her involvement on radio shows, in workshops and on committees continues to drive community action. As a mentor for upcoming generations of social workers, Dora puts forward a vision of gender equality, dignity and safety for all women. Her leadership has helped advance women’s rights, inspire social change and foster inclusive practices. Through her continued involvement in the Acadian Peninsula and her work with organizations including the region’s round table against domestic and intimate partner violence, Dora remains a powerful advocate for women and a champion of social justice.

Inspector Anika Becker is a member of the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force (KRPF). She has been a driving force moving their priority of promoting gender equality, diversity and inclusion within the organization. She took on the tasks to identify and mitigate systemic racism and address barriers and biases imbedded in their service to the diverse community.

Over the past 3 years, Inspector Becker has formed a committee of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This group is made up of members of the Saint John Newcomers Association, Prude, Black Live Matters, the New Brunswick Muslim community and other representatives from equity-deserving groups in the Valley. She has also taken the lead in identifying and delivering training to officers. Inspector Becker has worked with the past Commissioner on systemic racism in NB and has brought back new initiatives to the KRPF. Her work resulted in having one of her recommendations (#48) in the Commissioner's final report to the government of New Brunswick.

As the founder of Breelove Wellness, Kayla's visionary leadership emerges from a deeply personal narrative of transracial adoption and the tragic loss of Kayla’s biological mother to intimate partner violence. Kayla’s journey reflects resilience and a commitment to gender equality. Breelove Wellness, the community counselling program Kayla initiated stands as a living testament to Kayla’s commitment to accessible mental health support. By providing free counselling services, Kayla has inspired a sense of hope among those who might have otherwise felt isolated or overlooked. Kayla's vibrant initiatives have sparked a ripple effect, encouraging others to take tangible actions in addressing the mental health needs of their communities.  

Kayla's inspirational spirit is evident in the transformative work that Kayla has done in combating sexual and gender-based violence on college campuses. Kayla’s vibrant initiatives, such as the community counselling program providing free services, illuminate Kayla’s dedication to dismantling barriers to mental health support. Breelove Wellness's collaborations with women's shelters and the impactful white paper on mental health and addiction services further showcase Kayla's commitment to tangible change.

Maggie-Eugénie is a young feminist activist who has been passionately committed to social justice and human rights for many years. She has lent her voice to the province’s young Francophone women and gender minorities as a consultant and coordinator of the Caucus des jeunes féministes for Le Regroupement Féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick from 2020 to 2022.

Her thesis focuses on the realities in the field for professionals working with minors at risk or in a situation of commercial sexual exploitation in the Maritimes. Her objectives are to identify the different methods of intervention used by professionals working with minors in commercial sexual exploitation situations, as well as the challenges experienced and identified by professionals from different practice settings, in order to recommend approaches to respond to situations of commercial sexual exploitation of minors in the Maritimes.

Alex Ash is a founding member of Chroma: Pride, Inclusion, Equality, Inc., a 2SLGBTQIA+ education and advocacy group in Saint John, NB. They started Chroma with a small group of like-minded people to inspire positive change for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Saint John area by building opportunities for the community to come together, to reduce isolation and create support networks.

They have inspired positive change, working to increase the visibility of the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, based on a lack of 2SLGBTQIA+ -specific opportunities and support available in Saint John prior to Chroma's founding in 2020. Their work has inspired other 2SLGBTQIA+ groups across different regions in New Brunswick. They have created paid opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, hiring staff and project facilitators.

Collaboration is of very high importance to Alex and is a pillar of the work that Chroma does. Some groups that Alex has built bridges with have been Égale Canada, Momentum Canada, L'Arche Saint John, Imprint Youth Association, Alter Acadie, InterAction School of Performing Arts, the Imperial Theatre, the Saint John Community Foundation, the Enchanté Network, and many other Atlantic Canadian 2SLBTQIA+ groups.

Lisa Perley-Dutcher a Wolastoqi/Maliseet woman from Neqotkuk/Tobique First Nation. Her family is from the Kahkakuhsuwakutom (Crow Clan). Lisa is a traditional pipe and drum carrier. She is a mother of four sons and grandmother to five grandchildren. Lisa’s professional work includes working as a registered nurse for 30 years mainly in community health nursing. Her contribution to improved health outcomes for Indigenous peoples is situated in both a local and national level.

At a local level she helped to establish the first community health program in a Wolastoqey First Nation Community. She also established the First Nations and Inuit Home and Community Care Program in NB and PEI communities. After completing her master’s degree in nursing, she established the Aboriginal Nursing Initiative at UNB, Faculty of Nursing and was its first director.

At a national level she served as the President of the Indigenous Nurses Association of Canada and a few years prior to her retirement she was the Director of Mental Wellness for the Atlantic Regions Indigenous Health Services.

Lisa and her husband Stephen facilitate educational sessions on Indigenous and Settler society relations and issues. Much of her work includes building bridges of understanding for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people toward better relationships, while promoting diversity and gender equality through her work. Lisa along with a small group of committed Wolatoqewiyik have established Kehkimin, the first Wolastoqey Immersion and land-based school in Wolastoqey territory. She is currently the Director of Kehkimin, which is currently in its second year of operation.

Phylomène Zangio, better known as Mama Phylomène, is an exceptional woman whose life journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to her community and an unwavering determination to improve the living conditions of people of African descent in New Brunswick and Canada.

Through her community engagements, Phylomène has been a persistent and enlightened voice for Black individuals, speaking at conferences, symposiums, roundtable discussions, and meetings to address their concerns on various subjects.

Among her notable achievements, Phylomène delivered a speech at the 84th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in Geneva, Switzerland, in February 2023, and spoke at the fifteenth session of the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues, also in Geneva, in December 2022.

Her outstanding leadership has been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Canada Top 100 Black Women by Canada International Black Women Excellence in 2022, the Black Excellence Award for Leadership and Influence in 2015 and 2016, as well as the Top 25 Immigrants in the Maritimes Award in 2018. In 2022, she was honored as a Distinguished Graduate of the Faculty of Administration at the University of Moncton and received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of New Brunswick for her community engagement. In 2023, thanks to her efforts, the Government of New Brunswick unanimously adopted a motion for the official recognition of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

In addition to her leadership activities, she was the first co-chair of the New Brunswick Women's Council and the founder of the Provincial Council of People of African Descent of New Brunswick (CPPAANB). She has also played an active role in various advisory committees, including those related to mental health, poverty, social inclusion, and the revision of the humanities curriculum for the 4th, 5th, and 6th francophone sectors (history of Afro descent).

Abby David is a determined and passionate woman, who immigrated to Canada with her family from Israel in 2014. Volunteering with YMCA of Greater Saint John assisting newcomers to find volunteer placements, she later became the supervisor of the Employment Services Team.

Through her work, Abby saw the challenges faced by newcomers – especially women and youth – and worked tirelessly to help them find meaningful pathways to employment and education. In collaboration with other stakeholders, her efforts led to the launch of a successful provincewide experiential learning program called ‘Skills Launch’ in 2017. Abby also collaborated with women's shelters and women-focused groups on designing programs addressing gaps and supporting newcomer women in reaching their full potential, such as the Rural Employment Language Initiative (RELI); initiatives for internationally educated nurses; The Bridge; and advocating for International Qualifications Recognition helping newcomer women become certified and licensed in New Brunswick.

Abby is now a Strategic Program Director at the new McKenna Institute at UNB, leading initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry and beyond, empowering women and diverse underrepresented groups to develop pathways to careers in tech.

Natasha Dhayagude is the CEO and co-founder of Chinova Bioworks, whose primary mission is to use nature to reduce food waste. Since its start, Natasha and her co-founder, David Brown, have wanted to make an environmental and social impact in the world.

Natasha Dhayagude is committed to a strong, socially impactful company and has built a diverse team. As a female scientist, she creates opportunities for other women in leadership and STEM roles.

Males represent about 70 per cent of all senior executives in the workforce. Natasha wants to empower women to bring out their inner alpha, so they are seen and can obtain leadership roles. She enlists male allies to support these women. She is proud to have 90 per cent of women in STEM positions at Chinova and has no plans to end this trajectory.

Hélène Savoie-Louis is the Executive Director of MAP Strategic Workforce Services Inc, which includes the New Boots: Progressing Women in Trades provincial network. Hélène empowers her team by giving them autonomy, direction, and room to offer their own ideas and opinions. She inspires others by being her genuine self. She creates a safe space for all her team to be themselves, while continuing to grow their own professional paths by leading their programs.

Hélène has a Master’s degree in guidance counselling and a Bachelor’s degree in education. She truly believes there is no gender to a career path and the best teams are diverse teams!

One of the programs under Hélène’s leadership as Executive Director is New Boots: Progressing Women in Trades, which is a provincial network and resource hub that aims to promote, support and mentor women in non-traditional skilled trades sectors such as: construction, manufacturing, transportation, services and forestry. New Boots is a one stop toolbox for all girls and women who want to get into a trade or to help women who are in a trade achieve certification.

Louise Imbeault has made significant contributions to the defence of women's rights in all their diversity, is passionate about the feminist cause and is committed to the development of women. She has demonstrated her expertise on issues related to social justice, gender equality and women's participation in the francophone community in the province and across the country.

She is a founding member of the Board of Directors for Regroupement Féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick; she was Interim President of the Board of Directors of the New Brunswick Museum from 2015 until April 2017; and Co-chair of the City of Moncton Cultural Council from 2012 to 2018.

In 2018, Louise was named Chancellor of the Université de Moncton, a role attributed to someone who has a sense of leadership, diplomacy and an interest in the quality of education at the institution.

Louise continues her decades-long legacy of promoting issues related to gender equality and the rights of Acadian and Francophone citizens in New Brunswick and Acadia.

Caroline Stephen & Kate Palmer are the founding members & co-chairs of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Menstrual Health Society. From the beginning, they prioritized equal access to period products for all members of the UNB community. By working with the university, they installed free menstrual product dispensers in gender-neutral and women’s washrooms on the UNB Fredericton campus.

The UNB Menstrual Health Society started in January 2022 on the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton campus by a group of student volunteers. It began with a goal of making free period products accessible to the UNB community and has grown to establish several other initiatives, including public-school outreach, sustainable product distribution and community outreach.

Caroline and Kate started the society after personally experiencing a lack of access to menstrual products on campus. They have inspired the university to support them in taking action to reduce this inequity at UNB. The society has also been working to support UNB Saint John to soon implement free menstruation products on their campus.

Stephanie Sanford has dedicated a significant portion of her life to improving safety in the lives of women and gender minorities in New Brunswick. She has accomplished this through her educational pursuits as a lifelong learner, as an instructor at University of New Brunswick and St. Thomas University, and as a dedicated civil servant.

Stephanie joined the Policing Standards Branch in 2006. She now leads a team that is 92 per cent women in a traditionally male-dominated sector as Director of Crime Prevention and Program Development. Stepping into the role in March 2020, Stephanie not only guided her team through the pandemic, but she supported and encouraged them to grow personally and professionally.

Stephanie has translated her vision for a safer New Brunswick for women and all gender minorities into tangible and progressive measures. Stephanie’s Master’s degree thesis focused on the police response to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in rural communities which subsequently led to the transformation of IPV responses in the province. Stephanie was instrumental in the Coordinated Community Response Model, the Love Shouldn’t Hurt campaign, the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act and in training more than 800 police officers, Crown Prosecutors and Provincial Court Judges on IPV and standardized assessment tools.