Ottawa’s business community is strongest when leaders intentionally create spaces where people feel they belong. For Amy Rozario-Henkel, that work happens every day – inside one of the city’s most recognizable retail destinations.
As General Manager of St. Laurent Shopping Centre, Amy’s focus extends beyond leasing deals or foot traffic metrics. Her mandate is to position the centre as a central, convenient hub for the community – a place that’s inclusive, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable for the people who walk through its doors. Retail, in her view, is about experience.
While she openly shares that she “loves shopping,” what truly motivates her is designing environments that feel clean, comfortable, relaxing, and stress-free. When the environment works, everything else follows – customer loyalty, retailer performance, and long-term sustainability.
Leading with Engagement, Passion, and Fun
Amy defines her leadership approach in three words: engaged, passionate, and fun.
She believes culture drives results. People perform at their best when they understand the bigger picture, feel supported by leadership, and are empowered to contribute ideas. Communication is central to her style – explaining change, sharing growth strategies, and ensuring her team understands not just what is happening, but why.
Her leadership confidence has also been shaped by navigating common biases women face in business. Being perceived as too quiet or too assertive is a balance many women leaders recognize. Amy has learned to lean into preparation and authenticity – listening first, doing her homework, and speaking with confidence when it matters. She also believes strongly that women must actively support one another in leadership spaces, rather than judge each other more critically.
Transforming Vision into Growth
One of the most defining chapters of Amy’s career has been leading the St. Laurent Shopping Centre through transformation. Partnering with Morguard to execute a renewed vision for growth required strategic alignment and team building at every level.
The results are tangible: major retailers like Sephora, H&M, and Lovisa have joined the centre, with additional developments slated for 2026. But for Amy, the greatest accomplishment is building a team capable of sustaining momentum.
Her leadership philosophy was heavily influenced early in her career by a Managing Partner who modelled transparency, inclusivity, and trust. He treated everyone equally, empowered his team to take risks, and held himself accountable when outcomes didn’t go as planned. That example reinforced Amy’s belief in giving your all, understanding your work deeply, and standing behind your decisions.
Envisioning an Inclusive Business Community
Amy’s vision for an equitable Ottawa business community is one where individuals don’t have to question their belonging – respect is natural, titles matter less than ideas, and listening happens with open minds and open hearts. Talent is talent, regardless of background or identity.
She supports other women leaders intentionally through conversation and feedback – creating safe spaces where ideas can be shared openly, processed thoughtfully, and revisited constructively. Empowerment, she believes, often begins with dialogue.
Leading Through Transition and Trust
Currently preparing for maternity leave, Amy is navigating a new leadership transition. Rather than attempting to control every outcome, she is focused on building confidence within her team – ensuring they feel equipped, empowered, and excited about stepping into expanded roles.
It’s a lesson in trust and momentum – two qualities essential not only within organizations, but across Ottawa’s broader business ecosystem.
Looking back over the past several years, Amy is most proud of choosing cultural alignment in her career decisions. Staying true to who she is – approachable, fun, relatable, and vulnerable – while still delivering strong business results has defined her path.
Sustaining Leadership with Purpose
For Amy, resilience is grounded in faith, positivity, and joy. Prayer, yoga, dancing, music, and strong personal relationships help her reconnect and recharge. Leadership, she recognizes, is not sustainable without well-being.
Her advice to women at the start of their leadership journey reflects that holistic mindset: Take risks. Stay authentic. Be kind. Stay humble. Protect your backbone – and use it when necessary. And above all, live fully.
At OBOT, we are proud to advocate for leaders and OBOT members like Amy who are shaping Ottawa’s business landscape through vision, inclusion, and intentional growth. By amplifying these stories, we continue our commitment to building a stronger, more equitable business community across our city.