A Mount Royal University nursing professor was among the honorees as WXN Media and its partners announced the 2026 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners this week, recognizing 100 exceptional women whose leadership, innovation and impact are shaping industries, organizations and communities across Canada.
Dr. Aliyah Dosani, PhD, is a professor at Mount Royal University, an adjunct associate professor at the University of Calgary and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing.
Dr. Aliyah Dosani, PhD, is a professor at Mount Royal University, an adjunct associate professor at the University of Calgary and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Nursing. An implementation scientist, her research focuses on gender-transformative sexual and reproductive health rights, maternal, newborn and child health, health equity and social justice, and health systems strengthening in resource-poor countries.
She has led multidisciplinary partnerships across East Africa, South Asia and Canada, secured competitive funding, and specializes in implementation science, stakeholder engagement, capacity strengthening and translating evidence into policy and practice.
See the complete list of the 2026 Top 100 Honorees.
The honorees will be celebrated at the 24th-annual Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards Gala, taking place on Nov. 26 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. The evening will feature a fireside chat with Marilyn Denis, a trailblazer in the Canadian broadcast industry and 2026 WXN Media Honorary Hall of Fame Honoree. The chat will be led by Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, CEO and founder of Empowered In My Skin Inc., who will also serve as master of ceremonies.
"Being named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 is deeply humbling and validating," Dosani said. "To me, this award isn't just a personal milestone or a reflection of past achievements, it is a recognition of the collective work, resilience and vision of the teams and mentors I've had the privilege to work with throughout my career.
"In an academic institution like Mount Royal University, success is rarely a solo endeavor. This award serves as a powerful reminder that when we create spaces for collaborative growth, equity and bold ideas, that impact resonates far beyond our campus walls. It is both an honor and a platform to amplify MRU's values on a national stage."
Dosani, who was awarded in the Professionals category, says that, for her, leadership isn't about title or hierarchy. It's about connection and possibility. "I see true power as the ability to open doors for others, build shared capacity and foster meaningful, positive change."
Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards recognize exceptional leaders across nine categories, celebrating women whose achievements are shaping the future of business, entrepreneurship, governance, AI and technology, and beyond.
The 2026 categories include:
- Canada's Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia
- Amex Emerging Leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- CN Executive Leaders
- AI & Technology
- Professionals
- CPKC Skilled Trades
- Board of Directors
- WXN Hall of Fame
The 2026 honorees were selected by an independent panel of judges representing diverse industries and sectors from across Canada. Their expertise and perspectives ensure a rigorous and credible selection process that recognizes exceptional leadership and impact. Since its inception, Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards has recognized 1,940 exceptional women whose leadership has shaped business, government, academia, entrepreneurship and communities across Canada and beyond.
Past honorees include Heather Reisman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of Indigo Books & Music; Lisa LaFlamme, award-winning international journalist; Sarah Culberson, princess of Sierra Leone; and Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, global activist, head of the House of Mandela, and daughter of Nelson Mandela.
" Raise Your Glass. Here's to the Bold' is more than this year's theme. It is a celebration of the choices these remarkable women made to lead with courage, challenge expectations and create lasting impact," said Sherri Stevens, founder and CEO, WXN Media, and editor-in-chief of Be Bold Magazine.
"Every honoree has a story of resilience, conviction and bold leadership. Today, we raise a glass, not only to what they have achieved, but to the decisions, determination and purpose that brought them here. Their leadership is shaping a stronger future for Canada and inspiring the next generation to lead boldly."
Reflecting on leadership
Dosani shares her three core principles for leadership:
Empowering others: True leadership measures success by how many leaders you cultivate. I focus on creating inclusive environments where colleagues and students feel supported to take calculated risks, innovate and step into their own authority.
Strategic vision and execution: Impact requires bridging high-level institutional goals with tangible, day-to-day results. Whether advocating for institutional growth, championing equity initiatives, or building strategic partnerships, I approach challenges with clarity, intent and a focus on long-term value for MRU.
Advocacy and community: True impact comes from nurturing an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are genuinely heard, valued and reflected in our decisions. By leading with transparency and empathy, I hope to encourage and support the next generation of women leaders, helping them feel confident that their voices truly matter in every conversation.
