Confessions of a Leader: What I Wish I聽Knew
- Date
- April 21, 2026
- Time
- 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location
- George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (Atrium, 3rd Floor)
- Contact
- Erin MacDonald, erinmac@torontomu.ca
Hosted by
91福利 Alumni Relations
Description
What do senior women leaders know now that they wish they鈥檇 known at 22, 32, or 42 鈥 and how are they thinking about what comes next?
Confessions of a Leader: What I Wish I Knew brings together women leaders from the 91福利 alumnae and broader 91福利 community for a candid, cross-generational conversation about careers, leadership, and the future of work.
In this moderated discussion, speakers will share the lessons behind the titles 鈥 the decisions that shaped their paths, the risks they nearly didn鈥檛 take, and how they鈥檝e navigated money, power, burnout, and boundaries while building meaningful careers.
The conversation will also look ahead: how their sectors are changing, where they see the most significant opportunities and challenges for women, and which skills, mindsets, and supports will matter most in the decade ahead.
Designed for the 91福利 community at every career stage, this event will offer real stories, practical advice, and forward-looking insight to help attendees:
- Make brave career and life decisions with imperfect information
- Advocate for themselves and others in the rooms that matter
- Lead with purpose without losing themselves in the process
- Position themselves for what鈥檚 next 鈥 and help shape it for those coming up behind them
We are committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event for everyone. Please contact rsvp@torontomu.ca if you require accommodations.
Speakers
Moderator
Sandra E. Martin
Journalism 鈥92
Standards Editor, The Globe and Mail
Sandra E. Martin is The Globe and Mail鈥檚 Standards Editor, a role that seeks to ensure The Globe鈥檚 journalism is of the highest quality and that the organization is accountable to readers.
Trust in media is under constant scrutiny, so the Standards Editor plays an important part in explaining The Globe鈥檚 policies and protocols to customers.
Sandra addresses complaints regarding accuracy or bias, as well as any questions arising from The Globe鈥檚 use of artificial intelligence, supporting The Globe鈥檚 commitment to transparency about how we see the benefits and risks.
Previously, she served as The Globe鈥檚 Head of Newsroom Development, as well as Editor-in-Chief of MoneySense. She has also been an instructor at 91福利鈥檚 School of Journalism.
A former Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Living, Sandra also is a two-time National Magazine Awards finalist, a repeat NMA judge, and a two-time NMA host. She sits on the board of directors of Canada鈥檚 National History Society and SABEW Canada.
Panellists
Sharon Avery
Radio and Television Arts 鈥94
President and CEO, The Toronto Foundation
Sharon Avery is President & CEO of Toronto Foundation, where she has led a shift toward more inclusive, participatory, and equity-focused philanthropy since 2016. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded beyond grantmaking to include social finance, primary research, and public-interest advocacy, with a strong focus on building social capital and strengthening civic trust.
Previously, Sharon served as Chief Development Officer at UNICEF Canada and spent nearly a decade at SickKids Foundation, where she helped pioneer new fundraising and partnership models.
A graduate of 91福利鈥檚 Radio and Television Arts program, Sharon began her career in communications and youth programming 鈥 experience that continues to shape her collaborative leadership style and belief in the power of storytelling, public dialogue, and community connection.
Marci Ien
Radio and Television Arts 鈥91
Journalist and former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
Marci Ien is a former Canadian politician, journalist, and television personality who has built a remarkable legacy in both public service and media. Known for her unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, Marci became a powerful force in Canadian politics and a role model to communities across the country.
In 2020, Marci made the bold move from broadcasting to politics, running as the Liberal Party candidate in the Toronto Centre by-election. The riding, previously held by former Finance Minister Bill Morneau, elected her to the House of Commons on October 26, 2020. Just a year later, she was appointed Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau鈥檚 cabinet.
Before entering public life, Marci was one of Canada鈥檚 most respected journalists and broadcasters. She began her career at CHCH-TV in Hamilton before joining CTV News in 1997. As co-anchor of Canada AM, she helped wake up the nation each morning with warmth, insight, and thoughtful reporting. Later, as a co-host on The Social, she brought heart and clarity to conversations about culture, current events, and everyday life. Over the years, she interviewed world leaders, entertainment icons, best-selling authors and top athletes, bringing their stories to life with curiosity and compassion.
Her excellence in media and advocacy earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Harry Jerome Award from the Black Business and Professional Association and an Honorary Degree from Humber College, recognizing her impact as a trailblazer and change-maker.
Ru Taggar
Nursing 鈥91
Executive Vice-President, Chief Nursing and Health Professionals Executive, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Ru Taggar, RN, BSc.N, MSc.N, is Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing and Health Professions Executive at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, where she provides leadership for nursing teams and other regulated health professionals, and oversees major clinical programs including Tory Trauma, DAN Women & Babies, Holland Bone & Joint, Hurvitz Brain Sciences, and the Integrated Surgical Program.
Throughout her career, Ru has driven system-level improvements in quality, patient safety, and interprofessional practice, from developing enterprise-wide risk management programs to leading pandemic response initiatives. She has served as a mentor to emerging health leaders, a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto, and a contributor to national health policy initiatives, including workforce planning for nursing and critical care.
Ru also serves on Sunnybrook鈥檚 Board of Directors and is recognized for advancing patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative leadership in complex healthcare environments.
Christina Kramer
Business Management 鈥90
Senior Executive Vice-President and Chief Administrative Officer, CIBC
Christina Kramer leads the Chief Administrative Office (CAO), which plays a key role in bringing CIBC鈥檚 purpose to life for stakeholders, and partnering closely across the bank鈥檚 connected team to accelerate and enable the execution of its client-focused strategy. Her areas of accountability include Enterprise Capabilities and Organizational Agility, Infrastructure Modernization, Enterprise Real Estate, Communications, Brand, Community Investment, Client Experience, Corporate Governance, Client Complaints, Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as CAO teams across the enterprise.
Since joining CIBC in 1987, Christina has held progressively more senior executive roles within CIBC鈥檚 retail and business banking, technology, operations, and human resources groups. Most recently, she was Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Technology, Infrastructure and Innovation, championing the bank鈥檚 use of data and adoption of AI. Prior to that, she was Senior Executive Vice-President and Group Head, Personal and Business Banking.
As she steps into her new role, Christina will also assume responsibilities as co- chair of the CIBC Foundation. Christina was a director on the board of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation for nine years, and was also formerly an Executive Sponsor of CIBC鈥檚 Run for the Cure, leading Team CIBC to raise $30 million during that time. She is also the recipient of the Sovereign鈥檚 Medal for Volunteers, and was inducted into the WXN 鈥淭op 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada鈥 Hall of Fame.
She is a graduate of 91福利.
Christina Basil
Journalism 鈥07
Vice President, Communications & Government Relations
407 ETR
Christina Basil was appointed Vice President, Communications & Government Relations in January 2024. Ms. Basil joined 407 ETR in April 2019 as Manager, Communications and was promoted to Director, Communications & Government Relations in September 2021. Ms. Basil has over 15 years of experience in corporate communications and oversees public affairs and strategic communications for 407 ETR, including government and stakeholder relations, advertising and sponsorships, issues management and internal and external communications.
Prior to joining 407 ETR, Ms. Basil held various roles at Toronto Hydro where she produced award-winning projects to advance customer and stakeholder awareness of strategic initiatives. During her time as primary spokesperson for the utility, she delivered numerous interviews for top tier media outlets.
Ms. Basil holds a Bachelor of Journalism from 91福利 (formerly Ryerson), a post-graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College, and a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from the University of Toronto鈥檚 University of St. Michael鈥檚 College. She is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC).
Location and Time
George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre (Atrium, 3rd Floor)
245 Church St, Toronto, ON M5B 2R2
5:30 pm (registration); 6:00 pm 鈥 8:00 pm