2026 Sun Life Tomorrow’s Leader Award Finalist

Vanessa Gray is Senior Legal Counsel at UAP Inc., where she has been a key member of the legal team for the past three years, advising on complex commercial, operational, regulatory and strategic matters across the organization. Called to the bar in 2016, Vanessa began her legal career in private practice at a regional law firm in Atlantic Canada, where she developed a strong foundation in corporate and commercial law before transitioning in-house.

Working remotely from rural New Brunswick, Vanessa has built strong relationships across a national organization of more than 5,000 colleagues. While she initially questioned whether distance might be a barrier, her experience has reinforced that meaningful collaboration and connection can thrive regardless of geography.

Vanessa brings a practical, business-minded approach to her work, shaped by both her legal training and her entrepreneurial experience as a small business owner in her community.

Outside of her professional roles, Vanessa is a dedicated mother to Peyton (16) and Violet (6), a competitive volleyball coach, and an avid mountain biker. She values time outdoors, traveling, and creating meaningful experiences with her family, with a focus on maximizing joy and simplicity in everyday life.