WINners in the Workforce

Terrie-Lynne Devonish was recognized as one of Canada's best and brightest by the prestigious awards program, Canada's Top 40 Under 40. The program annually honors 40 Canadians under the age of 40 across a spectrum of sectors, from business to science to civil service and academia. Terrie-Lynne was one of 9 women chosen from among 1,600 nominees. Honorees were chosen based on having shown vision, leadership, innovation, and achievement, in addition to having made an impact and being involved in their community. Terrie-Lynne said that being named to the list was a real honor and also a very humbling experience given the caliber of the honorees.

Terrie-Lynne Devonish joined Aon in 2007 as Chief Counsel for Aon Canada. Throughout her career, Terrie-Lynne has provided expertise, insight and a deep commitment to enhancing operational excellence and corporate governance. Terrie-Lynne was draw to Aon’s large and diverse nature and also the opportunity to grow Aon’s legal department. Terrie-Lynne describes her experience thus far at Aon as amazing. She says that she receives great exposure to new and interesting things, such as innovative products and the area of risk management. In her position, she gives legal advice and guidance to management teams in all areas of Aon Canada.

Terrie-Lynne believes that the principal driver of her success is the people in her life. She points to the support she has received from colleagues and mentors throughout her career as key elements of her success. She is driven by her desire to strive for excellence and her sense of community. Terrie-Lynne has a strong community commitment and is particularly dedicated to youth. She has been working with the Harry Jerome scholarship fund for 16 years. The fund provides financial support to African Canadian youth pursuing higher education thorough awarding approximately thirty scholarships each year. Through a national mentorship program she helped establish for the Black Law Students Association of Canada, Terrie-Lynne has been mentoring law students for about 10 years. Terrie-Lynne is also involved with the Black Business and Professional Association, the Volunteer Lawyers Service, and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, which gave her an award of excellence in 2006.

Terrie-Lynne Devonish, along with Heather McLeod of Aon, has also been responsible for getting WIN off the ground in Canada.  Terrie-Lynne says that she enjoys this type of organization building and thinks WIN is a great opportunity for women at Aon to connect with one another.

Terrie-Lynne is a double graduate of York University, with a B.A. in Political Science from Glendon College in 1992 and an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1995.  She is a member of York University's board of governors and has co-chaired the university's annual program since 2006, raising $1.875 million in 2006-07.  She also serves as a member of the Academic Resources and Governance and Human Resources Committees.

Please join WIN in congratulating Terrie-Lynne Devonish on her numerous accomplishments!