Cathy Lewis is an independent consultant whose areas of expertise include education, manufacturing and governance. She has 25 years of experience in leadership roles in the government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. She has been the academic lead in developing international industry certification programs in fintech, digital authentication and facilitation. While working in biotechnology and medical device manufacturing, Cathy developed a first-of-its-kind workplace education program in partnership with Algonquin College and the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, resulting in 487 apprentices graduating in microelectronics or as instrumentation control technicians. Cathy’s education clients have included Microsoft, Nortel, NASA’s distance learning, Public Works Government Services Canada, the Library of Parliament, school boards and not-for-profit organizations. Cathy is a part-time professor with the Telfer School of Management at uOttawa where she teaches leadership, team skills and emotional intelligence within the EMBA as well as strategy for public sector leaders.
During her tenure at Abbott Point of Care, Cathy led a shoreline restoration project with community partners to protect biodiversity, installing birdhouses and a turtle nesting habitat, and planting more than 2,790 trees and shrubs on the property. In 2013, Abbott was awarded Sustainability Leader of the Year at the Best Ottawa Business Awards and earned ISO 14001 environmental management systems certification. Cathy is a passionate community member who volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity build team in Whitehorse, served as treasurer on the board of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and is a supporter of the Ottawa Network for Education’s junior achievement and school breakfast programs. Cathy founded iSisters Technology Mentoring in 2001, which creates and delivers technology programs in collaboration with community partners to equip women with the skills and confidence to participate fully in their community. She has a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University, an education degree from the University of Ottawa and an Executive MBA from the Telfer School of Management.