Small Steps Towards Making a Big Difference
Carol Cowan-Levine, a longstanding volunteer and member of both Women’s College Hospital and Foundation Board of Directors, reflects on her recent appointment to the Order of Canada, serving her community and the importance of levelling the playing field.
When Carol Cowan-Levine received the phone call notifying her that she had been invested into the Order of Canada, she thought someone had made a mistake. She recalled saying, “there are hundreds of more deserving individuals – surely you have the wrong person!” After some protest, Carol eventually accepted the news with humility, adding the honorific to her long list of credentials as a leader in health and welfare.
The social worker and psychotherapist has always maintained a strong desire to alleviate suffering and inequity. Carol recently reflected on her life of service at Women’s College Hospital and Foundation, what the Order of Canada represents to her, and her hopes for the future.
What motivates you to be an advocate for justice and equity?
I’ve never been one that could tolerate suffering, and I was aware that I needed to give back to make a difference for people. I think that came in part from my family’s values, as I was taught very early on that we had a responsibility in that respect. I have carried that throughout my education, my career, and my life that it is important for me to try and relieve suffering and inequity, in whatever way I can.
Why is Women’s College Hospital important to you?
I was initially introduced to Women’s College Hospital when I gave birth to quadruplets at another hospital but assisted by doctors from WCH. Several years later, I was asked to consider an appointment to the Hospital/Foundation Board as a liaison and thought, “absolutely, I have nothing but gratitude for that place.” It was later in my involvement that I came to have a deeper appreciation of the inequity and imbalance that Women’s College Hospital is striving to address to this day. Women’s embraces the idea of examining all the determinants of health, which resonates deeply with me. You must consider the whole, as opposed to simply physical well-being. And you have to advocate for those who do not always have voices, which is what Women’s College Hospital continues to do.
Are there any career highlights that you are particularly proud of?
In relation to Women’s, I’m enormously proud of the work we accomplished to re-establish Women’s College Hospital as a separate entity following the merger with Sunnybrook. In that time, we also established the Foundation, with a large base endowment that had been protected, allowing Women’s College Hospital to develop into the organization it is today. Another professional highlight is the establishment of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. We continue to uphold professional accountability for our approximately 10,000 members, ensuring that there is accountability and professional standards in how we care for people.
What does the appointment to the Order of Canada mean to you?
My life has been a series of small steps. I’ve never been anything but a worker bee and never thought that I was building a career toward a specific goal – I have always focused on the work at hand, in the moment, keeping in the present day. But I acknowledge that this recent appointment may confirm that my small contributions have perhaps made a small difference.
Carol has been involved with Women’s College Hospital for over three decades as a donor and volunteer, serving as director and Chair of both the Women’s College Hospital and Foundation Board of Directors throughout much of her career. Women’s College Hospital Foundation is proud to celebrate her accomplishments and her continued service. Read the formal announcement here.