Cathy Bennett

Cathy Bennett is a seasoned leader and influential figure in the business, public service, and nonprofit sectors, celebrated for her extensive experience, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to fostering positive change. With a career spanning finance, entrepreneurship, public policy, and venture capital, Cathy has established herself as a driving force for economic and social innovation in Atlantic Canada and beyond.

She currently serves as the Managing and General Partner of Sandpiper Ventures, a leading venture capital firm dedicated to investing in women-led businesses. In this role, Cathy combines her business acumen and commitment to gender equity to help visionary entrepreneurs succeed. Under her leadership, Sandpiper Ventures is driving transformative change in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting innovation and ensuring that women founders have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Cathy’s professional journey reflects her diverse expertise and ability to lead across sectors. As a successful entrepreneur and business leader, she has launched and managed ventures that have contributed to the economic growth of Atlantic Canada. Her financial expertise and entrepreneurial spirit have also made her a sought-after board member, where she provides strategic guidance and fosters sustainable growth for the organizations she serves.

In public service, she served as the Minister of Finance and the Status of Women for Newfoundland and Labrador, where she spearheaded initiatives that strengthened the province’s fiscal health and championed gender equality. Her tenure in government was marked by a focus on economic resilience, long-term sustainability, and inclusive policymaking. Her deep understanding of public policy and governance continues to shape her work across various sectors.

Beyond her roles in business and government, Cathy has been a tireless advocate for community development and social progress. She has contributed her expertise to numerous nonprofit organizations, driving initiatives in education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. Her work in policy development and nonprofit leadership has consistently focused on creating meaningful, lasting impact in areas critical to societal progress.

Cathy is passionate about mentorship, finding great personal satisfaction in empowering others to think bigger and bolder. She believes mentorship is a reciprocal pro-cess, one that allows her to grow and learn from the talented young leaders she supports. Through her guidance and encouragement, she has helped mentees develop the confidence and vision to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

Passionate about fostering innovation, sustainable growth, and inclusive leadership in the organizations she supports, she brings a collaborative leadership style, a values-driven approach, and a wealth of experience in strategic decision-making, finance, and governance. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and sustainability is evident in her advocacy for progressive policies and her philanthropic efforts. With her deep-rooted understanding of regional and national economic and social landscapes, she is a respected leader and a catalyst for change. Through her leadership, integrity, and forward-thinking vision, Cathy Bennett continues to leave an enduring mark on the economic, social, and environmental landscape of her province and country.