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    Fiona McKean

    Founder and Chair, Thistledown -- Owner, The Opinicon

    Fiona McKean is a social enterprise entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community builder who co-founded the Thistledown Foundation with her husband Tobi Lütke, the CEO of Shopify.23

    Professional Background

    Fiona McKean serves as the Founder and Chair of the Thistledown Foundation, which was launched in January 2019.2 The foundation was initially seeded with a $150 million endowment to focus on accelerating frontier carbon removal technology and curtailing the worst impacts of climate change.2

    Philanthropic Efforts

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, McKean and Lütke committed to donating $1 million to Conquer COVID-19 through their Thistledown Foundation.14 This donation was aimed at helping to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to frontline healthcare workers in Canada.

    Business Ventures

    In addition to her philanthropic work, McKean is also a business owner. In 2015, she purchased The Opinicon, a shuttered resort, and led it through extensive renovation and restoration.2 The resort now employs many people in the local community and welcomes thousands of visitors annually.

    Education

    Fiona McKean holds a master's degree in international relations from the Norman Patterson School of International Relations at Carleton University.2

    Personal

    McKean comes from a diplomat family and grew up traveling the world, always considering Ottawa as her beloved home base.3 She describes herself as "50% Geek, 50% Nerd" on her Twitter profile.5

    Highlights

    Dec 23 · Bloomberg
    Shopify, Amazon Retail Rivalry Heats Up With Covid-Sparked Online Shopping Booma - Bloomberg
    Jul 8 · soibridge.com
    What is Carbon Sequestration and How Can it Help our Planet?
    Philanthropy in Ottawa: Tobi Lütke and Fiona McKean support community COVID-19 relief efforts - Ottawa Business Journal
    Apr 11 · conquercovid19.ca
    Fiona McKean and Tobi Lütke Commit to $1 Million Donation to ...
    Fiona McKean and Tobi Lütke Commit to $1 Million Donation to ...
    Apr 11 · businesswire.com
    Fiona McKean and Tobi Lütke Commit to $1 Million Donation to ...

    Related Questions

    What inspired Fiona McKean to start the Thistledown Foundation?
    How has the Thistledown Foundation impacted climate change efforts?
    What other projects has Fiona McKean been involved in besides Thistledown?
    How did Fiona McKean and Tobi Lütke meet?
    What is the significance of The Opinicon in Fiona McKean's career?
    Fiona McKean
    Fiona McKean, photo 1
    Fiona McKean, photo 2
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    Location

    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada