The Canadian Women’s Foundation has announced Mitzie Hunter as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. With a dynamic and community-focused approach, Mitzie is set to drive the foundation’s mission of advancing gender equality across Canada.
Mitzie brings 30 years of diverse leadership experience from the nonprofit, private, and government sectors. She has an impressive record, having been the first Black woman to serve as Ontario’s Minister of Education. Her other notable roles include Ontario’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Associate Minister of Finance.
A prominent advocate for diverse women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals, Mitzie is recognized for her extensive expertise in various issues, from women’s leadership to creating inclusive economies and sustainable communities. She played a key role in founding the Prosperity Project and has held significant positions such as Chief Administrative Officer of Toronto Community Housing Corporation and head of CivicAction. Additionally, she is a Senior Fellow with the C.D. Howe Institute and a Canadian Urban Leader at the University of Toronto’s School of Cities. Mitzie’s public service extends to board leadership roles with United Way Greater Toronto and TVO. In 2023, she ran for mayor in the City of Toronto by-election.
Laurie Young, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed enthusiasm for Mitzie’s appointment: “We’re thrilled that Mitzie brings her many skills, passions, and lived experiences to lead the Canadian Women’s Foundation at this urgent moment.”
From fueling grassroots programs for women, girls, and gender-diverse people to building feminist philanthropy to breaking systemic gender barriers, now is the time to rally together for transformative change,” Laurie added.
Despite progress over the past three decades, gender equality in Canada remains uneven and at risk. Issues such as persistent gender pay gaps, intimate partner violence, poverty among single mothers, and barriers for women entrepreneurs continue to challenge the nation. Additionally, gendered risks of climate change, including increased rates of gender-based violence and job loss, remain under-addressed in emergency and disaster plans.
Mitzie shared her vision for the future: “Our goal must be nothing less than a gender-equal Canada, I am excited to play my part as President and CEO to help get us there, working alongside our brilliant grantee partners, and dedicated donors and supporters.”
Last year, the foundation’s donors and partners supported over 600 programs aimed at ending gender-based violence, building economic stability and opportunities, and empowering participants with confidence and leadership skills. These efforts impacted over three million lives across Canada. Tens of thousands of Canadians have joined the foundation’s community, committed to the cause of gender equality.
Mitzie concluded, “The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s hub for action on gender equality,” says Mitzie. “It is for every single one of us who believes in the change we’ve already seen and knows reaching the goal of a gender-equal Canada is both possible and necessary. I invite everybody to join me in this changemaking community so every woman, girl, and gender-diverse person gets the power, safety, support, and rights to thrive, today and tomorrow.”