Kadie Philp, BA’05, MA’07

Recipient of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Alumni Award of Achievement

Kadie Philp (nee Ward) is a seasoned executive whose career has been characterized by successful collaboration across public, private and non-government organizations to design and deliver inclusive economic growth strategies.  

Kadie’s time at Western, especially in her role as vice-president of communications on the University Students Council (USC) sparked her interest in shaping how cities can compete in the global marketplace. While at the USC, she was involved in positioning Western within the wider context of the city of London. This led Kadie to a career of supporting cities as they marketed their local economies in a rapidly globalizing world.  

Kadie’s unique ability to foster capacity building and create inclusive strategies that promote economic participation for women and marginalized groups distinguishes her as an innovator in her field. In 2012 Kadie founded Build Strong Cities, a firm that provided consultancy in more than 100 cities in 30 countries to establish programs and legislation to support economic growth, foreign trade, the start of microenterprises as well as women’s participation in the economy.

Kadie has worked with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Conference Board of Canada, United Nations Global Compact Cities programme and other multilateral organizations to improve urban life across Canada and internationally. She is a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal holder, recognized for her outstanding contributions to the development of Canadian cities. Kadie recently implemented aspects of the Federal Government’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, focused on increasing women’s participation in municipal government and the economy.

Kadie is currently commissioner and chief administrative officer of Ontario’s Pay Equity Commission, an agency focused on economic equality and justice in Ontario’s labour force. She is a regular delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and often participates in meetings with the International Labour Organization and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.   

Outside of work Kadie leads a literary and artistic platform, Garden of Even, highlighting and celebrating women’s unrecognized historical contributions. Through art and storytelling Kadie is reshaping and sharing these important accomplishments.   

Kadie’s commitment to mentorship and community engagement is evident in her ongoing work with Western. As a former part-time instructor at Western Continuing Studies and the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, and through frequent volunteer activities with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Kadie has generously shared her expertise to support the next generation of leaders. Whether speaking to prospective students during March Break Open House or guiding recent graduates through their professional journeys, Kadie’s dedication to helping others succeed reflects her deep connection to the university and her commitment to building strong, inclusive communities.  

Her visionary leadership, global impact and dedication to education and mentorship make her a deserving recipient of the Alumni Award of Achievement, recognizing both her past accomplishments and her continued promise for future contributions.