AWE Announces New CEO: Michelle Toner
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a leading organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women in business, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michelle Toner as our new Chief Executive Officer.
This change marks an exciting new chapter for AWE as we continue our mission to empower women entrepreneurs across Alberta. With her wealth of experience and her passion for inclusive economic growth, Michelle is the perfect person to lead our organization into the future.
About the New CEO
Michelle Toner is a seasoned leader with more than two decades of experience spanning business development, higher education, sport management, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, she spent five years as the Executive Director of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA), where she championed Indigenous business growth and competitiveness. Her career also includes over a decade at Keyano College in Fort McMurray, where she held progressive leadership roles in marketing and athletics.
A lifelong learner, Michelle recently completed her Executive MBA at the University of Alberta. She also holds a Master’s degree in Human Kinetics, Sport Management from the University of Windsor and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University. She is also a certified PROSCI Change Management Practitioner.
Originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Michelle is a passionate sport enthusiast who has led major multi-sport events, including as the General Manager of the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games. She now calls St. Albert home, where she continues her work empowering entrepreneurs and building inclusive economic ecosystems.
A New Chapter for AWE
As CEO, Michelle will be responsible for overseeing all of AWE's operations, including its suite of programs, access to capital initiatives, and community engagement efforts. Her leadership will focus on expanding AWE's reach and impact, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to succeed in today's dynamic business environment.
"I am honored to take on this role and lead an organization with such a profound impact on Alberta's economy," said Michelle Toner. "I look forward to working with the AWE team, our partners, and the incredible community of women entrepreneurs to create even more opportunities for success and economic growth."
About Alberta Women Entrepreneurs: AWE is a not-for-profit organization that provides business advice, financing, and skills development to women entrepreneurs. For over 30 years, AWE has been a catalyst for economic growth and has empowered thousands of women to start, grow, and scale their businesses.