Cora dela Cruz

Personal Information

With a wealth of experience, Cora has been president of Trade Alliances Canada Inc. since 2018. Her passion lies in forging innovative and global connections within Canada and the Asian communities. Over her 30-year career, she has navigated government and private industry intricacies, collaborating with entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized companies, and NGOs to establish connections between Canada and Asian countries. This extensive experience is a testament to her capabilities and expertise.

She retired from the Ontario provincial government in 2011 and held several executive positions in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Business Practices Division. Roles included those as Provincial Registrar, responsible for the enforcement and administration of Ontario Consumer Protection statutes under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, the Cemeteries Act, as Project Director for the transition team of the Travel Industry Act, as Project Director for the re-development of a comprehensive commercial registration, information and tracking system to accommodate the requirements of business regulation and consumer protection under seven pieces of legislation.

Cora worked as a business consultant with Business Development Canada (BDC) for over five years. She then moved and lived in the Philippines from 2012 to 2018 to become the National Executive Director for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She worked closely with the Trade Commissioner’s Office of the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines and promoted Canadian businesses and trade relations between Canada and the Philippines.

As the current Chair of the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC), Cora is a driving force in advancing its mission to foster economic growth among Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs. Her past leadership roles include President of the National Alliance of Philippine Business Trade and Tourism (Canada), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto, the Canadian Association of Philippine Travel Agents, and the Regional Vice President of the National Council of Canadian Filipino Associations.

Cora is a recipient of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award, a global winning award under the Filipina Global Women’s Network TM, a San Francisco-based non-profit professional organization for women, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at the International Women’s Day in Markham, Ontario, an award finalist for the Asian of the Year in Business and Public Service under the Canada Asian Network held in Parliament Hills, Ottawa, One of the Most Outstanding President of Philippine Associations in Canada, and Most Outstanding Filipino-Canadian..

Born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada at age 20, Cora’s journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her ability to navigate different cultures and systems has been a critical factor in her success. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Philippines and a Bachelor’s in Administrative Studies from York University.

Cora’s passion lies in coaching women in entrepreneurship and leadership, where she has made significant contributions. Her commitment to building and mentoring the youth is evident in her work and is a vital part of her professional identity.