Western Communities Foundation Director Recognized as Elite Woman 2026

Western Communities Foundation Director Recognized as Elite Woman 2026

This International Women's Day, Western Financial Group is proud to celebrate one of our own: Michelle Mak, Director of the Western Communities Foundation, who has been recognized by Insurance Business Magazine as an Elite Woman 2026. This honour highlights influential women who are reshaping the insurance industry through leadership, purpose, and community impact: qualities Michelle exemplifies every day.

As leader of the Western Communities Foundation, Michelle has elevated the Foundation's national impact while strengthening its roots in local communities. Under her guidance, the Foundation celebrated the 20th anniversary of the National Walk to support communities, refreshed with a focus on "building safe places," bringing together more than 150 communities across Canada. She also championed a localized, community-driven giving approach aligned with Western's Compass Strategy, ensuring we respond quickly and compassionately when crises arise, from severe weather to urgent community needs.

This year is especially meaningful as the Foundation marks its 25th anniversary, a milestone that reflects decades of showing up for communities where we live, work, and play. Michelle's leadership is helping us honour that legacy while building for the future.

At the heart of this impact is employee engagement. Michelle has embedded social purpose into Western's culture, mobilizing 200+ Western Community influencers and leaders across branches and teams to drive employee led fundraising and volunteering. From empowering branches to select community priorities, to equipping teams with tools to activate local initiatives, Michelle has helped turn purpose into everyday action. This culture of giving has strengthened belonging and pride across the organization and helped fuel programs like Quote for Hope, our giveback campaign that turns everyday insurance quotes into tangible support for local causes.

Beyond programs and campaigns, Michelle has embedded social purpose into how Western shows up connecting branches, teams, and partners around a shared commitment to people and community. She brought national visibility to GivingTuesday, energized participation coast to coast to support local causes that matter to Canadians.

Outside of Western, Michelle serves on the board of People for Education, advancing research, public engagement, and policy conversations that strengthen equity and resilience in communities across Canada.

Michelle's recognition as an Elite Woman 2026 is a testament to her vision, integrity, and impact. We're proud to celebrate this achievement and the positive difference she continues to make for our employees, customers, partners, and communities.