The Women Who came first
At the heart of St. Margaret’s history is the women who made it. Women who dared, dreamed, and did the hard things first.
Facts are important. Dates matter. But it’s their courage, their character, and their voices that shaped this place.
1908
Edith and isabel fenwick
In 1908, sisters Edith and Isabel Fenwick established a school rooted in purpose and possibility. With vision beyond their time, they created a space where girls could think boldly, learn deeply, and lead with confidence.
Just three years later, in 1911, their lives were lost in the sinking of the SS Iroquois—a devastating tragedy that shook the community. And yet, the foundation they built was strong. Their vision was already taking root.
Carried forward by their dear friend and co-founder, Margaret Barton, the school grew in both spirit and strength—anchored in the values the Fenwick sisters lived every day.
Their legacy lives in every question asked, every boundary pushed, and every voice that rises with strength and purpose.
They began something that still moves forward—with heart, with courage, and with the power of girls at its core.
1911
Margaret Barton
Before there was a campus or crest, there was Margaret Barton—quietly tutoring a few girls in a borrowed room. What began with three students became St. Margaret’s School.
When tragedy struck in 1911 and both Fenwick sisters drowned in the sinking of the SS Iroquois, Margaret was the sole survivor. In the face of unimaginable loss, she chose to lead. She became Principal, secured land, registered the school in her name, and carried it forward through two world wars.
She returned again in 1936, when the School needed her steady hand once more.
Margaret Barton built with vision and resolve, knowing that girls’ education could withstand anything the world might bring.
Every voice that rises at St. Margaret’s today echoes hers.
1928-1931
DR. FRANCES KELSEY
Frances Kelsey (1928-1931) was a woman of fearless conviction. As a medical officer at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, she refused to bow to pressure—holding firm against the approval of thalidomide, a drug later linked to severe birth defects.
Her courage prevented a national health crisis and saved thousands of lives. But her legacy didn’t stop there.
Frances reshaped drug safety regulations across North America. Her leadership proved that doing what’s right isn’t always easy—but it’s always worth it. Today, her impact continues to protect millions.
1936
They Chose Courage. They Led with Love.
When war returned to the world, Margaret Barton returned to St. Margaret’s. From 1936 to 1939, she guided the School through uncertainty with calm, courage, and an unshakable belief in service.
Inspired by her leadership, the girls rose to meet the moment. They launched a Junior Red Cross Club, supported relief missions, and lived their motto—Service with Love—in action. Even then, SMS girls were disruptors: brave, bold, and unwavering in their commitment to others.
Many took that spirit into service—across Canada, England, and Australia—joining the army, navy, and air force. Among them:
Mary Angus ’35, Wendy Pinhorn, Joan Gibson, Sheila MacArthur ’39, Faith Cornwall ’31, Barbara Bullock-Webster, Mary Cross, Robin Baugh-Allen, Patsy Beard, Betty Dunsmuir, Joan Thompson, Annie Innes, June McDonald, Vivienne King ’41, Eve Lettice, and Nina Greig.
1955
Maggie Gilliam '55
Maggie Gilliam ’55, one of Wall Street’s first female analysts, built her career by spotting game-changing potential before anyone else. She recognized the promise of companies like Walmart, The Home Depot, Costco, and William Sonoma long before they became household names. That same conviction—the ability to see scale, possibility, and impact—brought her back to St. Margaret’s School. As a proud SMS alumni and lifelong advocate for girls’ education, Maggie stepped forward with a landmark $10 million gift to help launch the 100 Women, 100 Million campaign—one of the largest donations in the School’s 117-year history.
Her investment is about opening doors for girls who are ready to lead, but held back by circumstance. Maggie’s support of the Global Girls Scholarship Program is already shaping a different future—one where young women around the world gain the confidence, tools, and access to rise. Her belief in St. Margaret’s mission has ignited a growing movement of women who are stepping forward to build a legacy of education, equity, and leadership that will ripple across generations.
1984
Ramina Johal ’84
For over 30 years, Ramina Johal has shaped global policy on gender equality, humanitarian aid, and refugee rights—working with the UN, international NGOs, and governments around the world.
As senior coordinator at the Women’s Refugee Commission in New York, she helped lead the push for UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and ensured refugee women had a seat at decision-making tables. From conflict zones to resettlement programs, her work has created systemic change—from the UNHCR to the U.S. resettlement system.
A bold voice for justice, Ramina continues to champion action with intention, inspiring young leaders to create a more equitable world.
1985
Lynda Brown-Ganzert ’85
Lynda Brown-Ganzert is the founder and CEO of Curatio—the world’s first social health prescription platform—connecting patients to one another and the support they need to heal.
A trailblazer in digital health and media, Lynda has held senior leadership roles at Electronic Arts, Edelman, and Nordicity, and helped launch Canada’s first Master of Digital Media program at the Centre for Digital Media in 2007.
Twice featured on Dragons’ Den and celebrated as one of Canada’s top entrepreneurs, Lynda continues to lead with innovation, heart, and a vision for a more connected, equitable world of care.
1986
Karen Clark Cole '86
Karen Clark Cole is the co-founder and CEO of Blink UX, a global experience design firm that creates products people love. A true “Possibility Thinker,” Karen turns bold ideas into action—and inspires others to do the same.
Under her leadership, Blink has earned national acclaim from Forbes, Inc., and the Puget Sound Business Journal, and Karen herself has been recognized as one of Enterprising Women’s Women of the Year.
Beyond business, Karen champions gender equity as a council member on the U.S. National Women’s Business Council and as founder of Girls Can Do, a speaker series igniting possibility in the next generation. She also runs Heaven on Earth, a sanctuary for retired farm animals—proof that her vision is as expansive as her impact.
From Victoria to Seattle, Karen leads with courage, creativity, and heart.
1998
Elizabeth Rogers ’98
Elizabeth Rogers exemplifies global leadership and academic excellence. With a BSc from the University of Victoria, an MSc from the University of Strasbourg, and an MBA from Rotterdam School of Management, she has built a career that bridges science and international business.
Elizabeth's journey reflects a commitment to cross-cultural understanding and strategic thinking, embodying the values of adaptability and continuous growth.
2012
Alex Nelson ’12
Alex Nelson is a national housing advocate and PhD candidate committed to ending homelessness in Canada. Their work centers on the belief that housing is a human right—and that real solutions come from community-driven leadership.
A champion for equity, sustainability, and inclusion, Alex brings diverse voices to the table and leads with heart. As a proud non-binary advocate, they are reshaping policy to reflect the dignity and rights of all people.
Alex is building a future where everyone has a place to belong—and a home to call their own.
2007
Gillian Carleton ’07
Gillian Carleton has always been a force—on the track, in the lab, and in life.
After graduating from SMS in 2007, Gillian went on to represent Canada at the 2012 London Olympics, bringing home a bronze medal in team pursuit cycling. That same fall, they returned to SMS to speak with students about resilience, training, and the courage it takes to chase big dreams.
Since then, Gillian has continued to lead with purpose. As a mental health advocate supporting Ride Don’t Hide, and now as a Vanier Scholar and PhD candidate in Biochemistry, they are researching immunotherapy at BC Cancer with a focus on ovarian cancer treatment.
In recognition of their excellence, integrity, and impact, Gillian was awarded the SMS Emerging Leader Award in 2018—proof that leadership takes many forms, and Gillian embodies them all.