[TORONTO], [SEPTEMBER, 15, 2023] – Action Against Hunger Canada is proud to announce that our Chief Executive Officer Onome Ako has been named a Finalist for the 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for the Social Change Award: National Impact. The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading female entrepreneurs. Now in its 31st year, the program is an initiative of Women of Influence+, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing Canadian women.
From a pool of 11,000 nominees, 20 Finalists from coast to coast have been selected to represent 7 Award Categories. The Social Change Award: National Impact award is dedicated to a female entrepreneur that is making a profound and positive impact in society and leading their unique brand of social change. Onome Ako is one of 3 Regional Finalists being recognized in this category, representing the Central Ontario region.
Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and provide essential aid to 28 million people across 55 countries. Our proven hunger prevention and treatment address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies.
“I am deeply honored to be nominated alongside these remarkable women whose incredible resilience have shattered glass ceilings and inspired a new path forward,” says Onome Ako. “As our world continues to grapple with some of the most pressing challenges of our time, empowering more female leaders remains a critical step to achieving sustainable development. These awards are an important opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the courageous work that all women are doing to build a sustainable, just, and equitable future.”
The winners will be announced and celebrated in-person at the 31st Annual Awards Gala, on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. This year, Women of Influence+ is thrilled to host this inspiring red-carpet event at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, where nominees, executives, dignitaries, and notable industry guests will come together once again for an evening of celebration and meaningful connection with business leaders from across the country.
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards recognize women business owners from across Canada who make impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian, or global economy. These awards recognize businesswomen and leaders of non-profits from three major regions across Canada: East, Central, and West. All nominees are required to submit thorough applications, which are reviewed and judged by a panel of prominent business leaders and subject to a due diligence performed by Deloitte.
“Our 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards finalists are changing the narrative by fearlessly defying convention and reshaping the perception of what women can achieve in the business world,” said Dr. Rumeet Billan, Owner and CEO, Women of Influence+. “Their impact extends far beyond their own companies. These exceptional entrepreneurs are also making a significant difference in their communities, addressing social challenges, and advocating for positive change. They are not only building successful enterprises, but also using their influence and resources to uplift others and leave a legacy of positive transformation. We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s finalists during our annual gala and share their inspiring stories with a wider audience.”
The 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are presented by Women of Influence+. Award presenters include RBC, Telus Business, Brescia University College and Bell Media. Our official Due Diligence partner is Deloitte and the official gift sponsor is Bulova.
About the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are the pre-eminent national business awards recognizing the country’s leading women entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence+, an award-winning global organization dedicated to advancing women in the workplace.
About Women of Influence Worldwide Inc.
For almost 30 years, Women of Influence+ (WOI+) has been the community where ambitious women with wide-ranging expertise, and innovative ideas go to create a new future for themselves and for the world of work at large. A future where women-led leadership thrives. At WOI+, our ethos is rooted in making meaningful and impactful change. We do this by placing ourselves and our community in positions of influence and power — places where we can drive transformation.
We measure influence by impact — the ripples that are made, the doors that are opened, the number of seats that are added to the proverbial decision-making table. Influence is about how decisions, innovations, and systems create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. At WOI+, we are unafraid to shake the status quo to transform society’s expectations of our capabilities.
We are dedicated to sharing and elevating the unfiltered success stories of a diverse group of role models. We know that when done right — from the podium or the page — these stories not only inspire, educate, and connect — they start to redefine our perceptions of gender roles and abilities. We are changing the narrative. The result? Our community is equipped with the connections, support, training, and tools to carve new pathways, and excel within their careers on their own terms.
For interview requests or further information please contact:
Katie MacNeill, Communications Officer, Action Against Hunger Canada, kmacneill@actionagainsthuger.ca
Amanda Kruzich, Program Director, Women of Influence+, akruzich@womenofinfluence.ca
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 56 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
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