Women in Capital Markets Celebrates 15th Anniversary with New Awards

TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - Women in Capital Markets (WCM), a non-profit organization that promotes the advancement of women in the Canadian financial industry, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by recognizing members of the financial community with two new commemorative awards: the WCM Rising Star Award and the WCM Visionary Award.

"Recognizing role models and mentors is critical given that today's role models shape tomorrow's leaders," said Martha Fell, CEO of WCM. "We are presenting these two new awards, together with our Award for Leadership, to celebrate the commitment and leadership of senior executives who advocate for, coach and encourage female professionals in the Canadian capital markets."

The WCM Rising Star Award will be presented to an individual who, at a relatively early stage in their career, has made an impactful contribution by providing inspirational leadership and mentorship to young women in the industry. The WCM Visionary Award will recognize the outstanding commitment and lifelong dedication to the development and growth of Women in Capital Markets over the last 15 years.

The WCM Award for Leadership has been presented for the past three years to a senior executive, male or female, who has combined professional excellence with a demonstrated commitment to advancing and supporting women in the capital markets.

"We are honoured to be celebrating those who have helped to inspire and shape the careers of many women while we continue our founding commitment to influencing change and encouraging diversity in the capital markets," said Helen Hayes, Chair, WCM Awards Committee.

The WCM Rising Star and the WCM Visionary Award were officially announced at a private reception hosted by Tiffany in Toronto on April 21, 2010. The winners of these awards, as well as, winner of the fourth annual WCM Award for Leadership will be presented at a luncheon gala on October 4th, 2010 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel.

On the day of WCM's AGM, May 6th, 2010, the association will commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the organization with the 'Ringing of the Bell' at the market open of the TMX.

Women in Capital Markets is a non-profit organization that aims to support and advance female leaders in business, foster accountability for diversity in the industry, and recognize leaders who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women in the capital markets. 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 is generously sponsored by six corporate champions: BMO Financial Group, CIBC, KPMG, RBC Capital Markets, Scotia Capital, and TD Securities. More information is available at www.wcm.ca.

For further information: Kerry Breeze, WCM Director, Marketing & Communications, [phone], [email protected]