“When I first became a leader in insurance, I was almost always the only woman at the table. I advocated for women and, with time and support, I built a small insurance business into a prosperous regional brokerage. Along the way, I learned so many valuable lessons about leadership and entrepreneurship — and I want to share that knowledge with the next generation of women changemakers.”

Marlene Morrison Nicholls is an award-winning business leader with equal passion for mentorship and diversity, equity and inclusion. Under her leadership, Stewart Morrison Insurance grew to five thriving locations, was the first brokerage to earn diversity training accreditation from the Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO), and was recognized as a Rainbow Registered business. With roots in the Kawartha Lakes region, she’s passionate about helping women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary individuals become changemakers in the local community.

“Starting a business is daunting—you often don't even know what questions to ask or where to look for help. My aim in supporting this fund is to share my experiences as a new business owner in a pandemic and as a new mother. I was fortunate to have support when I started my business, but many women don't. We created this fund to remove barriers, lift women up and help them find their calling in entrepreneurship.”

Dr. Jacquelyn Nicholls, DC, is a chiropractor and founder of Adelaide Clinic, a dynamic practice offering chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy and more. Before opening her clinic in 2018, Jacquelyn previously worked in private practices and was chiropractor for the Alberta Ballet’s resident medical team.

Rachael Nicholls, PhD OCT, is a queer Peterborough-based educator, researcher and advocate for equity. A public speaker and storyteller, she views her work in education as an opportunity for communal creation and a process of self-discovery and reflection. She holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Community Development and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy. Her research has centred around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for 2SLGBTQIA+ students in rural school boards, and she also has extensive experience working with gender and sexual minority youth, racialized youth, boys’ education and Indigenous student mentorship and support. Rachael is an assistant professor and faculty advisor at Trent University, and director of education at EQU Consulting.

Catherine Nicholls, CPA, CA, is a finance and accounting professional with experience across real estate, private markets, and professional services. She currently works at Forum Asset Management in Toronto, a private markets investment firm focused on real estate, private equity, and infrastructure investments. Prior to joining Forum, Catherine was a Senior Manager in Finance and Accounting at Oxford Properties Group, and she held progressive roles in the Assurance practice at PwC Canada, advancing from Senior Associate to Manager. Catherine is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an Honours Business Administration degree from Ivey Business School at Western University.