TIAW Awards in Washington, DC

I was honoured to be one of the BC champions recognized with an International Award presented by TIAW (The International Alliance for Women). TIAW is is a global umbrella organization uniting professional women and their networks and they hosted the 2011 World of Difference 100 Awards in Washington, DC. I was one of the individuals from British Columbia who was internationally recognized in the entrepreneurial category for work promoting and supporting the advancement of women in business.

Anne Lippert and Barbara at TIAW Awards in DC Oct 2011

Amanda Ellis Lifetime Achievement Winner with husband Keric and Barbara

The 2011 awards recognize 100 achievers from 27 countries for their efforts in advancing the economic empowerment of women locally, regionally or worldwide.

This is the second time anyone from BC has made the list since the awards’ inception in 2008, when Doreen McKenzie-Sanders was recognized for her work creating the Women in the Lead Directory of qualified women candidates for appointment to corporate boards.

Amanda Ellis, Barbara and Maxine Westaway at TIAW Global Awards, Washington DC Oc. 2011

Amanda Ellis, Barbara and Maxine Westaway at TIAW Global Awards, Washington DC Oct. 2011

Sherry Fotheringham-Geysler, Barbara, Mary Schnack, Amanda Ellis

Every year, TIAW invites nominations in several different categories. Award categories include Education, Community, Entrepreneurial, Non-profit, and Public Service/Government.

TIAW (www.tiaw.org ) is an international umbrella organization which strives to support and promote professional women through resources and networks. Founded in 1980, it has emerged as the global voice of businesswomen who want to make a difference in their communities. TIAW connects leading women’s organizations and their members worldwide to leverage their reach and resources. Located primarily in the Americas, Asia and Europe, they represent more than 35,000 members worldwide.

Other winners from BC included:

Anne Lippert, Principal of Anne Lippert Consulting, in the Corporate (Individual Women) category;
Bob Elton, Chair of the Board of Governors of Simon Fraser University, in the Male Champion of Women’s Economic Empowerment category;
Jennifer Sung, Vice President, Young Women in Business (YWIB), as a Young Women Leader <25.
Jill Earthy, CEO of the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE), in the Community category;
Laurel Douglas, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Centre, in the Education category;
Michelle Pockey, Partner at the law firm Fasken Martineau, in the Entrepreneurial category; and
Paulina Lipska, President of Young Women in Business (YWIB), as a Young Women Leader <25;