Suzanne Tighe is a seasoned entrepreneur and she is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. With a career marked by a series of successful ventures, Suzanne has consistently championed the idea of women helping women, fostering a community of support and mentorship.
Drawing from her own experiences as a female entrepreneur, Suzanne understands the unique challenges and opportunities that women face in the business world. With a deep-seated belief in the power of entrepreneurial spirit, she has dedicated herself to help other women to succeed.
Kylee is our communications and multimedia gal and graduated from the Interactive Media Development program at Confederation College.
She has a background in graphic design, social media management and front-end web development.
When she’s not working you can find her out at the barn with her horses or out on the trails.
Judith détient une License en économie de l’Université du Zimbabwe et a 15 ans d’expérience en tant que professionnelle en finances et comptabilité. Elle est une experte-comptable agréée en devenir qui a travaillé pour la Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe comme agente de conformité, elle a enseigné l’économie et la comptabilité dans l’une des écoles internationales de la République Démocratique du Congo, et a exercé comme comptable dans une organisation de développement d’affaires au Congo.
Judith a toujours souhaité utiliser son expertise en finances et comptabilité pour faire une différence dans la vie des autres, et elle est fière de faire partie de l’équipe PARO dans laquelle elle peut utiliser ses connaissances et son expérience afin de contribuer à l’autonomisation de ses pairs féminines.
Having just moved to Thunder Bay recently, I’m excited to share my experience and the skills, learned during over twenty years in both non-profit and for-profit business sectors. I have worked in such diverse areas as corporate advertising & promotion, management consulting, and most recently in operations, where careful strategic and business planning, diligent resource management and building highly effective teams are my passions. Businesses I have worked with include financial services, global relief & development and clinical services delivered to children in northern Indigenous communities. I believe strongly that the economic success of women is critical to the advancement of women in every part of life, both individually and collectively. I am a life-long learner who never ceases to be curious about what comes next.
I love to spend time with my family, dabble in fibre arts, garden and walk.
Renée has extensive experience in professional development, research, and entrepreneurship.
Luciana est une avocate de société brésilienne, titulaire d'une licence en droit et d'un MBA dans le domaine de la santé et récemment diplômée en gestion des affaires internationales au Cambrian College.
Elle est dévouée depuis 14 ans au secteur de la santé, où le client est au centre de l’entreprise, toujours avide de fournir un excellent service.
Elle est experte dans l’expansion, les marchés mondiaux, les fusions et acquisitions, ainsi que les dossiers relatifs aux entreprises et les processus administratifs.
Nathalie Plouffe left the corporate world in her mid-twenties to pursue the entrepreneurial route. She has built a resourceful network of business owners, investors, and a myriad of like-minded professionals over the years. She is a commercial real estate agent by trade, and is a Growth Wheel and Nova Global certified consultant. Small business coaching is her passion.
Expertise
Lesa has 30 years experience in business. Her latest business endeavor was owning a successful Grocery store franchise. She enjoys collaborating with other business owners to achieve successful outcomes. As a Prosper Project Coordinator for Nova Scotia, she will use her experience to help business owners thrive.
Montse is originally from Mexico, she arrived to Canada in 2022. With more than 10 years of experience as a university professor and helping entrepreneurs from her place of origin to develop their business ideas and make them come true. she has a law degree and a master’s degree in Business Innovation and Development.
With 18 years of diverse work experience, my journey spans Project Management, financial services, Sales, and Administrative roles. I began in banking for 5 years before becoming the CEO and Senior Project Manager at Pearl Interfacet Resources Limited, where I led a team of 47 employees and initiated a successful youth mentorship program. As a Project Manager with Verisult Training & Consulting, I honed my project management skills, meticulously overseeing budgets and plans.
I hold a post-grad Certificate in Business Management, an Executive Masters in Global Business Strategy, and relevant certifications. My diverse skill set includes project coordination, stakeholder management, creative problem-solving, budget reporting, and more. Excited to contribute my experience to PARO, empowering women entrepreneurs and driving success.
A value-driven, passionate analyst with experience in Data analysis and product development. I’ve completed my Masters in Mathematics. A multitasker, detail-oriented and organized, with over 8 years of professional experience. My goal is to continue to learn, innovate and enhance my abilities while continuously adding to the organization’s growth.
Solid foundation in statistical and analytical techniques, financial mathematics, probability, data processing, visualization, data governance, reporting, and quantitative methodologies. Hard and smart work is my key attribute.
Karen V has a degree in Business and Accounting and her certification as a business coach. She has worked for PARO both in the office and on the road for the past 20+ years, with a few breaks.
She was one of the first BGA’s and has travelled and worked with women throughout most of Ontario. Karen has 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren and has recently moved back to her home town to be close to her family and her businesses that she has operated for over 35 years.
Karen apprécie la marche, tant en été qu’en hiver, le volleyball, le curling, le ski de descente et les voyages.
Victoria est une entrepreneure dans la production alimentaire, la vente en gros et au détail, elle a une solide expérience dans tous les aspects de l’entreprise, de la création de la marque à la gestion des affaires, de l’idée de départ à la distribution nationale et tout ce que cela implique entre les deux. Elle détient une Licence en droit (L.L.B.) de l’Université d’Ottawa et a exercé le droit dans les secteurs de la main-d'œuvre/de l’emploi, des droits de l’Homme, et pour Aide juridique Ontario. Elle apporte un vaste éventail d'expériences dans son rôle de BGA, avec la volonté d’autonomiser les femmes jusqu’à leur réussite dans tous les domaines de leurs vies.
Through her company, Empowered Path Inc. Chantal Fraser (she/elle) acts as a Thought Partner, sharing practical tactics and strategies to help people discover their ideal jobs. Chantal also helps employers learn how to create more inclusive workplaces, so that they can attract and retain a more diverse workforce.
Chantal offers a variety of services including: professional speaking on a variety of topics, providing business growth coaching through the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, and delivering Indigenous Inclusion sessions to Canadian employers from Coast to Coast to Coast, with strategic partners Indigenous Link. Chantal is a citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario and a military veteran. Lieutenant-Colonel (retired) Chantal Fraser, holds an MBA from the Royal Military College of Canada and is a recipient of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) Honourary Life Award.
Avec plus de 15 ans d’expérience en gestion de projet et coordination d’évènements, et son expertise créative issue de sa propre entreprise de loisirs, Blossom & Shine Creative, Melissa amène des solutions avant-gardistes qui peuvent être le fer de lance de vos objectifs de croissance entrepreneuriale, et vous aider à dépasser le défis et barrières uniques à votre entreprise. Sa passion pour les connexions, la communauté et la collaboration se traduisent sans aucun doute en une approche authentique et centrée sur le cœur pour vous accompagner dans votre parcours entrepreneurial. Les superpouvoirs de Melissa trouveront des solutions innovantes qui vous aideront à gagner en efficacité et en opportunités.
Carole travaille dans l’industrie du voyage, du tourisme et de l’hospitalité depuis 30 ans au Canada, en Australie et en Nouvelle-Zélande. Son expérience élargie comprend des domaines comme les loisirs, les affaires, les groupes, les incitations, les marchés B2B et B2C, pour différents types d'entreprises, y compris les voyagistes, la vente en ligne en gros et au détail.
Elle a travaillé pour plusieurs compagnies, les assistant avec des forfaits de voyage créatifs, des gammes de produits exclusives et des programmes incitatifs qui impressionneront toute équipe!
Carole a également réussi dans le recrutement, la motivation et le coaching en dirigeant et gérant des équipes de vente en vue de croissance et nouvelles ventes. Son activité de conseil Great Visions Consulting a permis d’aider à la croissance d’entreprises durant ces 7 dernières années et a aidé à développer des entreprises de toute taille dans leur planification, le marketing et la vente. Elle est une représentante en croissance d’entreprise équilibrée, qui aime rencontrer et aider les gens de tout horizon!
Après une carrière réussie en gestion de la vente au détail, Jen a utilisé son expérience en gestion des ventes ainsi que son éducation en communications et marketing pour créer son propre cabinet de marketing dédié aux petites entreprises du Nord-Est de l’Ontario. En 2016, Jen a fermé son cabinet et a déménagé dans le Sud de l’Ontario. Elle est retournée vers ses premiers amours du design et a obtenu sa certification en décoration d’intérieur et Feng Shui.
Now based out of Timmins, Jen runs a successful feng shui consulting firm, working with women entrepreneurs from all over the world to shift the energy in their homes and offices. She is a motivational speaker, where she has spoken in both Canada and the US. She is a women’s empowerment mentor and a contributing author to a book that was released in September 2022.
Jen apporte avec passion son soutien aux femmes dans tous les aspects de leurs vies. Avec plus de 10 années d’expérience et de réussite dans différentes entreprises à succès, elle est heureuse d’utiliser son expertise afin d’aider plus de femmes en Ontario à créer des entreprises performantes et de les aider à accéder à toutes les ressources que PARO peut offrir.
Bonjour, Hello,
My name is Francoise, and my motto is: My life story makes me who I am.”
I am French and come from a small village near Beaune (Burgundy) – a well-known area for its prestigious wine and gastronomy.
I have a Ph.D. in Nutrition and decades of clinical research behind me. My area of expertise was Metabolic Energetic Nutrition and the impact of disease on the interface between energetic and immune cell function.
I changed my career path when I reached a glass ceiling in the clinical research environment. I went back to school to study international development and worked in Haiti, Ghana, and Ethiopia, where incredible entrepreneurs inspired me in food security.
When I returned to Toronto, I started my company – Malty & Hoppy Delicacy. We use beer from the best local breweries in Ontario to make delicious beer jellies and jams (coming soon) with a French twist. I went to business school again (Yedi & York University, Schulich Business School) for a six-month program for small entrepreneurs.
I also worked for the French consul in Toronto for four years (part-time job), where I developed my culinary skills and creativity with food to become a true chef.
I am an entrepreneur, a private chef, and a culinary educator. I am also a resilient person. Life has challenged me deeply over the past decade. I never give up.
I love exchanging ideas and finding solutions. I am also a great listener. My new challenge is working with PARO and helping women in their entrepreneurial journey. It is time to share my life experience and help other women who want to follow the same entrepreneurial path.
Let us have a cup of coffee or tea and discuss!
Cathleen Lundgren-McMahon is a results-driven Business Development Manager with 15+ years of experience in driving revenue growth and expanding market share across diverse industries.
She is a strategic thinker and effective communicator, adept at identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities, cultivating key partnerships, and implementing innovative strategies to achieve organizational objectives. Her proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, negotiate complex deals, and foster long-term client relationships has given her unique opportunities to experience and understand the many aspects of her entrepreneurial path.
Cathleen has fostered her strong analytical and problem-solving skills through the development of multiple companies in the entertainment and not-for-profit sectors. She has a keen understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes to help advise and direct new or expanding businesses toward achieving their goals.
Saoussane Boutarta is a Business Growth Advisor with PARO, where she supports women entrepreneurs in starting, growing, and expanding their businesses. With a background in journalism and psychology, she brings a unique perspective to her role, combining strong communication skills with an understanding of human behaviour. Saoussane’s extensive experience in marketing and communications allows her to offer strategic guidance to clients, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their business goals. Passionate about empowering women, she understands the unique barriers they face in business development. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Saoussane’s diverse skill set enables her to connect with and support a wide range of clients.
En tant qu’entreprise à but non lucratif, nous collaborons à l'autonomisation des femmes, à renforcer les entreprises et à promouvoir le développement économique communautaire à travers l’Ontario.
© PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise 2023 | À propos | Contact | Client Code of Conduct
French 
English