Karen Fraser of Women like Me Inc.
“an important spokesperson for women’s business issues“ . . . The Globe & Mail
Karen Fraser has promoted women’s success and style for 30 years. She has pioneered and facilitated presentations on entrepreneurial skills and success skills in every province of Canada.
She developed the first courses in entrepreneurship for women at Ryerson Polytechnic University, George Brown College and she was the first to teach entrepreneurship to high school and university students. She pioneered presentations in high schools by successful career women.
She was the first coordinator of the Women’s Entrepreneurship course in the Faculty of Management at the University of Toronto and an Entrepreneur in Residence.
Ms. Fraser founded the first women’s business network in Canada and The Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award was her concept.
Ms. Fraser co-hosted a series on entrepreneurship on TVO for 3 years. Her career profile, theories and observations on entrepreneurship are quoted in several business books and textbooks on the subject. She is a frequent guest on radio and television, and a source for numerous articles.
Ms. Fraser’s book, Women Like Me, The Women’s Business & Networking Directory was first published as a networking support system for women in Toronto. By the 8th edition it was national with an expanding international section. The Directory, a first for Canada, a bestseller in its first edition, continues to innovate to meet the needs of entrepreneurs.
In 2009 it will move online as a companion of womanradio.org. The web radio station for women was launched on Women’s Day 2008.
Ms. Fraser’s ability to accurately translate emerging trends into opportunity has made her a sought after consultant on the women’s market by corporations such as TD Bank, Royal Bank, North American Life, Holiday Inn, Cosmedex, The Toronto Star, and Imperial Life.
Volunteer Work: Ms. Fraser served 2 terms as President of Women Entrepreneurs of Canada. She is co founder and Past President of The Learning Support Council and The Greater Toronto Community Clearinghouse and a co-founder of Project: Warmth. Ms. Fraser has served as a Director of The North York Women’s Shelter, first woman Vice Chair of The Canadian Centre For Corporate Policy and Ethics, and served twice as co-chair for The LEAF Person’s Day Breakfast.
