Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Originally from Colombia, Andrea Cardona Palacio moved to Canada in 2022 with the goal of applying her strong academic background in electrical engineering to a meaningful professional career. She found her footing in health and safety shortly after, joining Green Infrastructure Partners (GIP) as a cooperative student. Her ability to quickly translate theory into practice led to a full-time role as an HSE coordinator by May 2023.
Andrea has demonstrated a strong command of provincial-specific health and safety procedures and is skilled in developing safe work practices to mitigate risk. She has successfully conducted accident investigations, implementing corrective actions that have improved safety performance across multiple job sites.
Recognized for her leadership and commitment, Andrea was promoted to HSE Advisor, where she now supports eight major projects within the Specialty Infrastructure Solutions Division. She also oversees HSE initiatives in GIP’s Structural Steel and Shops & Yards subdivisions, covering complex activities such as demolition, remediation, shoring, and excavation.
Her responsibilities include early-stage risk assessments with operations teams, developing project-specific safety plans, delivering respiratory protection training, and ensuring compliance with GIP’s safety management system.
Having already earned one bachelor and three post-graduate degrees, Andrea continues to build her professional credentials and is actively working toward her NCSO designation, reinforcing her dedication to personal and professional development as well as workplace safety.
100 Commerce Valley Drive, West Markham, ON L3T 0A1
647 309 2716
apalacio@gipi.com
linkedin.com/in/andrea-cardona-palacio
gipi.com
Andrea Cardona Palacio
HSE Advisor Green Infrastructure Partners
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Bio
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Bio
Milestones
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2016-2019
2022
2023
2024
2020
Graduated in Electrical Engineering and Project Management (National University of Colombia) and Occupational Health & Safety (University of Manizales)
2016-2019
Joined GIP as a co-op student
Graduated from Occupation Health & Safety (Lambton College)
2022
Stepped into the role of HSE Coordinator at GIP
2023
Promoted to HSE Advisor at GIP
2024
Refocused on his personal book, growing a loyal client base through referrals, relationships, and service excellence
2020
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.