Accelerate Auto Convenes Women Leaders for Strategic Leadership Dinner and Presents Inaugural Cross-Sector Impact Award
TORONTO, ON — March 2026 — Accelerate Auto hosted its 2026 Women’s Leadership Dinner on March 5 at Village Loft in Bayview Village, convening senior women leaders from across the automotive, financial services, technology, education, nonprofit, and public sectors for an evening of strategic dialogue, partnership building, and thought leadership.
The dinner featured a fireside discussion titled “Data Governance and Innovation in the Age of AI,” examining how organizations are navigating rapid technological transformation across mobility and adjacent industries. The conversation was moderated by Shereena Robinson, HR Director at Porsche Cars Canada, and featured speakers Dina Maxwell, AVP Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at TD Bank, and Sarah Mansour, General Counsel at Mazda Canada.
Participants explored the operational realities of artificial intelligence adoption, governance frameworks required for responsible innovation, and the skills needed to prepare the next generation of leaders in an increasingly digital automotive ecosystem.
“We are honoured to convene influential women from across the private sector, education, government, and nonprofit sectors to drive strategic discussions on talent, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration,” said Shannon Miller, Executive Director of Accelerate Auto. “This dinner serves as a working session where partnerships are forged, insights are shared, and ideas emerge that help shape the next generation of industry impact.”
Inaugural Cross-Sector Impact Award
The evening also marked the first presentation of Accelerate Auto’s Cross-Sector Impact Award, recognizing a senior leader whose work connects industries, strengthens partnerships, and advances innovation and workforce development across the broader sector amidst transformation.
The 2026 recipient is Dina Maxwell, AVP Compliance and Chief Privacy Officer at TD Bank.
Maxwell was recognized for her leadership in privacy law and AI governance, helping organizations navigate the evolving intersection of financial services, technology, and mobility while advancing responsible innovation and regulatory alignment.
In addition to her professional leadership, Maxwell contributes to talent development through mentorship and academic engagement, serving as a contract lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Lincoln Alexander School of Law.
Her work also extends to cross-sector collaboration, including contributions to organizations such as Accelerate Auto and Black Women Talk Tech, strengthening connections between industry, technology, and emerging leaders.
Strategic Discussion on AI, Governance, and Talent
The fireside discussion addressed several key themes shaping the future of the automotive sector and its adjacent industries:
Operationalizing artificial intelligence and digital tools for measurable business impact
Building governance frameworks that support responsible innovation and cybersecurity readiness
Preparing talent pipelines with the skills required for digital transformation
Strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and government to advance workforce development
The dinner convened leaders representing organizations including Porsche Cars Canada, Canadian Black Book, taq Automotive Intelligence, BMO, Performance Auto Group, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario Tech University, Mazda Canada, Hyundai Canada, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, Empowering Auto, the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, and Purpose Automotive.
By bringing together leaders from across sectors in a high-trust setting, the Women’s Leadership Dinner supports Accelerate Auto’s broader mission to strengthen collaboration, advance inclusive leadership, and ensure the automotive industry remains competitive amid rapid technological and workforce transformation.
About Accelerate Auto
Accelerate Auto is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing Black representation across Canada’s automotive industry. Through initiatives focused on awareness, development, mentorship, and community, Accelerate Auto connects talent with opportunities while supporting professional growth and workforce development across the sector.
For more information, visit www.accelerateauto.ca
Media Contact
Shannon Miller
Executive Director - Accelerate Auto
shannon.miller@accelerateauto.ca