Adm.A., C-Dir., BAA
Passionate about the success and growth of entrepreneurs, Isabelle Foisy is the president and founder of Point Cardinal, a consulting firm specializing in governance, innovation, and strategy. She is Innovator in Residence at the new Conseil de l’Innovation du Québec. In recent years, she has led QuébecInnove, an organization working to accelerate innovation in Quebec businesses, as its CEO.
Passionate about the success and growth of entrepreneurs, Isabelle Foisy is the president and founder of Point Cardinal, a consulting firm specializing in governance, innovation, and strategy. She is Innovator in Residence at the new Conseil de l’Innovation du Québec. In recent years, she has led QuébecInnove, an organization working to accelerate innovation in Quebec businesses, as its CEO.
An esteemed and award-winning manager, she worked for 15 years as an executive at Bell and spent a decade engaging directly with businesses, first as the chair of the Chambre de Commerce de l’Est de Montréal and then as a partner in a major accounting firm specialized in supporting Quebec SMEs.
As a certified corporate director (Administratrice de Sociétés Certifiée, ASC), Isabelle has served on many boards of directors for over 25 years. She is committed to creating value for businesses, helping them to progress, and increasing their impact. Isabelle has been a coach in the MBA program at HEC Montréal for eight years.
If you want to make her smile, invite her to a board game night or a good meal with friends!
An entrepreneur and a leader in Canadian leather goods, Johanne Boivin is passionate about fashion. She started her career with Groupe Yellow before founding her own accessories company in 1991. Joanel Inc. has become a genuine trend-setter through its three brands: Ugo Santini, Mouflon, and Joanel.
As a worldwide licensee for Cirque du Soleil accessories, Johanne has found success thanks to her flair for innovation and creativity. As well as being named Personnalité de La Presse, she has been recognized by the YWCA for entrepreneurship. She was recognized for her vision of sustainable development and for her ecological heritage building (the Conservation et Préservation de la Culture award), as well as by the Femme d’Affaires du Québec award. Her company was among the first to be certified by WeConnect, along with its diversity program. This was followed by two Dunamis awards from the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Laval for her investment projects and as Distributor/Wholesaler of the Year.
She held the helm of her company for 25 years, then approached by a competitor to set up a women's accessories division in North America, it was in 2015 that she took the plunge and sold her brands to the latter corporation and became its Executive Vice President. In June 2016, Johanne Boivin contacted an American company that owned several major mega-star brands. With determination, it is a few months later that her new employer is proclaimed global licensee of one of them. Johanne Boivin, as brand manager, creates the DNA of the products and deploys her expertise in the internationalization strategy of this new brand.
Despite her busy career, Johanne is always ready to give back. She supports causes such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and La Rue des Femmes. She has served on boards of directors and presented to audiences from various organizations, including the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Laval, the Chambre de Commerce de Ste-Thérèse, the Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montréal, the CPA order, and HEC.
With her passion for marketing projects and mentoring, she is now in a position to share her entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial knowledge. Generous and energetic, she is driven by dreams, passion, development, and success.
Maryse Dorais is a highly skilled and adaptable professional, with a rich background in administration, management, and translation. She holds a degree in administration and has previously managed responsibilities in both the banking and retail sectors, before shifting her career focus to translation.
Her journey in translation spans over 17 years, where she has excelled as a certified translator, working independently and with agencies. In February 2020, Maryse made a significant career move by joining the South Shore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Initially serving as a member services coordinator and assistant to the management, she quickly demonstrated her prowess and was promoted to a project manager role. This position has allowed her to leverage her exceptional organizational and planning skills.
As of November 2023, Maryse has been serving as the administrative coordinator at Point Cardinal. In this role, she works closely with her colleagues, offering invaluable support in the execution of their projects. Her passion for the business world and entrepreneur journeys shines through in her work. She takes a keen interest in understanding their stories and challenges, and is committed to contributing to innovative and customized solutions that meet their diverse needs.
During his academic journey in management, he founded and subsequently led the first management consulting club at UQAM. This club's mission is to introduce UQAM students to the consulting industry by undertaking real mandates for Quebec-based SMEs and non-profit organizations. He currently serves as a board member of this committee to ensure its sustainability.
Remaining actively involved, Olivier also sits on the board of directors of the West Island Crisis Center and is a committee member of the youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Montreal South Shore.
An analyst by nature, he brings creativity and methodology to the teams he works with, in addition to a strong interest in business growth, governance, and change management. Olivier completed the Young Directors Network program, a governance training program offered by the Young Chamber of Commerce of Montreal in collaboration with Laval University College of Corporate Directors, as well as the "Creative Generation" program offered by the School of Creative Sciences: La Factry.
A born foodie, Olivier is always on the lookout for Montréal’s latest culinary innovations, so we always know who to ask for recommendations!
Marie Houzeau has 25 years of experience in organizational development, human resources management, diversity, inclusion and philanthropic management.
Marie has been running GRIS-Montréal since 2005. This community organization is the largest service for demystifying sexual orientation and gender identity in schools in Quebec.
Marie has been running GRIS-Montréal since 2005. This community organization is the largest service for demystifying sexual orientation and gender identity in schools in Quebec.
Marie has shared her expertise from New Brunswick to British Columbia but also in Europe and Africa. She has given a multitude of lectures at forums on human rights and trade union, scientific or professional conferences.
Marie is also a consultant for the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ). In this capacity, she has trained thousands of medical professionals and social services, from the community and from the education system to adapt their interventions to LGBT clienteles and to be sensitive to their vulnerability.
Finally, Marie has considerable experience in the areas of organizational development, management and personalized advice. She has worked internationally with a variety of organizations from various sectors. Marie has offered several hundred training sessions covering, among other things, participatory leadership, the effectiveness of work teams, managing diversity and facilitating integration within an organization. She has also developed and led strategic planning for NPOs, the public sector and the private sector, at the highest level of responsibility.
In 2016, she was honored by receiving the medal of the National Assembly of Quebec, and the "Woman of Distinction" prize, Social Commitment category, awarded by the Women's Y Foundation for her incredible work and commitment to building a world more open to diversity.
In 2019, she received the HR Recognition Award, NPO category, from the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines of Québec.
Stéphanie Jecrois is the co-founder of non-profit organization Technovation Montréal, the Montreal chapter of the Technovation program. This international competition challenges girls aged 10 to 18 to create a mobile app as a means of developing their technology and entrepreneurship skills. In 2020, she co-founded 0rijin Village to address the chronic economic disparity in African-descendant communities. The UniteProsper mobile app supports and promotes businesses founded and run by Black entrepreneurs in Canada.
Stéphanie also works for the Ville de Montréal as an international relations advisor. In this position, she helps develop agreements, cooperation, and relationships between cities, and she pursues the consensus-building process with the diplomatic community and international partners.
A leader recognized by her peers and her community, she was selected in 2017 to participate in the prestigious Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. In 2018, Châtelaine magazine named her as an inspiring woman for her implementation of the Technovation program in Quebec. She was recently named by Femmessor as one of the 100 women entrepreneurs who are changing the world. Involved in various organizations, Stéphanie has sat on the board of directors of Connexion Internationale de Montréal and served as chair of the Jeune Chambre de Commerce Haïtienne.
One of her favourite things to do is wander through bookstores and peruse magazines.
Nathalie is an inspiring businesswoman with an atypical background.
She held various positions from controller to 1st vice-president at Pacini from 2002 to 2014 then president from 2014 to 2020. Her authenticity, rigor, creativity, charisma and incredible commitment then led her to reinvent her title by becoming the Happy President of the organization, a first in Canada.
She held various positions from controller to 1st vice-president at Pacini from 2002 to 2014 then president from 2014 to 2020. Her authenticity, rigor, creativity, charisma and incredible commitment then led her to reinvent her title by becoming the Happy President of the organization, a first in Canada.
With more than 25 years of experience in her pocket, she decided to start her own consulting firm of Happy consultant where she accompanies the human behind the business decisions.
Over the past few years, Nathalie has been actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the South Shore (CCIRS) and has served on several boards of directors. She served as a member of the Montérégie regional committee for the “Prêt à entreprendre” program, which helps young entrepreneurs, as well as several female leadership cohorts. She is also one of the co-founders of the Franchise Women's Division of the Conseil Québécois de la Franchise (CQF).
Humble and curious, Nathalie is passionate about leadership and strategy and is ready to guide and propel the growth of local SMEs.
As a leader and manager for more than 25 years, Nadia Martel has contributed with passion and rigor to the development of several international companies in Quebec. She has notably held positions as Vice-President, Corporate Development and Legal Affairs in a listed company, innovative SMEs and as Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Legal, Commercial, Compliance and Ethics at Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
As Company administrator (ASC., C-Dir), she currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Laserax Inc., the Quebec Wildlife Foundation and the Bishop's University Foundation. More recently, she became involved with the board of directors of EVOL as well as its governance and human resources committee. Nadia has also sat on many other boards of companies and NPOs, including C2Mi - Center de Collaboration MiQro Innovation and Bishop's University.
Recognized by her peers as leader and lawyer, Nadia received the lawyer emeritus (Ad.E.) a prestigious distinction awarded by the Barreau du Québec for the excellence of her professional career, her social and community influence and her general contribution. She holds, among other things, a bachelor's degree in administration, a master's degree in taxation and a certificate in corporate governance. Nadia also had the opportunity to offer numerous training sessions and conferences in governance.
She wishes to use her diverse background to support companies and organizations in achieving their growth and responsible development objectives, in compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors.
Marco holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from the University of Montreal and a Master of Science in Management specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (M.Sc.) from HEC Montreal. As a lawyer, accredited mediator, and certified human resources advisor, he has worked with numerous clients in governance, strategy, and organizational change management mandates over the past years. He has built his experience with leading Quebec companies in diverse industries and businesses of various sizes.
As a passionate entrepreneur, Marco has founded and currently manages several companies in the tourism and outdoor sectors in the Laurentians. His strong entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful tool that he readily brings to his clients in governance and strategy. Marco also serves on several boards of directors for sports, cultural, and community organizations, contributing his governance expertise to his community.
Marco stands out for his organizational skills, analytical thinking, and diligence in his work. He excels in complex environments and processes. Throughout his mandates, he has demonstrated his strong analytical ability, enabling him to understand his clients' contexts and challenges accurately and propose concrete and tailored solutions. His curiosity and thirst for learning keep him up to date with the major trends in his field.
Viana is a visiting professor in the Department of Management and coordinator of the personalized coaching program offered to MBA students at HEC Montréal. She has a long and rich experience as a manager in various fields, which has enabled her to acquire expertise in the operational and human aspects of management, while emphasizing innovation and interpersonal skills. She also stands out for her strategic vision and leadership skills.
She holds a graduate diploma in management consulting and an MBA from the Université du Québec à Montréal and built her career in the telecommunications
industry. For over 25 years, she progressed through various management positions, ultimately reaching the role of senior executive at Bell Canada, where she managed large teams, led organizational transformation projects, and supported employee development
and coaching.
Viana has played both operational and functional roles, contributing to large-scale projects in various sectors of the business. She notably was involved
in a project focused on enhancing the skills of over 650 managers and collaborated on “action-research” projects with universities.
For several years, she worked as an in-house consultant for her company, mainly in human resources, gaining expertise in areas such as employee retention,
mobilization, and engagement. She is interested in deepening the understanding of the manager’s role and its evolution.
Passionate about coaching research and an expert in management, Viana brings a practical perspective to the manager’s role within the company.
Ph.D. in Management, M.B.A
Over the last twenty years, Tasha Richard has built a proven track record in research projects, strategic development and inclusive ecosystem development. Tasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University, an MBA and a PhD in Management from Saint Mary's University. She is also a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University. She is also a member of the Canadian Global Entrepreneurship Monitor team that executes annual national research surveys and reports. Tasha is also an advisor to the OECD on gender issues. Tasha’s research and publications focuses on the intersection of inclusive ecosystems, policy and program development, gender and education.
Over the last twenty years, Tasha Richard has built a proven track record in research projects, strategic development and inclusive ecosystem development. Tasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University, an MBA and a PhD in Management from Saint Mary's University. She is also a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Dalhousie University. She is also a member of the Canadian Global Entrepreneurship Monitor team that executes annual national research surveys and reports. Tasha is also an advisor to the OECD on gender issues. Tasha’s research and publications focuses on the intersection of inclusive ecosystems, policy and program development, gender and education.
A passionate advocate for inclusion, her vast expertise has often led her to be consulted on the development of strategic plans and research plans for companies in both for profit and non-profit sectors. She has planned and executed dozens of research projects, many of which examined gender barriers across industries and sectors. Her academic publications include exploration of barriers women face in university settings and in the workplace. Tasha brings rigor to a research plan ensuring the objectives, methodology and execution are informed by established industry practices and backed by academic research.
Denis Risler began his career in the telecommunications industry and holds a master’s in business administration from HEC Montréal. He has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, business development, management, and corporate governance.
In addition to his professional activities, Denis has sat on the boards of Desjardins General Insurance and its ethics committee, and of Desjardins Financial Security. He has also served as chair of the Office Municipal d'Habitation d'Anjou, and of the Chambre de Commerce de l'Est de Montréal.
During his career, he has been a volunteer organizer of numerous activities in support of community organizations.
He currently serves on the board of the Caisse Desjardins de Mercier-Est-Anjou and as treasurer of the Fondation de la Pointe-de-l'Île pour la Persévérance Scolaire.
In all his activities, he prioritizes teamwork, good governance, simplicity, transparency, respect, and diligence... and he never forgets to have fun. He enjoys a good martini and vacations with friends.