Dr. Samra Zafar to Headline Catalyst Convene Canada 2026 as Catalyst Announces New Executive Director for Canada
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Catalyst’s flagship Canadian event returns to Toronto on October 21 as Julie Vaux takes the helm of Catalyst Canada
Toronto, ON, October 5, 2026 /CNW/ — Dr. Samra Zafar, Canadian physician, bestselling author, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, will deliver the keynote address at Catalyst Convene Canada on October 21, as Catalyst’s flagship Canadian event convenes under new leadership. Catalyst has appointed Julie Vaux as Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, effective August 2026, marking a new chapter for the organization’s Canadian operation.
Dr. Zafar’s keynote, “Breaking Internal and External Boundaries: The Science of Resilience, Belonging, and High Performance,” will challenge leaders to rethink the link between human connection and organizational results. Drawing on neuroscience, leadership psychology, and her work with Fortune 500 companies, governments, and leading institutions, she will explore why lasting performance comes not from asking more of people, but from creating the conditions that help them thrive.
“Dr. Samra Zafar’s work on resilience, belonging, and performance resonates deeply with the challenges leaders are navigating today. Her keynote will set the tone for a powerful and necessary conversation at Convene Canada,” said Catalyst President & CEO Jennifer McCollum. “Julie brings the leadership Catalyst needs to translate those insights into action across Canada, with deep credibility among business leaders, a strong national network, and a clear vision for accelerating progress at a pivotal moment for Canadian workplaces.”
“Canadian organizations are facing complex questions about trust, technology, talent, and culture. Catalyst Canada is here to help leaders navigate this moment with clarity and evidence-based insight,” said Julie Vaux. “I’m honoured to lead Catalyst’s work in Canada and to help strengthen the connection between inclusion, performance, and long-term competitiveness.”
Catalyst Convene Canada, formerly Catalyst Honours, brings together more than 650 leaders from more than 130 companies for a one-day hybrid conference and evening celebration focused on the future of inclusion in Canadian workplaces. Convening under this year’s theme, Illuminate: Accelerate organizational performance and progress through workplace inclusion, the programming will address the most urgent questions facing leaders today: responsible AI adoption, women’s health equity, regional inclusion strategies, Indigenous economic inclusion, the care economy, and building trust across a four-generation workforce.
The evening Dinner and Awards Ceremony will celebrate the 2026 Catalyst Champions, exceptional leaders advancing inclusion across Canadian workplaces.
Event Details
Catalyst Convene Canada takes place Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Hilton Toronto and online. The conference runs 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET, followed by the reception and dinner from 6:00–8:30 p.m. ET. Agenda, tickets, and registration information can be found here. A limited number of media seats are available; please RSVP to the contact below to secure your spot.
Catalyst gratefully acknowledges the support of its Executive Convenor, Featured Host, and Session Host sponsors, including GreenShield, Accenture, BMO, Canada Life, CIBC, EllisDon, Linamar Corporation, Scotiabank, Arcadis, CPP Investments, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Hydro One Networks Inc., and PointClickCare.
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About Catalyst
Catalyst is a global nonprofit that has been the recognized expert at the forefront of women’s advancement and inclusion since the 1960s. Today, Catalyst accelerates organizational performance and women's progress through research-backed insights, high-impact convenings, proven solutions, and unparalleled support that fuel organizations to make inclusion a business practice at scale.
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Media Contacts
Katie Boothby-Kung
613-255-3030