Shannon is an award-winning leader and entrepreneur who is breaking barriers to advance an inclusive and sustainable economy. Recognized for creating innovative funding models and solutions that challenge the status quo, Shannon is a trusted voice on women’s entrepreneurship for educators, government, industry and the media. She was one of the first women in the country to lead a women’s banking strategy and one of seven women appointed to serve on Canada’s women entrepreneurship expert panel. In 2018 she was named a SHEInnovator by SHEInnovates Alberta – a pilot chapter for UN Women and in 2019 was a finalist for the Diversity Ambassador of the Year award by Women in Finance – Canada. A proud Cree Metis woman, Shannon created the Gifting circle for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, Canada’s first community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurship.
Our Founders
Shannon Pestun
“At the Finance Cafe, we’re flipping the switch, challenging old narratives, changing conversations to make talking about money, finance, credit, and capital not something to be ignored, but embraced. “
Shauna Frederick
As an entrepreneur herself and a skilled Chartered Professional Accountant, Shauna is an on-the-go CFO who takes the frustration and anxiety out of the accounting unknowns. Working with entrepreneurs from across a variety of sectors, Shauna helps them navigate the financial and accounting challenges that come with running a business. Shauna is passionate about entrepreneurship, diversity and advancing the rights of women and girls. She spent close to 10 years with the Famous 5 Foundation and chaired the Foundation for five years. Through that experience she had the opportunity to learn from women entrepreneurs, oversee committees across Canada, work with external partners and Government officials and co-lead the creation and delivery of a Girls’ Leadership Program, a five-week program that builds leadership skills in girls.