Sonya Shorey

I am honoured to serve as a Director of the Royal Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) Board, Chair of the IMHR Integrative Research Committee, and Member of the Royal Ottawa's Advisory Committee (a Tripartite Committee that engages the Royal Ottawa Board of Trustees, the Board of IMHR and the Board of the Royal Ottawa Foundation).


The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), affiliated with the University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s foremost research… Show more

I am honoured to serve as a Director of the Royal Ottawa's Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) Board, Chair of the IMHR Integrative Research Committee, and Member of the Royal Ottawa's Advisory Committee (a Tripartite Committee that engages the Royal Ottawa Board of Trustees, the Board of IMHR and the Board of the Royal Ottawa Foundation).


The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), affiliated with the University of Ottawa is one of Canada’s foremost research institutes focused on mental health. In Canada, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness every year. Through dedicated research focused on incubating innovation, improving treatment interventions, and advancing prevention strategies, IMHR is bringing significant hope to people living with depression and related conditions.

IMHR researchers specialize in complex and treatment-resistant mental illness, and conduct innovative work that is leading to the development of more personalized and alternative treatment options, to help improve patient care locally and globally.

They are also strongly focused on advancing prevention and early intervention strategies; to help curb mental illness before it starts. These experts are tackling important mental health questions in a number of different areas, including mood disorders; stress and trauma; youth mental health; suicide prevention; sleep disorders; military mental health; and workplace mental health. For additional information, please visit: https://www.theroyal.ca/research/about-research Show less

Together with Jennifer Francis, Chair of the Capital Angel Network, and Julia Elvidge, former President of Chipworks and Advisor, I am honoured to serve as a Program Leader and Champion for SheBoot, a new women-designed and led program under development to help women-identifying entrepreneurs become investment-ready.

Created by women investors and entrepreneurs for women founders, the four-week intensive program will help catalyze the growth and success of women-led scalable startups… Show more

Together with Jennifer Francis, Chair of the Capital Angel Network, and Julia Elvidge, former President of Chipworks and Advisor, I am honoured to serve as a Program Leader and Champion for SheBoot, a new women-designed and led program under development to help women-identifying entrepreneurs become investment-ready.

Created by women investors and entrepreneurs for women founders, the four-week intensive program will help catalyze the growth and success of women-led scalable startups. It will culminate in a pitch competition with up to $100,000 of investment from Ottawa women angels.

This program will equip innovative, scalable technology and technology-enabled firms with fundamental business skills, with a focus on investment and market-readiness. It will also facilitate peer-to-peer networking among women founders, and introductions to investors and investor networks at the right time. The first SheBoot cohort will launch this fall as part of Invest Ottawa’s venture acceleration suite.

Building directly on the shared goals of the Capital Angel Network and Invest Ottawa, SheBoot aims to address the investment challenges facing women founders. For example:
• Crunchbase reported that only 3% of venture capital went to firms led by a female founder in 2019
• In 2019, Highline Beta reported that only 13.5% of partners at North American venture capital firms are women, and 8.9% of managing partners at Venture firms are women.

The Capital Angel Network and Invest Ottawa strive to change the investment landscape. Pitchbook and All Raise report that womxn are twice as likely to invest in women founders as their male counterparts. SheBoot is designed to help increase the number of women making and receiving investment to fuel the growth and success of more women-owned and led firms. We hope it will serve as a blueprint and model for other regions across the country and around the world.

For additional details, please visit: www.investottawa.ca/sheboot Show less

The Tourism Development Council is an engaged and committed group of community leaders who come together to advise Ottawa Tourism on strategies to continually improve as a premier destination. A valued partner of Invest Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism provides destination development and marketing, strategic direction, and leadership in cooperation with its members and partners, welcoming leisure travelers, business travelers, group tours, and conventions to Ottawa and Canada’s Capital Region.

Ottawa's Downtown Advisory Council is an engaged and passionate group of economic development, industry, government and community leaders who are committed to helping create a thriving downtown core that fuels an inclusive and prosperous economy, creates a wealth of new opportunities, and benefits our entire city and all residents.

Elevate International aims to inspire, empower, and elevate girls and women locally, nationally and globally. It strives to advance women in leadership and economic growth while creating new opportunities and mentorship programs for young women. Elevate International seeks to build a world where women are:
*Empowered with greater leadership and decision-making opportunity
*Equipped to consistently increase their contribution to our economy and society more broadly; and
*Inspired to… Show more

Elevate International aims to inspire, empower, and elevate girls and women locally, nationally and globally. It strives to advance women in leadership and economic growth while creating new opportunities and mentorship programs for young women. Elevate International seeks to build a world where women are:
*Empowered with greater leadership and decision-making opportunity
*Equipped to consistently increase their contribution to our economy and society more broadly; and
*Inspired to mentor, and help girls to confidently grow into strong leaders from a young age.

This collaboration helps to build thriving communities, stronger countries, economies and societies, and a better world.

For additional details, please visit: https://elevateinternational.ca/ Show less

Mindtrust was founded in 2001 to bring together leaders in the Ottawa community to learn, share experiences and support one another in the pursuit of leadership excellence. The Founders of Mindtrust include Danny Osadca, Don Hewson, Debbie Weinstein, Jim Harmon and Claude Haw.
The Mindtrust Leadership Development Program (MLDP) was created in 2004 as a joint venture between Mindtrust, uOttawa’s Telfer School of Management, Carleton’s Sprott School of Business and most recently, Algonquin… Show more

Mindtrust was founded in 2001 to bring together leaders in the Ottawa community to learn, share experiences and support one another in the pursuit of leadership excellence. The Founders of Mindtrust include Danny Osadca, Don Hewson, Debbie Weinstein, Jim Harmon and Claude Haw.
The Mindtrust Leadership Development Program (MLDP) was created in 2004 as a joint venture between Mindtrust, uOttawa’s Telfer School of Management, Carleton’s Sprott School of Business and most recently, Algonquin College.

This annual program brings together 100 top students from every background with leadership educators and leaders from the local community. During the past ten years hundreds of students have graduated from the program and gone on to demonstrate leadership success on all continents and in many countries around the world.

The program has always been about the leadership journey – where you are now, where you want to be and what you can learn from what others experienced on their journey. The program was created because the founders were aware that it takes effort and focus to be a leader and that MLDP could give participants an early boost on their journey.

For additional details, please visit: http://mindtrustleadership.ca/ Show less

Women in Automotive Technology (WAT) was established to connect, educate, and drive the future of the automotive industry by creating programs, community, and events for women in the automotive industry.

I have been honoured to collaborate with leaders and members of WAT on several strategic initiatives that strive to help build a more robust pipeline of women in automotive technology and smart mobility. These include several bilateral and global events including Women Driving the Smart… Show more

Women in Automotive Technology (WAT) was established to connect, educate, and drive the future of the automotive industry by creating programs, community, and events for women in the automotive industry.

I have been honoured to collaborate with leaders and members of WAT on several strategic initiatives that strive to help build a more robust pipeline of women in automotive technology and smart mobility. These include several bilateral and global events including Women Driving the Smart Mobility Revolution, keynote panels at CAV Canada, the flagship smart mobility event hosted by Area X.O and Invest Ottawa together with KNBA, and other International Women's Week initiatives and campaigns. Show less

On March 8, 2020, the world celebrates and further catalyzes the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of womxn on International Women’s Day.

In Canada’s Capital, we join forces with women and men across our region, throughout Canada and around the globe, and create an entire week dedicated to these important goals: International Women’s Week (IWW).

As a collaborative and integrated community, we aim to establish Ottawa as an internationally recognized region with… Show more

On March 8, 2020, the world celebrates and further catalyzes the economic, social, cultural and political achievements of womxn on International Women’s Day.

In Canada’s Capital, we join forces with women and men across our region, throughout Canada and around the globe, and create an entire week dedicated to these important goals: International Women’s Week (IWW).

As a collaborative and integrated community, we aim to establish Ottawa as an internationally recognized region with a critical mass of top women leaders who achieve a significant impact on our economy and society.

IWW is far more than a set of activities – it is a driver for long-term, sustainable change. It harnesses our collective strengths, resources and top talent to create greater opportunity and impact for women in leadership in professional fields. These span tech, entrepreneurship, investment, industry, government, academia, research and innovation, and non-profits.

We are very grateful for all partners who share this goal, and join us in this journey. This includes more than 65 organizations and growing that host more than 30 events. These initiatives engaged founders, funders and thought leaders from our region, across Canada and around the world, creating a wealth of inspiration, actionable insight and new opportunity for women we collectively believe in, engage and support.

We call on all regions across the country and around the world to develop and implement strategies with their stakeholder communities to further increase our collective impact on women leaders as a national and global ecosystem.

It will take women and men working together as a collaborative force to help create, attract and retain more female leaders in a region where opportunity abounds, and barriers are eliminated.

Collective action will help more women achieve their leadership potential, and increase our performance, competitiveness and impact as a region, a country and world. Show less

Women in Cloud is a community-led economic development organization taking action to generate $1B in net new global economic access for women entrepreneurs by 2030 through partnerships with corporations, community leaders, and policy makers. It is designed to address issues ranging from financial inclusion and the gender gap to providing women with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to inspire, empower and accelerate the growth of… Show more

Women in Cloud is a community-led economic development organization taking action to generate $1B in net new global economic access for women entrepreneurs by 2030 through partnerships with corporations, community leaders, and policy makers. It is designed to address issues ranging from financial inclusion and the gender gap to providing women with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to reach their full potential. Our mission is to inspire, empower and accelerate the growth of women-led technology companies. We are requesting businesses to partner with us in our mission to create economic access. Show less

Technovation offers girls around the world the opportunity to learn the skills they need to emerge as tech entrepreneurs and leaders. This 4-month program teaches technology entrepreneurship to girls ages 10-18. Each year, the girls identify a problem in their community and then work together to solve it. Girls work in teams to build both a mobile app and a business plan to launch that app, supported by mentors and guided by our curriculum. Technovation's curriculum takes students through 4… Show more

Technovation offers girls around the world the opportunity to learn the skills they need to emerge as tech entrepreneurs and leaders. This 4-month program teaches technology entrepreneurship to girls ages 10-18. Each year, the girls identify a problem in their community and then work together to solve it. Girls work in teams to build both a mobile app and a business plan to launch that app, supported by mentors and guided by our curriculum. Technovation's curriculum takes students through 4 stages of launching a mobile app startup, inspired by the principles of design thinking:
*Ideation: Identify a problem in the community
*Technology: Develop a mobile app solution
*Entrepreneurship: Build a business plan to launch the app
*Pitch: Bring the business to market
To date, 600 girls in Ottawa have completed the program.

For additional details, please visit: www.technovation.org
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I am honoured to be a member of CILAR, an action-driven community launched by MaRS Discovery District in 2020. This organization is creating new pathways and transformational opportunities for Canada's Black Community, Indigenous Peoples and People of Colour (BIPOC). Whether it's a life-changing job opportunity, mentorship or access to revenue, CILAR is focused on co-creating opportunities for success.

CILAR is made up of Canada’s top innovation leaders focused on creating platforms that… Show more

I am honoured to be a member of CILAR, an action-driven community launched by MaRS Discovery District in 2020. This organization is creating new pathways and transformational opportunities for Canada's Black Community, Indigenous Peoples and People of Colour (BIPOC). Whether it's a life-changing job opportunity, mentorship or access to revenue, CILAR is focused on co-creating opportunities for success.

CILAR is made up of Canada’s top innovation leaders focused on creating platforms that break down systemic barriers for a truly inclusive future. Show less

Women in AI (WAI) is a nonprofit do-tank working towards gender-inclusive AI that benefits global society: https://www.womeninai.co/

The mission of Women in AI is to increase the representation and participation of women in AI and related technology fields. With chapters in 115 countries worldwide, WAI is the first global community of women in AI, embracing diversity and forming an inclusive environment of reflection. With more than 6,000 members (and growing), we believe in the power… Show more

Women in AI (WAI) is a nonprofit do-tank working towards gender-inclusive AI that benefits global society: https://www.womeninai.co/

The mission of Women in AI is to increase the representation and participation of women in AI and related technology fields. With chapters in 115 countries worldwide, WAI is the first global community of women in AI, embracing diversity and forming an inclusive environment of reflection. With more than 6,000 members (and growing), we believe in the power of community based on mutual support, caring and sharing to bring awareness, inspire and educate next generations.

​This global non-profit organization is a community-driven initiative that brings empowerment, knowledge, and active collaboration via education, research, events, and blogging.

I am honoured to serve as a mentor for the North American Women in AI program, with a focus on equipping and empowering women founders and entrepreneurs in this critical, enabling field. Show less

Together with 40+ partners across the country, OceansAdvance, the voice of the Newfoundland and Labrador Ocean Technology Innovation Cluster, will organize and host the first Canadian Women in Oceans Industries Leadership (CWOIL) Conference in St. John’s in July 2022. I am honoured to serve as a Steering Committee Member, Champion, and Mentor for this strategic and impactful initiative.

Canada’s ocean industries contribute $30 billion per year to our economy, generating 1.5 percent of… Show more

Together with 40+ partners across the country, OceansAdvance, the voice of the Newfoundland and Labrador Ocean Technology Innovation Cluster, will organize and host the first Canadian Women in Oceans Industries Leadership (CWOIL) Conference in St. John’s in July 2022. I am honoured to serve as a Steering Committee Member, Champion, and Mentor for this strategic and impactful initiative.

Canada’s ocean industries contribute $30 billion per year to our economy, generating 1.5 percent of our GDP. Today, women comprise only 2 percent of this global sector. According to a 2017 McKinsey Global Institute report, Canada could add $150B in incremental GDP by 2025 by advancing women’s economic empowerment.

The proposed Canadian Women in Ocean Industries Leadership Conference, and emerging long-term action plan, will directly address this goal, increasing Canada's leadership, competitiveness and contribution to ocean industries. It will foster a robust, diverse and inclusive ocean talent pipeline with women from every walk of life, including equity seeking groups: 2SLGBTQ+ community; Indigenous communities; persons with disabilities; and racialized people, increasing the competitiveness of this industry.

It will harness the strengths of all partners to create new networks, tangible opportunities and outcomes that inspire, attract, retain and empower current and future women ocean leaders. It will reinforce Canada’s global leadership and competitiveness. Long-term, this will spur ocean job creation, investment, business and talent attraction.
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With the help of local Habitat families, donors, community partners and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa builds affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for local families.

Habitat Greater Ottawa’s homeownership program offers more than just housing; it sets families up to be successful homeowners who are invested in their homes and in their community. The benefits of owning a long-term stable Habitat home are many. They include reduced reliance on social housing… Show more

With the help of local Habitat families, donors, community partners and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa builds affordable homes that provide a solid foundation for local families.

Habitat Greater Ottawa’s homeownership program offers more than just housing; it sets families up to be successful homeowners who are invested in their homes and in their community. The benefits of owning a long-term stable Habitat home are many. They include reduced reliance on social housing and food banks, better educational, financial and employment outcomes and improved health and overall wellbeing for families.

With over 55,000 Ottawa households living on low income, and with a 5-year average wait time to access social housing in our city, the need for affordable housing is only growing. Over the past three years, Habitat Greater Ottawa has transitioned from a builder of single-family homes to a developer of communities. By increasing the number of homes we build, we can provide more families with the opportunity to thrive. Show less

TiECon Canada is TiE’s flagship conference for entrepreneurs, SMEs and industry veterans, investors and other members of the Canadian business community. Organized in partnership with Canadian sister chapters in Toronto and Vancouver, and global TiE chapters in Silicon Valley and Boston, this annual soldout event brings together more than 300 entrepreneurs, industry leaders, technology gurus and investors from different sectors and spheres of business. Building on the goals established by TiE… Show more

TiECon Canada is TiE’s flagship conference for entrepreneurs, SMEs and industry veterans, investors and other members of the Canadian business community. Organized in partnership with Canadian sister chapters in Toronto and Vancouver, and global TiE chapters in Silicon Valley and Boston, this annual soldout event brings together more than 300 entrepreneurs, industry leaders, technology gurus and investors from different sectors and spheres of business. Building on the goals established by TiE Global, this event aims to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentorship, networking and education. In addition to a top tier roster of speakers and panelists, TiECon Canada also provides entrepreneurs with facilitated access to angel investors, Venture Capitalists and government funders, and the opportunity to secure funding through the annual Pitchfest Competition.

For additional details, please visit: tieconcanada.org Show less

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