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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women in Leadership Foundation Launches “Transforming Workplace Opportunities Initiative” The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada to make this initiative possible. With gratitude to WAGE Canada for their support, the Transforming Workplace Opportunities initiative aims to change the landscape of Canadian workplaces by inspiring employers and emerging leaders to Dream to Lead. Together, we can create a future where women—especially those from underrepresented communities—can thrive in leadership positions.
The Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL), a national non-profit organization devoted to advancing women’s leadership, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Transforming Workplace Opportunities initiative—an ambitious, 21-month program designed to foster systemic change in workplaces across Canada. This initiative, generously funded by Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) Canada, will span communities from coast to coast, bringing tailored resources, mentorship, and actionable insights to employers as we work to increase women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles across democratic, civic, public, and private sectors, with a strong emphasis on BIPOC and Indigenous communities.
The Transforming Workplace Opportunities initiative is not just a program; it’s a movement to inspire workplaces to dream big and lead with purpose. As part of the initiative, WIL will host events and workshops across Canada, designed to help employers reimagine their hiring practices and create an inclusive human resource framework that encourages women from all backgrounds to pursue leadership roles. A dedicated Indigenous Lead will guide employers in this journey through an advancing reconciliation-focused approach, bridging the gap between inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
How Employers Will Benefit:
By signing the Transforming the Workplace Pledge, participating organizations affirm their commitment to gender equity and will benefit from personalized consultations with DEIB experts. Through this federally funded initiative, employers will join a supportive community passionate about championing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and a limited number will receive 20 hours of free support from a renowned HR consultant who will help them review policies, hiring practices, retention strategies, and recruitment methods to attract diverse candidates. This invaluable support, provided at no cost to participants, is aimed at empowering organizations to create sustainable DEIB policies that resonate with today’s diverse workforce and position them as leaders in inclusive practices.
In addition, companies that join the pledge will gain exclusive access to WIL’s network of over 200,000 women leaders across North America. This opens up exciting partnership, visibility, and learning opportunities, allowing them to showcase their dedication to DEIB and build valuable connections within the community.
A National Call to Action:
“By joining forces with our stakeholders, we can break down the barriers and biases that hinder women’s advancement in leadership roles and make a meaningful, transformational impact,” says Maya Kanigan, Founder and President of the Women in Leadership Foundation.
This initiative also highlights the importance of treating people fairly and with kindness—a message that Charmaine St Ange, Manager of Delivery Services at SAIT, echoes powerfully: “Embracing this transformative movement is not just a professional aspiration; it’s a commitment to shared values that resonate with the principles of equality and world peace. Together, we not only enhance the workplace experience for all but also contribute to a larger societal shift that prioritizes humanity and understanding.”
For more information or to participate in this national movement, please visit: Transforming the Workplace | Women in Leadership
About Women in Leadership (WIL):
Founded in 2001, WIL delivers inspirational programs that bring women together to collaborate in the development of their leadership skills and create positive change in the future of women’s leadership. WIL has chapters in Vancouver, Victoria, Okanagan, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
The Women in Leadership Foundation acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada to make this initiative possible.
For Media Inquiries:
Olaide Akinlabi
Project Assistant,
Transforming Workplace Opportunities Initiative
Women in Leadership Foundation
Phone: 587.969.9817
Email: ola@womeninleadership.ca