This year, Financeit is hosting an International Women’s Day panel, with the theme “The Power of Mentorship.” We’ve invited three accomplished female executives to join us for a conversation on the importance of support in the workplace – focusing on mentorship, sponsorship, and building community.
Learn more about our panelists below.
Jashar Grewal | VP FP&A, MCAN Financial Group
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Jashar is the VP, Financial Planning & Strategic Analysis at MCAN Financial, with responsibility for creating the Company’s annual budget, quarterly forecasts, capital plan as well as support all of the strategic initiatives within the organization. This position involves significant involvement from the company’s leadership team and Board. She is currently leading the implementation of the Anaplan project, which is a best-in-class FP&A software. After completing her undergraduate BBA at the Schulich School of Business, she obtained a CA, CPA designation for accounting, and is also a CFA designate. Jashar volunteers for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Camp Ooch and has organized programs such as fundraising for the New Circles organization.
Prior to this role, Jashar was at Home Trust for 10 years. Under Jashar’s leadership, Home Trust saw marked improvements in the internal controls, regulatory reporting and financial planning teams, with efficiencies gained in all deliverables and several business days gained for each team. |
Suzan Barrett | VP, Client Strategy & Operations, MiQ
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Suzan Barrett is a senior marketing and growth leader with deep experience driving brand, customer engagement, and revenue growth across global organizations. She has led large cross-functional teams across Canada and the U.S., partnering with executive leadership to scale high-performing marketing, media, and customer experience functions.
Throughout her career, she has overseen multimillion-dollar portfolios, built scalable go-to-market strategies, and strengthened client partnerships through disciplined operational leadership. Known for connecting big-picture strategy to real-world execution, Suzan specializes in operational excellence and leading transformation in fast-moving environments. She is a passionate advocate for women in leadership and equitable access to opportunity in the future of work. |
Kate O’Brien | CFO, First Ascent Ventures
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Kate O’Brien is Chief Financial Officer of First Ascent Ventures. An integral member of the senior leadership team, she is responsible for accounting and finance operations. Prior to joining FAV, Kate was Vice President, Global Financial and Regulatory Reporting Lead for Cayman Funds at State Street.Kate began her finance career in Ireland with IFS. In 2011 Kate was selected for an international opportunity, transferring to the IFS Toronto office. Kate is a strategic and innovative leader with over 20 years of progressive international experience. Kate has built and led high-performing teams and is known for cultivating collaboration, innovation and inclusivity.
Kate has a BA in Finance and Economics from the National University of Ireland Maynooth. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). |