Marie Sunjka has a superpower. Her own experiences have given her heightened perceptiveness that allows her to identify when people are struggling and know how to support them compassionately.
Today she is a Law Clerk, National Legal Claims Project Department at Intact Financial Corporation. But the road there wasn’t easy.
Growing up it was challenging for Sunjka to get to school and to eat three meals a day. “People don’t talk about it because it’s embarrassing,” she says. Then, just as she was entering high school Sunjka’s parents passed away. During this challenging time, a community of people including her “aunties”, teachers, and other supporters rallied around her.
Sunjka succeeded in becoming the first in her family to graduate high school. As she stepped onto the graduation stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. Reflecting on that moment still makes her emotional.
Marie was initially drawn to Intact’s education policy, benefits, and commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. These benefits were important steppingstones that allowed her to build her career and stable home life.
Every day Sunjka works to pay-it-forward and champion access to policies that promote personal and career growth. She has become a confidant and guide for many at Intact. She has mentored more than a dozen women at Intact, fostering career progression, and inspiring others with diverse identities to pursue development opportunities.
As a proud member of the Oji-Cree nation of Ontario, Marie is part of Intact’s national Indigenous DEI Network. Always open to helping her colleagues be culturally sensitive and respectful regarding Indigenous culture, she integrates Indigenous practices such as land acknowledgements and ensures that her business signature has pronouns in both English and Oji-Cree (She/Her/Kwe).
Marie recently earned Intact’s premier level of recognition, a Bravissimo Award specifically for “Actions to Support Truth and Reconciliation at IFC.”
To hear Marie Sunjka and other gender equity and DEI champions, attend Catalyst Honours on 7 Oct, 2024.
Why she’s a Next Generation gender equity champion:
- Indigenous Circle of Inclusion: Marie co-founded and structured Intact’s Indigenous Circle of Inclusion, addressing retention issues through innovative initiatives such as Indigenous Healing Circles, enhancing employee well-being, and preparing the groundwork for broader network integration.
- Driving Intact’s Reconciliation Journey: Marie played a pivotal role in launching Intact’s Reconciliation Education Program, ensuring over 7,600 employees received culturally relevant training; and she also contributed significantly to organizing a successful National Day of Truth and Reconciliation event.