Paulette Senior: Keynote Speaker and Media Contributor

Speaker Topics

Paulette Senior is a seasoned and dynamic keynote speaker and media contributor on issues related to gender justice. She speaks to audiences ranging from university communities, to major corporations and industry associations, to federal government policy-makers.

“It is both my pleasure and honour to have had Paulette as a guest speaker for the City of Toronto – Strategic Partnerships Office’s Philanthropy Speaker Series. Paulette is an inspiration to women and philanthropy, advocating for the need to raise the power of all women, girls, transgender, and non-binary and the need for collective action and movement. On behalf of the City of Toronto, thank you for sharing your stories, your valuable insights, your leadership, and the significant impact of your philanthropic efforts.”

Manjit Jheeta, Director, Strategic Partnerships Office, City of Toronto
Below are a few examples of topics and themes Paulette can address, tailoring her presentation to achieve your event goals.

  • Gender Justice in Canada: Paulette discusses our progress, our barriers, and where we go from here in order to truly advance intersectional gender justice now and for future generations.

  • Closing the gender gap: Women have borne the brunt of the pandemic’s economic impact. Paulette shares key recommendations from the Foundation’s Resetting Normal report series about how we can close the economic gaps diverse women continue to face and ensure that no one is left behind.

  • Why We All Need to Become Signal for Help Responders: In response to increased risks of gender-based violence during the pandemic, the Foundation launched the Signal for Help: a one-handed sign people can use to show they want someone to check in with them. For the Signal to be effective, we all need to know how to respond to it in safe and appropriate ways.

  • Inclusive Leadership: Paulette shares inspiring lessons from her unique leadership journey that are relevant to both individuals and organizations working to become more diverse and inclusive.
Watch: Paulette Senior presents “How to be a Tireless Champion for Social Change” at TEDx MSVU Women
To book Canadian Women’s Foundation President and CEO Paulette Senior for your upcoming event, contact: media@canadianwomen.org

She has devoted her career to empowering women and girls to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.

Paulette Senior started her career on the front lines of social service organizations in some of Toronto’s most underserved neighbourhoods. She saw how social resources and systemic change could transform women’s lives.

Through her work and advocacy with shelters, as well as employment and housing programs, she has earned numerous awards and become one of the most respected women leaders in Canada. In 2021, she received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Lethbridge. In 2022, she was featured in the book Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and their Visions for the Nation.

Paulette joined the Canadian Women’s Foundation in 2016, after 10 years as CEO of YWCA Canada. Her work with the Foundation is guided by the vision of an inclusive, national movement toward gender equity that will strengthen all Canadians.