Catherine Grenier wins Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award

Toronto, ON (November 17, 2025) — The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is honoured to announce that its President and CEO, Catherine Grenier, has been named the recipient of the Social Change: National Impact category at the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.

The Social Change Award recognizes an exceptional leader of a registered charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit that is dedicated to their unique brand of social change, at a national or international level. Nominees have garnered support by being champions for philanthropy and volunteerism.

Under Grenier’s leadership, NCC has accelerated conservation at an unprecedented scale across Canada, protecting millions of hectares of natural landscapes that safeguard clean water, store carbon and support resilient communities. Her recognition affirms NCC’s belief that real, lasting change for nature and people comes through collaboration, informed science and shared purpose.

“I’m humbled to receive this RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award. It is an honour for me to stand alongside inspiring women from across Canada,” said Catherine Grenier, President and CEO, the Nature Conservancy of Canada. “This recognition belongs to all Nature Conservancy of Canada employees, volunteers, donors, board members and our community partners who share a deep commitment to nature. Through inclusive partnerships and shared purpose, we can transform today’s challenges into a foundation for thriving communities. Together, we can create real, lasting change for a resilient world.” 

Grenier congratulates the other category finalists, Lesley Kelly and Dr. Julie Carrière. Kelly is a grain farmer, speaker and advocate who has championed mental health in Canada’s agricultural sector. She is also the co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation. Carrière is a chemical engineer, researcher and Executive Director and co-founder of INREST, a world-renowned scientific institute focused on environmental and occupational health, safety and sustainability.

“Catherine has constantly demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to driving social change,” said Janice Wattis, past Chair of NCC’s Board of Directors who attended the event. “Her vision has elevated NCC’s role as a national leader in conservation and inspired a new generation of collaborative, science and evidence-based action for Canada’s future.”

Now in its 33rd year, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, presented by Women of Influence, are among the world’s foremost corporate awards celebrating women entrepreneurs at a national scale. The program recognizes Canada’s leading female entrepreneurs whose impact strengthens the local, national and global economy.

Grenier’s achievement highlights the power of Canada’s conservation sector to deliver solutions to address the loss of nature and the impacts of a changing climate – and demonstrates how partnership, innovation and trust can turn bold goals into measurable impact.

About

Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca. 

Contact 

Nature Conservancy of Canada
E: media@natureconservancy.ca