Women in Capital Markets Announces the Winners of the 2012 Executive Coaching Award Program

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Women in Capital Markets (WCM),  a non-profit organization that advocates the entry, advancement and development of women in the Canadian capital markets, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2012 WCM Executive Coaching Award Program, sponsored by BMO Nesbitt Burns. Now in its fifth year, this innovative program provides career coaching and development services from Felix^® Global Corp. to qualified senior women working in the capital markets in Canada.

"The Executive Coaching Award Program is designed to support the development of women in senior leadership roles in the financial industry," said Martha Fell, Chief Executive Officer of WCM. "Having a trusted executive coach helps these focused individuals harness their strengths and provides them with the confidence and self-awareness to achieve their business and personal goals. It's a win-win."

The five winners were chosen from applicants across a broad range of Canadian financial institutions. This unique program is directed at applicants with a minimum of 10 years' experience who have already achieved significant success in their careers. Candidates must be currently employed in Canadian capital markets, which includes the issuing, buying, selling or trading of securities, currencies and derivatives, and must demonstrate how the award would help them further their career goals in an environment still dominated by male professionals.

The 2012 Career Coaching Award winners are:

Charlotte Daughney - TD Securities Inc.
Viktoriya Gruzytska - CIBC
Nicola Ray Smith - Scotiabank
Wendy Smith -  Scotiabank
Synthia St-Michel - Intact Investment Management Inc.

"BMO Nesbitt Burns is very proud to be a presenting sponsor of this important program in conjunction with Felix Global Corporation," said Charyl Galpin, Co-Head, Executive Vice-President & Managing Director, BMO Nesbitt Burns - Private Client Division. "The WCM Executive Coaching Award Program is opening up significant opportunities for women in the workplace - ensuring competent and talented women succeed in the corporate world. Our firm is committed to being a leader in diversity and workplace equity and we firmly stand behind the advancement and growth of women in the Canadian financial services industry."

"We are very pleased to partner with Women in Capital Markets on this exciting initiative," said Jim Graham, Chief Executive Officer, Felix Global Corp. "At Felix Global, we are also very committed to the advancement of women in the marketplace and are proud to have a variety of unique leadership programs focused on this objective."

The awards were presented by Kathryn Smith, Chair of WCM, at a luncheon hosted by BMO Financial Group.

About BMO Nesbitt Burns
BMO Nesbitt Burns is a core part of the success of BMO Financial Group. We have an extensive network of approximately 1,350 Investment Advisors at 76 branches across Canada.

BMO is Canada's oldest bank, founded in 1817. The origins of BMO Nesbitt Burns' predecessor firms date back to 1912. In 1987, BMO Bank of Montreal acquired Nesbitt Thomson, then one of Canada's oldest and most respected investment houses. In 1994, BMO Bank of Montreal also acquired Burns Fry, one of the largest dealers of Canadian equities and debt securities. Nesbitt Thomson and Burns Fry then merged to become BMO Nesbitt Burns. BMO.com

About Felix^® Global Corp.

Felix® Global Corp is a dynamic, fast-growing human capital management firm with global reach that enables organizations to develop high performing leaders and teams so they can better create, implement and execute business strategies.  Our capabilities and expertise focus on customized talent management solutions across Talent Assessment & Measurement, Leadership Development & Succession, Team Dynamics & Optimization, Organizational Effectiveness & Culture, as well as Outplacement & Career Transition.  Felix Global has a 20 year history with offices across North America, and we distinguish ourselves by embedding ROI measurement in all the work we do; as well as our ability to execute rapid implementation.   For more information please visit Felix Global Corp. at felixglobal.com.

About WCM
WCM is a non-profit organization that promotes the entry, advancement and development of women, fosters accountability for diversity and recognizes leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the Canadian capital markets industry. Through innovative programming, WCM offers its members diverse and creative opportunities for networking, career growth and personal development, and mentoring and coaching of both students and professionals.  WCM.ca

SOURCE: Women in Capital Markets (WCM)

Elif McDonald, WCM PR and Media Relations, [phone] and at [email protected].