Change The World | She Shines

SheShines: Profiling Young Leader Robin Ketcheson


We’re putting the spotlight on Robin Ketcheson. Robin is an elite hockey athlete, most recently has been playing in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) for the Burlington Barracuda’s. In her spare time, she volunteers with Hockey HEROS, manages her own stock portfolio, and works part-time at The Running Room.

UniversityHub caught up with Robin to find out what inspires her work and what advice she would share with other young women…

On Her Background

Where are you from originally?
Toronto, Ontario

Where do you currently attend school?
I am currently taking a gap year playing girls junior hockey. I graduated last year from Greenwood College School and I will be attending Queen’s University in September where I will study commerce

What does “SheShines” mean to you?
SheShines inspires young women to strive towards their goals and ambitions headfirst. It underscores the importance of women in society today as well as their place in our society’s future.

Robin Ketcheson

On Life

How would you describe yourself in under 140 characters?
I’m hardworking and passionate about seizing every day. I love to travel, play sports and take any opportunity to experience something new.

What do you enjoy the most about your school?
I am excited to start my commerce degree at Queen’s because I will be able to learn in an environment where every person is just as ambitious and hardworking as the next. Having the opportunity to learn in such a motivated and passionate environment is what I believe I will enjoy the most.

What keeps you busy outside of school?
I play junior hockey where I compete in the PWHL, the highest level of competitive female hockey in the province. I also work as a sales associate and cashier at The Running Room. When I am not training for hockey, playing hockey or working, I manage my own stock portfolio and enjoy other hobbies such as cooking, walking and playing guitar.

What accomplishments or activities are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being awarded an athletic scholarship from Queen’s University to play varsity hockey. Making a difference in my community is also incredibly important to me. I have been a canvasser for The Heart And Stroke Foundation, I created crafts for Camp Oochigeas and I also worked extensively with Hockey HEROS where I was a group leader who empowered at-risk youth through the game of hockey.

What do you do to keep your stress level managed?
I find it helps me to live my life in a manner where I am always focused on the present moment rather than worrying about the future and the things I cannot control. I also always try to find time for myself; I love spending time with my family and friends, playing sports, going for walks, going to the gym and curling up to watch a good movie.

Five year plan. Go.
I plan to graduate from The Smith School Of Business in 2020 after having had an amazing experience at Queen’s. I will have been a leader or innovator with one or two large clubs, committees or conferences and I will have graduated near the top of my class with many summer intern experiences under my belt. In the year after my graduation, I plan to travel the world for 12 months on my own world tour.

Robin Ketcheson

On Women

What do you believe is the biggest challenge women face today?
While women have made large strides in recent times, they still face significant challenges in the corporate world. The pay gap between women and men is still far too large, and women in the corporate world are faced with barriers to success based on heavily established and subconscious stereotypes.

What progress do you see in this issue?
I believe there has been significant progress in this issue. There are so many small pieces coming together that will one day add up to make a big difference. From Hillary Clinton running for US president, to Brazil enacting a law against femicide, to Serena Williams standing up against the gender pay gap in tennis, as a society we are taking many steps forward.

If you had to leave one message with young women, what would it be?
Don’t ever the fit the mold that someone else wants you to fit. Strive to be your own version of perfect. Be a good person and always take the high road but never let anyone push you around; you are stronger than you think, you are better than you believe and you are more capable than you know.

On Her Favourites

Music you’re grooving to: Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
Movies and TV shows: The Last Song, Gossip Girl, Lost & Prison Break
Travel destination: Thailand
Guilty pleasure: The Bachelor / Bachelorette
Top three things you couldn’t live without: My Family, Hockey & My Dog
Favourite app: Headspace
Go-to website: Netflix
Favourite person to follow on social media: Tyler Bozak
What gives you the biggest FOMO: Missing movie nights with my family

On Everything Else

What inspires you to continue to do great work?
Being surrounded by a loving and supportive family and friends who believe in me allows me to always believe in myself and always push myself to be better tomorrow than I was today.

When you hear the word ‘successful’ what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Anything else you want our reader to know about you, what you’re doing or a final message you’d like to leave them with?
Never underestimate the power of a smile and a kind word.


UniversityHub.ca is the ultimate hub for prospective Canadian university students. Find your university match, discover your chances of admission, get application deadline reminders, and connect with other students. 

SheShines is a movement co-led by UniversityHub and Faze to put the spotlight on young women leaders.


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