Hosna R. Kadary is a seasoned financial services leader with over two decades of experience advancing economic inclusion across Canada. She currently serves as National Market Leader for Zero Barriers to Business at BMO, where she leads national initiatives focused on expanding access to capital, mentorship, and financial literacy for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. A recipient of the Woman of Merit Award, Hosna is widely recognized for her leadership in equity-driven financial advocacy. She also serves on the Advisory Council of the Niffy Wellness Foundation, championing economic confidence and long-term financial empowerment for girls and women.She will serve on the panel of judges at the Women of Rubies Media Pitch Challenge slated for February 28th, where she will lend her expertise in evaluating and strengthening women-led ventures. She shares her inspiring journey in this interview with Esther Ijewere.
A Childhood Shaped by Resilience and Community
Absolutely. Growing up as an immigrant girl, I learned resilience, responsibility, and the power of community at an early age. I watched my mother and other strong women navigate complex challenges, building families, pursuing education, and seizing opportunities despite systemic barriers. Those experiences taught me that success is not just personal; it’s about lifting others along the way. They instilled in me a purpose to create access, equity, and opportunity for those who are often overlooked, particularly in spaces where representation matters most. That foundation still guides how I approach my work today, ensuring that every initiative I lead considers the broader community impact.
Leading Zero Barriers to Business at BMO
Leading Zero Barriers to Business has been incredibly fulfilling. This initiative expands access to capital, mentorship, and national partnerships specifically for Black and Indigenous women entrepreneurs, communities that have historically faced disproportionate barriers to growth. Beyond financial support, it’s about creating ecosystems where these women can thrive sustainably, build generational wealth, and inspire others to follow. Seeing entrepreneurs transform ideas into scalable businesses and knowing that our programs helped remove obstacles along the way is the most rewarding part of my work. It’s a reminder that purposeful support can change not just individual lives, but entire communities.
The Women Who Inspire My Work
I am inspired by resilient women everywhere, particularly immigrant mothers, community leaders, and entrepreneurs who turn adversity into action. These women demonstrate daily that obstacles are not limitations; they are opportunities to innovate, lead, and create lasting change. Their courage, resourcefulness, and dedication serve as a constant reminder that the work we do to support others is meaningful and that every act of empowerment ripples far beyond the individual.
What Being a Woman of Rubies Represents
A ruby is formed under intense pressure, and that symbolism deeply resonates with my journey. Every challenge I’ve faced personally and professionally has refined my purpose rather than diminished it. Being recognized as a Woman of Rubies represents resilience, faith, and the responsibility to lift others as I rise. It is not just about achievement; it’s about impact. It affirms that strength can coexist with compassion, and that true success includes creating pathways for others to thrive.
The Biggest Barriers Women Entrepreneurs Face Today
Women entrepreneurs continue to face systemic barriers, particularly in access to capital, influential networks, mentorship, and decision-making spaces where funding and policy conversations happen. Even when women-led businesses demonstrate strong performance and innovation, they are often underfunded or underestimated. Beyond financial constraints, there is also the challenge of visibility and credibility in male-dominated industries. Sustainable investment, intentional partnerships, and inclusive leadership are essential to dismantle these obstacles and create ecosystems where women-owned businesses are not just supported but prioritized and scaled.
The Power of Visibility and Owning Your Story
Visibility has opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and platforms where I can advocate for greater equity in business. However, visibility alone is not enough. Authentic relationships, credibility, and consistent impact are what sustain long-term success. Owning your story, including your challenges and growth, allows you to lead with confidence and clarity. When you control your narrative, you position yourself not just as a participant in the conversation but as a thought leader shaping it.
A Service-Driven Definition of Leadership
Leadership means creating pathways that did not previously exist. It’s about advocating for equity, building systems that outlast individual roles, and ensuring that opportunities are accessible to those who have historically been excluded. True leadership is not performative; it is measured by the number of people empowered, the barriers removed, and the sustainable structures put in place. For me, leadership is service-driven and impact-focused, always centered on building long-term change rather than short-term recognition.
The Future of Women in Business
What excites me most is the shift from participation to ownership. Women are no longer just entering industries, they are leading innovation, building scalable enterprises, creating generational wealth, and influencing policy. There is a growing ecosystem of collaboration among women founders, investors, and leaders who understand the power of collective advancement. This momentum signals a future where women are not seeking permission to lead; they are confidently defining markets, shaping industries, and expanding what success looks like.
The Legacy I Hope to Leave
I hope to leave a legacy rooted in access, courage, and generational impact. A legacy where women confidently belong in every space they aspire to, executive leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, and beyond. I want my work to contribute to systems that remain inclusive long after I step away, ensuring that future generations inherit clearer pathways, stronger support networks, and greater opportunity than we had before.
Advice for Women Struggling with Confidence
Know your value deeply and refuse to diminish it to make others comfortable. Confidence is not about perfection; it is about preparation, self-awareness, and the willingness to act even when doubt exists. Speak boldly about your impact, articulate your achievements without apology, and take up space without waiting for external validation. Growth happens when you stretch beyond comfort, and confidence strengthens each time you show up fully as yourself.
Women Who Continue to Inspire Me
I am inspired by women entrepreneurs who persist despite limited resources, proving daily that resilience builds remarkable outcomes. I am inspired by mentors who quietly open doors for others, creating opportunities without seeking the spotlight. And I am inspired by young girls who lead boldly, question systems, and envision a future without limitations. These three groups remind me that leadership is both inherited and cultivated, and that progress is driven by courage across generations.
What Makes a Powerful Pitch
A powerful pitch combines clarity, confidence, and conviction. It begins with a clearly defined problem and presents a compelling solution grounded in real market understanding. It demonstrates traction, scalability, and impact, while reflecting the founder’s passion and credibility. Most importantly, it ends with a strong call to action that leaves the audience knowing exactly what step to take next. A pitch is not just information, it is storytelling with intention, designed to inspire belief and investment.
