Christina Brown had already built the kind of corporate career few women of her generation had access to. At Mackenzie Investments, she rose to senior vice-president—then, in 2007, a year after relocating to Boston with her family, she stepped away.
A decade after moving, Brown returned to Vancouver with a different résumé: a nonprofit founder, a larger family and, by her own account, no shortage of ideas, energy or ambition.
Back in B.C., she reconnected with Christina Anthony, founder of The Forum—an organization Brown had engaged with years earlier, when it operated as the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs of British Columbia. The nonprofit helps women entrepreneurs access capital, mentorship and knowledge to scale their businesses.
Brown joined as a committee member supporting the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, known as The Pitch. “Coming back to Vancouver,” she says, “I found women who were like me—motivated and wanting to get things done.”
The Pitch has since become a key engine for early-stage founders. The annual competition culminates in a high-profile fundraiser, where finalists receive funding to grow their ventures. In 2025, Brown co-chaired the finale activation committee, helping raise a record $1.3 million. Over the program’s 10-year run, participants have collectively raised $70 million and created more than 1,000 jobs across Canada.
Today, Brown serves as a board director and has spent the past two and a half years as chair of strategic engagement.
Her work extends beyond entrepreneurship. As a member of the curator’s council at the Vancouver Art Gallery, she supports the expansion of its permanent collection of works by women artists. She is also an executive member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) B.C. chapter, where, as Gold Spouse Learning Officer, she helped launch the inaugural 24-hour Spousal Summit. “The best communities are built with intention and generosity, but also some sparkle,” says Brown.
More recently, Brown has turned her attention to the next generation. She co-leads the Growing Leaders Forum, a cohort of 18 high school students from across the Lower Mainland who shadow The Pitch process from November through its April finale. “We’re trying to expose them to entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation through experiential learning,” she says.
For Brown, the throughline is clear: “When you’re supporting innovators, art institutions, schools and civic life, what you’re truly doing is supporting the future of our province.”
What was your first job?
The Jean Warehouse in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
What was the last book you read?
Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson.
What is your go-to reset ritual?
A morning workout class at TurF in Vancouver with Ange Hartman.
