Toronto, November 23 2023 – Action Against Hunger is honoured to announce that Onome Ako, CEO has been named the recipient of the Social Change Award at the 2023 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. Presented by Women of Influence+, and now in their 31st year, the prestigious awards recognize the country’s leading women entrepreneurs who have made impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian, or global economy.
“As we celebrate our 31st year, we’re particularly inspired by this year’s winners who’ve made a significant impact,” said Rumeet Billan, Ph.D., CEO and Owner, Women of Influence+. “This year’s award recipients represent what influential leadership looks like in business and in the community, and we’re proud to spotlight and celebrate their achievements.”
Onome Ako was one of seven recipients celebrated at this year’s awards gala on November 22nd, following a robust nomination drive that saw over 11,000 nominations come in from across the country. The Social Change 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.
“This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of awards like this, where we shine the spotlight on individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women in their respective fields. By doing so, we not only celebrate their achievements but also send a powerful message to future generations. We need to reshape the narrative, ensuring that young girls and women everywhere see themselves reflected in leadership roles, breaking free from preconceived notions and societal expectations.”, said Ako.
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.
For more information on this year’s award winners, visit https://www.womenofinfluence.ca/rbc-cwea/.
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.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
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.
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For interview requests or further information, please contact:
David Tsigoulis, Director of Communications, Action Against Hunger Canada, dtsigoulis@actionagainsthunger.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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