“Together, we can break down barriers, unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive, sustainable economy. But to do that we need new ways of thinking and doing.”
— Shannon Pestun
Shannon Pestun is a national leader in financial inclusion and economic reconciliation. An award-winning speaker, entrepreneur and finance professional, she is widely recognized for her leadership in gender equality, inclusive entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and advancing economic reconciliation in Canada’s financial sector.
Shannon’s career has been defined by leading efforts to dismantle systemic and structural barriers in finance, establishing her as one of Canada’s most trusted voices on financial inclusion and inclusive entrepreneurship. As one of the first women in Canada to lead a women’s banking strategy, she helped redefine how financial institutions serve women entrepreneurs. Today, she continues to lead change by working closely with the financial sector to advance reconciliation and support implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92.
A sought-after strategic advisor, Shannon’s policy recommendations have been presented at national and international forums, including to multiple federal ministries within the Government of Canada. Her public service includes past membership on Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Expert Panel and current leadership roles on the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council for Women and Gender Equality Canada.
Through her various leadership positions, Shannon leverages her expertise in public policy, finance, and board governance to drive social impact and economic inclusion in Canada and beyond. She is the CEO of Pestun Consulting, Co-founder of The Finance Cafe, and Senior Advisor to The Diversity Institute.
She is also the creator of the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Gifting Circle Bursary—a community-funded bursary that supports Indigenous women studying entrepreneurship at the post-secondary level, reflecting her continued commitment to lifting up the next generation of leaders.
Originating from Treaty 1, Shannon now lives and plays with her dog in Treaty 7.
Meet Shannon
Shannon’s Ventures
Pestun Consulting Inc.
Accelerating inclusive economic transformation across the ecosystem is complex and ever-evolving. As the principal consultant at Pestun Consulting, Shannon has worked with all levels of government, civil society, the financial services sector and advanced education, providing strategic consulting and advisory services that promote inclusive economic transformation.
The Finance Cafe
Women entrepreneurs are powering global prosperity. That’s why our mission is critical: to empower women through financial knowledge to start, grow and sustain successful businesses, so they can redefine the future for themselves, their families and communities. The Finance Cafe is Canada’s first gender-focused entrepreneurial financial learning program to help women entrepreneurs – and those who support them – deepen their financial management skills and build a lifelong relationship with financial literacy.
The Gifting Circle Bursary
As a Métis woman, Shannon is passionate about reconciliation and the economic empowerment of Indigenous women. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous women entrepreneurs raising close to $200,000 in support of advancing Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship in Canada. The Gifting Circle Bursary is an effort of community and collective giving to support Indigenous women who want to pursue entrepreneurship in Canada’s post-secondary institutions. Together, we can create meaningful ways to drive economic reconciliation and support the future of Indigenous women’s entrepreneurship. Be part of economic reconciliation.
Conversations for change
Keynotes and presentations
In addition to keynote programs, Shannon is a sought-after speaker and advisor for activities including panel moderation, workshops, seminars, webinars, and more. Her compassionate and warm expertise speaks across differences audiences and inspires action.
Knowledge Contribution
Media and publications
Shannon is a trusted advisor and leading authority on Truth and Reconciliation, Gender Equality, Inclusive Workplaces and Inclusive Entrepreneurship. She has been interviewed and featured in publications and broadcasts across the country. She is a published author and a national and international speaker.