WCT Annual Awards Recognize Excellence, Innovation and Willingness to Push Boundaries

OTTAWA, Feb. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) today announced the names of 13 recipients of its prestigious Annual Awards, which recognize individual and corporate leadership in advancing women's achievement in Canada's rapidly growing digital economy.

Formerly Canadian Women in Communications (CWC), the revamped and much expanded WCT organization now represents 2,500 women in professions and industries from traditional media and corporate communications to information management and technology.

"In a sector as large and diverse as the one our organization now represents, it's fitting that we're recognizing excellence in a much wider range of skill sets and categories," said Janice McDonald, Chair of WCT's Board of Directors. "We're delighted—but not surprised—to find so many worthy recipients."

The Awards will be presented at WCT's much-celebrated Annual Awards Ceremony and Gala at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa on April 7, 2014.

"We're very proud of the calibre of talent we're recognizing this year," said Joanne Stanley, Executive Director, WCT. "Each person and company we're honouring plays a significant role in defining and inspiring positive change, advancement and opportunities for women in the sectors WCT represents."

2014 Annual Awards:

Woman of the Year:
     Wendy Freeman, President, CTV News (Bell Media).

Company of the Year:
     COGECO Cable Canada

Chair of Distinction:
     Barb Williams, SVP Content, Shaw Media.

Leadership Awards

Trailblazer - Corporate
     Mary Ann Turcke, EVP Field Operations, Bell Canada.

Trailblazer - Media
     Rosemary Thompson, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, and Corporate Secretary, National Arts Centre (Ottawa).

Game Changer (Advocate of Women in a Non-Traditional Role)
     Nathalie Cook, VP of Sales & Partnerships, TSN (Bell Media).

Diversity Champion
     Sabrina Geremia, Managing Director, Integrated Solutions, Google Canada.

Technology Innovator
     Lynda Partner, CEO, Partners Inc.

Mentor of the Year
     Philip Porado, Executive Editor, Advisor Group, Rogers Publishing Ltd.

Innovator
     Shelagh Stoneham, SVP & GM, Brands & Marketing Communications, Rogers Communications Inc.

WCT Leader
     Dennie Theodore, Senior Manager, Strategic Planning & Partnerships for Transformation, TD Bank.

Communicator - Corporate Communications
     Jackie King, SVP & General Manager, Hill & Knowlton Canada.

Communicator - Communications Excellence
     Laura Peck, VP & Principal, McLoughlin Media, Media Training & Counsel.

About Women in Communications and Technology
Women in Communications and Technology (WCT), previously known as Canadian Women in Communications, is a not-for-profit organization —a national association of women who work in the communications, digital media and technology sectors. With the help of our sponsors, we are committed to creating jobs and advancing women in their careers by facilitating a Canadian network of industry support and recognition, leadership and skills development, and mentoring.

To purchase your ticket to the WCT 2014 Annual Awards Gala or reserve a table for your organization, contact us at: [email protected] or by phone at 613-706-0607.

SOURCE: Women in Communications and Technology (WCT)

For further information:

Terra Lariviere at [email protected] tel. [phone] or Willow Guy at [email protected] tel. [phone]