CONGRATULATIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS 2023 Women of Inspiration Award Winners

Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate. The Women of Inspiration™ Awards celebrates the accomplishments of women from diverse industries together with SupportHER™ champions committed to the advancement of women. The Universal Womens Network™ unlocks the ripple to advance women. Since 2015, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards celebrated over 1,000 women with nominations across North America.

A Women of Inspiration™ is not defined by her story, she is empowered by it. Together, we can INSPIRE CHANGE.

According to the United Nations Progress on the Sustainability Development Goals, it will take 286 years to close the global gender gap. Women’s representation in positions of power and decision-making remains below parity. By recognizing the accomplishments of women in our networks, workplaces and communities, we empower women in positions of power and inspire the future generation of leaders. We believe everyone plays a role to advance women and achieve gender equality. Our goal is recognize women where all decisions are being made and inspire change to SupportHER™ . When we recognize the achievements of one woman, we celebrate the achievements of all women.

Who is a Woman of Inspiration™?

A Woman of Inspiration™ is a woman who inspires and motivates others through her words, actions, and achievements. She may be someone who has overcome challenges or adversity, or who has made a significant impact as an entrepreneur or leader within in her workplace, community or industry. A Woman of Inspiration™ is admired for her strength, resilience, determination, and leadership. She is seen as a role model and a source of guidance and support for those around her. A Woman of Inspiration™ is someone who leads by example, strives for excellence and demonstrates the ability to inspire and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves.

Who Can Be Nominated?

  • Nominate or Apply – Female Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, CEO’s, Executives, Professionals, Community Leaders, Actors, Performers, Authors, Coaches, Athletes, Scientists, Journalists, Public Service, Philanthropists, Innovators, SupportHER™ (Male Allies), Youth Leaders

Nominate or Apply – Woman of Inspiration™ or SupportHER™

Nominate a Company – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) SupportHER™ Champion

 

NOMINATE A WOMAN

Meet the 2023 WINNERS

AWARD PARTNERS

Testimonials

Good words from good people

Attending the Women of Inspiration was a terrific event. It was a gathering of exceptional women from a variety of backgrounds. Every person there had a remarkable story, and it was a great opportunity to build connections. I was delighted to be the keynote speaker and share in the challenges of racing my boat around the world and honoured to receive the Women of Inspiration Women in Sport Award. The essence of the event is to celebrate all that women have accomplished; from developing a new idea, overcoming challenges, to creating opportunities, or chasing a dream. There are no limits.

Melodie Schaffer, Melodie Ocean Racing | Women of Inspiration™ Women in Sport Award

The Women of Inspiration™ Award Gala was an incredible celebration of female empowerment and achievement. I was very inspired by the remarkable stories and accomplishments we heard from the various women and "SupportHERs" tonight. I also just had a really great time at our Roche table where we had an amazing blend of some of our most senior leaders as well as some very early in their career colleagues, all very different women, but all equally inspiring. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma Supporting other women is so crucial. I think we as female leaders bring many unique and powerful qualities to the table - empathy, courageous authenticity, the power to inspire..  and when we lift each other up & show support, we create a network of support and opportunity. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

It was an honour to be recognized amongst so many women role models who leverage their influence and positions to inspire change. Thank you, Universal Womens Network™ for leading the way and providing the format and opportunity to celebrate, while also continuing to advance women’s agenda across North America. For me it was extra special to be surrounded by my family and see three generations of women together who truly inspire each other. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share that moment with them. #AspireHigher Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

At Gilead Sciences, we set – and achieve – bold ambitions to create a healthier world for all people. From our pioneering virology medicines to our growing impact in oncology, we're delivering innovations once thought impossible in medicine. As we develop innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases, we recognize it takes more than medicine to improve wellbeing for people around the world. We know we are a stronger company and that innovation flourishes when we are informed by a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Our Women at Gilead employee resource group focuses on enhancing gender equity for women in opportunities and experiences at all levels. We are incredibly proud to be a sponsor for the Women of Inspiration™ awards which recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate others. We are delighted to have some of our own leaders recognized through these awards - Sharon Grehan, PhD for her authentic leader award and Shelly Smith, MBA as a finalist among strong female leaders across North America. Sharon Grehan – Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Sharon Grehan – Executive Director of Business Strategy & Operations /Global Lead for Women at Gilead Sciences | Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Simply humbling to be in the midst of such accomplished and inspiring women across industries within North America! Celebrating the successes of women and the SupportHER™ men will universally drive the change we need to create an equitable future. Congratulations to all the award recipients – your continued accomplishments will serve as a beacon of hope for so many others. Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Corporate Partners