Kadie Ward

Kadie Ward is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and civil society organizations to design and deliver inclusive urban and economic growth strategies. In 2012 Ward founded Build Strong Cities, a consultancy that has taken her around the world working with over 100 cities in 30 countries legislators to establish programs and legislation to support women-led micro and small enterprises as well as women’s participation in the economy. 

Ward has worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, The Conference Board of Canada, United Nations Global Compact Cities programme, and other multilateral organizations to improve urban life in cities not only in Canada, but also across the world. She is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal holder, recognized for her outstanding contributions to the development of Canadian cities.  Ward recently implemented aspects of the Federal Government’s “Feminist International Assistance Policy” where her work focused on increasing women’s participation in the governance and economy of their city. 

With an MA from Western University and an MBA from the Kellogg-Schulich School of Business conferred upon her by both York University and Northwestern University, Ward currently serves as Commissioner and CAO of Ontario’s Pay Equity Commission where she focuses on economic equity and justice in the labour market.