Laurier’s chancellor named one of the Most Powerful Women in Canada at WXN

Wilfrid Laurier University’s chancellor, Eileen Mercier, was recently inducted into the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 Hall of Fame, after being presented with the recognition as one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women — for the fourth time in her career.

There are now 151 WXN Hall of Fame inductees which have been bestowed by the organization throughout the last 16 years. WXN’s Top 100 Awards has honoured 1,115 Canadian professional women, which includes their Top 100 Regional Celebrations in Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax and Calgary.

Mercier was presented with this award at the WXN Gala in Toronto last month which recognizes women who have demonstrated great leadership in their professional careers and who serve as titans of diversity.

“I was nominated and chosen in the ‘corporate directors’ category. This is actually the ‘final’ stage, if you like, in a long professional career — in my case, 48 years,” Mercier stated.

“I have been extraordinarily fortunate in my career and really loved being a woman in business at a time when the path forward was being forged. Now it is my time to give back and mentor young women so that they can do even more than they ever thought possible.”

WXN is a member-based organization which not only hosts the Top 100 awards but also provides mentoring, training, networking and programs for women.

Mercier was unanimously appointed into her position as Wilfrid Laurier University’s ninth chancellor in 2016. Currently, she is the chair of Payments Canada, which is responsible for Canada’s national payments systems, is a board member of Intact Financial Corporation, as well as the Royal Conservatory of Music.

Mercier’s past positions, such as chair of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan board, founder and President of Finvoy Management Inc. and senior vice-president and chief financial officer of Abitibi-Price — to name a few — have contributed to her long history of success and has made her a force in the industry.

In 2011, during Laurier’s centennial, Mercier was named one of the university’s 100 Alumni of Achievement. She graduated from Laurier — previously named Waterloo Lutheran University — with a BA and an academic gold medal.

“My best advice is always to say ‘yes’ when asked to take on something new or more challenging,” said Mercier.

“You will always play up when someone thinks well enough of you to ask you to move forward. Then ask for all the help and support you think you will need to be successful.”

Mercier has achieved the recognition as one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women in 2012, 2015 and 2017 as well. Being nominated for a fourth time in 2018 made her eligible for recommendation of induction into WXN’s Hall of Fame by the Diversity Champions committee.

WXN is a member-based organization which not only hosts the Top 100 awards but also provides mentoring, training, networking and programs for women.

“WXN is doing very valuable work in inspiring women to aim higher. Showcasing those who have done well allows others to dream,” Mercier added.