Michelle Toner is the Chief Executive Officer of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), where she leads a dynamic organization dedicated to advancing women’s entrepreneurship across Alberta. She brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning business development, higher education, sport management, and non-profit sectors.

Before joining AWE, Michelle spent 19 years in Fort McMurray, Wood Buffalo. Most recently she spent 5+ years  as the Executive Director of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA). In this role, she championed Indigenous business growth and competitiveness, working alongside some of Canada’s top leaders and emerging entrepreneurs. Her career also includes more than a decade at Keyano College in progressive leadership roles, including marketing & communications, athletics and advancement.

A passionate sport enthusiast Michelle has led major multi-sport events, most notably as the General Manager of the 2018 Wood Buffalo Alberta Winter Games, and as Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations for the 2023 Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games.

A lifelong learner, Michelle recently completed her Executive MBA at the University of Alberta, further strengthening her strategic leadership and business acumen. Additionally she holds a Master’s degree in Human Kinetics, Sport Management from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Dalhousie University, and is a certified PROSCI Change Management Practitioner.

Originally from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Michelle and her family now call St. Albert home, where she continues her work empowering entrepreneurs and building inclusive economic ecosystems.