Marlene Morrison Nicholls

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT MARLENE MORRISON NICHOLLS

I’m an award-winning business leader dedicated to DEI advocacy and supporting women entrepreneurs. With a strong record of success across a 45-year career, I grew Stewart Morrison Insurance to five thriving locations, serving individuals, businesses, farms, non-profits and public entities in the Lindsay, Port Perry, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon and Peterborough areas. Under my leadership, the company was one of the first brokerage to earn diversity training accreditation from RIBO, and it was recognized as a Rainbow Registered business, a national accreditation for LGBTQ2SIA+ friendly businesses. I believe engagement and DEI are the keys to building strong healthy communities. I’ve long been a vocal advocate for DEI in the business community, and I\'ve served on several boards and committees. My personal volunteerism and business sponsorship of local events, cultural organizations and causes have had an enduring impact. In 2021, my business accomplishments and leadership were recognized with an Enterprising Women of the Year Award, a prestigious international lifetime honour that celebrates highly successful women entrepreneurs and business-owners. Most recently, with my daughter Rachael Nicholls, PhD, OCT and her partner Lisa Trefzger Clarke, M.Ad.Ed. we are introducing our new company: EQU Consulting Inc. with a mission to provide true DEI training for businesses meeting people where they are on their own DEI journey and offer insight into many topics that are important for personal and professional growth. As well, along with my daughters -Racheal, Jacquelyn & Catherine, we have launched the Women Changemakers Fund, a community foundation legacy fund that offers emerging women entrepreneurs in the Kawartha Lakes financial support and mentorship — an endeavour I\'m deeply passionate about.