Empowering Women, Uplifting Communities

Patti Shugart envisions a future where every woman has the support she needs to pursue opportunities for her career and family well-being.

As Managing Director and Head of Global Corporate Banking at RBC Capital Markets, she champions inclusion and equity. “As a client solutions firm, we get better ideas with diverse people at the table.”

A longtime advocate, Patti has been a dedicated volunteer and supporter. She’s Women United’s Executive Sponsor, has led a record-breaking multi-million dollar RBC campaign and contributed a matching grant alongside her husband Paul.

Patti has always been committed to helping women succeed. “I had a supportive upbringing and career mentorship, but many haven’t. I want to pay it forward.”

Patti believes helping women creates a ripple effect: “By lifting up women — often the primary caregivers — their children benefit, and society improves.”

She’s seen how Women United helps women, recalling stories about a young girl who went from living on the street to joining a youth program and graduating from Harvard, and a mother who found work and bought her kids Christmas gifts for the first time.

On engaging in philanthropy, she advises, “Figure out what you’re passionate about and put your energy towards that.”

In 2022, Patti and Paul joined the Million Dollar Roundtable — donors who’ve generously donated $1 million or more. “The need in Toronto is so great,” she says.

“When people thrive, so do our communities and United Way is all about helping people thrive.”