A knowledge expert in sustainable practices in energy and extractive industries, Anita currently leads Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec’s (CDPQ) strategy to increase its international exposure in targeted growth markets by sourcing the best investment opportunities and developing the organisation’s network of sustainable and high-quality local partnerships. She also sits on CDPQ’s Executive and Investment-Risk Committees.

As an institutional investment firm that manages several public and parapublic pension plans and insurance programs in Quebec, CDPQ is also part of the 30% Club since 2017. Launched in 2010, the 30% Club advocates for greater gender balance at every level of business as a means of improving governance and driving performance.

In 2018, la Caisse implemented a communication and awareness initiative known as Devenir entrepreneure to promote female entrepreneurship as an accessible and fulfilling career avenue. Featuring profiles of inspiring women, the campaign illustrates that entrepreneurship knows no gender. CDPQ also supports women entrepreneurs in starting up and growing their business through partnerships with Femmessor and the Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec.

As part of the Influencers, Anita through her role in CDPQ lends her insights on enabling inclusivity through gender-sensitive processes and systems. CDPQ’s strengths in institutionalising gender equity as a norm rather than a specialised, silo-ed ‘initiative’ resonates with the vision of the Influencers.