About Us

Clé Maîtresse supports companies making high-stakes
decisions in international expansion.

We deliver sector-specific, market-grounded intelligence
that helps leadership teams align positioning, communication,
and execution before costly mistakes impact revenue.

The Major Challenge: International Expansion Without Execution Intelligence

Turning strategy into results across markets is where most companies lose time, capital, and momentum.

Entering or scaling in a new country is not just a market entry decision. It is an operational challenge that affects sales cycles, partnerships, team alignment, and day-to-day execution.

Many companies rely on internal assumptions, fragmented data, or external reports that fail to reflect how business actually works on the ground.

The result: delayed traction, misaligned positioning, and avoidable financial loss.

Today, companies operating across borders need faster, more precise ways to validate decisions before and during execution.

Clé Maîtresse provides structured access to professionals with direct, lived experience in your target markets and sectors.

Their combined expertise, education, and professional networks generate actionable intelligence that reduces uncertainty and strengthens execution.

International expansion should not rely on trial and error. With the right intelligence, your team can move with clarity, speed, and confidence.

Clé Maîtresse enables faster, lower-risk international expansion.

We work with companies that need to align strategy with real-world execution across markets.

We deliver aggregated intelligence from professionals with direct experience in your target countries and industries.

This allows your leadership team to validate decisions, refine positioning, and operate with precision in complex environments.

We provide execution intelligence grounded in real market experience

We deliver aggregated intelligence from professionals with direct experience in your target markets and sectors. Their combined expertise, education, and professional networks inform your decisions, reduce risk, and strengthen execution in international expansion.

We structure and scale intelligence through data and technology

We are building systems that capture, organize, and activate thousands of real-world data points to identify patterns, validate assumptions, and support faster, more accurate decision-making across markets. (under development)

We validate expertise and activate trusted insight

We work with rigorously selected professionals whose experience is directly relevant to your industry and expansion context. Their insight provides clarity, credibility, and practical direction for your team.

We enable faster alignment between strategy and execution

We help your leadership and operational teams align positioning, communication, and decision-making with how business actually works in your target market.

We maximize underutilized talent as a strategic asset

We leverage the expertise of highly skilled professional immigrant women whose international experience, education, and networks represent a powerful but underused source of competitive advantage.

Leveraging highly skilled professional immigrant women as a source of execution intelligence improves decision quality, accelerates market traction, and strengthens overall business performance in international expansion.

Hannai: AI-powered execution intelligence platform (in development)

Hannai structures and scales aggregated intelligence from professionals with direct experience across markets and industries. It combines data, patterns, and human expertise to support faster, more accurate decisions in international expansion, helping companies reduce risk, align execution, and move with confidence in complex environments.
Recognized by ALL IN in 2025 as one of Canada’s Top 100 most promising AI startups.
This initiative is being developed with the support of Balsam, the social innovation stream at Concordia University’s District 3 incubator.
To learn more or explore how this can support your international expansion strategy, contact us.

Explore hannai.ai

Strategic expertise for international expansion and execution

Advisory Team

Clé Maîtresse is supported by a group of senior advisors with expertise in innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, talent management, human performance, and business development.
They bring deep knowledge of the Canadian market, experience working with international clients and partners, and strong cultural intelligence across multiple business environments.
Their combined expertise strengthens the rigor, relevance, and applicability of the intelligence we deliver, supporting companies in making better decisions in international expansion.

Ana María Palacio

Founder and CEO.
CLÉ MAÎTRESSE

LinkedIn

Ana María Palacio is a Social Communicator, Journalist, Master of Educational Technology, and Business Development Director with over 20 years of experience leading organizational transformation and growth in marketing, communications, commercial architecture, and educational technology.

Throughout her career, she has designed and led successful B2B strategies for mid-sized and large organizations, consistently achieving outstanding results—even in highly competitive environments with limited resources.

As a Latin American immigrant woman who has successfully built a professional career in Canada, Ana María authentically embodies the resilience, determination, and adaptability that characterize many immigrant women. These qualities enhance her ability to build meaningful relationships at all levels, including with senior executives.

Her approach is grounded in intellectual curiosity, positive energy, and professional rigor. Her career has been shaped by her ability to open doors—for herself, for other women, and for the organizations she supports.

Ana María’s entrepreneurial journey has given her a unique perspective on solving challenges with innovation while always prioritizing human connection, empathy, and respect.

Passionate about innovation and equity, she now leads Clé Maîtresse: a social impact company and startup that leverages artificial intelligence, strategic networking, and intercultural training to accelerate the economic integration of professional immigrant women. Under her leadership, Clé Maîtresse is becoming a bridge between international talent and local opportunity, generating shared value and fostering more inclusive, agile, and sustainable growth.

Dr. Stefania Pecore

AI Ethics Expert (AIEB program).
UNESCO

LinkedIn

Artificial Intelligence and Ethics Expert | International Speaker | Fractional CTO at Clé Maîtress

Stefania, a Ph.d. in Artificial Intelligence with postdoctoral studies at the University of Ottawa, is an internationally recognized leader in emerging technologies focused on ethics and gender. As an active member of UNESCO’s Women 4 Ethical AI and an ambassador for global tech communities like Google Women Techmakers and Women in AI, she contributes to the development of inclusive, transparent, and sustainable solutions.

At Clé Maîtresse, she leads the development of our AI-based application, ensuring human-centred design and principles of equity, social impact, and human empowerment guide every tech decision.

Marjorick Foisy

General Manager. Team & Budget Management.
CENTECH MTL

LinkedIn

Leadership in Innovation and Tech Ecosystems

Marjorick Foisy is a committed leader with over twenty years of experience in business development, institutional relations, and economic development. Since September 2023, she has served as General Director of Centech, one of the world’s top-performing university incubators, according to UBI Global.

Holding an International MBA from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from HEC Montréal, Marjorick is dedicated to fostering excellence within her team, which supports the entrepreneurs shaping the future of Quebec’s innovation ecosystem.

With her authentic leadership style, Marjorick stands out for her inclusive and forward-thinking vision of entrepreneurship. She actively promotes the strategic role of women entrepreneurs and the importance of sustainable development as key drivers of economic growth.

Deeply aware of the challenges women face in the business world, Marjorick champions gender equity and actively supports the participation of women entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Cercle des fondatrices—an exclusive mentorship program where women entrepreneurs are guided by experienced women leaders.

At the same time, she places sustainability at the heart of her leadership. Convinced that economic prosperity must go hand in hand with environmentally responsible practices, she ensures her team supports entrepreneurs in integrating sustainable strategies into their business models—whether through eco-friendly tech solutions, circular economy initiatives, or energy-efficient practices.

In short, Marjorick Foisy’s outstanding contributions have firmly established her as a leading figure in Quebec’s startup ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in building a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous entrepreneurial landscape.

Luisa Key

National Manager, Global Major Accounts.
KONICA MINOLTA Business Solutions Canada

LinkedIn

Corporate alliances and binational networks

Board Member, Québec–Latin America Chamber of Commerce With a distinguished career leading the implementation of international projects and managing strategic relationships between global teams and local stakeholders, Luisa brings a key perspective to Clé Maîtresse on how to structure solid and sustainable corporate partnerships. Her expertise in coordinating complex operations and her focus on delivering high-level client satisfaction enrich our approach to providing scalable, professional solutions that align with business expectations. In addition, her role in the Québec–Latin America Chamber of Commerce strengthens our connection to binational networks vital to the economic integration of immigrant women.

Allison Meyssonnier

Senior Advisor, Partnerships
MILA

LinkedIn

AI transformation, and cross-sector collaboration

Allison Meyssonnier is a visionary leader in applied artificial intelligence, change management, and strategic partnerships. With over fifteen years of experience across aerospace, technology, and sustainability sectors, she has led complex, high-impact initiatives.

She currently serves as Senior Partnerships Advisor at Mila – Quebec AI Institute, where she leads the AI & Aerospace initiative, manages over 20 strategic partnerships, and has connected 100+ regional companies to Montreal’s AI ecosystem, generating dozens of valuable collaborations.

Allison holds an MSc in Business Intelligence from HEC Montréal and two engineering master’s degrees from Polytechnique Montréal (Chemical and Industrial Engineering). She also studied at EPFL (Switzerland) and Université de Montréal. Her profile blends scientific rigor, systems thinking, and outcome-driven leadership.

Before joining Mila, she led major projects at Pratt & Whitney Canada, including a $305M consortium to accelerate the sustainable transformation of the aerospace industry. She also excelled in digital program management, data analytics, and intersectoral coordination.

At Clé Maîtresse, Allison contributes cutting-edge expertise in AI, technology, and social innovation. Her cross-disciplinary and inclusive perspective strengthens our mission to accelerate the economic integration of professional immigrant women through excellence, collaboration, and sustainable impact.

Andréanne M. Cyr

Vice President of Finance.
VELIXO

LinkedIn

CPA – Financial Strategy and Risk Management

A financial executive with a strong background in strategic planning, acquisitions, and risk management, Andréanne advises Clé Maîtresse in building a robust financial framework adaptable to our growth. Her comprehensive approach enables us to develop a solid and ethical business model aligned with our social goals. She brings clarity to budgetary decisions, defines key financial metrics, and helps us forecast realistic scenarios to move forward in a sustainable manner.

Her experience working with startups and innovation greatly contributes to the development of our platform and artificial intelligence application.

Alexandra Núñez

Coaching and consulting. Founder.
ALIGNA

LinkedIn

Well-being strategy and career-life-purpose alignment.

With over 25 years of experience in the corporate world and nearly a decade of advising institutions, including the Autorité des marchés financiers of Québec, Alexandra brings sharp insight into organizational transformation, talent management, and conscious leadership.

Today, she leads her own coaching and consulting firm, specializing in guiding leaders and professionals through career-life alignment. Her approach, grounded in neuroscience and executive experience, enables her to intervene effectively in complex contexts and generate sustainable change. At Clé Maîtresse, her work is crucial in designing strategic support tools, professional validation pathways, and inclusive leadership development programs for highly skilled immigrant women.

Gabrielle Langlois

Partnerships and Entrepreneurship Advisor.
IVADO

LinkedIn

Technology Transfer and Scientific Validation

Gabrielle brings to Clé Maîtresse her extensive background in technology transfer, artificial intelligence, and organizational strategy. With nearly 15 years of experience, she has led multidisciplinary teams, managed high-impact projects, and coordinated intersectoral initiatives between universities, tech companies, and innovation hubs. Her deep knowledge of scientific funding mechanisms, emerging technologies, and academic structures enhances our ability to design and validate a socially relevant tech solution. Her vision bridges applied research with entrepreneurial reality and is essential in shaping an app that aligns with the latest trends in innovation and equity

Alejandra Galindo

Chief Operating Officer.
XIDERAL Canada

LinkedIn

Operational scaling, recruitment, and talent development.

With over 20 years of experience in talent management, business operations, and leadership across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, Alejandra brings a strategic operational vision to Clé Maîtresse that deeply aligns with the business realities of both Canada and Latin America. As co-founder and COO of Xideral Canada, she leads recruitment initiatives, partnership building, and talent development in the tech sector, with a focus on B2B growth and sustainable scaling. Her previous roles in human resources and sales at companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Walt Disney World provide her a unique perspective on connecting talent with the right opportunities, managing diverse teams, and establishing effective business relationships.

Her deep understanding of binational labour ecosystems, organizational planning expertise, and sensitivity to professional mobility make Alejandra an essential voice in developing solutions that enable immigrant women to integrate effectively and sustainably into the Canadian job market.

Hanna Abdel Hamid

Head.
SIGMA SOFTWARE CANADA

LinkedIn

Inclusive Leadership, DEI Strategy & Operational Excellence

Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024 by WXN, Hanna Abdel Hamid is an award-winning executive with extensive experience in strategic operations, innovation, multidisciplinary team leadership, and organizational transformation. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Sigma Software Canada and as Ambassador for Global STEM Women – Canada Chapter, promoting women’s representation in science and technology sectors.

Hanna is a powerful voice in inclusive leadership, equity, and sustainability, and was nominated for Speaker of the Year in 2023 for her impact as a public speaker. Throughout her career, she has combined strategic vision with operational excellence to drive growth, open markets, and generate systemic impact.

In addition to her executive role, she actively mentors women and non-binary professionals and serves on the board of a non-profit organization. Her commitment to ethical leadership and social justice strengthens Clé Maîtresse’s mission as she helps guide the development of high-impact, AI-based solutions grounded in inclusion and local relevance.

Enrica Mammoli

Organizational Development Advisor.
ALITHYA

LinkedIn

Organizational Culture and Inclusive Leadership

As an Organizational Development Advisor at Alithya, Enrica offers a deep and strategic perspective on corporate culture, diversity, and inclusion. With over 30 years of experience in human resources planning, organizational development, and change management, she has held leadership roles at companies such as Bell Canada and Cogeo. She has advised on transformation processes in highly dynamic sectors. At Clé Maîtresse, her expertise is crucial in designing services for organizations seeking to adopt inclusive, ethical, and sustainable practices. Her knowledge allows us to translate our value propositions into concrete actions within companies, creating workplace environments where diverse talent can thrive.

Edouard Rotondo

President.
STUDIO 7 COMMUNICATIONS

LinkedIn

Strategic communication and Institutional Positioning

As the Founder and President of Studio 7 Communications for over 20 years, Edouard has established a benchmark company in the corporate training sector in Canada. His approach is rooted in three integrated strengths: performance assessment, instructional design, and visual communication. Leveraging these capabilities, he has led projects for companies like Saputo, Bombardier, Bridgestone, and Canadian National (CN), establishing himself as a strategic partner in learning solutions and organizational transformation. His expert

Perspective ensures Clé Maîtresse’s narrative is straightforward, distinctive, and adaptable, both in digital and in-person formats, strengthening our positioning with companies, users, and partners. Edouard advises Clé Maîtresse on entrepreneurship, team management, communication strategies, instructional design, and brand positioning.

Eric Gingras

Executive partner.
CANAL ROASTERS

LinkedIn

Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development

Founder and Manager of Canal Roasters, Eric brings his experience as an entrepreneur committed to fair trade, ethical business practices, and local impact. His journey provides Clé Maîtresse with a grounded perspective on the real economy, regional territory, and community-based work. Eric helps align our decisions with principles of sustainability, resilience, and collaboration, and connects us with networks of allies who share our vision for a more just and human future.