TORONTO – Four women, along with one company, are being recognized by Canadian Women in Communications for their contributions to Canada’s communications industry and their work to promote the advancement of women within the industry.
The CWC’s annual awards presentation takes place on Feb. 26, 2008, at the CWC 2008 Annual Awards Gala in Ottawa. The Gala reception begins at 5 p.m., with the dinner and the awards presentation starting at 6 p.m.
The event regularly attracts over 600 of Canada’s top communications VIPs, government representatives and industry leaders to the Ottawa Congress Centre. Confirmed to attend this year’s Gala are Konrad von Finckenstein, chairman of the CRTC, and the Hon. Jim Prentice, minister of industry.
“The CWC 2008 Annual Award winners are exceptional achievers and superb role models for our industry,” says Stephanie MacKendrick, CWC president. “They exemplify strong, inspiring leadership, hard work and a dedication to advancing women.”
The 2008 Annual Award winners, taken from the CWC release (with their photos), are:
Woman of the Year: Ruth Kelly, president and publisher of Venture Publishing. This award recognizes outstanding women who have excelled both in their careers and as champions of women’s advancement.
As the publisher and president of Venture Publishing, Ruth Kelly courageously achieves her goals. She has become a leader in a business sector that is both high-risk and traditionally male-dominated, relying on experience and skill to grow and move Venture Publishing forward. Committed to providing women with opportunities for advancement, Ruth has created a corporate culture at Venture Publishing that supports women’s career development. From leading Edmonton’s Chamber of Commerce to gathering up graduation dresses for aboriginal youth, Ruth generously volunteers her time and talent to assist other women with achieving their potential. The winner of countless awards, accolades and acknowledgements, Ruth is an outstanding role model who demonstrates that risk-taking, career advancement and community involvement can be combined to create a successful life that enriches those around her.
Mentor of the Year: Pat Solman, vice-president customer care, consumer markets division, MTS Allstream Inc. This award was created to recognize women and men who support the advancement of women by generously sharing their wisdom and experience in their role as mentor.
Helping others achieve their goals represents success at the highest level. Pat Solman, throughout her 20-year career at MTS Allstream Inc., has coached and mentored many women, empowering them to achieve their career ambitions. Pat has been an eloquent voice for women and a strong advocate for their advancement. She has championed and led numerous leadership and mentoring initiatives within MTS Allstream. Pat provides guidance not only to help women advance in their careers but also advises them on how to find balance between their professional and personal responsibilities. In both her volunteer and career positions, Pat inspires and leads, teaches and coaches with dedication and compassion.
Trailblazer of the Year: Julia Elvidge, president, Chipworks Inc. This award honours women who have cleared the path for other women. A trailblazer is a leader who breaks down barriers, removes o
bstacles and is prepared to take risks to cover new territory for women.
It takes courage to choose the road less travelled. As president of Chipworks Inc., Julia Elvidge has carved out a spectacular career for herself in what has typically been an industry led by men. An effective leader, Julia was instrumental in growing Chipworks from a one-person consulting firm to a global company with more than 120 employees. As one of the few women holding the title of president in the technology industry, Julia is a role model for other women who strive for advancement in the sector. As a member of the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) Board of Directors, Julia has been a champion of gender and cultural diversity to the entire information and communications technology (ICT) industry. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Julia Elvidge has truly paved the way for other women to advance and demonstrate their capabilities as leaders.
Chapter Leader of the Year: Amélie Poulin, human resources manager, Bell Canada This award honours a CWC member whose time, effort and commitment has helped to build CWC and has 
contributed significantly to the organization’s success.
Energy, drive and vision are qualities associated with leaders, change agents and – Amélie Poulin. Equipped with determination and a belief in what is possible, Amélie transformed the Quebec CWC chapter into a CWC powerhouse. With sell-out events and sought-after opportunities for networking, learning and advancement, the Quebec chapter exemplifies the value CWC membership adds to the careers of women in the communications industry. As chapter chair, Amélie assembled a dynamic group of leaders committed to women’s advancement and inspired her CWC team with individual attention and strong strategic direction. A visionary and effective leader, Amélie is a superb role model and a source of empowerment for the women around her.
Employer of the Year: Golden West Broadcasting Ltd. This citation is awarded, at the discretion of the CWC Board of Directors, to a company that has an outstanding track record or demonstrated outstanding leadership in the promotion of women. 
Great employers don’t just happen. They start, as Manitoba’s Golden West Broadcasting did, by committing to create a corporate culture that strongly supports and promotes women’s advancement in every department of the organization. Golden West’s record of promoting women to leadership roles is impressive. Women represent 40 per cent of senior management, 72 per cent of the sales force and 40 per cent of the company’s board directors. At Golden West, women’s advancement is further supported by flexible work schedules, leadership training opportunities and mentoring from management. From entry level to the board of directors, Golden West has sent a clear message that women of achievement are an important part of the company’s success at every level of the organization.
Canadian Women in Communications (CWC) is a national, bilingual organization dedicated to the advancement of women in the communications industry through strategic networking, targeted professional development and meaningful recognition. There are currently over 1,400 CWC members in nine chapters across Canada.
