By Fiona Douglas-Crampton
December 2015
WLC's annual awards ceremony is an opportunity to recognize those who often go unrecognized
Do you know an outstanding man or woman who is working to increase diversity in Greater Vancouver's business community?
The Vancouver Board of Trade's Women's Leadership Circle has launched its second annual Wendy McDonald Awards, in an effort to increase the profile of outstanding women and champions of women in our community.
These annual awards are presented in honour of the late Wendy McDonald, a Canadian business icon who served as the first female Chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade in 1990. Wendy was truly an indomitable force in Canadian business and a trailblazer for women in leadership.
As the former president of BC Bearing Engineers Ltd. her leadership made her company an international competitor in a maledominated industry. What's more, she was a community champion for Greater Vancouver, through her volunteerism, business leadership, and her role as an original investor in the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
It is an honour for me to serve as 2015-16 Chair of the Women's Leadership Circle — an organization that believes businesses truly thrive when women are fully engaged at all levels.
This year, we will be presenting awards in the following five categories, each of which represent one of Wendy's personality traits.
Diversity Champion
Recognizing an individual who sponsors diversity and equality within their organization. This individual has promoted systematic change. This award is open to both male and female nominees.
Community Catalyst
Individuals who have helped create positive and tangible changes in Greater Vancouver through their leadership.
Entrepreneurial Innovation
An individual who started a game-changing business or become a job creator through entrepreneurial initiatives.
Outstanding Mentor/Sponsor
An individual who has imparted wisdom, experience, and knowledge through mentorship. Open to male and female nominee.
Women of Promise:
These individuals have made a difference in their community or professional work force and exhibited undeniable promise. Nominees in this category are limited to women age 35 and under.
Winners will receive media exposure in Sounding Board and on our website. You can see profiles of last year's winners at boardoftrade. com/WLC. Winners will also be recognized at a special awards reception in March 2016, prior to a marquee event by The Vancouver Board of Trade. Nominations will be accepted until Jan. 28.
Learn more about our awards criteria or make your nomination today by visiting Women's Leadership Circle.
Fiona Douglas-Crampton is the 2015-16 Chair of the Women's Leadership Circle. She also serves as President and CEO of the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education.