They say you can take the girl out of Canada, but you can’t take Canada out of the girl! From luxury eco-friendly homes to comedy shows, university level athletics, martial arts, and Hollywood, these five Canadian women have crossed the border and are making waves in the United States. Whether they're breaking barriers or creating spaces for others to thrive, their stories all share passion, perseverance, and Canuck pride!
This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate these inspiring Canadian trailblazers, who are proving that success knows no borders!
Chantal Lisette Sanchez – Bringing Green and Glamour to Real Estate
In the sun-soaked real estate market of San Diego, Chantal Lisette Sanchez is doing more than just selling homes—she’s shaping the future of sustainable living. Specializing in luxury, eco-conscious properties, Chantal has turned her passion for green building into a thriving career.
Her big break came when she landed her first listing with an all-female development firm, Baltic Sands LLC, which builds off-grid homes. That deal wasn’t just a win—it was the beginning of a movement. “We saw an opportunity to educate buyers and investors about the benefits of off-grid living, so we started Green Home Tours,” she shares.
Now a board member of the San Diego Green Building Council, Chantal is a force in the sustainable real estate industry. Her Canadian roots give her an edge, too. “Canada is a leader in sustainability, and that expertise helps me position myself as an authority in luxury eco-friendly real estate.” With over 100 successful transactions under her belt, Chantal is proving that being green is more than a trend—it’s the future.
Tara Van Deusen – Smashing Barriers in Martial Arts
Tara Van Deusen is a powerhouse in more ways than one. A ten-time world martial arts champion and a seventh-degree black belt, she’s the president of Power of One Martial Arts, which has six locations across Southern California, and is still growing.
But her biggest win? “Growing up, I was often the only female in my martial arts classes. Now, we have more women training in self-defense across our locations than men,” she says proudly.
Beyond empowering students locally, Tara is making a global impact. She’s helped build schools and fund education for kids in remote parts of the Himalayas. “Canadian women are strong, determined, and sincere—that’s helped me connect with kids from all walks of life,” she says. From Coquitlam, BC, to California and beyond, Tara is proving that true strength lies in lifting others up.
Renée Percy – Serving Laughter, One Stage at a Time
If laughter is the best medicine, than Renée Percy is the ultimate healer. The Toronto-born comedian, actress, and writer has graced stages and screens across North America, from Degrassi High to Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Goldbergs.
Her latest comedy special, The Komic Sutra, hit #1 on iTunes, and she’s about to release another one shot in Australia with none other than Jim Jeffries. “Being Canadian gives me an outsider’s perspective on the U.S.—and, let’s be honest, it also gives me a backup plan if things ever get too crazy down here!” she jokes.
Having performed in over 16 countries, including for troops overseas, Renée’s comedy is universal. Her ability to find humor in everyday experiences—and her sharp-witted charm—are making her a standout in the competitive world of stand-up.
Elizabeth Mackay – Coaching Champions in and Out of the Pool
A former Olympic athlete turned elite dive coach, Elizabeth Mackay has brought her world-class expertise from Quebec City to Los Angeles. She now serves as the Head Dive Coach at Biola University and Harvard Westlake Upper School, shaping the next generation of champions.
Her coaching debut at Biola was nothing short of spectacular—her diving team won 7 out of 12 medals at the Pacific Swim and Dive Conference Championship, earning them the Diving Staff Trophy. “It was an incredible moment. Seeing my athletes succeed makes all the hard work worth it,” she says.
Elizabeth's career has been defined by character, integrity, and resilience—values she credits to her Canadian upbringing. Whether she’s training student-athletes or leading with grace, she’s proving that success is about more than just medals; it’s about the legacy we leave by impacting the next generation.
Claudia Ferri – Lighting Up Screens, One Role at a Time
From Montreal to Hollywood, Claudia Ferri has made her mark on screens big and small. She’s played everything from a French Quebecer groupie in Bruce McDonald’s Hard Core Logo, Peruvian rebel militia Captain in Queen of the South to a Cuban socialite in AppleTV’s Palm Royale, where she stars alongside comedy legends like Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Carol Burnett.
“I had a bucket-list moment this season in terms of physical comedy—but I have to admit, dancing the Rumba with Ricky Martin in season 1 was pretty awesome, too!” she laughs.
Claudia’s diverse heritage has given her a unique edge in the industry, allowing her to work in multiple languages and play an array of complex characters. “Multiculturalism is a defining aspect of my career—it all started in Montreal, where my multiethnic family spoke four different languages when they’d get together,” she says.
With a new season of Palm Royale on the way and her past project La Marraine streaming on Netflix Canada, Claudia is proving that taking risks and betting on yourself pays off.
Fierce and Fearless: from North of the Border to Noteworthy
These Canadian women are conquering their respective fields and redefining success on their own terms in the United States. They’re showing that inner strength can lead to accomplishing even the loftiest goals. Americans may know Canadians for their friendliness, but these women are demonstrating that everywhere Canadians go, they bring their unique brand of northern prowess with them. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let these trailblazers remind us that the sky is the limit. Canadian women are making their mark and inspiring the next generation to do the same.