Alumni Highlight: Janet Lymer

Anchored in Faith: Janet Lymer’s Leadership Journey as a CWLF Alumna

For Janet Lymer, leadership is a vocation born of faith. A lifelong Catholic, a mother who raised her family in the Church, and a respected leader in Calgary’s nonprofit sector, Janet embodies the heart of Catholic servant leadership. As a 2019–2020 alumna of the Catholic Women’s Leadership Foundation (CWLF), her story is one of clarity, courage, and a deep commitment to building a better world, rooted in Christ.

Choosing Purpose Over Profit

Janet’s professional journey began in the corporate world, where she held marketing roles with high-profile organizations. But over time, it became evident that her true calling lay elsewhere. She felt drawn to the nonprofit sector—not for comfort, but for calling.

“I realized that my heart was not in profit margins, but in purpose,” Janet reflects. “I left the corporate world because I believed God was calling me to serve communities more directly—and to lead with compassion, integrity, and faith.”

This decision marked a pivotal turning point in her life, leading her to organizations serving vulnerable populations, seniors, and Catholic education.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”— Romans 8:28

A Transformative Experience with CWLF

By the time Janet joined CWLF in 2019, she was already deeply involved in parish life, including serving as president of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Peter’s Parish until 2023. Yet the CWLF program offered something that surprised and strengthened her.

“The program came at just the right time. It gave me the courage, support, and spiritual nourishment I didn’t know I was missing,” she says. “CWLF helped me see that my leadership wasn’t just useful—it was needed. God had prepared me; now it was time to step forward with strength.”

Through prayerful formation, mentorship, and connection with other Catholic women across Canada, Janet was equipped to take the next step in her professional growth: pursuing her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation.

“Deepening my professional commitment came with God’s hand guiding every step,” she shares. “The CWLF was part of that journey—it helped me trust that my work could be both professionally excellent and spiritually faithful.”

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”— Proverbs 16:3

Building the Future of Catholic Education

Today, Janet leads as Executive Director of the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF), where she champions Catholic education by supporting students and schools with essential resources. Her role culminates decades of community-building, but she sees it most clearly as a continuation of her Catholic witness.

Whether through grant-making, relationship-building, or storytelling, Janet serves as a fundraiser and a faith-filled leader, helping to shape the next generation of Catholic learners.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”— 1 Corinthians 16:14

Belief in the Mission of CWLF

As an alumna, Janet passionately advocates for the CWLF’s mission. “Canada needs more female Catholic leaders,” she says. “We need women of faith at the decision-making tables—in parishes, schools, nonprofits, and boardrooms. CWLF provides the formation and the courage to help them get there.”

For Janet, CWLF isn’t just a program—it’s a movement—one that she proudly carries with her in every room she enters and every community she serves.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”— Jeremiah 29:11