MEDIA ADVISORY: Women's Executive Network (WXN) Hosts Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards in Calgary

CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - Mar 3, 2014) -  On March 6, the Women's Executive Network (WXN) will celebrate the 2013 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Co-Presented by KPMG and McCarthy Tétrault, these Awards celebrate and highlight the professional achievements of women across the country in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

In light of the recent conversation surrounding gender diversity in corporate Canada, WXN Founder Pamela Jeffery is available to discuss the importance of the Top 100 Awards and the necessity of highlighting the determination and skills needed by strong female leaders to break through the proverbial 'glass ceiling'.

WXN will inspire the next generation of female leaders through both the afternoon Top 100 Leadership Summit and evening Awards Gala on March 6. In continuing this year's theme of 'What Glass Ceiling?' the Leadership Summit provides the opportunity to hear from, and network with, Top 100 Award Winners. Modelled after TED Talks, the Leadership Summit features three dynamic keynotes and a panel discussion from Top 100 Award Winners. The Top 100 Awards Gala is an evening of celebration, as we highlight the accomplishments of 2013 Top 100 Award Winners from Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

"We recognize that the glass ceiling still exists and that women still face obstacles men do not," said Jeffery. "Through the Top 100 Awards, WXN is encouraging the next generation of female leaders to reach higher so that one day there will be no ceiling, just possibility."

Since its inception in 1997, WXN has created and delivered innovative networking, mentoring and professional and personal development opportunities for women in leadership roles, growing into a sizable community of more than 19,000 members strong across Canada and Ireland. Since 2003, WXN has honoured 728 of Canada's Most Powerful Women and inducted 93 of these women into the Top 100 Hall of Fame.

Pamela Jeffery, WXN Founder, is available for interviews on the day of the event, subject to availability. 

INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY
When: March 6, 2014 (6:00 am to 1:00 pm)
Who: Pamela Jeffery, Women's Executive Network Founder

Media are invited to attend the Top 100 Leadership Summit and Awards Gala. If you have not already done so, please confirm your attendance so you can be properly registered.

Interviews with WXN Founder Pamela Jeffery and the Top 100 Award Winners will take place at pre-scheduled times throughout the day (as available). If you are interested in arranging an interview, please contact Kelly Tyson or Kiersten Anas Byrick.

EVENT INFORMATION:

What:
Women's Executive Network 2014 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Calgary Leadership Summit and Awards Gala

When:
March 6, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm - Top 100 Leadership Summit
March 6, 2014 from 6:15 pm to 9:30 pm - Top 100 Awards Gala

Who: 
Pamela Jeffery, WXN Founder
The Honourable Michelle Rempel, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2010; Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification Canada)
Jenny Gulamani-Abdulla, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2013; President, Gulamani-Abdulla & Co., Immigration Consulting
Debby Carreau, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2013; WXN Alberta Advisory Board Member; CEO & Founder, Inspired HR
Lieutenant-Colonel Krista Brodie, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2013; Canadian Armed Forces
Dr. Lucy Miller, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2013; President & CEO, United Way of Calgary and Area
Dr. Marie Delorme, WXN Top 100 Award Winner 2013; CEO, The Imagination Group of Companies
His Worship Mayor Naheed Nenshi
Mrs. Laureen Harper
Dr. Indira Samarasekera, 2009 WXN Top 100 Hall of Fame Inductee; President & Vice-Chancellor, University of Alberta

QUICK FACTS:

• According the 2012 Catalyst Census, in 2012, women held only 18.1 percent of senior officer positions at FP500 companies and 6.9 per cent of senior officer top earner positions at public companies
• According to the 2012 Canadian Board Diversity Council Annual Report Card, only 14.4 per cent of FP500 board seats are held by women
• According to a 2013 Ranstand Canada Survey of 501 Canadian female business leaders, 93 per cent feel they are paid less than their male counterparts
  • Sixty-one per cent said they had to overcome managing work and family, while 53 per cent said there were limited opportunities for women in the job market

WXN will be hosting their next Top 100 Regional Awards in Montréal on April 16^th, 2014 at The Westin Montréal. More information and details are available at top100women.ca.

About WXN
Founded in 1997, the Women's Executive Network (WXN) is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of women in management, executive, professional and board roles. Through our engaging programs and events, we are able to provide unique opportunities for networking, personal and professional development, and mentoring to our community of over 19,000 smart women.