National Small Business Lead, The Scotiabank Women Initiative
CanWCC Board of Advisors | Champion of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
Meet Chris McMartin, the National Small Business Lead at The Scotiabank Women Initiative, a dynamic individual with a passion for championing diversity, equality, and inclusion. With a career spanning 16 years at Scotiabank, Chris has played a pivotal role in driving the Small Business Strategy across Canada since September 2021. Chris is the driving force behind The Scotiabank Women Initiative, where she leads national events and partnerships, including the Master Class Series, IWD: She Shoots She Scores, StrikeUP Virtual Conference, mentorship programs, and the Healthcare Strategy.
Chris's journey at Scotiabank began in 2008 as a Financial Advisor, and her passion for small businesses emerged when she assumed the role of Small Business Advisor in 2012. Beyond her role in small business development, Chris has actively championed equity initiatives, holding various diversity, equity, and inclusion roles within the bank. She currently serves as the Co-Chair for the National Allyship Council, a Stream Lead for the Women in Leadership Employee Resource Group, and a participant on the Employee Pulse Committee.
Outside Scotiabank, Chris extends her impact. She is a member of the Canadian Women Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board and the HELIX Committee for Seneca College. Chris strongly believes in the power of mentorship and serves as a mentor for StartUp Canada Women. At home, Chris leads another team—her family. As a mother of four (three teenage boys and a young daughter), she navigates the challenges of motherhood with grace.
Balancing family commitments, she still finds time for personal hobbies, such as going to the gym and coaching a dance team. Chris is not only a leader in her professional domain but also a sought-after speaker and podcast guest. She frequently discusses women entrepreneurship, the Scotiabank Women Initiative, and her experiences on various platforms, including podcasts like MaMaCon and Revival.
In the Spotlight: Chris's commitment to empowering women and nonbinary entrepreneurs has not gone unnoticed. In a recent podcast episode, she shares valuable insights into the challenges faced by women and nonbinary individuals in entrepreneurship and the unparalleled joy of supporting them on their journey.
Chris McMartin is more than a professional—she's a force dedicated to building a legacy of empowerment and inclusion.
Social Media Handles:
LinkedIn: Chris McMartin
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