Tanya Priske, Executive Director
Tanya Priske
(902) 759-0313
Tanya brings a strong background in economic development to the CWB. Over the last eighteen years she has worked with the Pictou County Economic Development Fund and the Canada/Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on Economic Diversification, working closely with public and private sectors in Nova Scotia to pursue new business opportunities. Her background in project management has touched all sectors, and has impacted her work with the Centre for Women in Business.
Tanya encourages new women in business to network, network, network! She encourages women to take steps to grow their business, rather than waiting for business to come to them. She has been inspired through the years by many women who have told her that their business has grown because of their involvement with the Centre, and she continues to work with the CWB team to ensure that women across Nova Scotia have the opportunity to benefit from all it has to offer.
Gordia Macdonald, Senior Business Development Officer
Gordia MacDonald
(902) 790-2766
Gordia MacDonald began working for the Centre for Women in Business in 2003. As a previous business owner in a small community, Gordia recognized the need for opportunities to network and learn business skills in order to grow. For this reason, the position with the CWB was a perfect fit. She has enjoyed introducing clients to supplier diversity through WEConnect Canada and was fortunate to participate in a 2010 trade mission to Baltimore last year where a group of women business owners from Atlantic Canada attended the WBENC Women in Business National Conference and Business Fair.
Laurie Sinclair, Business Development Officer
msvu.ca
(902) 457-5538
Laurie Sinclair brings over 20 years experience in the academic and financial services industry to her role as a Business Development Officer at The Centre for Women in Business. Her tenure includes 12 years in the academic profession as an Assistant Professor, where she has developed and taught many business courses. Throughout her career, Laurie has conducted research, written and presented papers and has remained on the leading edge of state of the art initiatives in the areas of financial management, marketing and corporate culture and strategy. Over her career, Laurie established and successfully managed for many years a consulting practice offering business solutions in all areas of corporate structure, strategy, marketing and financial management across a diverse industry spectrum. She also brings to her clients the benefits of ten years experience in the audit and consulting practice of a major multi-national chartered accountant firm, where she completed the Chartered Accountant program along with working on various audit and special engagements of private and public companies.
Laurie holds an honours undergraduate degree in Economics from Mount Saint Vincent University as well as a Masters of Business Administration (Honours) in finance and marketing from Dalhousie University. Laurie is very excited about sharing her knowledge and experience to help women start and grow businesses in Nova Scotia. She strongly encourages everyone to take advantage of the rich offering of resources available at the Centre for Women in Business.
Cindy Russell, Business Development Officer
msvu.ca
(902) 457-6320
With over 14 years of entrepreneurial experience, Cindy is thrilled to be part of the Centre, supporting women entrepreneurs through the Idea and Start Up phases of their business. Cindy’s experience ranges from owning a consulting service and franchise, to supporting women in the direct sales industry. She brings to the Centre years of public sector experience, particularly in the areas of advocacy, social marketing, core competencies, and community development. Cindy is a practitioner and member of Cognitive Edge, an international open source consultancy network. Cindy has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto, a Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management from Royal Roads University, and she is currently working towards her Master of Adult Education degree from St. Francis Xavier University in the area of women and learning and entrepreneurship. Cindy is passionate about helping women entrepreneurs succeed and encourages you to visit or call the Centre to discuss your business ideas and strategies.
Cathie Neumiller, Communications Director
msvu.ca
(902) 457-6522
Chantal Warford, Office Manager
msvu.ca
(902) 457-6449
Chantal joins the Centre for Women in Business with over 10 years experience in the office administration field. She brings to the Centre a wealth of expertise in financial management, marketing skills, and day-to-day logistical coordination of the office. She contributes a high level of positive energy with a strong personal commitment to adding value to the team. As the primary point of contact for the Centre, Chantal looks forward to greeting and supporting women in business in Nova Scotia.