The movement to advance the position of women who work in business was in the spotlight on Tuesday, as Catalyst Canada prepared to celebrate current business leaders who encourage gender diversity. At the same time, Women in Capital Markets (WCM) announced a new internship program to help female university students learn more about the finance industry.
Both Toronto-based organizations are non-profit groups dedicated to advocating for greater gender diversity in the corporate world.
The 2015 Catalyst Canada Honours Champions award ceremony will recognize three business leaders at a gala in Toronto on Tuesday. These individuals are being recognized for their efforts in building more diverse and inclusive workplaces.
“Congratulations to Catalyst Canada’s 2015 honourees, three exemplary leaders whose personal commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to propel their companies forward and inspire others,” says Bill Downe, CEO of Toronto-based Bank of Montreal and chair of Catalyst Canada’s advisory board, in a statement. “Developing all of Canada’s talent, ensuring the same quality of opportunity is available to all — this is how we are increasing our country’s competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy. The time for debating is long past; it’s time to lead and we thank these champions for rising to the challenge.”
Colleen Moorehead, chief client officer at law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Toronto, is one award recipient. Moorehead’s career includes the distinction of being the first female sales manager at New York-based Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. and leadership roles at Toronto-based CIBC World Markets Inc. She also co-founded E*Trade Canada, which was the largest independent online investment firm in Canada before it was sold to Bank of Nova Scotia in 2008.
Moorehead is being honoured for efforts that include spearheading the development of a reporting tool at Osler that included diversity and inclusion as key business metrics. She also co-founded the “Judy Project” at the Rotman School of Management, part of the University of Toronto. The project is a forum that is designed to support and prepare women for executive leadership positions. Alumnae of the program include more than 300 senior women executives from more than 40 national and global sponsor organizations.
Bill Thomas, CEO of Toronto-based KPMG LLP in Canada, is also being honoured. Thomas is credited with establishing training for the firm’s national leadership and its board of directors to combat unconscious biases in the workplace.
The third recipient is Cynthia Hansen, senior vice president, operations at Calgary-based Enbridge Pipelines Inc., whose focus on the issue of led to the creation of a senior diversity position at the company.
Women in Capital Markets (WCM) also made an announcement on Tuesday regarding a plan to help female university students explore the finance industry through a new internship program being launched in partnership with the Toronto-based Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB).
“Women in Capital Markets is committed to attracting and advancing women in Canadian capital markets,” says Jennifer Reynolds, President and CEO at WCM, in a statement. “We are pleased to partner with CPPIB to encourage more women to consider careers in the capital markets. This industry offers a broad range of job opportunities for women and a global view of the business world and our economy.”
The four-month summer internship program is designed for women in undergraduate programs who are curious about business, interested in exploring the finance industry and would like access to a mentor in the industry. Applications are due Jan. 13, 2016 for the program’s first session in the summer of 2016. Those who are interested can apply through the “careers” section of the CPPIB’s website.