Jennifer Stewart, CEO of Syntax Strategic, Named a 2026 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner

OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jennifer Stewart, Founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic, has been named a 2026 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in the Entrepreneurs category, recognizing her leadership, entrepreneurial achievement and impact across business and community.

Stewart founded Syntax Strategic and has grown it into one of Canada’s leading strategic communications agencies, with offices in Ottawa and Vancouver. Under her leadership, Syntax has become a trusted strategic partner to organizations and leaders navigating complex communications challenges, building reputations and shaping conversations that matter.

The Top 100 recognition adds to a career distinguished by entrepreneurship, community leadership and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Stewart has twice been named one of Ottawa’s 25 Most Influential People by Ottawa Life Magazine and was previously recognized as a Forty Under 40 recipient by the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal.

In addition to leading Syntax Strategic, Stewart is the co-founder of The Honest Talk, a leading Canadian forum dedicated to women and candid conversations about leadership, ambition, success and the realities behind professional achievement. She is also the owner of Ottawa Valley Grain Products, reflecting an entrepreneurial portfolio that spans communications, media and agriculture.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because entrepreneurship has never been, for me, simply about building a successful business,” said Stewart. “It is about building something that creates opportunity for the people you work with, the communities you are part of and the next generation of leaders coming behind you. I have been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary people who have challenged me, trusted me and shared in the ambition to create organizations that make a difference. I am deeply honoured to be recognized among this remarkable group of Canadian women.”

Stewart’s leadership extends well beyond her businesses. She has contributed her experience and perspective through service on the boards of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, BGC Ottawa, Microbix Biosystems Inc. and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

Her career has been defined by an ability to bring together entrepreneurship, strategic communications and community leadership. Through her business ventures and board work, Stewart has championed strong Canadian organizations, meaningful civic engagement and creating space for women to lead authentically.

“Entrepreneurs have the ability to see what could exist and then take the risk of making it a reality,” Stewart added. “But none of us builds anything meaningful alone. This award also belongs to the teams, colleagues, clients, mentors, friends and family who have been part of that journey. I hope this recognition also encourages other women with an idea or an ambition to trust themselves enough to pursue it.”

The Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards recognize exceptional leaders across nine categories, celebrating women whose achievements are shaping the future of business, entrepreneurship, governance, AI and technology, and beyond.

About Jennifer Stewart

Jennifer Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Syntax Strategic, a strategic communications agency with offices in Ottawa and Vancouver. An entrepreneur, communications strategist and community leader, she is also co-founder of The Honest Talk and owner of Ottawa Valley Grain Products. Stewart has twice been named one of Ottawa’s 25 Most Influential People by Ottawa Life Magazine and is a recipient of Ottawa’s Forty Under 40 award. She serves on the boards of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, BGC Ottawa, Microbix Biosystems Inc. and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

About Syntax Strategic

Syntax Strategic is a Canadian strategic communications agency with offices in Ottawa and Vancouver. The firm works with organizations and leaders to navigate complex communications environments, strengthen reputations and develop strategies that drive meaningful outcomes.

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Building on nearly three decades of leadership through WXN (Women's Executive Network), WXN Media is a media company dedicated to telling the stories of exceptional women leaders through trusted editorial, prestigious recognition, and signature experiences.

Its portfolio includes Be Bold Magazine, The Bold Edit, The One Bold Truth, Signature Experiences, and Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100™, one of Canada's most prestigious leadership recognition programs.

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Media contact
Jennifer Madigan
jmadigan@syntaxstrategic.ca