The Hon. Paulette Senior
Guest Speaker at the 2025 Riddell Reception
Senator Paulette Senior has dedicated her life’s work to breaking down systemic barriers and empowering women, girls, and gender diverse folks from diverse backgrounds. She has spent over three decades as a leader in the gender equality sector, including as President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation and as CEO of YWCA Canada.
Senator Senior is a leader in a variety of areas affecting women, including advancing gender equity, eliminating gender-based violence, reducing poverty among women, closing wage gaps, and promoting the empowerment of women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Canada. She has led, managed, and operated shelters, employment and housing programs in Toronto and has served on the boards of several equality-focused organizations. She previously served on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Councils in 2022 and 2024.
In recognition of her community service, Senator Senior has received several awards, including the African Canadian Achievement Award, the AfroGlobal Leadership Award, the Black Business and Professional Association’s Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award, the Top 25 Women of Influence Award and the Skills for Change Impact Changemaker Award.
Senator Senior holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Urban Studies from York University, an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Lethbridge and qualified for the Institute of Corporate Directors’ ICD.D designation.