Awarded to up to two volunteers who have surpassed the typical expectations of a WCM volunteer. The volunteer will have demonstrated impressive leadership and initiative, setting an exceptional example to other volunteers. With an elevated commitment to improving gender diversity and inclusion and championing WCM’s mission. Candidates contribute significantly to increasing WCM’s reach and impact, building strong relationships, delivering relevant programming, and generally furthering our mission to accelerate the progress of diversity and inclusion in capital markets.

ELIGIBILITY

• Has held a WCM volunteer position for a minimum of two years
• Must be a WCM member 

Note: WCM Board Members are not eligible for this award. 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION 
Nominees are judged based on the following: 

1. Leadership & Initiative: How has the nominee taken on a leadership role with a WCM Steering Committee, surpassed the typical expectations of a volunteer, and led by example?
2. Impact: How has the volunteer made a significant impact in their time with WCM? How have their efforts resulted in increasing the reach and impact of WCM projects and initiatives? How have they contributed to advancing WCM’s mission (have their efforts increased membership, WCM’s profile, important strategic relationships, impactful programming, etc)?

Awarded to up to two people, groups, departments or firms that have taken bold steps to improve diversity and inclusion through a new and innovative approach. Regardless of whether the initiative yielded the desired results, these recipients have attempted to approach diversity and inclusion innovatively, with a comprehensive and thoughtful strategy that is results-driven, with measurability and accountability as key components.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Nominees are judged based on the following: 

1. Leadership & Initiative: How has the nominee/firm taken a significant leadership role in improving gender diversity within their group, department or firm and role-modeled outstanding leadership to others? How has the nominee/firm led by example, set the tone around gender diversity and inclusion to their peers?
2. Innovation: How has the nominee/firm taken a new approach to gender diversity and found ways to innovate and affect change?
3. Intention & Outcome: How did the nominee/firm develop a comprehensive strategy with defined goals, tactics and measurable outcomes? How did the approach display transparency, accountability and measurability?

Note: WCM Board Members are not eligible for this award.

Recognizes up to two notable senior leaders who have made significant, impactful, and measurable contributions to improving gender and racial equity and inclusion at their firm. Candidates demonstrate equity literacy, have contributed to the amplification or advancement of diverse talent internally, and/or are working toward building more equitable and inclusive practices, policies and culture. Candidates have cultivated equity awareness amongst their peers, and/or influenced their workplaces by inspiring their team members and management to actively contribute toward building a more equitable workplace. This award is open to candidates of any gender identity, including gender non-conforming persons. 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Nominees are judged based on the following: 

1. Leadership & Initiative: How has the nominee exceeded what was expected of them* and delivered significant contribution and role-modeled outstanding leadership to others? How has the nominee led by example, set the tone around gender diversity and inclusion, and motivated peer groups and colleagues to contribute to building a culture of increased diversity and inclusion?
2. Impact: How has the nominee’s efforts affected significant change and improved gender diversity in their team, department or firm? How did they shift culture and management to become more inclusive and aware of gender diversity and inclusion?
3. Innovation: How has the nominee taken a new approach to gender diversity and found new ways to innovate and affect change?
4. Intention & Outcome: How did the nominee develop a comprehensive strategy with clear goals, tactics and measurable outcomes?

*The nominee has demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion beyond sponsorship, mentorship and participation in internal women’s groups.

Note: WCM Board Members are not eligible for this award.