Celebrating Dr. Jennifer Zwicker: Named Among Canada’s Most Powerful Women in 2023
In a momentous celebration of influential women across Canada, the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) and its partners proudly announced the distinguished recipients of the Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards for 2023. Among these exceptional leaders was Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) Deputy Scientific Officer (DSO) Dr. Jennifer Zwicker. Her unwavering passion for learning and innovation has set her apart as an Amex Emerging Leader, showcasing her as a role model for women aged 30 to 40 targeted for successive leadership roles within their organizations.
The annual selection process for the Top 100 Awards aims to spotlight individuals who embody true power by championing others, catalyzing change, and striving for inclusivity in every facet of their work. Dr. Zwicker’s inclusion among this elite group of 100 signifies her unwavering dedication to transformative initiatives and her profound impact on Canada’s social and health landscape.
Her commitment to shaping a more equitable future is evident in her multifaceted roles. As the Associate Professor and Director of Social Policy and Health at the University of Calgary, alongside her position as the DSO for KBHN, Dr. Zwicker’s influence extends across academia and research, directly informing policy changes that improve accessibility and integration of services for families with disabled youth. She also leads KBHN’s National Training Program, working alongside policy fellows and the next generation of neuroscientists.
In appreciation of her award, Dr. Zwicker states, “It is an honor to be recognized. But this award is really a reflection of the amazing team, collaborators, and organizations like Kids Brain Health Network, who are dedicated to improving outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.”
With a distinguished background as a Canada Research Chair (II) in Disability Policy for Children and Youth, Dr. Zwicker’s research serves as a beacon, illuminating pathways for policy amendments that positively impact vulnerable communities. Her membership in the federal Disability Advisory Committee further underscores her commitment to effecting meaningful change at the national level.
