Sonia Couto

Board Member

2x Tech Founder, Award Winner, Podcast Host, Board Member, Mentor, Breast Cancer Survivor

As a distinguished figure in the technology sector, Sonia Couto exemplifies the essence of leadership, innovation, and resilience. With a remarkable 18-year tenure in a field often dominated by men, Sonia has not only thrived as a two-time tech founder and managing director but has also carved a significant niche as an influential board member.

Her deep-seated passion marks Sonia’s journey in the tech industry for technology and entrepreneurship. Her expertise lies in navigating startups’ early-stage challenges, guiding them toward adopting growth mindsets for sustainable success. Her adeptness complements her visionary approach to identifying long-term solutions to complex problems and implementing them with unmatched efficiency and effectiveness.

Recognized for her executive prowess, Sonia has a solid track record of assembling, mentoring, and nurturing highly successful teams on a global scale. Her leadership style is characterized by an innate ability to see beyond the horizon, making her an invaluable asset in strategic decision-making processes.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sonia’s life story is one of extraordinary courage and determination. A breast cancer survivor, she faced her diagnosis and the ensuing treatment, including a double mastectomy and four surgeries, with unwavering strength. Throughout this challenging period, she continued to work tirelessly, showcasing her incredible resilience. Sonia’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging others to persevere through their trials with a positive spirit. She is determined to continue her work in the prevention and education of breast cancer and beyond.

Away from the rigours of the tech world, Sonia is an avid traveller who cherishes quality time with family and friends. She founded Life Unleashed, a platform helping breast cancer survivors live a life unleashed after breast cancer. She is on the board of Hackergalz, a not-for-profit that teaches young girls to code so they can get into the tech space. A mentor at the Forum which helps women entrepreneurs learn from women professionals. An avid speaker sharing her journey with breast cancer and raising awareness.

Sonia is more than a tech entrepreneur and executive; she symbolizes tenacity, a mentor to many, and a role model who proves that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth and success. She has been the recipient of several awards that acknowledge her excellence in leadership:
  • Women in IT - Data Leader of the Year nominee
  • DMZ - Women of the year Nominee
  • Nutrition Business Leader of the Year - 2023 Winner
  • Influential Businesswoman awards - Business Leader of the Year (North America) 2021
  • RBC Women of Influence Nominee 2023
  • Best Tech Manager 2019 - Timmy Awards
  • Top CEO of the Year 2019 - IAOTP
  • Leadership Elite, Most Influential Woman in Software Development 2018 – Canada
  • Most Influential Woman in Software Development – Canada - CV Businesswoman Awards, 2016
  • IT Businesswoman of the Year – Canada - CV Businesswoman Awards, 2016
  • Game Changer of the Year – Software Solutions - ACQ Global Awards, 2016