On March 3rd, we celebrated the 2020 Top 25 Women of Influence. This year’s Top 25 women represented a variety of sectors, career stages, and contributions to women’s advancement. What do they have in common? They are all women of influence, who have left their mark over the past year. Some have reached impressive heights in their career, breaking through barriers to become visible examples of what women are capable of. Others are focused on supporting women and girls through their initiatives, both at a community level, and on the world stage. Many are giving a voice to the challenges women face in their lives and careers, helping to initiate important conversations that can lead to lasting change.
At only 15 years old, Autumn Peltier is teaching us all to be more responsible about water. Having taken over the position of Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation from her late great-aunt, her activism has earned her accolades and global attention. She received a nomination for the 2019 International Children's Peace Prize, and has spoken multiple times at the UN, with a clear statement urging the community to respect the importance of clean water.
As a foreign correspondent, Sally Armstrong has spent decades dedicated to shining a light on the struggles of women and girls in conflict zones around the world, earning her the Amnesty International Media Award four times. Often called “the war correspondent for the world's women,” she has given a voice to countless individuals by sharing their stories. Passionate about women's rights, her latest effort has been to uncover the reason of why and how women have been treated as unequal for so long.
The annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Gala is the premier event of the year. In 2019, nominees, applicants, finalists, judges and guests had the opportunity to celebrate Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in style on November 20th at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.
After an elegant cocktail reception spent mingling with celebrity guests, dignitaries and past award winners, guests will move into the grand ballroom for a three course dinner, entertainment and the official Awards Show where the winners of six award categories were announced live.
This red-carpet event provided guests the opportunity to celebrate the award Finalists and Winners, meet and enjoy the company of incredible men and women in Canadian business, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit shared by women across the country.
Start-Up Award - Jayne’s Cottages
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub Micro-Business Award - Gillespie’s Fine Spirits Ltd, Boozewitch Beverage Company, Switch Beverage Co.
RBC Momentum Award - Western Wealth Capital
Social Change Award - SAAAC Autism Centre
TELUS Trailblazer Award - Diva International Inc.
Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award - Les Emballages Carrousel Inc.
On October 29, we sat down with three groundbreaking experts who not only shared their personal stories, but also reveal key learnings for any woman navigating mental health, ageism or fertility challenges. Together they helped unpack associated stigmas in the workplace and the resulting impact on career growth, while providing tangible insights for a path forward.