Recognizes up to 10 high-performing women professionals who have demonstrated professional excellence, and are on the path to the C-Suite. Candidates are strong advocates for equity in their workplace and have undertaken efforts to improve gender equity by educating their peers, engaging men as allies, and/or actively supporting the advancement of other women in the industry.

ELIGIBILITY

• Mid- Senior women professionals (approximately 6-12 years of experience)
• Must be a WCM full member
• A woman currently working in any sub-sector of the North American finance industry

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

Recognizes up to four senior women leaders who have made significant, impactful, and measurable contributions to improving equity at their firm. Candidates demonstrate equity literacy, have measurably contributed to the advancement of a diverse talent pool internally, and/or are actively working toward more equitable and inclusive practices, policies, and culture. Candidates have cultivated an awareness of barriers faced by equity-deserving groups amongst their peers, and/or influenced their workplaces by inspiring their team members and management to actively contribute toward building a more inclusive workplace.

ELIGIBILITY

• Senior women professionals (approximately 12 + years of experience)
• Must be a WCM full member
• Currently working in the Canadian finance industry
• Has not been a WCM Champion of Change in the past 2 years

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

Awarded to up to two people, groups, departments or firms that have taken bold steps to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) through a new and innovative approach. These recipients have attempted to approach EDI innovatively, with a comprehensive and thoughtful strategy that is results-driven, with measurability and accountability as key components.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be employed at a WCM Gold, Large, Mid, or Affiliate sponsor firm
• Must provide data that backs up the impact of innovative approach
• The initiative must have taken place in the last 36 months

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

Awarded to up to two men and/or gender-diverse professionals, who have taken bold steps to improve equity, diversity and inclusion on their teams. These allies have formed a comprehensive and thoughtful strategy around improving equity that is results-driven, with measurability and accountability as key components.

ELIGIBILITY

• Men & Gender Diverse folks employed at a WCM Gold, Large, Mid, or Affiliate sponsor firm
• Has not been a WCM Champion of Change in the last two years.

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 equity in the finance industry. Candidates contribute significantly to increasing WCM’s reach and impact, by developing strong relationships and assisting WCM in the delivery of relevant programming and events, designed to accelerate the progress of diversity and inclusion in the finance sector.

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)?