Chancellor and alumni recognized by Women’s Executive Network

Three members of the Laurier community are among Canada's most powerful women.

Wilfrid Laurier University Chancellor Eileen Mercier (BA ’68) and alumni Carolyn Wilkins (BA ’87) and Shelley Martin (BBA ’85) were recently named on a list of Canada’s 100 most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network. Mercier was also inducted into the Women’s Executive Network’s Top 100 Hall of Fame, which recognizes women who have won the recognition four times. 

The awards, presented during a gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, honour women in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors who have advocated for diversity in the workforce and serve as an inspiration for the next generation of leaders. 

Mercier, who has served as Laurier’s chancellor since 2016, has more than 45 years of leadership experience in industries including financial services, communications and the paper and forest products sector. She is currently chair of Payments Canada, the organization responsible for the clearing and settlement of financial transactions in Canada. 

Wilkins serves as senior deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, where she helps guide decisions about Canadian monetary policy and financial system stability, as well as oversees strategic planning and economic and financial research. Wilkins is the first woman to hold the post of senior deputy governor at the bank.

Martin first joined the marketing department at Nestle Canada Inc. in 1990 and retired last year after serving five years as the company's president and chief executive officer. Named to the Women’s Executive Network list a total of three times, Martin actively supports the mentorship of aspiring women leaders.