George Brown College President Anne Sado honoured as 2012 YWCA Woman of Distinction

Recognized as the Education recipient for strength of direction and leadership

TORONTO, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - George Brown College announced today that President Anne Sado has been named a Woman of Distinction in Education by the YWCA Toronto. The awards are selected on a nomination basis and recognize women who have made a significant difference in the lives of girls and women.

"The YWCA gives out this award because we want to acknowledge the creative and determined work that is being done to address the specific barriers and challenges faced by women and girls," said Heather McGregor, YWCA Toronto CEO.

Anne Sado has improved the lives of many Canadian women throughout her professional career and volunteer work, advocating the importance of removing barriers surrounding work and education for women, immigrants and the marginalized. Anne has volunteered and served on the boards of many community organizations in Toronto, including serving as a Director and the President of the YWCA of Greater Toronto.

Since becoming the first female president of George Brown College in 2004, Sado has continued her efforts in support of women in many ways including:

• Support for original programs in various disciplines that focus on enabling women and new immigrants to be independent and self sufficient
• Establishing a Community Partnerships Office which allows the college to provide a range of community-based programming that helps women and others gain important skills and improve their economic security.
• Garnering recognition for the college as one of Canada's Top 25 Family Friendly Employers and Best Diversity Employers.

"I am inspired to do the work I do now because education is a life-changer," said Sado. "Education enables and empowers students to achieve self-sufficiency and access opportunity."

The 32nd Annual YWCA Women of Distinction Awards dinner will be held on May 16, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Biographical Information

A native of Toronto, Anne Sado has been President of George Brown College since 2004. Her impact on the vision, direction and culture of the college has resulted in significant growth at George Brown, and has activated a critical public discussion on the value of college education in Ontario's economic development.

Beyond her leadership of George Brown College, Anne has been recognized by The Women's Executive Network^TM as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women of 2010. She is Chair of the Board of Orion and immediate past chair of Trillium Health Centre. Anne also sits on the boards of organizations such as the Toronto Board of Trade, Legacy Private Trust, the Toronto Region Research Alliance and the Toronto Financial Service Alliance. In the past, Anne has also served as Chair of Colleges Ontario's Committee of Presidents and sat on the boards of the YWCA of Greater Toronto, Junior Achievement and the Canadian Hearing Society Foundation. These volunteer efforts have given her a 360-degree perspective on the social and economic challenges facing the GTA.

Before arriving at George Brown College Anne spent more than two decades working for Bell Canada in progressively more senior roles.

She was inducted into the University Of Toronto's prestigious Engineering Hall of Distinction in 2010 and awarded the Ontario Professional Engineers Gold Medal in 2007.  She has also received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for her work with the YWCA of Greater Toronto, the Professional Engineers Ontario Citizenship Award for contributions to her community, and an Arbor Award from the University of Toronto.

Anne holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Toronto as well as a Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering. Anne was also awarded a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Toronto in June 2011.

About George Brown College
Toronto's George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. From its two main campuses located across the downtown core, George Brown offers 148 full-time and 1,600 continuing education programs across a wide variety of professions to a student body of approximately 63,000 (including those enrolled in full-time, part-time and continuing education programs). Students can earn diplomas, post-graduate certificates, industry accreditations, apprenticeships and four-year bachelor degrees.

About the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards
YWCA Toronto's Women of Distinction event supports more than 35 YWCA programs across Toronto. YWCA Toronto offers programs that promote equality, economic security and lives free from violence. We offer a range of housing options, employment and training programs, community support programs, girls' programs and family programs; we also engage in systemic advocacy. This event raises critical funds that support YWCA Toronto's programs. For more information, visit http://www.womenofdistinction.ca/

or to book an interview, please contact:

Paul Zanettos 
George Brown College 
[phone] ext. 3428 
[email protected]