Meaghan Stovel McKnight Honoured at Top 100 Women Gala

Make-A-Wish Canada’s Chief Executive Officer, Meaghan Stovel McKnight, was among the “Top 100” women honoured by WXN (Women’s Executive Network) at the “Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award” Gala on November 27, 2024 at the Fairmont Royal York.

Stovel McKnight was recognized as a winner in the Canadian Tire Community Impact category for her decade-long commitment to improving the health of Canadians. She’s led teams that have raised more than $500 million to fund life-changing healthcare and research at top Canadian health charities. Now the CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada, a national charity that helps improve sick children’s health outcomes through the granting of a wish, Stovel McKnight has been leading the organization through a transformative journey, which has resulted in reaching more children and families this year than ever before.

“It was truly an honour to receive this recognition from WXN, alongside many extraordinary leaders from across the country,” Stovel McKnight says.

For Stovel McKnight, who represented the vital intersection of healthcare and philanthropy, the evening was an opportunity to recognize the critical role of women building strong communities across Canada. Among a diverse group of honourees spanning industries such as technology, education, finance, and the arts, Stovel McKnight’s presence underscored how women’s leadership in the charitable sector is driving meaningful change in health outcomes for Canadians.

Since Stovel McKnight joined Make-A-Wish Canada in 2022, the Schulich School of Business and DeGroote School of Business graduate has helped significantly grow fundraising by 47 per cent, optimize operations, introduce DEI as a core strategic priority, and deliver 44 per cent more life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses. The organization is on pace to dramatically increase their wishes granted again this year – an important achievement as medical teams widely recognize wishes as an important part of treatment plans for children facing critical illnesses.

Stovel McKnight has made a significant investment in encouraging women and other emerging leaders to pursue a career in healthcare and healthcare philanthropy. Previously recognized with the G. Raymond Chang Outstanding Volunteer Award in 2021 for co-founding the Toronto Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Medicine mentorship program, she views Make-A-Wish Canada’s growth in fundraising and wish delivery as a direct result of investing in her team and empowering many women leaders to drive the organization’s mission forward.

I congratulate the over 100 powerful women who were celebrated for their achievements and contributions,” Stovel McKnight says. “It was truly inspiring to stand alongside such remarkably talented and passionate women leaders. Together, we are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and building stronger – and healthier – communities for all Canadians.”