Women in Leadership | The A Effect

As part of our DE&I journey, one of the goals we have set for our firm is to achieve 40% female representation in management positions by 2026. One of the concrete steps we are taking is offering women across the firm the opportunity to participate in two A Effect Programs. The A Effect Ambition, is a program that aims to help women embrace their ambition and maximize their leadership potential. The A Effect Leadership Challenge is a program designed for middle managers who want to broaden their strategic perspective.

Directors

Executive Director

Gabriel Castiglio

Executive Director, Global Chief Operating Officer

We will continue to support women within the organization and provide leadership development opportunities as we look to increase women in management positions at Fiera Capital.

View Our Cohorts

2024

Ange Marie Amizero

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Client Experience

Montreal

The 100-Day Challenge helped me to step out of my comfort zone, express myself with confidence, strengthen my communication and leadership skills, and create rewarding encounters.

Elissa Boumerhy

Ambition Challenge

Analyst, CIO Office, Public Markets

Montreal

This program helped me build my confidence, clarify my ambitions with concrete tools and, above all, forge remarkable professional relationships!

Carrie Chen

Ambition Challenge

Manager, Business Insights and Financial Partner

London

The program encouraged greater self-awareness and equipped me with essential skills, empowering me to navigate my professional growth and career with confidence!

Alyssa Di Valerio

Ambition Challenge

Advisor, External Communications

Montreal

The A Effect Ambition Challenge has boosted my confidence, clarified my career goals, and empowered me to take bold steps toward professional growth.

Melissa Everson

Leadership Challenge

Director, Marketing and Communications

Boston

The Leadership Challenge deeply transformed my growth, providing tools to become an effective leader, fostering collaboration, unity, and a positive environment. Highly recommended for leadership skills!

Valérie Gagnon

Ambition Challenge

Senior Director, Debt and Operations, Real Estate Financing

Montreal

The 100-Day Challenge taught me to take the time to put my fears into perspective, to help me create and seize opportunities by welcoming the real risks involved.

Béatrice Granger-Pouliot

Ambition Challenge

Corporate Accounting Manager

Montreal

The 100-day Challenge made me grow through the various inspiring testimonials we were lucky enough to witness. It has helped me to increase my self-confidence and to dare to step out of my comfort zone, to take calculated risks and try new things. Since failure is not an end, what have we got to lose?

Marie-Eve Larose

Ambition Challenge

Advisor, Human Resources

Montreal

The 100-day Challenge enabled me to identify my weaknesses, but above all, my strengths, which I tended to underestimate. I now realize the full extent of my talents and embrace them with greater conviction.

Stéphanie Le Vasseur

Ambition Challenge

Advisor, Talent Management and Acquisition

Montreal

The A Effect program boosted my confidence, clarified my goals, and energized me to pursue my growth and career with focus and excitement!

Siobhán Longmore

Ambition Challenge

Associate Investment Analyst

London

The program transformed my approach to professional development. Through the 100-day challenge framework, I've learned to set ambitious yet timebound goals to drive consistent personal progress.

Johanna Mc Nicoll

Leadership Challenge

Senior Director, Reporting and Special Projects

Montreal

The A Effect is a very enriching experience, allowing us to expand our network and hear from some very inspiring women.

Maria Mejia

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Client Service

Montreal

The program enabled me to take stock of my personal and career development while sharing with inspiring women who, despite their different backgrounds, are going through similar experiences.

Nadra Midanik

Leadership Challenge

Manager, Client Experience Governance, Distribution and Private Wealth

Toronto

Being part of the inaugural A Effect Leadership program was a true privilege. It was inspiring to meet and learn from so many incredible women while sharing our experiences.

Rachel O'Donnell

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Client Experience Distribution

Toronto

Anick Parent

Ambition Challenge

Executive Assistant

Montreal

Taking part in the 100-Day Challenge has taught me to dare to step out of my comfort zone and seize the opportunities that come my way.

Vanina Pitsch

Leadership Challenge

Manager, Leadership Development

Montreal

The Leadership Challenge has reshaped my perspective, providing valuable insights on how to strategically position myself within the organization to foster continued professional growth and career advancement.

Laura Polo

Ambition Challenge

Business Development Specialist

Montreal

The A Effect helped me build my confidence, develop my leadership skills and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to take on new challenges.

Monica Ren

Leadership Challenge

Investor Relations Manager

Toronto

The Leadership Challenge enhanced my leadership, confidence, and resilience, equipping me with insights and tools to navigate challenges and deliver meaningful professional impact.

Alina Sandu

Ambition Challenge

Director, Executive Compensation and Benefits

Montreal

The A Effect is an experience I warmly recommend, as it is extremely enriching thanks to the relevance of the subjects covered and the authenticity of the guests.

Giulia Scognamiglio

Leadership Challenge

Director, Fund Administration

Montreal

The program’s structured approach has encouraged me to clarify my leadership vision and take intentional steps toward achieving my goals, which has significantly boosted my confidence and strategic decision-making abilities.

Jeanne St-Louis

Ambition Challenge

Analyst, CIO Office and Public Markets Strategy

Montreal

The A Effect helped me to understand the importance of investing in ourselves, clarifying our personal goals and developing according to our own values. Within ourselves lies both our greatest obstacle and our greatest support.

Tereza Yavorska

Ambition Challenge

Associate Client Experience

Montreal

The A Effect Ambition Challenge has clarified my career path, enhancing my leadership skills and strategic thinking, boosting my confidence and future professional opportunities.

2023

Kay Aspinall

Ambition Challenge

Advisor, Culture and Internal Communications

Montreal

The A Effect Challenge helped me discover and use my full leadership potential alongside an incredible network of like-minded women.

Naïla Charles-Maharajh

Ambition Challenge

Senior Marketing Coordinator, Private Wealth

Montreal

The program made me realize the importance of maintaining a network and practicing introspection.

Melanie Del Rio

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Client Manager

Toronto

I had the opportunity to reflect on and articulate my goals, and hone my skills in areas like negotiations, to support my long-term growth.

Claudia Gauthier

Ambition Challenge

Senior Graphic Designer and Creative Services Coordinator

Montreal

This initiative gave me a confidence boost by putting me in contact with inspiring leaders, along with other women who often share the same challenges and insecurities.

Briana Hwang

Ambition Challenge

Analyst, Vendor Governance

Toronto

J’estime que le Défi 100 jours de L’effet A m’a aidé à prioriser mes ambitions et objectifs professionnels, tout en m’incitant à sortir de ma zone de confort pour développer des compétences utiles.

Marcia Irwin

Ambition Challenge

Senior Vice President, Capability Specialist, Global Equities

Boston

Via a practical and foundational building process, the program inspired me to break down psychological barriers in order to grow professionally.

Jennifer Kestenberg

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Private Wealth Client Service

Toronto

The A Effect program has helped me frame my professional development as a project that requires dedicated time and effort, rather than something that can be achieved passively.

Sara Malhotra

Ambition Challenge

Senior Analyst, Fund Administration

Toronto

Nurturing intentionality, embracing spontaneity, establishing boundaries, and fostering self-belief have brought about increased self-awareness, effective time management, heightened confidence, and a more impactful executive presence.

Ciara Osborne

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Private Wealth

Toronto

The program not only granted me the space to nurture my personal growth and career development, but it also empowered me to actively make meaningful progress in these areas.

Nadia Plesca

Ambition Challenge

Client Service Associate

Toronto

A Effect Ambition Challenge exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to push themselves out of comfort zone and develop networking and leadership skills.

Nadine Potvin

Ambition Challenge

Senior Advisor, Talent Management

Montreal

The A Effect Ambition Challenge helped me gain more self-confidence in my position at work and take more responsibility for the decisions I make.

Scarlett Tang

Ambition Challenge

Senior Analyst, Cash Administration and Reconciliation

Montreal

Thanks to the A Effect Program, I connected with incredible women, gained confidence, and deepened my understanding of leadership and influence. I’m grateful for this transformative experience.

Suzanne Tremblay

Ambition Challenge

Director, HR Systems and Operations

Montreal

I’m grateful for this experience, which forced me to stop and reflect on myself and my career development while being surrounded by inspiring women.

Jessyca Vasquez

Ambition Challenge

Associate, Client Service

Toronto

The A Effect Ambition Challenge gave me the push I really needed to prioritize my professional development and self-growth while expanding my network.

Jaclyn Young

Ambition Challenge

Senior Associate, Private Wealth Client Service

Toronto

Participating in the A Effect Challenge has enabled me to discern my core values, cultivate resilience in strengthening my self-confidence, and instill a mindset that prevents self-doubt from impeding my ambitions.

Joyce Zhang

Ambition Challenge

Senior Analyst, Client Experience & Insights

Toronto

This is the best program for women who want to make a positive change to their professional and personal lives. I’m glad to see myself changing.

2022

Abbie Au

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Toronto

I’m grateful for the network of diverse individuals that have been introduced to me through this program – I intend to carry these relationships forward well beyond the 100 days!

Sarah Aves

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Toronto

The program has encouraged me to think about my long term career goals more concretely and what skills I need to achieve them including confidence and agility.

Émilie Bachelier

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

The kick-start to achieve your ambitions. A community for professional exchanges and experience that I'm proud to belong to. The A Effect, far from being a plan B.

Sophie Battison

Ambition Challenge

Real Estate, Private Markets

London

The program has helped reframe my ambition and has given me the tools and confidence to work towards achieving my newly set goals.

Eugénie Benoit

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

The 100-day Challenge helps me build confidence, but also reminds me that it's important to celebrate these successes.

Aline Cerqueira

Ambition Challenge

Finance

Montreal

Demystify the concept that ambition is negative and must necessarily be vertical, also the discussion that an individual's competence is not one-dimensional.

Anju Chauhan

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Toronto

The program helped me bridge the gap between my work and home personas. I bring the daring, confident and vocal me to work now, everyday.

Catherine Cho

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

New York

Through the A Effect program, I’m realizing that I need to be my own best advocate, the importance of risk taking, not being afraid of failure, and building self-confidence.

Maurane Cloutier

Ambition Challenge

Legal and Compliance

Montreal

Corinne Comeau

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

Truly an extraordinary and transformative training program! It helped me recognize and dare to name my goals, change my mental attitude, and gave me the confidence that everything is possible!

Frankie Demetriades

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

London

The negotiation section of the A Effect program has been particularly useful, it has helped me to reframe how I approach negotiation and remove some of the intimidation factor from the experience.

Krystal Furrow

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

Halifax

Claude Guèvremont

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Montreal

The A Effect was a wake-up call for my past and future career paths, as well as an opportunity to build confidence for the rest of the adventure.

Ashley Hagen

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

Jeanne Helluy

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Montreal

I realized I wasn't paying enough attention to what I had already achieved and was always fixated on completing current or future tasks.

Whitney Hu

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Toronto

Participating in the A Effect program has been such an enriching experience for me. I feel inspired to reflect on my career and personal goals and to be strategic with growth opportunities.

Majlinda Kamberi

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

New York

Cynthia Karim

Ambition Challenge

Public Markets, Investments

Montreal

Anna Keketsian

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

Laval

I had the opportunity to hear from women in different industries, countries and departments. Each person’s success story is unique, and I feel that this diversity is what we need to be a well-rounded entity.

Niki Khatami

Ambition Challenge

Legal and Compliance

Toronto

Aerlia MacLaird

Ambition Challenge

Office Management

New York

The A Effect Challenge has been a great opportunity to engage with peers inside and outside of Fiera Capital. It provided affirmation and also helped transform a concept into reality with a tangible course of action. I highly recommend this program.

Ana Puric

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

Toronto

Confidence is from knowledge, preparation and communication. We shouldn’t fear of the imposter syndrome.

Ana Quach

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

Toronto

Ellen Ritchie

Ambition Challenge

Finance

Toronto

The program has given me the courage to openly share my ideas, and to seize every opportunity.

Sali Salame

Ambition Challenge

Finance

Montreal

A very enriching experience. Great tips that I already started putting into practice, and valuable content that can be leveraged in my daily business activities.

Aline Santos

Ambition Challenge

Real Estate, Private Markets

Toronto

Judy Shin

Ambition Challenge

Private Markets

Toronto

Celine Tawil

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

The A Effect Program was delivered with an extraordinary high level of passion, with a list of very accomplished women in different fields to share their experiences and insights. The material served as a catalyst for personal and professional change at work and outside work.

Caroline Turcotte

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

The Ambition Challenge is more than a Leadership program. It’s a powerful community that contributes to unlock women’s potential.

Adèl Ülkei

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

Melissa Vinson

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Boston

By participating in the A Effect, I've gained the confidence to manage my career path by defining professional goals in a more meaningful way, and by breaking down each step into strategic components to help me create real impact at Fiera Capital.

Katharine Wells

Ambition Challenge

Public Markets, Investments

Montreal

The Ambition Challenge is more than a Leadership program. It’s a powerful community that contributes to unlock women’s potential.

Tanya Yang

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Toronto

Gave me the opportunity to think about what I wanted improve on in my job and provided me with the tools to achieve my goal.

Charlie Zhang

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Montreal

2021

Amilie Allard

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

This journey has helped me refocus on my intentions and has given me the energy I need for what is still to come. Thank you for this great opportunity!

Sophie Allard

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Montreal

Sara Almazan

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

Caroline Antonetti

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

What's important is to know yourself well, capitalize on your strengths, surround yourself with people stronger than you, maintain your network, stay authentic and know how to manage your time and energy.

Stéphanie Breton

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Montreal

Alex-Anne Carrier

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

Candace Carroll

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Calgary

The program gave me insight into what was holding me back in my career. I have learned how to take smarter risks in the best interest of my team.

Maëlle Desjardins

Ambition Challenge

Fiera Private Debt

Laval

It was an enriching experience that helped me realize things that will serve me throughout my career, such as the importance of believing in ourselves and that we are our own best spokesperson.

Mélissa Dionne

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

This challenge was a unique opportunity to reflect on my career goals. By defining my ambitions, I was able to take concrete actions and accelerate my advancement.

Mélanie Fortin

Ambition Challenge

Fiera Private Debt

Montreal

The 100-day Challenge turned out to be an extremely enriching experience that made me realize I was on a quest for perfection that was preventing me from moving forward. Now, I am more daring.

Stephie Fung

Ambition Challenge

Finance

Toronto

Sathyah Kamalanathan

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

London

Continuous learning is key to remaining relevant and developing competence leads to confidence. Connecting with like-minded peers has sparked new ideas and will help further my career goals.

Amandeep Kaur

Ambition Challenge

Finance

New York City

Sarah Kazorek

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Boston

The greatest thing about the A Effect, were the new relationships I’ve made; the ladies in my Triad will always be special to me!

Mélissa La Haye

Ambition Challenge

Institutional Markets

Montreal

Inspired by the transparent and insightful testimonials of ambitious leaders, this journey has provided me with opportunity to ask myself the right questions in order to further my professional development.

Noémie Lapointe

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

We too often burden ourselves with limits that don’t necessarily exist. We can achieve our ambition by following our guiding star and surrounding ourselves with people stronger than us.

Clare Lazenby

Ambition Challenge

Legal and Compliance

Toronto

The program gave me the opportunity to reflect on what I am looking for from my career and, with my triad’s support, the confidence to vocalize this to my superiors.

Mylène Legault

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

Élyse Léger

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Montreal

I greatly appreciated the A Effect program which reinforced my strong beliefs that we need to take daily actions aligned with our values to achieve our main goals.

Susana Lopez Gonzalez

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Toronto

Maria Massa

Ambition Challenge

Fiera Private Debt

Laval

Angela Nikolakakos

Ambition Challenge

Legal and Compliance

Toronto

Nicole Noon

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Montreal

Remy Orpen

Ambition Challenge

Fiera Private Debt

Toronto

The A Effect program has helped me increase my confidence at work and introduced me to a network of remarkable & intelligent women within my organization.

Camille Rivard

Ambition Challenge

Real Estate

Montreal

Camille Rousseau Dufresne

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

I found the space to define my goals and assume my leadership with renewed confidence. I learned to look at my past accomplishments differently and connect each point of my journey to find my guiding star.

Vanina Pitsch

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Montreal

It's been an amazing journey learning from inspiring women about confidence, risk-taking, and influence. I also loved the self-reflection practice to identify self-limiting beliefs and create empowering ones for myself.

Eunice Saunders

Ambition Challenge

Finance

Port St. Lucie, Florida

Emily Saylor

Ambition Challenge

Operations and IT

Dayton

Participating in The A Effect Program was transformative for me, as I have formed invaluable connections with brilliant and talented women who are consistently supportive of each other’s individual goals.

Emily Stidwill

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Toronto

A fantastic opportunity to network internally and externally that gave all participants an opportunity to connect AND reflect on everything we learned from the program, including sharing our ambitions with each other.

Alvina Siddiqui

Ambition Challenge

Global Private Wealth

Toronto

Tina Tang

Ambition Challenge

Operations and Technology

Toronto

Kim Wilson

Ambition Challenge

Human Resources and Communications

Toronto

I am very happy that I participated in the A Effect Ambition Challenge Program. The program provided me with some excellent practical tools and tips that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

Past Cohort Participants

2020: Shanel Bélanger-Vaillancourt, Human Resources and Communications, Laval

2020: Beth Coakley, Real Estate, London

2020: Jenna Doucet, Institutional Markets, Toronto

2020: Valérie Dufour, Legal and Compliance, Montreal

2020: Jacqueline Flannery, Operations and IT, Toronto

2020: Catherine Guico, Finance, Montreal

2020: Alanna McRae, Real Estate, Toronto

2020: Josefa Palma, Global Private Wealth, New York

2020: Alanna Pyke, Real Estate, Halifax

2019: Nathalie Benguigui, Legal and Compliance, Montreal

2019: Caroline Grandoit, Public Markets, Montreal

2019: Monika Januszewska, Fiera Private Debt, Laval

2019: Josée Martin, Finance, Montreal