Great Concordian: Madeleine Féquière, Consul General of Canada

Madeleine Féquière, BA 85, has built an impressive career at the intersection of finance, governance and diplomacy. Now serving as the Consul General of Canada in Chicago, she represents Canada’s interests across the Midwest United States, leveraging decades of global leadership experience to foster international collaboration.

Féquière’s journey to public service began in the corporate world, where she distinguished herself as an expert in credit risk management and international trade.

Prior to her diplomatic appointment, she was the corporate credit chief at Domtar Corporation, overseeing credit risk strategies across multiple continents to ensure financial stability and operational excellence. Her roles at AbitibiBowater Corp. and Teleglobe Canada further refined her expertise in global finance.

The Great Concordian’s path to success has been anything but conventional. Féquière’s academic foundation in translation from Concordia led to an unexpected pivot into finance — a field she entered “by accident but remained in by choice.”

This adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges have been hallmarks of her career. Beyond the corporate sphere, Féquière has dedicated more than 25 years to serving on the boards of organizations in business, education, arts and philanthropy, including Investissement Québec, Université de Montréal and Autorité des Marchés Financiers. She is also a co-founder of the Excellence Québec initiative, which champions diversity, inclusion and the integration of emerging leaders in governance and finance.

Her contributions to business and society have earned her widespread recognition, including the Leadership Award from the Association des femmes en finance du Québec. In 2023, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, in acknowledgment of her impact in both finance and community leadership.

Féquière reflects on the shifting landscape of diplomacy in today’s world. “We’re no longer operating in a realm of traditional diplomacy,” she explains. “The focus has moved toward business-centric engagements, with much of our work dedicated to helping companies navigate uncertainty. In this new era, diplomacy demands adaptability to continue building bridges and fostering meaningful collaboration.”

Her success has been driven by a commitment to readiness. “I don’t set limited goals,” Féquière shares. “I was raised to love myself, my family and others. I was taught to never miss an opportunity to learn, to teach and to contribute. These values have shaped who I am today. So when the call comes, I’m ready to take action.”

When you reflect on your time as a Concordia student, what stands out?

Madeleine Féquière: My time at Concordia was a period of profound growth. It was when I realized that my future success was in my own hands. It was also the time I defined who I wanted to become.

Being at Concordia in the 1980s, I discovered Canada’s incredible diversity — at the time, the university felt like the United Nations. I wasn’t well-travelled then, but meeting students from across Africa, the Caribbean and around the world shaped my understanding of inclusiveness. It was also when I became deeply engaged in community involvement. That experience was transformative, and I cherish it to this day.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

MF: I live by the motto: To go far, be flexible, adaptable and resilient. Early on, I understood that we are only as strong as our network. I’ve always been intentional about surrounding myself with people who share my values, and many of them are still in my life today.

Lastly, I lead with purpose and passion. If I’m not passionate about something, I simply won’t do it.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

MF: Don’t set limited goals. Some people say, ‘I just want to be a manager.’ Why stop there? Dream bigger. Don’t be afraid to fail, because failure and success go hand in hand. Stay resilient, no matter what. Cultivate a growth mindset — never stop learning and evolving. Above all, lead with intention and remain curious.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

MF: It gives me a deep sense of pride to know that my contributions have been recognized and valued. It also inspires me to continue making a difference and setting an example for others. Recognition like this carries a responsibility — to mentor, to share my journey and to uphold the values that come with this honour.

Most importantly, it reaffirms my belief that success is not just about personal achievement — it’s about making a meaningful impact. Over the years, I’ve moved from success to significance, and that is what matters most to me.