Launching leaders: Women breaking barriers to a better world

This article is part of a series of stories highlighting the recipients of Brock’s Alumni Brilliance Award, which was launched in celebration of the University’s 60th anniversary. To read other stories in the series, visit The Brock News.

The sky’s the limit for Brock University graduates — and no one knows that better than Jennifer Crean (BBA ’91).

The Business Administration grad launched a career in the aerospace industry more than 20 years ago and co-founded CREAN Inc, a consulting company, in 2002, that accelerates solutions to complex engineering, production and supply chain issues for the aerospace & defense industry. She has contributed to projects such as the CelestNet, a lunar communication satellite constellation, JPL’s Mars Rover and Boeing’s SLS.

Crean is one of the exceptional Badgers — many of them women — to receive an Alumni Brilliance Award in honour of the University’s diamond anniversary. The award recognizes grads who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities over the past 60 years.

Brittany Straitton

Brittany Straitton (BBA ’09)

These women have not only succeeded in their respective industries but have also actively paved the way for future generations of women leaders. Their accomplishments highlight the vital role Brock University graduates play in shaping and leading business, governance, technology and social services, among other sectors.

While Crean has found success in the stars, back on the ground, Brittany Straitton (BBA ’09) has been breaking down barriers in corporate boardrooms as Vice-President of Forecasting, Replenishment and Planning at Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC).

A graduate of Brock’s Goodman School of Business, Straitton leads a team of more than 150 people managing the movement of goods for CTR’s $11-billion operation.

As a passionate champion for diversity and inclusion, she co-founded CTC’s Families Employee Resource Group, which provides support and resources for diverse family experiences and was recently named to Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 list by Women’s Executive Network.

The Honourable Jenna Sudds PC (BA ’01) is putting her business leadership, and Brock Economics degree, to use serving her community as the Member of Parliament in the riding of Kanata.

Jenna Sudds

The Honourable Jenna Sudds (BA ’01)

Before entering federal politics, she founded TEDxKanata and the Ottawa Autonomous Vehicle Summit and served as founding Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association. She was elected to Ottawa city council in 2018 and became Deputy Mayor in 2020.

In Parliament, she has served as Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth.

Lifelong Niagara resident Anna Bozza (BA ’86) has also built a career helping to shape communities. The Psychology grad has spent more than 30 years in child welfare, starting her career at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto before returning to Niagara in 1992.

In 2016, she became the first female Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services Niagara (FACS Niagara), overseeing more than 3,000 child protection investigations each year. Her leadership has helped strengthen community partnerships and improve support for vulnerable youth.

For more information on Brock’s Alumni Brilliance Awards, celebrating 60 years of alumni achievements, visit the Alumni Relations website.


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