A word from our event partner
Warren Shaw
Head of Mortgage Broker Distribution
Westpac Group
Awards in Order of Presentation
2023 Sponsors
Best Wellness Program
Like mother, like daughter.
Rita Robbins was unable to attend the annual InvestmentNews Women to Watch awards in November to receive the Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award. But her daughter, Ali Arnold, stood in for her mother, founder and president of Affiliated Advisors, a giant branch office in the Osaic Holdings Inc. network.
“My mom is so incredible, and having followed her into the financial services industry, I’m so grateful I’ve had her in my life,” Arnold, a vice president of global marketing at Citi, said after the award ceremony. “She’s had the opportunity to make such an impact on so many other people, and that makes me grateful.”
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Nominations
InvestmentNews celebrates achievements that measurably advance women in all aspects of the investment industry, at employers of all sizes. We invited you to nominate yourself or third-party candidates and/or companies who exemplify these outstanding accomplishments through their leadership, passion, creativity, and willingness to help others along the way.
Nominations were open July 18 – August 18, 2023.
Excellence Awardees
Once all nominations were considered and research was complete, Excellence Awardees (Finalists) were selected in each category and notified via email or phone.
Judging
All submissions from our Excellence Awardees were forwarded to the independent judging panel comprising mortgage and finance industry leaders and senior representatives. The panel assessed and voted for their winners in each category according to the relevant category criteria.
Voting commenced September–October 2023 and judgement was impartial, balanced, incisive, and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a category recused themselves from judging that category.
Winners
Using a simple points system to aggregate judges’ votes, the finalist with the top score in a category was named the winner.
Winners were announced at the event on November 7, 2023, and on this website. They were also promoted in InvestmentNews.
Find out more
The Minerva Award for Rising Star of the Year
Canada’s Safest Chemistry Employer
Canada’s Safest Public Transportation Employer
Canada’s Safest Manufacturing Employer
Canada’s Safest Logistics and Supply Chain Employer
Canada’s Safest Utilities and Electrical Employer
The MSA Safety Award for Canada’s Safest Oil & Gas Employer
Allyship Champion of the Year
Canada’s Safest Employer for Young Workers
The WSPS Award for CEO of the Year
Working to make an impact
34 women, 13 companies received awards and honors at InvestmentNews’ Women to Watch event last November
Australians trust and value the independent service mortgage brokers provide. We support and celebrate this as we come together to recognise an industry of hard-working and high-achieving professionals at this year’s AMAs.
Congratulations to all the excellence awardees – we applaud your achievements and wish you all the very best of luck.
The WSIB Award for Canada’s Best Health & Safety Culture
The Mark’s Commercial Award for Most Innovative Use of Safety Technology
The BGIS Award for Safety Leader of the Year
Canada’s Safest Public Sector/Non-Profit Employer
The Avetta Award for Best Safety Industry Provider
Canada’s Safest New Employer
Best Environment Management Program
The Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award is named for financial planning pioneer and leader Armstrong, who has spent more than five decades helping women plan strong financial futures and promoting the financial advice business as a top career for women. The award is given to one outstanding woman annually in the financial advisory and investment sphere.
In total, 34 women and 13 companies received awards and honors at the event on Tuesday, November 7, in lower Manhattan for their work across the financial advice and planning industries, in categories ranging from Female Trailblazer of the Year to Portfolio Manager of the Year.
The other Women to Watch winners were Kay Lynn Mayhue, Female Trailblazer of the Year; Colleen Bell, Allyship Champion of the Year; Brittney Olinger, Rising Star Advisor of the Year; Christine Cappabianca, Portfolio Manager of the Year; Thrivent, Employer of Choice; and Raymond James & Associates, Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion.
“I really do believe it takes all of us to bring other people into our firms and industry,” said Bell, president of innovation and experience at Cambridge Investment Research. “I’ve always had great mentors, like Eric Schwartz and Amy Webber, and I need to pay that back to pay it forward. Empowered women can empower the world. The goal is to bring other people up in the industry.”
“This is such an honor,” said Kay Lynn Mayhue, president of Merit Financial Advisors. “I believed in and supported myself throughout my career, and now I get to do that for others. There are so many people who pushed me when I needed a nudge and pulled me up when I needed a hand. Now I get to focus my time on helping others reach new heights!”
“It means a lot to me, but I think it means even more to me being a representative of my company,” said Brittney Olinger, a financial advisor at Koss Olinger. “We’re an independent firm that’s a three-generation-strong company out of Gainesville, Florida, and it was our first female partner who put me up for this award. She and all the other partners have been massive proponents of bringing more women into our space and into our sector, so I’m just really, really honored. I wasn’t expecting it.
Cappabianca, vice president and portfolio manager for systematic strategies at Impax Asset Management, said: “I love my job, and I’m getting honored for doing something that I love. It’s great to show that kind of example to my kids, that you can have a job that is an intersection of your skills and passion.”
“We have amazing women and amazing volunteers who put in so much of themselves to make sure our program – the mentorship opportunities and career opportunities – exist,” said Samantha Trebesch, senior vice president and head of advisor inclusion networks and sustainable investing at Raymond James. “And they raise up every single woman who comes to the firm.”
Sponsors and award presenters hailed the event as a chance for people to come together, connect, and share experiences.
Lindsey Lewis, director of the Center for Women in Financial Services at The American College, presented Mayhue with her award. She said, “If you look at the percentage of women who are in the industry, if you look at CFP professionals, that hasn’t changed in two decades – around 23 percent. So, you are seeing so many women having to create their own path to success. Being a trailblazer in this space, therefore, is so paramount because you want other women to be able to see those guideposts and be successful in the industry.”
Katherin Jollon Colsher, CEO at Girls Who Invest, handed out the allyship award to Bell. She added, “It’s incredibly exciting to see Colleen recognized and celebrated today for her commitment to allyship because it’s the community that will propel everybody forward.”
Research
The Women to Watch Summit and Awards team conducted research and drew on knowledge and information gained through InvestmentNews to support and supplement nominations received and to ensure that no one deserving of recognition was missed. “Excellence Awardees” (shortlisted Finalists) in each category were determined from both pools of information.
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Canada’s Safest Mining & Natural Resources Employer
Canada’s Safest Employer in Services Sector
Toni Gonzales
Sonya Lutter
Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer
Kristi Martin Rodriguez
Katherine Jollon Colsher
Sheryl Hickerson
Sheena Gray
Dana Wilson
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help celebrate excellence, support women, and celebrate and connect with the leaders shaping the industry.
2023 Judging Panel
As the industry’s leading custodian for independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), Schwab Advisor Services is dedicated to helping advisors achieve their business goals. For over 30 years we have supported firms of all types and sizes and earned the trust of over 13,000 advisors.
Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Schwab.
advisorservices.schwab.com
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BGIS is a global leader in the provision of Facility Management, Project Delivery, Energy & Sustainability, Asset Management, Workplace Advisory, and Real Estate Services. With a combined team of over 8,000 globally, BGIS relentlessly focuses on delivering innovative service solutions that create value for its clients. Globally, BGIS manages over 30,000 facilities totaling more than 320 million square feet across several markets including government, higher education, utilities, telecommunications, financial services, oil & gas, healthcare and cloud enterprise. In addition to managing a diverse portfolio of corporate offices, retail, colleges, hospitals and industrial assets, BGIS is a world leader in the management of data centers and other critical environments.
Website: bgis.com
Award Sponsor
Minerva Canada, a non-profit volunteer-run organization, aims to be a global leader in health and safety management education by influencing the curriculum of post-secondary institutions to ensure that future engineers and business leaders create healthier and safer workplaces. The only organization of our kind, we raise awareness and strive to make occupational health and safety a mindset by providing initiatives and resources that assist colleges and universities in preparing tomorrow’s leaders in the skills of incident and injury prevention.
Website: https://safetymanagementeducation.com/
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products and solutions that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, software, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including fire service, the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, construction, industrial manufacturing applications, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, utilities, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall protection devices. With 2022 revenues of $1.5 billion, MSA employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America.
Website: www.MSAsafety.com
QM Environmental is a leading Canadian environmental and industrial services company providing Remediation, Hazardous Material Abatement, Demolition, Emergency Management and Emergency Response Services. The QM team is over 600 strong and growing as an equal opportunity employer. QM has a committed focus towards ensuring industry leading safe work practises are met and adhere to the highest standard on our projects. QM Indigenous inclusion and capacity building program is our corporate commitment to engage Indigenous peoples on the projects we undertake.
Website: www.qmenv.com
We’re here to help. When an injury or illness happens on the job, we move quickly to provide wage-loss benefits, medical coverage and support to help people get back to work. Funded by businesses, we also provide no-fault collective liability insurance and access to industry-specific health and safety information.
We are one of the largest insurance organizations in North America covering over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.
Website: wsib.ca
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting Ontario workers and businesses. A proud partner in Ontario’s occupational health and safety system and a trusted safety advisor since 1917, WSPS has a rich history of making Ontario workplaces safer.
Website: www.wsps.ca
Franklin Templeton is a global leader in investment management with clients in over 170 countries. Here in Canada and abroad, we are dedicated to one goal: delivering exceptional asset management for our clients. At the core of our success is our multiple independent investment teams—each with a focused area of expertise—from traditional to alternative strategies and multi-asset solutions. All of these investment teams share a common commitment to excellence grounded in rigorous, fundamental research and robust, disciplined risk management. This expertise in Canada combined with extensive global resources, and a focus on excellence has made us a trusted partner to generations of advisors and investors.
Website: www.franklintempleton.com
At Harvest, our guiding principles are premised on building wealth for our clients through ownership of strong businesses that have the potential to grow & generate steady income over the long term. Founded in 2009, Harvest manages over $2.1 billion in assets for Canadian Investors. We offer equity based mandates with clear objectives through Income & Growth orientated ETF portfolios.
Website: www.harvestportfolios.com
ICM is a registered alternative investment fund manager and portfolio manager focused on owning, operating and investing in real assets. We offer retail, private client and institutional investors an array of private investment opportunities focused on real estate, private equity, private debt and infrastructure strategies.
Our goals are simple: We strive to preserve wealth and generate attractive risk-adjusted returns while providing the highest level of client service.
Our success hinges on our unwavering commitment to three principles that underpin our investment philosophy: Value, Discipline, and Results. Our adherence to these principles has allowed ICM to generate exceptional investment returns for our clients and a strong track record of achieving our goals.
Today, we manage more than $1Billion AUM of assets across numerous investment vehicles and advisory relationships and have considerable experience in originating, structuring and financing investment transactions and managing risk in alternative assets. Our team has grown substantially and is made up of investment and operating professionals with extensive experience, collectively having acquired and/or managed over $7 billion of assets globally
Website: www.icmassetmanagement.com
IFSE is the educational arm of The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) and a leader in online learning delivery. We are dedicated to helping Canadians improve their financial literacy through best-in-class financial education and support. As a not-for-profit organization, we make our training affordable to ensure that financial education is widely accessible.
Website: www.ifse.ca
National Bank Independent Network (NBIN) began as one of the first clearing services for independent advisors in Canada. Today, we are one of Canada’s leading providers of custody, trade execution and brokerage solutions, all backed by the financial strength and ongoing support of National Bank of Canada.
Website: www.nbin.ca/publicsite/index.html
HomeEquity Bank is the leading provider of reverse mortgages in Canada dedicated to helping Canadian homeowners 55+ live retirement their way by providing a safe, secure, and simple way to access the equity they’ve built up in their homes through financial solutions like the CHIP Reverse Mortgage®, CHIP MAX®, Income Advantage® and CHIP Open®.
Since 1986, HomeEquity bank has offered solutions that allow Canadians to access up to 55% of the value of their home without the stress of monthly payments. Whether Canadians are looking to pay off debt, take a vacation, or simply to have a steady stream of income to supplement their CPP and OAS throughout their retirement, HomeEquity Bank offers financial solutions to meet their unique needs.
HomeEquity Bank has helped tens of thousands of Canadians by offering financial solutions designed specifically for homeowners age 55+ so that they can live retirement their way in the home they love.
Website: www.chipadvisor.ca/wealth
Dana Wilson
Founder and CEO
Changing How Individuals Prosper
Chris Davis, CRSP
Manager, Training Delivery
Energy Safety Canada
Dan Strand
Director, Prevention Field Services
WorkSafeBC
Dylan Short
Managing Director
The Redlands Group Inc.
Eldeen Pozniak
CEO
Pozniak Safety Associates
Ellaline Davies, BA, BSc, CEES, CHSC, CHSMSA, CRSP, FIIRSM, CMIOSH
President
Safety Works Consulting Inc
Eric Da Silva
President
Association of the Chemical Profession of Ontario
Kelly Killby
Manager
Excellence in Manufacturing Safety Program
A word from Key Media
Justin Kennedy
Managing Director - APAC
Key Media
Australians trust and value the independent service mortgage brokers provide. We support and celebrate this as we come together to recognise an industry of hard-working and high-achieving professionals at this year’s AMAs.
Congratulations to all the excellence awardees – we applaud your achievements and wish you all the very best of luck.
Eric Da Silva
Ellaline Davies
Eldeen Pozniak
Dylan Short
Dan Strand
Chris Davis
Candace Sellar
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognize, celebrate excellence, support women, and connect with the leaders shaping the industry.
2023 Judging Panel
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NOUR PRIVATE WEALTH (NPW) is an independent wealth management firm specializing in meeting the needs of a growing number of high-net-worth private clients and select corporate investors.
At NPW, we realize that all clients are different, and their investment and wealth planning needs evolve. Our advisors are equipped to provide the expertise needed across all facets of the wealth management spectrum, ranging from portfolio construction, retirement, tax and estate planning right up to insurance and private capital.
NPW advisors manage portfolios using a diverse mix of asset classes, delivering strong risk-adjusted returns while providing the highest personalized client service level.
Website: www.npw.ca
Strategic Partner
Supporting Partners
Dikshita Awotarowa
Glyn Jones
Partner
EHS Partnerships
Glyn Jones
We are built differently
There are a lot of reasons we have become one of the fastest-growing retail and institutional managers in Canada. And the strength of our parent company is just one.
We bring the world to your portfolio
Building wealth today requires you to look beyond Canada’s borders. We are part of the Sun Life group of companies, a global asset manager with offices in nearly 20 countries and over $1 trillion under management. And we’ve built a truly global investment platform by combining the strength of Sun Life with world class asset managers.
Finding certainty in a world of risk
Building a secure financial future in a world of permanent uncertainty has never been harder. But our unwavering commitment to helping investors build wealth and manage risk, is why Canadians have increasingly embraced our products and services.
Website: www.sunlifeglobalinvestments.com
Trez Capital is a diversified real estate investment firm and preeminent provider of private commercial real estate debt and equity financing solutions in Canada and the United States.
With over $3.9 billion in AUM, we have funded more than 1,500 transactions totaling more than $12.5 billion since the firm’s inception in 1997.
We have earned the trust of investors, by applying prudent risk management and rigorous institutional-grade underwriting to generate attractive yields and stable sources of income.
We offer private and institutional investors strategies to invest in a variety of opportunistic, fully-secured mortgage investment funds, syndications and joint ventures. With a large and stable balance sheet, we provide property developers, investors and owners with certainty of capital, quick approvals, and flexibility and creativity in short- to mid-term financing to bring a diverse range of real estate projects to life.
Our team prides itself on deep real estate industry expertise and on-the-ground perspective.
Website: www.trezcapital.com
Wealhouse Capital Management was established in 2008 as an independent, privately owned alternative asset manager. Our goal was to provide award-winning investment strategies to ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices and advisors. Today, our small but mighty team manages more than a billion in assets for Canada’s wealthiest families and entrepreneurs.
Website: www.wealhouse.com
We have a proud 110-year history of helping Canadian organizations thrive. Our 7,300+ partners and staff are located coast to coast and bring their expertise to provide quality services and products that help solve important problems.
Our industry-focused professional services include audit and assurance, tax, deals and consulting targeting solutions for cybersecurity, privacy, financial crime, workforce of the future, finance transformation, value creation, strategic reassessment and cost optimization. We work as one firm to bring different perspectives and capabilities together to achieve what matters most.
With offices in 155 countries and more than 284,000 people, we are among the leading professional services networks in the world. We deliver the best of our collective thinking, experience and solutions to build public trust and create value for our people, clients and communities.
Website: www.pwc.com/ca/en.html
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Care Lending Group offers innovative lending solutions for Financial Advisors. Our Financial Advisor lending program, was created for independent agents and financial planners interested in scaling their practice, allowing them to expand capacity while managing cash flow to ensure sustainable growth. We meet clients needs through: acquisition financing, succession planning, partnership buy-ins & buy-outs, leasehold improvements, equity takeouts and more.
Website: www.carelendinggroup.com
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James Burton
Global Managing Editor - Wealth, Safety, HR
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us at the remarkable Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Your presence and active participation made the event a resounding success, leaving us with remarkable memories to cherish.
This special occasion celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of inspirational women across various industries of financial advisory, shattering boundaries and carving paths for future generations. We are extremely proud to have recognized and honored these extraordinary individuals who continue to redefine leadership and empower others.
Congratulations are in order for all the deserving winners of the Women to Watch Awards. These remarkable women have displayed an unwavering commitment to their respective fields and have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. Their accomplishments serve as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.
Moreover, we extend our deep gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity played a vital role in making this event possible. Your commitment to empowering women and celebrating their achievements is truly commendable.
As we reflect on this momentous gathering, let us carry with us the inspiration, knowledge, and connections made during the Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Together, we can continue to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women thrive and succeed in every sphere.
Thank you once again for being a part of this extraordinary event, and we look forward to your continued engagement in InvestmentNews events.
A word from Key Media
Music By
Ascension Groove
Band
Hosted By
Kerry Barrett
Host and Emmy-Winning Anchor
Entertainment
Menu
Appetizer
PwC Canada
NOVEMBER 7, 2023 | TRIBECA 360° NEW YORK CITY
June 1, 2023
Liberty Grand, Toronto
A word from Key Media
Agenda
Attire:
Formal (tuxedo/business suit/long gown/cocktail dress)
Parking:
The venue offers complimentary parking you will be directed to the parking lot on arrival
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Cocktail Reception
7:30pm – 10:30pm
Awards Ceremony and Dinner Banquet
10:30 PM
Post-Party Celebration
Menu
Hosted By
Arisa Cox
Host and Executive Producer, Big Brother Canada
Hosted By
Ascension Groove
Band
Entertainment
Arisa Cox is a popular Canadian television personality best known as the host and executive producer of Big Brother Canada. It has earned her three Canadian Screen Award nominations and the respect of fans across Canada for her love of game theory and as a champion of equity in reality television.
Cox began her career as a local TV news reporter in Ottawa at 21, while studying at Carleton University's prestigious journalism program — which also earned her a Harry Jerome Award for academics. From there, Cox continued her career in television on both sides of the camera. Past highlights include starring in Canada’s first reality TV show, U8TV: The Lofters; hosting E! Canada with shoots and specials around the world; covering Arts and Entertainment for CBC’s The National; appearing in the Disney Channel original movie Camp Rock 2; hosting a popular morning radio show in Edmonton; and appearing in Netflix's Christmas with a View and Global’s hit series Private Eyes.
Along with hosting Big Brother Canada, Cox has also covered The Grammys, The Oscars, the Sundance and Cannes film festivals, and Survivor for ET Canada in Fiji and LA. She’s also hosted live events including the Canadian Screen Awards Gala, the Banff World Media Festival, Directors' Guild of Canada Awards, and many charity events. In 2022, Cox won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host, Live Entertainment Special, for co-hosting TVO’s televised New Year’s Eve special, From Ontario with Live: A Celebration of Hope, alongside Andrew Phung.
Host and Executive Producer, Big Brother Canada
Arisa Cox
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city’s premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle.
Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don’t have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
Band
Ascension Groove
Kerry Barrett is an Emmy-Winning anchor, host and on-camera expert who turned a paralyzing fear of public speaking into a multi-decade career in broadcast journalism for internationally renowned media institutions like NBC, ABC and Fox TV. Now she helps business owners, executives and team’s breakthrough mindset issues and cultivate their on-camera delivery and persona.
Kerry Barrett has become known for overcoming a massive and debilitating fear of public speaking and using that experience to help clients breakthrough mindset issues and cultivate their video X-factor, or what she calls Video IQ (VIQ).
Kerry Barrett works as a motivational speaker helping people overcome fear. She teach workshops and seminars on the art of public speaking and speaking on camera to help grow their business, brand and confidence.
Kerry has personal experience as a mom, military wife, someone who has struggled with multiple miscarriage and a global traveller. Kerry Barrett has hosted countless speaking engagements, charity auctions, public events, and fundraisers.
Host and Emmy-Winning Anchor
Kerry Barrett
Ascension Groove Band delivers high energy, show stopping live musical entertainment for weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, galas, private and corporate events. Simply put they ROCK THE HOUSE! Founded and led by Joe Palawan, they are comprised of some of the best singers and talent in the Toronto music industry and regarded as one of the city's premiere wedding and corporate bands. They have performed on Broadway and have had club and chart success Europe, Asia and the Middle East, to the luxury cruise lines of the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Alaska Panhandle.
Known for the authentic sounds of Motown, R&B, Soul Funk, Jazz and Rock, they are also on the pulse of what’s new and current in today’s market. Ascension Groove Band also performs in Italian and Spanish. They strive to create an immersed experience for clients that are of the highest caliber. Whether you want a soloist or an 11 piece superband fronted by 3 stellar vocalists and a “killer” horn section for your wedding or event, Ascension Groove Band not only provides great music but will cater to your specific needs and create a customized package for you which includes a photographer/videographer at a preferred rate, professional sound, lighting and DJ services so you don't have to hire another music provider. We can make a playlist of the songs that you want to hear between breaks.
Party Band
Ascension Groove
Excellence Awardees
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
2023 SPONSORS
EVENT PARTNER
Excellence
Awardees
Celebrating excellence in the occupational health and safety profession
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Methodology
Social Media Sponsor
Evaluation Partner
Rodney Cook
Robin Schooley
Robin Angel
Paula Campkin
Patrick Hauser
Pamela Dempster
Larry Masotti
Kelly Killby
Lynn A. Smith
Peter Sturm
Stephanie Benay
Jonathan Sherman
Gareth Jones
Bruce Jackson
Yvonne O’Reilly
Thomas Tenkate
Karen Adams
Ronald Pelot
Byron House
Syed Ahmed
David A.G. Meston
Larry Masotti
Strategic Relationships Advisor
WSPS
Pamela Dempster
Founder and Senior Health/Wellness Specialist
Dempster Wellness
Patrick Hauser
Safety & Compliance Coordinator
USask Safety Resources
Paula Campkin
Vice-President of Operations & Safety Centre of Excellence
Energy Safety Canada
Robin Angel, BSc. MSc. CRSP
Regional Director & Program Manager Occupational Health & Safety
Government of Scotia
Robin Schooley
OHS Consultant
WorkSafeBC
Rodney Cook
Vice President, Workplace Health and Safety Services
WSIB
Thomas Tenkate
Associate Professor, School of Occupational & Public Health
Ryerson University
Yvonne O’Reilly
Owner
O’Reilly Health & Safety Consulting
Bruce Jackson
Director at Large on the CSSE National Board of Directors
Canadian Society of Safety Engineering
Gareth Jones
President
Canada Safety Council
Jonathan Sherman
Director, Prevention
Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board
Stephanie Benay MBA, CRSP
Director, Safety
BC Hydro
Peter Sturm, EMBA, BA, CRSP, CHSC
Senior Safety, Health and Risk Management Executive
STURM Consulting Inc
Lynn A. Smith, M.Eng. P.Eng.
Global Functional Safety Lead Electrification, Controls, SW & Electronics (GECSE)
General Motors of Canada Company
David A.G. Meston, P.Eng.
President, Safety Engineer and Management Consultant
H&S Consultants Inc.
Syed Ahmed
M.Engg (1978), Volunteer Member
MINERVA’s Working Group
Byron House
Senior Director – Tooling and Innovation –Major Component Replacement Project
Bruce Power
Ronald Pelot, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Professor
Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University
Karen Adams
CHIO and Global Head of Enterprise Health Solutions
CloudMD
All Excellence Awardees were then invited to finalize their detailed nomination form (“submission”). These submissions were provided to the judging panel for voting and otherwise remained confidential and were not shared with any third parties other than the judges.
Excellence Awardees were officially announced in September 2023 on the event website and promoted in InvestmentNews.
METHODOLOGY
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AGENDA
7 NOVEMBER 2023
TRIBECA 360° | NEW YORK CITY
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us at the remarkable Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Your presence and active participation made the event a resounding success, leaving us with remarkable memories to cherish.
This special occasion celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of inspirational women across various industries of financial advisory, shattering boundaries and carving paths for future generations. We are extremely proud to have recognized and honored these extraordinary individuals who continue to redefine leadership and empower others.
Congratulations are in order for all the deserving winners of the Women to Watch Awards. These remarkable women have displayed an unwavering commitment to their respective fields and have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and resilience. Their accomplishments serve as a shining beacon of hope and inspiration for us all.
Moreover, we extend our deep gratitude to our esteemed sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity played a vital role in making this event possible. Your commitment to empowering women and celebrating their achievements is truly commendable.
As we reflect on this momentous gathering, let us carry with us the inspiration, knowledge, and connections made during the Women to Watch Summit and Awards. Together, we can continue to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women thrive and succeed in every sphere.
Thank you once again for being a part of this extraordinary event, and we look forward to your continued engagement in InvestmentNews events.
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Winter Salad
Boston Lettuce, Roasted Red & Golden Tomatoes, Moroccan Olives, Frizzled Onions, Petite Olive Crisp, Roasted Tomato Base, Sherry Vinaigrette
Main Course
Grilled Filet Mignon
Served with Au Poivre, Potatoes Au Gratin, Steamed Asparagus Spears, Frizzled Onions
Grilled Mediterranean Branzino
White Cauliflower Puree, Sautéed Beet Tops
Heirloom Carrot Risotto
Olive Oil Braised Beluga Lentils, Cashew Pesto, Pea Tendrils
Vegetarian & Vegan
TBC
Mixed Berry Cobbler
Pate Brise, Seasonal Fruit Baked with Cinnamon Spice Streusel Topping
Dessert
Coffee, Tea and Open Bar
Female Trailblazer of the Year
Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion
Rising Star Advisor of the Year
Employer of Choice
Portfolio Manager of the Year
The Alexandra Armstrong Award For Lifetime Achievement in the Financial Services Industry
Sheena Gray
Executive Director for the U.S. Wealth Management Diversity & Inclusion
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Sheryl Hickerson
Founder & Chief Engagement Officer
Females & Finance
Katherine Jollon Colsher
CEO
Girls Who Invest
Kristi Martin Rodriguez
Senior Vice President
Nationwide Retirement Institute®
Lisa A.K. Kirchenbauer
Founder & President
Omega Wealth Management
Sonya Lutter
Director of Financial Health and Wellness
Texas Tech University School of Financial Planning
Dikshita Awotarowa
Co-Founder and President
Women in Finance and Investment Network (WIFIN)
Toni Gonzales
Divisional Vice President
Ameritas
Commonwealth Financial Network®, a national firm dedicated to providing advisor-focused business solutions, recognizes the strength in its community of women advisors and is committed to creating a space where all feel supported, valued, and empowered, as well as providing the tools to elevate their success. Commonwealth Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser, provides a suite of business solutions that empowers more than 2,000 independent financial advisors nationwide. Privately held since 1979, the firm has headquarters in Waltham, Mssachusetts, and San Diego, California.
commonwealth.com
Silver Sponsor
Cambridge Investment Group, Inc. is a privately-controlled financial solutions firm focused on serving independent financial advisors and their investing clients. Cambridge is also a national corporation with a registered investment adviser as well as an industry leading independent broker-dealer. Cambridge offers a broad range of choices regarding advisor-focused financial solutions: succession and acquisition financial lending plus business technology expertise; advice solutions for both asset management and financial planning with portfolio overlay management; platform choices comprised of a corporate RIA or independent RIA for dual registration or fee only business models; a full spectrum of middle office services designed for solo/ensembles, branches, and super branches; as well as outsource services centered on independent advisor firms, including business consulting, client marketing, and office assistance, as well as insurance services. Cambridge’s national reach includes: Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. – a large corporate RIA; and Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. – an independent broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, that is among the largest privately-controlled independent broker-dealers in the country. Overall, Cambridge supports over 3,000 independent financial professionals nationwide who serve their thousands of clients as registered representatives and investment advisor representatives, choosing to use either Cambridge’s firm Registered Investment Adviser or their own.
joincambridge.com
Silver and Social Media Sponsor
Impax is a specialist asset manager investing in the opportunities arising from the transition to a more sustainable global economy. Impax believes that capital markets will be shaped profoundly by global sustainability challenges, including climate change, pollution and essential investments in human capital, infrastructure and resource efficiency. These trends will drive growth for well-positioned companies and create risks for those unable or unwilling to adapt. The company seeks to invest in higher quality companies with strong business models that demonstrate sound management of risk. Impax offers a well-rounded suite of investment solutions spanning multiple asset classes seeking strong risk-adjusted returns over the medium to long term.
Supporting Partner
As the industry’s leading custodian for independent registered investment advisors (RIAs), Schwab Advisor Services is dedicated to helping advisors achieve their business goals. For over 30 years we have supported firms of all types and sizes and earned the trust of over 13,000 advisors.
Schwab Advisor Services serves independent investment advisors and includes the custody, trading, and support services of Schwab.
advisorservices.schwab.com
Silver Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Silver and Social Media Sponsor
Supporting Partner
At The American College Center for Women in Financial Services, we pride ourselves on having excellent research that not only provides great insights into the industry, but with that research, we advance, promote and empower women to excel in the industry. Women working in financial services face unique challenges – challenges easier to overcome with support from other women. Welcome to a safe space built exclusively by women for women working in wealth.
We invite you to get to know your “neighbors” and develop meaningful connections with other women across the industry. Our online community is a private forum inaccessible to the public and protected behind a firewall, so you can feel free to come as you are. Ask questions, share experiences, and impart your wisdom – together, we can inspire, mentor, uncover solutions, and identify opportunities for gender parity in financial services.
theamericancollege.edu
Strategic Partner
Strategic Partner
“Seeing women supporting other women, regardless of where they are in the industry, is inspiring”
Colleen Bell, president of innovation and experience, Cambridge Investment Research
“Women’s equality is becoming an increasing theme, particularly in the investing style I do. That includes gender-lens investing”
Christine Cappabianca, portfolio manager, Impax Asset Management
Methodology
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
SPONSORS
AGENDA
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD CATEGORIES
SPONSORS
“This is such an honor,” said Kay Lynn Mayhue, president of Merit Financial Advisors. “I believed in and supported myself throughout my career, and now I get to do that for others. There are so many people who pushed me when I needed a nudge and pulled me up when I needed a hand. Now I get to focus my time on helping others reach new heights!”
“It means a lot to me, but I think it means even more to me being a representative of my company,” said Brittney Olinger, a financial advisor at Koss Olinger. “We’re an independent firm that’s a three-generation-strong company out of Gainesville, Florida, and it was our first female partner who put me up for this award. She and all the other partners have been massive proponents of bringing more women into our space and into our sector, so I’m just really, really honored. I wasn’t expecting it.
Cappabianca, vice president and portfolio manager for systematic strategies at Impax Asset Management, said: “I love my job, and I’m getting honored for doing something that I love. It’s great to show that kind of example to my kids, that you can have a job that is an intersection of your skills and passion.”
34 women, 13 companies received awards and honors at InvestmentNews’ Women to Watch event last November
Working to make an impact
Like mother, like daughter.
Rita Robbins was unable to attend the annual InvestmentNews Women to Watch awards in November to receive the Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award. But her daughter, Ali Arnold, stood in for her mother, founder and president of Affiliated Advisors, a giant branch office in the Osaic Holdings Inc. network.
“My mom is so incredible, and having followed her into the financial services industry, I’m so grateful I’ve had her in my life,” Arnold, a vice president of global marketing at Citi, said after the award ceremony. “She’s had the opportunity to make such an impact on so many other people, and that makes me grateful.”
The Alexandra Armstrong Lifetime Achievement Award is named for financial planning pioneer and leader Armstrong, who has spent more than five decades helping women plan strong financial futures and promoting the financial advice business as a top career for women. The award is given to one outstanding woman annually in the financial advisory and investment sphere.
In total, 34 women and 13 companies received awards and honors at the event on Tuesday, November 7, in lower Manhattan for their work across the financial advice and planning industries, in categories ranging from Female Trailblazer of the Year to Portfolio Manager of the Year.
The other Women to Watch winners were Kay Lynn Mayhue, Female Trailblazer of the Year; Colleen Bell, Allyship Champion of the Year; Brittney Olinger, Rising Star Advisor of the Year; Christine Cappabianca, Portfolio Manager of the Year; Thrivent, Employer of Choice; and Raymond James & Associates, Excellence in Gender Diversity & Inclusion.
“I really do believe it takes all of us to bring other people into our firms and industry,” said Bell, president of innovation and experience at Cambridge Investment Research. “I’ve always had great mentors, like Eric Schwartz and Amy Webber, and I need to pay that back to pay it forward. Empowered women can empower the world. The goal is to bring other people up in the industry.”
“Women’s equality is becoming an increasing theme, particularly in the investing style I do. That includes gender-lens investing”
Christine Cappabianca, portfolio manager, Impax Asset Management
“We have amazing women and amazing volunteers who put in so much of themselves to make sure our program – the mentorship opportunities and career opportunities – exist,” said Samantha Trebesch, senior vice president and head of advisor inclusion networks and sustainable investing at Raymond James. “And they raise up every single woman who comes to the firm.”
Sponsors and award presenters hailed the event as a chance for people to come together, connect, and share experiences.
Lindsey Lewis, director of the Center for Women in Financial Services at The American College, presented Mayhue with her award. She said, “If you look at the percentage of women who are in the industry, if you look at CFP professionals, that hasn’t changed in two decades – around 23 percent. So, you are seeing so many women having to create their own path to success. Being a trailblazer in this space, therefore, is so paramount because you want other women to be able to see those guideposts and be successful in the industry.”
Katherin Jollon Colsher, CEO at Girls Who Invest, handed out the allyship award to Bell. She added, “It’s incredibly exciting to see Colleen recognized and celebrated today for her commitment to allyship because it’s the community that will propel everybody forward.”
James Burton
Global Managing Editor - Wealth, Safety, HR
