Women in Capital Markets (WCM) Friday announced the winners of the 2012 WCM Executive Coaching Award Program.

Now in its fifth year, the program provides career coaching and development services from Toronto-based Felix Global Corp. to qualified senior women working in the capital markets in Canada.

“The Executive Coaching Award Program is designed to support the development of women in senior leadership roles in the financial industry,” says Martha Fell, CEO of WCM. “Having a trusted executive coach helps these focused individuals harness their strengths and provides them with the confidence and self-awareness to achieve their business and personal goals. It’s a win-win.”

The five winners were chosen from applicants across a broad range of Canadian financial institutions. The program is directed at applicants with a minimum of 10 years’ experience who have already achieved significant success in their careers. Candidates must be currently employed in Canadian capital markets, which includes the issuing, buying, selling or trading of securities, currencies and derivatives, and must demonstrate how the award would help them further their career goals in an environment still dominated by male professionals.

The 2012 Career Coaching Award winners are:

  • Charlotte Daughney – TD Securities Inc.;
  • Viktoriya Gruzytska – CIBC;
  • Nicola Ray Smith – Scotiabank;
  • Wendy Smith – Scotiabank; and
  • Synthia St-Michel – Intact Investment Management Inc.

“BMO Nesbitt Burns is very proud to be a presenting sponsor of this important program in conjunction with Felix Global Corporation,” says Charyl Galpin, co-head, executive vice president & managing director, BMO Nesbitt Burns – private client division. “Our firm is committed to being a leader in diversity and workplace equity and we firmly stand behind the advancement and growth of women in the Canadian financial services industry.”

The awards were presented by Kathryn Smith, chairwoman of WCM, at a luncheon hosted by BMO Financial Group.

WCM is a non-profit organization that promotes the entry, advancement and development of women, fosters accountability for diversity and recognizes leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the Canadian capital markets industry.