Top 10 Canadian Businesswomen You Should Know

 

Here are 10 prominent Canadian businesswomen who stand out for their leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact in various industries as of 2026. Rankings like this are subjective and draw from awards (e.g., WXN Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards), growth lists, media profiles, and business achievements. No single official "Top 10" exists, so this compilation highlights a mix of established executives, founders of high-growth or iconic companies, and influential leaders.

1. Linda Hasenfratz — Executive Chair of Linamar Corporation (a major global manufacturing firm in automotive, access equipment, and more). She grew the company significantly during her long tenure as CEO and remains a powerhouse in Canadian industry, with roles on boards and advisory councils.
2. Joanna Griffiths — Founder and CEO of Knix (intimate apparel focused on leakproof, functional, and inclusive designs). She built the brand into a major success, achieved the largest private sale of a woman-founded Canadian company, and was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Canada. She also authored a bestselling book.
3. Shahrzad Rafati — Founder and CEO of BBTV (a digital video technology and media company). Her platform handles billions of monthly impressions worldwide, and she has been recognized for overcoming challenges in the tech/media space and as an influential woman in business.
4. Noura Sakkijha — Co-founder of Mejuri (direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand emphasizing accessibility, sustainability, and customer experience). She disrupted the traditional jewelry industry and earned recognition from Forbes and other outlets.
5. Manjit Minhas — Co-founder and CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries (a major beverage company with international reach). A longtime "Dragon" on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, she built a business valued in the hundreds of millions and is known for her entrepreneurial drive and mentorship.
6. Carinne Chambers-Saini — Co-founder and leader of Diva International (creators of the DivaCup, a reusable menstrual cup). She pioneered sustainable menstrual products, reducing waste, and has received awards for innovation and sustainability.
7. Arlene Dickinson — CEO of District Ventures Capital (a venture capital firm investing in women-led consumer brands). A prominent investor, mentor, and former Dragon on Dragons’ Den, she advocates for entrepreneurship and small businesses while being a repeated honoree in Canada's Most Powerful Women lists.
8. Marnie Rabinovitch — CEO of Thigh Society (known for anti-chafing slip shorts and comfortable apparel). Her company frequently appears in growth rankings for women-led businesses, reflecting strong revenue expansion in consumer goods.
9. Shelby Taylor — Founder of Chickapea (organic, plant-based pasta and food products). Her brand emphasizes sustainability, nutrition, and B Corp certification, with rapid growth into international markets.
10. Lindsay Klein — Leader associated with Food Dudes (or similar high-growth food/consumer venture). Her company ranked in the top 10 of Canada's Top Growing Women-Led Companies for 2026, highlighting exceptional revenue growth.

Additional Notes

Many of these women have been recognized by organizations like the Women's Executive Network (WXN), Women of Influence+, and RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, which celebrate CEOs, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders across sectors like tech, consumer goods, manufacturing, and finance.

Other notable mentions include leaders from growing women-led firms (e.g., in construction like Canzone or wellness brands) and corporate executives in banking/energy who appear on "Women Lead Here" or Top 50 Women Leaders lists.
Canadian businesswomen often excel in entrepreneurship due to supportive ecosystems, though challenges like access to capital persist.

For the most current or sector-specific insights, check sources like The Globe and Mail's Report on Business, WXN awards, or Forbes/Canadian business publications. If you'd like more details on any individual, a focus on a specific industry (e.g., tech or finance), or emerging leaders, let me know!