Day of Pink Speakers Bureau
Adrienne Rosen
(she/They) English, Spanish
Adrienne Rosen is a trailblazing entrepreneur, feminist activist, and community leader whose remarkable journey spans decades of activism, business innovation, and advocacy. As President and CEO of First International Courier Systems, a pioneering medical logistics company she co-founded in 1984, Adrienne has been at the forefront of global biotech and biopharma transportation solutions.
Adrienne’s activism began in the early 1970s as a fearless advocate for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and women’s equality. She participated in landmark actions such as the Brunswick Four protest, which catalyzed change in police treatment of the queer community in Canada. Her dedication to justice has remained a cornerstone of her life and work.
Her entrepreneurial journey includes establishing a messenger service to empower single mothers and later launching a groundbreaking air courier system. In 1983, Adrienne became the first woman sponsored by Yamaha to ride a motorcycle around the world, an exhilarating year-long adventure that further cemented her spirit of determination and resilience.
Committed to lifelong learning, Adrienne earned a BA in Philosophy from York University, an MA in Philosophy of Education from OISE, and a doctorate from the University of South Africa. Her academic achievements reflect her intellectual curiosity and commitment to personal growth.
Adrienne’s life has been marked by both profound joy and tragedy. She and her wife of nearly 38 years, Myra, have raised two remarkable daughters, Alana and Sally. Following the heartbreaking loss of Alana to an accidental fentanyl overdose, Adrienne has become a passionate advocate for harm reduction and mental health awareness.
Adrienne continues to inspire through her activism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
