Sun Life’s Senior Vice-President and CIO, Monique Allen, has been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). Her recognition highlights her transformative leadership in technology and her commitment to empowering diverse teams, while advancing digital innovation in the financial services sector.
In an era where technology drives every aspect of modern business, leaders like Monique Allen are shaping how organizations innovate, connect, and grow. As Sun Life’s Senior Vice-President and Chief Information Officer for Canadian Technology and Enterprise Architecture, Allen’s recognition among Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 underscores a career built on vision, integrity, and purpose.
Honoured in the CN Executive Leaders category, Allen stands out for her ability to fuse technological expertise with inclusive leadership. The award, presented by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), celebrates exceptional women who are transforming workplaces and communities across the country.
A vision for digital transformation
With over two decades of experience in financial technology, Monique Allen has made her mark by championing both innovation and human-centred design. Since joining Sun Life in 2023, she has led the company’s Digital Client and Technology Solutions team, responsible for the digital strategy and global enterprise architecture that power Sun Life’s continued evolution.
Her leadership has been pivotal to Sun Life’s digital transformation journey, bridging the gap between technology and business strategy. As Laura Money, Executive Vice-President and Chief Information and Technology Innovation Officer at Sun Life, shared:
“Monique’s leadership is a driving force behind Sun Life’s digital transformation and continued growth. She has been a catalyst in advancing our digital capabilities, bringing technology and business functions closer together to enhance Client impact.”
Under Allen’s direction, Sun Life has accelerated its efforts to deliver innovative, client-focused digital solutions—from digitized financial planning tools to improved online experiences for insurance and health services.
Empowering teams and building inclusive futures
Beyond technology, Allen’s leadership philosophy is rooted in inclusion and empowerment. Her recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women also celebrates her dedication to fostering diverse talent and nurturing collaborative cultures that drive innovation.
Jessica Tan, Executive Vice-President and President of Sun Life Canada, highlighted this impact:
“Monique’s leadership has been instrumental in weaving digital into the fabric of Client outcomes and impact here at Sun Life. She’s elevating the digital experience of innovative health and insurance solutions and digitizing financial planning tools to help Clients secure their financial future.”
For Allen, leadership is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“I’m honoured to be recognized among so many inspiring leaders,” she said. “This award reflects the incredible work of my team and our shared commitment to innovation, empowering diverse talent, and making a meaningful impact for our Clients and communities.”
Advocacy beyond the boardroom
Allen’s influence extends well beyond the corporate world. A strong advocate for holistic well-being, she serves on the board of Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, a leading public teaching hospital that supports individuals living with complex mental illness. Her work underscores her belief that financial security and mental health are deeply interconnected pillars of human well-being.
This dual focus—on both technological advancement and community care—defines Allen’s leadership style: purposeful, empathetic, and future-oriented.
A legacy of empowerment
The WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, launched in 2003, have honoured more than 1,000 trailblazing women across business, academia, and community service. Monique Allen’s inclusion in this distinguished network adds to Sun Life’s legacy of empowering women leaders who shape the future of Canadian business.
Sun Life continues to position itself at the forefront of the digital economy, operating globally across wealth, asset management, insurance, and health solutions. With more than $1.54 trillion in assets under management as of June 2025, the company’s growth reflects a vision that balances innovation with impact—values embodied by Monique Allen herself.
Inspiring the next generation of inclusive leaders
Monique Allen’s recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women represents more than a personal milestone; it’s a reflection of how inclusive, purpose-driven leadership can transform industries. Through her guidance, Sun Life continues to evolve as a digital-first organization—one that prioritizes people as much as performance.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that true innovation begins with empathy, collaboration, and courage. As technology continues to reshape financial services, leaders like Monique Allen are ensuring that progress remains rooted in human connection, empowering both clients and communities to thrive in the digital age.