Business in Vancouver's Influential Women in Business (IWIB) Awards recognize women who are successful business owners or leaders and are influential in their industry and the business community.
This year, the recipients were chosen by a panel of five judges, including three previous IWIB winners:
•Lois Nahirney, executive vice-president, corporate resources, Teekay Shipping (2012 winner);
•Catherine Osler, president, TEC Canada (2004 winner);
•Evaleen Jaager Roy, principal, Jaager Roy Advisory Inc., and chair, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (2011 winner);
•Michelle Pockey, partner and national chair of event sponsor Fasken Martineau; and
•Fiona Anderson, editor-in-chief, Business in Vancouver Media Group.
Picking the winners was not easy.
"This province has so many amazing women leaders who have impact, influence and who are bold trailblazers," said Jaager Roy. "It was difficult to choose the winning group, but each of them has a track record of outstanding leadership and a relentless focus on excellence."
The other judges agreed.
"It is always a challenge selecting the winners from the amazing nominations we receive," said Nahirney. "Every woman has something unique and special to offer.
"Our winners are true leaders in their field and recognized in the community for the influence and impact they make," Nahirney added.
Osler said one of the most important leadership qualities she looked for was influence.
" Behind every successful leader is a person who has truly learned just how powerful an attribute influence is to motivate a group to realize a vision, to build a culture, to bring new products or services and innovative ideas to market," Osler said.
"All the winners we selected are a study in the power of influence to lead change and inspire innovation in the communities and markets that they serve."
Given the number of wonderful candidates, "there should be no question about the availability of eminently qualified women when it comes to considering women for board and executive positions," said Pockey.
This year's honourees will be recognized at a March 5 gala luncheon at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel. For more information, click here.
