BootCamp Special Presentations Spotlight – Capacityh Canada BootCamp 2025

August 28, 2025 | News

We’re thrilled to welcome two powerhouse leaders to this year’s Bootcamp! Bringing decades of experience, insight, and inspiration to our community.

Senator Senior has dedicated her life to advancing gender equity and dismantling systemic barriers for women, girls, and gender-diverse people—especially those from marginalized communities. With over 30 years of leadership in Canada’s gender equality sector, she has served as President & CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation and CEO of YWCA Canada. Her work has focused on eliminating gender-based violence, reducing poverty for women-led families, closing wage gaps, and promoting inclusive empowerment across the country.

She has led frontline programs in housing, employment, and shelter services in Toronto, and served on the boards of several equality-focused organizations. Currently, she is the Vice-Chair of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council for 2025, continuing her influence on global policy. Her contributions have earned her numerous awards, including the Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award and the Top 25 Women of Influence Award.

Senator Senior holds a BA in Psychology and Urban Studies from York University, an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Lethbridge, and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is a nationally respected voice in reconciliation, Indigenous leadership, and youth engagement. She served as Vice Provost for Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University and was appointed the first Indigenous Chair for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Her work continues to shape national efforts to build bridges of understanding and create pathways forward for reconciliation.

A member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is deeply committed to public education and inclusive dialogue. She chairs Teach for Canada, a non-profit that recruits teachers for remote First Nation schools, and leads the Governing Circle for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba. She was also inducted as an Honourary Witness by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Her passion for bringing together people of all backgrounds to engage in practical dialogue and applied research has led to youth-focused initiatives at the University of Toronto, University of Saskatchewan, and Lakehead University.

🎤 While their topics are still being finalized, both speakers will draw from their lived experiences and leadership journeys to spark insightful conversations with attendees.

Lead with Purpose: Begin Your Governance Journey Today!

Get ready to lead with purpose—Board Governance BootCamp Registration is open!

From November 18–20, 2025, Capacity Canada invites you to the Bingemans Conference Centre in Kitchener for three powerful days that will challenge, energize, and equip you for transformative board leadership.

Expect immersive learning, game-changing strategies, and fresh insights led by governance experts. You’ll walk away with tools you can apply right away—plus inspiration from keynote speakers Arlene Dickinson and Susan Aglukark.

✨ Ideal for Board Chairs, Executive Directors, and CEOs—attend as a leadership team for amplified impact

✨ Hands-on workshops, action plans, and peer networking that turn learning into leadership

Spots fill fast—secure your seat and shape the future of your board.

Join us for an inspiring conversation and register today!

Not Sure Where to Start?

Try the NFP Capacity Scorecard to better understand your NFP's strengths and challenges and receive a personalized report.

Upcoming Events

Annual Board Governance BootCamp | Boldly Hopeful in a World on Fire | November 24, 25 & 26, 2026 | Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener, ON| In-person Conference

Learn more & Register