Top Executives Sign on to Fuel Women's Leadership in Communications, Media and Technology

OTTAWA, April 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Last night at its sold-out Annual Awards Gala, Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) announced a new collaborative venture with Catalyst Canada, the leading non-profit organization expanding opportunities for women and business and Shaw Media that promises to level the playing field for women in the ICT sector. 

Scheduled to roll out this fall, The Protégé Project will prepare greater numbers of senior, qualified women for positions of power and leadership in Canada's largest communications, media and technology companies.

"We're partnering with some of the biggest, most influential companies and organizations in the country, getting their senior executives to not just mentor, but sponsor, women who are rising stars in their industries," said Joanne Stanley, Executive Director of WCT.

So far, 11 senior executives in leading communications, media and technology organizations have signed on to personally support the project. An equivalent number of up-and-coming female corporate executives and entrepreneurs will be selected and matched to these leaders, based on industry experience and qualities including leadership, business acumen and strategic vision.

To date, the executive sponsors are: 

• Namir Anani, President & CEO, Information and Communications Technology Council
• Jeff Boyd, Regional President, Ontario North & East, RBC
• Corrine Charette, Chief Information Officer, Government of Canada
• Dr. Sara Diamond, President and Vice Chancellor, OCAD University
• Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News
• Elmer Hildebrand, CEO, Golden West Radio
• Goldy Hyder, President, Hill + Knowlton Strategies
• Raja Khanna, CEO, Television & Digital, Blue Ant Media
• Jean LaRose, CEO, Aboriginal Peoples Television Network
• Jim Little, CMO, Shaw Communications
• Kristine Stewart, President, Managing Director and Head of Twitter Canada

"We are proud to partner with WCT and Catalyst on The Protégé Project which will help to increase the number of senior women in Canadian business" said Paul Roberston, Executive Vice President, Broadcasting, Shaw Communications Inc. and President, Shaw Media. "At Shaw, we believe a diverse and balanced workforce reflective of our population generates well-rounded thought and perspective, and is critical in delivering exceptional customer and viewer experiences." 

"This is the kind of action and commitment that creates results. I am delighted to see these industry executives stepping up to give competent, capable women the chance to reach their full potential," said Janice McDonald, National Chair, WCT Board of Directors. "I think it's going to help put Canada on the world stage for digital innovation."

More details about The Protégé Project program will be posted to the WCT website as they become available.

About WCT www.wct-fct.com

Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) previously known as Canadian Women in Communications is a not-for-profit organization —a national association of women who work in the communications, digital media and technology sectors. With the help of our sponsors, we are committed to creating jobs and advancing women in their careers by facilitating a Canadian network of industry support and recognition, leadership and skills development, and mentoring. 

SOURCE: Canadian Women in Communications & Technology

Joanne Stanley, WCT, at 613-298-2493.