Catalyst Canada is calling for nominations a new award that recognizes individuals who have made a critical and visible difference to women’s advancement.

Reflecting the crucial role played by senior executives in support of diversity, The Catalyst Canada Honours will pay tribute to the achievements of three champions — a CEO/Firm Leader, a Business Leader, and a Human Resources/Diversity Leader — who in their careers exemplify exceptional leadership around advancing women in their organizations, industries, and communities. With anticipation that these women and men serve as powerful role models, The Catalyst Canada Honours hopes to inspire men and women leaders to step up and become champions themselves.

The introduction of the new award marks Catalyst’s 10th anniversary in Canada. Both will be celebrated at a gala dinner chaired by Bill Downe, president and CEO, BMO Financial Group, on October 6, in Toronto.

“BMO and Catalyst have a long-standing partnership that’s built on a shared aspiration,” stated Downe. “The opportunity for us all to become personally involved and to benefit from advancing talented women to leadership is the reason behind The Catalyst Canada Honours.”

“When Catalyst Canada opened its doors 10 years ago, visible champions of women in business were rare,” said Deborah Gillis, vice vresident, North America, Catalyst.

“In celebrating today’s champions, we hope to inspire a robust pipeline of women and men leaders who will mentor, support, and promote the advancement of women in Canadian business.”

Catalyst Canada looks for leadership behaviours that have had a visible impact on the advancement of women both inside and outside the nominee’s organization: motivation and understanding, mentorship and sponsorship; role modeling; work-life effectiveness; and influencing others. Nomination submissions are due March 23, 2010.

Catalyst is a nonprofit membership organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business. Catalyst has offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

IE