ELLA

Jackie Dinsmore is a trailblazer in the legal field and a role-model in both law and business. Jackie started her career on Bay Street, and later moved into an in-house role at one of Canada’s largest media companies- a very similar path to that of Caravel’s own lawyers. Jackie not only comes from a legal background but an entrepreneurial one, founding, growing and successfully exiting several start-up ventures. She was one of the founding figures of Caravel Law back in 2015, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s client base, enhancing its reputation, and assembling a team of exceptionally talented legal professionals. Serving as a Co-Managing Partner at Caravel Law, she now oversees a team of over 100 lawyers, driving optimal customer success and sales operations to foster sustainable growth.

While overseeing the firm’s success, Jacqueline has also prioritized women’s success. She is dedicated to empowering women in law and their entrepreneurial pursuits, striving for the success of women-run businesses, particularly in the recent troubling economic conditions. As just one example, she is on the Board of Opportunity International Canada which provides microfinance loans, training and support to women entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Jackie’s exceptional leadership has propelled Caravel Law to a triumphant position in the legal landscape. She helps businesses understand that the traditional model is not the only resource for entrepreneurs and in-house law departments seeking cost-effective and practical legal solutions. Jacqueline is an industry disruptor and innovator, always seeking ways to improve the status quo and help ensure the success of her peers, clients and fellow entrepreneurs.

In her early 30's, Julie was no longer waking up with enthusiasm for the workday ahead. She knew she needed a change from her corporate career.

She dreamt of her own big gorgeous goals and with that clarity, she co-founded Mabel's Labels - making personalized labels for all the stuff kids lose as they go out into the world.
The business grew wildly, and Julie became an award-winning entrepreneur, eventually selling the business to an industry giant.

At Mabel's Labels, she learned growing a business to 8-figures was easier with a group of growth-minded women around her. Now, she helps other women get connected, solve problems and grow bigger businesses, reaching their own big gorgeous goals.

Julie’s book, Big Gorgeous Goals is written for women entrepreneurs who want to step out of the small box they are in and set world domination in their sights. In discussion with sixteen women entrepreneurs, Julie explores their stories and pairs that with how she built, grew, and sold Mabel’s Labels.

As the Senior Vice President, Market Growth, Brand Expansion and Partner Relations Outside Quebec with Desjardins Group, Marilyn is responsible for the organization’s strategy to drive Canada-wide corporate initiatives, growth, brand visibility, and innovation.

Desjardins is committed to enriching the lives of its 7.5 million members and clients and their communities. Desjardins provides Canadians coast to coast with a wide range of financial services including wealth management and insurance products. They are present across the province of Ontario, and Marilyn finds herself engaged in important issues all with a view to addressing challenges facing members and clients and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

Prior to joining Desjardins in 2020, Marilyn spent over 25 years in the Property & Casualty Insurance industry focused on growing high net worth solutions and branding for specialty divisions at Zurich Insurance, Chubb Canada, and The Guarantee Company of North America.

She believes strongly in the power of partnership, effective communication, collaboration, and a shared objective. In an effort to boost regional development and socioeconomic recovery, she has led a number of recent projects that support our communities’ priorities, including youth, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. Marilyn Chairs Desjardins' Pan Canadian Committee and sits on several advisory tables including the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, and Desjardins Cares & Shared / United Way. A 2023 recipient of the Globe and Mail, Report on Business Best Executives in Canada award winner, Marilyn also serves as a Director on multiple external Boards including Junior Achievement (Board of Governors), York University ELLA program Advisory Board, Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade (WICC Ontario Board Co-Chair), and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (2022-2024 Board).