Women are playing crucial roles in a variety of sectors in the dynamic world of today, bringing about revolutionary change and shattering stereotypes in fields that have historically been controlled by males. Women leaders are at the forefront of innovation and advancement in a variety of fields, including technology, finance, government, and cultural organisations. Christine McGuire, the successful Executive Director of the Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum, is one of these significant individuals. McGuire is a shining example of leadership, confidently and strategically guiding the museum. She is a tribute to the extraordinary accomplishments of women, demonstrating that their influence goes well beyond changing narratives and motivating future generations, as one of The Most Influential Women Leaders to Watch in 2024.

Christine McGuire was inspired by her parents' strong work ethic from an early age. Her father, who started a metal manufacturing company in Ottawa, and her mother, who reared five children and operated a creche, taught her the importance of ambition and hard work. Christine's childhood moulded her into a person with a strong sense of purpose, influenced by the ambition of her three sisters, the generosity of her younger brother, and the support of her high school love, who is now her husband of over 20 years.

She discovered the significance of life and pursuing one's aspirations after her father passed away from leukaemia when she was just eighteen. It was an extremely significant turning point that ended one trip and started another. Additionally, Christine's love of museums dates back to her early years. This enthusiasm prompted her to get an MA in popular History from Carleton University, where she focused on the historical portrayal and popular memory of the 1973 Chilean coup d'état.

Working with refugees while pursuing her degree taught Christine the value of representation and consultation, as history is best represented from the viewpoints and experiences of those who experienced it. As the Executive Director of the Diefenbunker, Christine believes that community consultation is essential in giving marginalised groups a forum to tell their Cold War tales. She thinks that telling tales together may have a transforming effect and help create a better present and future.

With her experience in executive leadership, visitor experience, exhibition content and development, digital initiatives, marketing and communications, education, community outreach, interpretation, and evaluation, Christine McGuire has had the honour of contributing to many aspects of the museum industry over the past 18 years. She has continuously used her imagination, ambition, and enthusiasm to reinvent exhibitions and improve audience participation throughout her illustrious career. With a background in creativity, public involvement, and social responsibility, Christine is well-known for pushing the limits of immersive displays. She has also led organisations looking for change and expansion. Her support of strategic planning, effective leadership, and change management has been crucial to the success and expansion of the museum industry.

In 2018, Christine McGuire took on the humble position of Executive Director of Canada's Cold War Museum, the Diefenbunker. As the only subterranean bunker of its size to be designated as a national historic site and to be open as a public museum all year round, the Diefenbunker is intriguing for its uniqueness. Understanding this organization's enormous potential, Christine and the outstanding staff want to broaden its audience and educate local, national, and worldwide audiences about the important history of the Cold War.

As the Executive Director, Christine McGuire assumes the vital role of protecting and managing the Diefenbunker organisation, providing strategic guidance for the innovative execution of the museum's mission, vision, and general course. This entails a successful public engagement program, the skilful use of the facility's distinctive resources and vast collections, and the use of integrated fundraising and marketing tactics to provide a holistic visitor experience.

Securing funding for site preservation and museum expansion is a major part of Christine's job because the Diefenbunker has autonomous nonprofit status. Christine aggressively seeks and obtains funding to improve the organisation, which depends on the money made from award-winning events and exhibitions. She has secured more than $3 million in funding over the last three years for a range of projects, such as capital improvements and visitor experience renewal programs. Under Christine's direction, the Diefenbunker team, positioned as experts in the museum industry, is advancing site preservation initiatives, developing an immersive teaching platform, expanding revenue sources, and encouraging community partnerships, all of which point to a bright future.