“We don’t want to just do things – we want to be the best at the things we do”

A purpose-driven leader

Erika Shea doesn’t take anything for granted. As she reflects during a recent conversation, having a warm place to sleep, access to running water, and living a life with love and connection are privileges that not everyone enjoys.  “Having these privileges is part of what drives me to do the work that I do,” says Shea in a recent conversation.

A 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Social Change Regional Finalist, Shea leads New Dawn Enterprises, a community-driven organization that has worked for over 50 years to create a more vibrant and self-reliant Cape Breton Island. New Dawn has developed and managed a wide range of companies and projects to address both current community needs and systemic barriers that impede the Island’s spirit and prosperity.

Shea emphasizes that New Dawn Enterprises is more than just a social enterprise — it’s a force for meaningful change.

 Everyday I get to see, first hand, a measurable lessening of suffering among people who have experienced multiple traumas, who come from families contending with intergenerational poverty and addictions, and who find themselves at a point in their life that has largely not been self-authored. I have the privilege to see them in their new homes, to know their feet are warm and that they have food to eat.

Leaders like Erika Shea are essential to the strength and resilience of Canadian communities. Recognizing their contributions amplifies their impact, inspires others, and supports long-term economic and social prosperity. This International Women’s Day, RBC honours leaders like Erika Shea, whose dedication to building a culture of self-reliance and strengthening her community inspires us all.

Read the full feature on RBC’c webpage here.