SOCIAL CHANGE AWARD: REGIONAL IMPACT

Winning the Women of Influence RBC Momentum Award for 2020 has been an extraordinary experience for me, in a challenging year. To be recognized among so many accomplished female leaders was not only one of the greatest honours I have had, it has been so meaningful for my team at SureCall and acknowledges the work we do together as a purpose driven company. As a leader of a social enterprise and B corporation, I am truly inspired to see the importance placed on socially responsible companies who utilize business as a force for good, through this program. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to have been selected among the outstanding Canadian women finalists; it has fired me up to do more and lead by example so that other women entrepreneurs will take the leap, and share the journey. Thank you for continuing to shine a spotlight on women in business, your stellar support helps to make dreams come true!

Winning the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award in the Start-Up category has resulted in so much more recognition and respect than I ever expected. In my business of vacation-rentals, trust is paramount — for both my owners and guests. Owners are worried that their special vacation property will not be taken care of, and guests are concerned that the cottage that they paid for will not be what they were expecting. Receiving this award from WOI and RBC gives my customers the stamp of approval that Jayne's Cottages will deliver in a top-notch manner.

I am so appreciative of the opportunities that have emerged as a result of being selected as a winner of the 2020 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Awards – Social Change. The recognition of my leadership and the work of Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute has illuminated the brilliance, agency and contributions of African Nova Scotians/Canadians to all sectors of the Province of Nova Scotia and beyond. Thank you RBC and Women of Influence for your vision and commitment and helping me to live this quote that I value - “I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.” —Maya Angelou

It's an entrepreneur's dream to be recognized by RBC. So it was such an honor to be amongst so many female changemakers at the gala ceremony — which was so moving and incredibly well-produced. The night after winning the Trailblazer award, it was amazing how quickly I began getting media attention. The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards shines a bright spotlight on inspirational stories of entrepreneurship, women who demonstrate ingenuity and resilience. I am inspired by them. And I will always be grateful for this honour

Winning the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards truly was a dream come true. The award has truly boosted brand awareness of our natural skincare products across the country. The entire Women of Influence team was a pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend everyone considering to apply!

I remember attending the Women of Influence Gala in 2018 just 2 months after going full-time with my business, Three Ships. I was so inspired by each of the women who crossed the stage that night and dreamt about one day being able to follow in their footsteps. To then be recognized as one of RBC's Women of Influence just two short years later is such an honour and motivates me to keep inspiring the next generation of Canadian female founders.

After a few years of being a finalist it was an absolute thrill to win the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in the Excellence category. I was surprised at how much it raised my profile on the national level with much media attention and many speaking opportunities that came after I won. It is so invaluable to have RBC and Women of Influence profile the stories of Canadian women entrepreneurs to build us all up and inspire the next generation of female leaders.