For almost 30 years, Keys Marketing Group has been proudly contributing to Canada's rich tradition of fundraising, led by passionate women leaders. As a company founded by Alison Keys and driven predominantly by women, we are committed to championing the causes that matter most—causes shaped by trailblazers who have transformed the nonprofit sector in Canada.
Throughout Canadian history, women have been at the forefront of social change, working tirelessly to advance human rights, healthcare, education, and equity. From securing the right to vote to advocating for marginalized communities, these instrumental women have paved the way for future generations of change-makers. Today, as we consider October’s Canadian Women History Month we honor their legacies and the lasting impact they have had on Canada’s nonprofit sector.
1. Nellie McClung (1873–1951)
Nellie McClung was a suffragist, reformer, and social activist who played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights in Canada. As part of the "Famous Five," she was instrumental in the landmark Person’s Case in 1929, which led to women being recognized as "persons" under Canadian law. Her advocacy extended beyond women’s rights, as she was also involved in the temperance movement and supported education reform. Nellie’s work laid the foundation for many nonprofit organizations advocating for women’s equality and political representation.
2. Agnes Macphail (1890–1954)
As the first woman elected to the Canadian House of Commons in 1921, Agnes Macphail was a trailblazer for women in politics. She advocated for prison reform, workers' rights, and women's rights throughout her career. Macphail was instrumental in forming social and humanitarian policies, and her work inspired many nonprofit organizations focusing on social justice, workers' rights, and women's empowerment.
3. June Callwood (1924–2007)
June Callwood was one of Canada’s most respected journalists and social activists. Known as “Canada’s Conscience,” she founded or co-founded more than 50 social action organizations, including Casey House, Canada’s first hospice for people with HIV/AIDS, and Jessie’s, a centre for teenage parents. Her work in areas such as homelessness, children’s rights, and AIDS advocacy had a lasting impact on Canada’s nonprofit sector.
4. Emily Stowe (1831–1903)
Dr. Emily Stowe was Canada’s first female physician and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights. In addition to her medical practice, she founded the Toronto Women’s Literary Club, a forerunner to the suffrage movement in Canada, and helped establish the Women’s Medical College. Stowe’s activism paved the way for organizations advocating for women’s education, healthcare access, and gender equality.
5. Mary Two-Axe Earley (1911–1996)
Mary Two-Axe Earley, a Mohawk from the Kahnawake reserve in Quebec, was an activist who fought for Indigenous women's rights, particularly their rights to maintain their Indian status after marrying non-Indigenous men. Her efforts led to the passing of Bill C-31 in 1985, which restored status to thousands of Indigenous women and their children. Mary Two-Axe Earley’s legacy continues to inspire nonprofit organizations advocating for Indigenous women’s rights and gender equity within Indigenous communities.
6. Rosemary Brown (1930–2003)
A trailblazing politician, social worker, and feminist, Rosemary Brown was the first Black woman elected to a Canadian provincial legislature, serving as an MLA in British Columbia from 1972 to 1986. Brown was a staunch advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, and social justice, and she helped found the Vancouver Status of Women organization. Her work laid the foundation for many nonprofits addressing racial and gender equality in Canada.
7. Thérèse Casgrain (1896–1981)
Thérèse Casgrain was a leader in the women’s suffrage movement in Quebec, helping secure the right to vote for Quebec women in 1940. She founded the League for Women’s Rights and was a tireless advocate for social welfare reforms. Casgrain was also involved in promoting peace, human rights, and health services, and her work influenced many organizations focused on women's and social justice issues in Quebec and across Canada.
8. Jean Augustine (1937–Present)
As the first Black woman elected to the Canadian Parliament in 1993, Jean Augustine is a pioneer in advancing multiculturalism, women’s rights, and education. She introduced the motion that led to the recognition of Black History Month in Canada and has championed causes related to equality, immigration, and social justice. Her work has inspired nonprofit organizations dedicated to diversity, education, and racial equality.
9. Lois Wilson (1927–2024)
Lois Wilson is a former Senator and the first female Moderator of the United Church of Canada. She is a prominent human rights activist, having worked for women's rights, Indigenous rights, and social justice issues both domestically and internationally. Wilson has been active in the Canadian Council of Churches and other organizations promoting peace and human rights.
10. Viola Desmond (1914–1965)
Viola Desmond is often referred to as Canada’s Rosa Parks for her courageous stand against racial segregation in 1946. Her resistance to discriminatory policies in Nova Scotia led to broader discussions on civil rights and inspired future nonprofit and legal efforts to combat racism in Canada. While Desmond’s activism was not rooted in a specific nonprofit, her legacy has been celebrated by many Canadian organizations working on anti-racism and social justice initiatives.
The contributions of these remarkable women continue to inspire organizations like ours, reminding us of the importance of advocacy, equality, and compassion in everything we do. At Keys Marketing Group, we are proud to follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers, striving to make a difference in communities across Canada through effective and ethical fundraising.
As we look ahead, we are grateful for the foundations laid by these leaders, and we remain committed to fostering a future where generosity, equity, and social justice guide every step we take. Together, we can continue the incredible work these women started, building a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
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