WBE Canada Announces 2023 Excellence Awards Winners

November 13, 2023

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Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Excellence Awards handed out during its 14th National Conference “Women Impact: Leading Innovation & Growth” held November 8-9th, 2023 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

WBE Canada’s Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate achievements in supplier diversity amongst its certified WBE community, Corporate Members and partner organizations. More than 400 conference attendees were on hand to applaud the exceptional accomplishments of women-owned businesses and the outstanding progress corporate and government members are making by creating opportunities for WBEs in their supply chains and helping drive Canada’s economic growth throughout communities across the country as well as globally.

“WBE Canada’s 2023 Excellence Awards proudly recognized the outstanding achievements in supplier diversity that have propelled women-owned businesses, Corporate Members, and partner organizations to new heights. These awards not only honour the remarkable accomplishments of our certified WBE community but also celebrate the commitment of our Corporate and Government Members in fostering opportunities for women entrepreneurs within their supply chains.” Silvia Pencak, President & CEO of WBE Canada.

We are thrilled to reflect on the remarkable moments from this year’s Awards celebration, which unfolded over the course of the two-day event. The excitement began during the Opening Session on Wednesday, November 8th, where three outstanding awards were revealed, setting the tone for the celebration. The momentum carried on as our WBE Panel took the stage, showcasing the incredible journeys of four inspiring women-owned businesses. Led by Fatiha Senhaji of BDC, the panel featured Ingrid Deon of word-craft Inc., Jacey Schnarr of Butterfly Ethical Gifting, Sue Bennett of Bennett Design Associates Inc., and Thyagi DeLanerolle of Oot. Their stories illuminated the pivotal role that innovation has played in driving their growth and success, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

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The excitement of the awards celebration continued on Thursday, November 9th during the Breakfast with Brands session, followed by the grand finale, the 2023 Awards Lunch. The afternoon started on an inspiring note with “The Winner Circle: Innovating Supplier Diversity,” a captivating discussion led by Margaret Brigley of Narrative Research. Panellists included former Award winners Andrea Robinson of Robinson Global Management, Marte Belisle of SommEvents, Sherrie O’Doyle of BMO, and Claudia Santeramo of the City of Brampton. All panellists shared invaluable recommendations and lessons learned while navigating the transformative landscape of supply chains, setting the tone for an afternoon of celebration and anticipation at this year’s Excellence Awards.

Excellence awards

 

Following are this year’s Excellence Award Winners:

  • 2023 Most Improved Supplier Diversity Program – Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
  • 2023 WBE Rising Star – MSP Teambuilding
  • 2023 WBE Leaders – Carolyn Stern, EI Experience, Charmaine Hammond, Hammond International Inc.; Stephanie Khurana, Netchem Inc. & Chair of WBE Canada Supplier Advisory Committee (SAC)
  • WBE Canada Champions – Centre for Women in Business (CWB); Janice Tee, Magna International Inc. & WBE Canada Board Vice-Chair
  • 2023 President’s Award – TELUS
  • 2023 Supplier Diversity Leader – Carol Attak, BMO
  • 2023 Top WBE Exporter – First Frontier Logistics Inc.
  • 2023 Top WBE Supplier – Breck Construction
  • 2023 Top Corporation in Supplier Diversity – BELL

CLICK HERE TO VIEW WBE CANADA’S WALL OF FAME

Excellence awards

Congratulations to all Winners of the 2023 Excellence Awards!

Thank you to our sponsors for making WBE Canada’s 2023 National Conference and Excellence Awards a huge success and unforgettable experience. Women Impact: Leading Innovation & Growth was a rewarding, inspiring and motivating event, bringing together women-owned businesses from across Canada, leading Corporate and Government organizations, champions and partners as we continue to ensure existing barriers to women-owned businesses are removed and supply chains are more diverse and inclusive.

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About WBE Canada

Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) is a Canadian non-profit organization connecting Canadian women-owned businesses to corporate and government supply chains. With over 600 Certified WBEs in its database, WBE Canada is the largest certifying council in Canada committed to providing women-owned businesses with the resources and opportunities they need to compete and succeed in supply chains.

For more information about WBE Canada
Media Contact Email: marketing@wbecanada.can  Phone: 416.646.6233

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