Catherine Gendron

“The Audacieuses project is synonymous with authenticity and vulnerability. And it brings me back to my core values: benevolence, altruism, team spirit, curiosity, pleasure.”

Catherine Gendron: A Bold and Generous Woman Who Chooses to Act

Catherine Gendron is an optimistic, cheerful woman who is willing to take concrete action. From 2004 to the present day, she has risen through the ranks of AGF Group Inc. in a variety of positions, including Head of Communications, General Manager of the AGF Group Foundation and today, Head of Culture and Governance for AGF Group Inc. This Université de Montréal graduate is a leader who puts human relations at the heart of her choices. As proof, she said YES to the Audacieuses Leucan project and will shave her hair to support children with cancer.

Catherine was approached about the project by a member of Leucan's Board of Directors. Catherine's initial response to our question “Could you see yourself shaving your head?” was very clear. “In my head, it was a resounding no. I couldn't understand why anyone would ask me that. I have no direct connection with pediatric cancer: neither I, nor my partner, our families or our close circle have experienced this ordeal directly. So I wondered what the significance of my gesture would be.”

The absence of any personal connection to pediatric cancer is a blessing in itself. Once the call was over, her generous heart and her head were bubbling with questions. “I told myself that bringing this proposal back to me, my hair and my appearance was not the right way to approach it. Then I said to myself, “Catherine, you're lucky.” The only reason I haven't been confronted with pediatric cancer in my circle is luck. Nothing else.”

“I realized then that it wasn't just about pediatric cancer, but a cause that affects families and society as a whole. When someone asks you for help, it's a gift of trust. It's a form of recognition. So we say YES!”

Once this woman of heart and mind understands the importance of her gesture, there's no turning back. She assumes her choices. “With shaved hair, I'm going to carry the cause with me at all times. I admit I'm apprehensive about the reaction of people who've known me with my long hair for years. But I dared to say yes, so there's no question of wearing a wig or extensions. I completely accept my decision.’’

Asserting Your Audacity

Over the last four years of Les Audacieuses, women have been thinking differently about the act of shaving their hair. For Catherine, this choice is a pure demonstration of who she is. “The Audacieuses project is synonymous with authenticity and vulnerability. And it brings me back to my core values: benevolence, altruism, team spirit, curiosity, pleasure.”

Shaving one's head also means giving up something familiar, a part of oneself that accompanies our daily lives. “I've had long hair for a very long time. I know it takes me a long time in the morning: washing it, detangling it, styling it. But it's a given, I don't even think about it. I love my hair, I think it's beautiful.’’

Cutting it off sends a powerful message: I love my hair, but I'm willing to say goodbye to it to show my support for children in search of hope. Catherine is inspiring. “It's taking a stand: saying you want to help, you want to make a difference.”

The Ability to Help Others

Catherine firmly believes that we all have a role to play in the face of injustice. Her vision is clear. “What affects me most is injustice. You don't choose to have cancer, you have to live with it. If we can help, we have a duty to act. If we don't help children, who are the foundation of our society, what kind of society are we? ‘’

For her, commitment comes through action and the conviction that every gesture counts. “I have this ability to think big, to imagine solutions and to believe that we can really change things. I'm also a unifier, an optimist at heart. I like to create energy around me and draw others into a collective movement.”

Proud of Her Sincere Human Ties

A visionary and creative thinker, Catherine draws her strength from human ties and solidarity. “The relationships I've built in my life are my greatest accomplishment. And I'm proud of every link I've forged, whether it's with my family, my partner and our children, my friends or my colleagues. At the end of the day, it's all about human relationships.”

How could she not mention her professional career? Catherine innovates, reinvents herself and makes the most of her creativity. ‘’I invented my own career. I transformed a dream into something concrete. I must admit, I'm proud of my career path.”

Among her many prides, her daughter and her relationship with her partner top the list. “My daughter makes me so proud. To see her grow up and become a brilliant and inspiring young woman, I find beautiful. I'm grateful for the relationship I've built with my sweetheart. We've created a solid, chosen family team based on love and joy.”

Through her boldness and determination, Catherine inspires those around her to reflect on their own ability to make a difference. In a few weeks' time, she will make an act of courage, generosity and commitment. A bold gesture, in the image of the wonderful woman she is.