Chinyere Eni, Head, RBC Origins, has spent her life transforming adversity into opportunity and personal conviction into lasting change. Honoured with the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) CN Executive Leaders Award, she is recognized not only for her achievements in business, but for her leadership in advancing inclusion, economic opportunity and mentorship for the next generation of Canadian leaders.

The CN Executive Leaders Award celebrates women who break down barriers, champion equality and create pathways for others. Eni’s leadership journey, shaped by resilience, a learning mindset, and unwavering purpose, embodies every dimension of this honour.

From extraordinary challenge to extraordinary strength

At the age of nine, Eni lost her leg to a rare form of bone cancer. The high-level amputation forced her to relearn how to navigate the world using twice the energy of most people. While many might have seen this as a limitation, Eni transformed it into a source of strength. Her experience with The War Amps instilled a mindset that continues to guide her, along with a saying that resonates deeply: “It’s what’s left that counts.” That belief became the foundation for a life defined by perseverance, ambition and service to others.

Today, she is a mother, a national business leader, a mentor and an advocate for resilience and innovation mindsets..

When asked for commentary to support Eni’s nomination, Rob Laman, Director of The War Amps said, “It takes a special person to accept difficult circumstances and harness positivity. Chinyere has always brought that magic to the table.”

A transformative leader at RBC

From the start of her career as a bank teller, Eni progressed to become Head of RBC Origins, a division she helped launch in 2024. RBC Origins unites the bank’s Indigenous Banking strategy and Truth and Reconciliation Office under a single strategic framework, elevating what was once considered a specialized segment  to an enterprise-wide mandate to inform priorities across the organization. This work is rooted in the commitments outlined in RBC’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan.

Under her leadership, RBC has strengthened relationships with Indigenous communities, fostered economic inclusion and significantly improved client satisfaction as part of a broader effort to advance reconciliation. In just one year, net promoter scores among First Nations governments rose from 40% to 60% – a clear reflection of trust earned, not assumed.

But Eni’s leadership extends far beyond financial metrics. She has driven initiatives that expand access to education, capital procurement and advisory services, while introducing culturally informed practices that deepen understanding and accountability across the organization.

A legacy of mentorship and advocacy

Beyond her corporate leadership, Eni is a passionate mentor, volunteer and advocate for inclusion. A proud Canadian of Igbo (Nigerian) and Cree (First Nations) descent and a member of Little Pine First Nation, she is also the daughter of a residential school survivor. She is particularly devoted to supporting emerging leaders from underrepresented communities, including cancer survivors and those with health impacts, women of colour, Indigenous women and individuals with disabilities – groups historically excluded from leadership pathways.

“Stay humble, be genuine in your curiosity and question everything,” she advises. “Be your authentic self, tune into what resonates and go hard with that.”

A catalyst for the future

Whether strengthening communities, helping shape national policy, mentoring young professionals or reimagining the role of business in reconciliation, Chinyere Eni leads with courage and conviction.

The WXN CN Executive Leaders Award is not just a recognition of her professional success. It is a testament to her ability to inspire others, challenge institutions to do better and create meaningful, lasting change across Canada.

Chinyere Eni is not only leading transformation. She is helping redefine what leadership means.

Learn more about how RBC is supporting a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. Visit Ideas for our people and planet web site.

 

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