Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic wins BRONZE at 2026 Women Changing the World Global Awards
Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic Recognized as Global Changemaker for Advancing Inclusive Innovation and Empowerment
At the 2026 Global Women Changing the World Awards Summit, Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic (Dr. SCT) placed third worldwide in the Changemaker category—a distinction that underscores her enduring commitment to advancing inclusive innovation and meaningful societal change.
This year’s awards received over 1,500 nominations from 97 countries, highlighting the extraordinary global impact of women leading change across industries and communities.
The awards celebrate and recognize women achieving outstanding success in areas such as sustainability, humanitarian work, leadership, advocacy, education, health, and innovation. They are designed to honor the growing number of women leading the way in making the world a better place while inspiring others to do the same.
In a world increasingly defined by complexity, disruption, and rapid technological advancement, leadership that bridges industries, disciplines, and communities is both rare and essential. Dr. SCT exemplifies this kind of leadership—an impact now recognized on the global stage.
This recognition builds on a trajectory of influence shaped over more than 25 years across the telecommunications, finance, and technology sectors. Yet, it is her impact beyond the corporate sphere that has distinguished her as a true global changemaker.
Since 2013, Dr. SCT has been deeply committed to mentoring entrepreneurs from women- and minority-owned businesses through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Her belief in diversity of thought as a catalyst for innovation has translated into tangible action—supporting emerging leaders, advancing inclusive business practices, and fostering equitable opportunities across industries.
Her collaboration with academic institutions has further amplified this mission. In 2020, she partnered with the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee to advance supplier diversity and economic inclusion initiatives, helping to shape more inclusive supply chain ecosystems. This work extended into public policy in 2023, when she advised the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), contributing to the development of the Pathways for Success: Women’s Economic Empowerment in Canada’s Digital Economy toolkit.
That same year marked a period of significant expansion in her impact. Dr. SCT became a mentor with NPower, co-founded goBeyondBounds.org—an initiative dedicated to breaking barriers and championing inclusive empowerment—and authored her debut book, Be Bold and Brilliant. The book quickly achieved Amazon bestseller status in the Career Guide category and went on to receive the 2025 International Impact Book Award, further cementing her role as a thought leader and advocate for bold, purpose-driven leadership.
Her commitment to mentorship continued in 2025 when she joined York University’s Advancing YU program, providing strategic guidance to senior students and accelerating their transition into professional success.
These cumulative efforts—spanning nonprofit collaboration, academic partnership, and policy advisory—formed the foundation for her global recognition. In 2025, Dr. SCT was honored as the Women Changing the World Awards Changemaker of the Year and named runner-up for Woman of the Year (Americas).
Complementing her leadership and advocacy work, Dr. SCT continues to push the boundaries of innovation through her academic and research contributions. Building on her doctoral research in AI and cybersecurity, she joined AI Future Leaders as a strategic advisor and authored the Practitioner’s Guide to AI-Driven Cybersecurity Implementation. Her work equips organizations with actionable strategies to strengthen technological resilience and foster cross-functional collaboration in an increasingly complex digital threat landscape.
Academically, Dr. SCT holds a Doctor of Business Administration, an Executive MBA, a Master of Management, and an Honours BA with a double major in Law and Political Science—credentials that underpin her multidisciplinary approach to leadership.
A sought-after speaker, published author, and award-winning executive, Dr. SCT has been featured in international media, publications, and industry events since 2019. Her influence has earned her numerous accolades, including a nomination for the Order of Canada and appearances on the covers of prominent industry magazines.
Her recognition at the 2026 Global Women Changing the World Awards Summit is more than an individual achievement—it is a reflection of what sustained, purpose-driven leadership can accomplish. By seamlessly integrating corporate leadership, academic insight, and social impact, Dr. Sanja Cancar-Todorovic continues to shape industries, empower communities, and redefine what it means to lead in a rapidly evolving world.
The complete list of winners can be found at: wcwawards.com
For more information on the Women Changing the World Awards, visit: https://wcwawards.com/
