CALGARY INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2020
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SELECTION COMMITTEE These executive leaders have lent their time and expertise to help us select the deserving men and women who are advancing women in Calgary
Ed Sims CEO, WestJet
Rona Ambrose NAFTA, TransAlta, Manulife Financial
Mick Dilger CEO, Pembina Pipelines
Una Power TC Energy, Teck Resources, Scotiabank
Marcos Lopez CEO, Solium Capital
Susan Jones Gibson Energy
Curtis Stange CEO, ATB Financial
Tracy Robinson EVP, TC Energy
Nadeem Velani CFO, CP Rail
Celine Gerson President, Schlumberger Canada
Michael Webb EVP, Nutrien
Marie Delorme CEO, Imagination Group
Eleanor Chiu CFO, Trico Homes
Dr. Chen Fong Founder, Creative Destruction Lab
Heather Culbert Vice Chair, EDC
Nancy Foster SVP, Husky Energy
Lesley Conway Former President, Hopewell Residential
Dianne Wilkins CEO, Critical Mass
Trent Edwards COO, Brookfield Residential
Kate Thompson CEO, CMLC
Karen Brookman CEO, Western Can. Digitial Imaging
Brad Shaw CEO, Shaw
Cathy Orr CEO, RGO
Cal Jacober Vice Chair, PwC
Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards • 2020 • 2
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Judy Fairburn
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udy Fairburn, former Cenovus executive, co-founder of The51 (the Calgary investment platform boosting funding for women-led businesses) and serial entrepreneur Judy has proven herself as a trailblazer, a respected business leader, an innovative community builder and a seasoned change-maker. “Calgary is really coming alive in terms of the impact of its women,” she says. “Many of Calgary’s business champions are women, of all ages and diversity, banded together to drive positive change. Calgary is home to a terrific web of women-led organizations. Alberta can be proud of the fact that it has double the national average of female-led/co-led tech start-ups!”
Judy Fairburn
She draws on a unique mix of C-suite industry, government and startup/venture capital experience and over 30 years of energy sector experience, to point out that “The Calgary new normal is a realization that Calgary must look forward to ensure positioning businesses to be future relevant to attract and maintain the younger generation.” For Fairburn, professionally and personally, it’s all about community. “Calgary’s unique DNA of entrepreneurship and get-it-done attitude and community-mindedness are our secret sauce.”
MALE CHAMPION AWARD John Osler
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ohn Osler, is senior partner at McCarthy Tétrault with practices focused on leading securities, corporate commercial lawyer, mergers and acquisition. He has advised some of Canada’s largest corporations. Osler is also an active member of the community, with leadership and board positions in various organizations and charities. John is duly recognized as a male champion as he reinforces the value and role of women in business. “Studies show that gross domestic product in Canada could increase by up to $150 billion with the full participation of women. And still, the number of companies led by women remains proportionately low and gender equality in board rooms in Alberta is lagging,” he notes. “Helping remove barriers for women who face daily challenges to full inclusion and participation in Calgary and throughout the province is a key focus.
John Osler
“With a shifting economy, comes new opportunities,” John adds with positivity. “Entrepreneurship is on the rise and the number of womenowned businesses in Alberta is well above the national average but we know and acknowledge that more can be done.” Community involvement is key for John Osler. “Dedicating time and effort to volunteer and pro bono positions pave the way for meaningful change and ensure that background and circumstance aren’t barriers to getting ahead for individuals and families in our communities. We do this in Calgary better than anyone.” Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards • 2020 • 3
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AWARD Jill Angevine
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ill Angevine, managing partner at Palisade Capital Management and a corporate Board Director, has over 25 years’ experience in the investment industry. She is also co-founder of the Women’s Balance Forum to inspire and connect female executives by providing a unique forum for direct engagement with business and community leaders. She notes women in Calgary business is a momentum. “Recent advancements are sector-specific, with significant progress in the legal, advisory and professional services. It’s important that we commit to providing all employees opportunity and access to enable their advancement, including investing in education, so strong candidates--regardless of background---become tomorrow’s leaders. Despite recent Calgary business speedbumps, Angevine is confident. “The challenges---especially in respect to energy---have resulted in significant advancements in efficiencies with innovative approaches constantly enhancing the discovery and extraction of oil and gas.”
Jill Angevine
“But as Calgarians, we are adaptive with an entrepreneurial spirit.” Angevine is actively involved with a number of not-for-profit organizations. “Everyone contributes to community differently and all efforts are important elements producing the end result. Our city is only as strong as our community and we are so fortunate to have such an engaged business community, actively supporting diverse philanthropy endeavors.”
ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Dr. Breanne Everett
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r. Breanne Everett, CEO, president and co-founder of Orpyx™ Medical Technologies as well as a doctor in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Calgary. Seeing the burden caused by diabetic foot complications, she founded Orpyx™ to create meaningful, lifechanging impacts with medical-grade wearable technologies. Everett was awarded the Governor General’s Innovation Award in 2016 and named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. “Historically, business leadership in Calgary has been very male-dominated. But that is changing,” she says with conviction. “The old guard is a misnomer. I think organizations benefit from embracing diversity of backgrounds, opinions and perspectives at the table. Increasingly, an absence of that diversity is a hindrance to progress--looking at problems in many ways—and innovation, regardless of the leader’s gender. If you are intrepid, tenacious and gritty, it doesn’t matter who you are. Growing levels of diversity in leadership breeds more of the same.
Dr. Breanne Everett
“Community involvement by diverse leaders—which is about visibility and mentorship—opens up vital conversations and enables diversity in leadership. People seem themselves in their leaders and they think ‘this is possible, I can do this.’ It’s contagious,” she emphasizes with positivity.
Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards • 2020 • 4
LARGE ENTERPRISE AWARD Kerry O’Reilly Wilks
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erry O’Reilly Wilks, is chief officer, legal, regulatory & external affairs at TransAlta Corporation. Her portfolio spans legal, communications, government relations, and more. She underscores the new age of women in business. “We cannot create an ‘us vs. them’ mentality for men and women. Especially in Calgary business, we have come a long way with strong examples of women in leadership positions. Women in Alberta, and Calgary business in particular, are strong, fierce and excellent.” “They harness the power that comes with operating in those zones and move forward. They are game changers! Seeing women in positions that were held by men for so long creates successful role models and shows what is possible to strive towards.”
Kerry O’Reilly Wilks
Originally from the East Coast, O’Reilly Wilks is now passionate about boosting Calgary business. “Whether it’s small businesses or large industry peers working together to solve the hard-hitting problems of today, Calgary is booming with passionate people who not only want to succeed, but who want to see those beside them succeed. Particularly the innovative nature of businesses in Calgary, specifically when it comes to how we are thinking about the environment, our community and economy.”
EMERGING LEADER AWARD Amanda Hamilton
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manda Hamilton, founder and creative director of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design & Palette Archives, is one of the most sought-after interior designers in Western Canada and a popular mentor for women in business. “The CIWB Awards celebrates women and provide the opportunity to extend our reach and inspire other women. I have always felt like I’ve earned and deserve a seat at the table and feel a responsibility to ensure other women have the same opportunity.” As a savvy Calgary business leader, Hamilton has a refreshing take on Calgary’s re-defined business environment. “Some positive changes have come out of the ‘new normal’. Clients are more fiscally responsible and thoughtful about their investments and more grounded in their decisions. It has spawned all sorts of new business, pushing those with established businesses to evolve and develop creative strategies in a much more competitive market.
Amanda Hamilton
“If anything, the speedbumps have tested the resilience of our community regardless of gender creating an environment that encourages collaboration despite sex.” Hamilton feels community involvement is important. She values the opportunity to share her story and experiences to support fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, young adults and supporting the career development of women of all ages. Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards • 2020 • 5
SMALL/MEDIUM ENTERPRISE AWARD Milena Radakovic
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ilena Radakovic, is president and owner of Nexus Exhibits. An accomplished marketer, communicator and business strategist with more than 25 years of experience and a passion for the events industry. She is the Canadian Ambassador for Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WEDO), on the Global Board Committee of the Entrepreneurs Organisation (EO) and the Organization of Women In International Trade (OWIT). Radakovic is a high-energy champion of women in business. “BDC stats show that 39 percent of all entrepreneurs in Canada are now women. In the past four decades, women entrepreneurs have quadrupled, growing more than three times faster than men.” Acknowledging the new normal in Calgary business, she urges that “Entrepreneurs need to be flexible and look at new ways to run businesses, seek new opportunities, help grow local business in new markets, outside of Alberta and possibly Canada.”
Milena Radakovic
She adds that “Women face different challenges then men. The Calgary economy has made it even more difficult in the last few years, particularly for new women entrepreneurs, to start a business. Financial challenges. Financing and capital is harder to find.” Radakovic emphasizes the community is a priority. “I’m a huge believer in supporting our community. No matter how busy a person is, there is time to give back.”
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE AWARD Karen Young
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aren Young, president and CEO of the United Way Calgary and area. A visionary leader who believes in the value of partnerships and collaborations to achieve a common vision, Karen is a catalyst for social change and has played a pivotal role in raising over $312 Million for the Calgary community. “Alberta’s business history demonstrates the courage and passion of female leadership. Women face unique challenges in the workforce, especially those who are facing poverty, domestic violence, or as single parents. We have come a long way but we still have progress to make on issues like pay equity and executive/Board representation equitability.” “As female leaders, we have a role in ensuring that we are valued not only in the organizations where we work, but beyond our office walls by contributing to community in various ways, including service to Boards. Everyone should be provided opportunities to thrive.”
Karen Young
Karen is realistic about Calgary’s recent business challenges. “United Way knows the impact of Calgary’s downturn. The gap for services needed and resources available is unsustainable. Similar to corporate Calgary, the non-profit sector is changing to adjust to our new normal. We are a ‘can do’ city. Working together toward common outcomes achieves greater impact than working in silos.”
Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards • 2020 • 6
INTRODUCING AXIS CONNECT Calgary’s Newest Non-profit Taking the Lead Role in Being a Central Collaboration and Resource Hub for Women-focused Initiatives and Organizations
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algary is home to numerous initiatives and organizations working to advance women in all stages of their careers across a wide spectrum of the business community. Whether it’s fostering connections, offering development and training, or having tough conversations about navigating the workplace as a woman, there is incredible work going on in our city, but finding and choosing the right fit can be challenging. Axis Connect is Calgary’s newest non-profit taking the lead role in being a central collaboration and resource hub for women-focused initiatives and organizations. The proceeds from the Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards (CIWB) will fund Axis Connect’s mission to connect, collaborate and champion the incredible momentum to advance women in Calgary. CONNECT: Axis Connect will develop a central, online platform will share information about women-focused organizations in Calgary - their unique offerings, events, and opportunities to support, and promote resources to women as their careers progress. COLLABORATE: Axis Connect will facilitate opportunities for capacity building and collaboration amongst the women-focused organizations to share best practices. Working together will reduce duplication of effort and increase the effectiveness of all programming to work toward a common goal – more women in decision-making roles. CHAMPION: Axis Connect will increase awareness of the existing initiatives and organizations to support women looking to get involved. The annual Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards will celebrate female achievement and use success stories to motivate the next generation. Thank you to the Calgary business community for the overwhelming support of the inaugural Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards and Axis Connect. We believe that this will create tremendous impact for business in Calgary, our province and country.
AXIS CONNECT BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jenna Kaye, Founder, Corporate Diversity Consultants Katie Smith, Executive Director, Young Women in Energy (YWE) Heather Culbert, Founder, Women on Boards Marnie Smith, Co-Chair, Women in Capital Markets - Calgary
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THANK YOU
TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR
AWARD SPONSORS ENTREPRENEUR
SMALL/MEDIUM ENTERPRISE
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
EMERGING LEADER
MALE CHAMPION
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
LARGE ENTERPRISE