We created The Finance Cafe because of a common passion to advance women’s entrepreneurship and the belief that it was time to build a financial literacy platform that addresses critical gender gaps and meets the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
We empower women to reach their full potential as entrepreneurs by providing education initiatives that inspire, educate and encourage women to take control of their business finances.
Shannon is an experienced entrepreneur and courageous leader 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. Her commitment to advancing equality has been widely recognized. 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. Shannon is a member of the Mount Royal University board of directors and is a member of the President’s advisory committee on equity, diversity and inclusion. A proud Cree Metis woman, Shannon recently created the Gifting circle for Indigenous women entrepreneurs, the first community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women who pursue entrepreneurship.
“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. “
Shannon Pestun
Co-founder of The Finance Cafe | Owner of Pestun Consulting Inc.
As a women entrepreneur and 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.
“When we don’t know what our financials are telling us, it’s hard to trust that we’re making the right decisions for our company’s bottom line – and in turn – how that is impacting our lives”
Shauna Frederick, CPA
Co-founder of The Finance Cafe | Owner of Frederick OTG
