BMO Celebrating Women: BMO Recognizes Outstanding Women in Markham Through National Program

MARKHAM, ON, May 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Three women were honoured at the fifth annual BMO Celebrating Women program in Markham for their remarkable contribution to business and the community in one of three categories: Innovation and Global Growth, Community and Charitable Giving, and Expansion and Growth in Small Business. The program recognizes female leaders in local communities as part of BMO's commitment to drive the advancement of women.

At the Markham event, the following honourees were recognized:

• Innovation and Global Growth: Sheena Chandaria. Ms. Chandaria is the co-owner of Conros Corporation, a leading manufacturer that pioneers innovative products and processes available at hundreds of retailers across North America. In 2006, she and her siblings took over the family company.
• Community and Charitable Giving: Marilyn Sinclair. Ms. Sinclair is the owner and President of All About Words, a full-service company that delivers content to help businesses and organizations communicate, inform and persuade. It also donates resources to groups like Act to End Violence Against Women. She was inspired to create NOT ME, an organization that promotes awareness and prevention of sexual assault on campus.
• Expansion and Growth in Small Business: Ruthie Burd. Ms. Burd is the founder of the Lunch Lady, a ready-made lunch delivery service for school children. Ms. Burd got the idea after wanting to find a balance between her work and the demands of her family, including the special needs of her autistic middle son. She currently manages a network of 32 local, owner-operated kitchens, servicing over 1,300 schools across Canada. 

"Through their leadership and dedication, these women have made a difference in business and the community. We're pleased to honour them through this program," said Sheri Griffiths, Regional Vice President, Business Banking, GTA North and East Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "Their work inspires the entrepreneurial fabric of the community and helps with the advancement of women, which is a priority here at BMO."

The Celebrating Women program follows BMO's second Catalyst Award win for its industry-leading work to accelerate diversity and inclusion in its workplace and dedication to gender equality.

In addition, BMO has partnerships with organizations such as GroYourBiz, WBE Canada, Women Presidents' Organization, SheEO and Catalyst. It has also developed products that address the needs of its female clients, including the recent Women in Leadership Mutual Fund – the first impact investing mutual fund offered by a Canadian bank focused on gender diversity, and spearheaded studies around women entrepreneurs, such as A Force to Reckon With: Women, Entrepreneurs & Risk – an eye-opening report in partnership with Carleton University that debunked myths around the notion of women being risk-averse.

For more information about BMO Celebrating Women, please visit: bmoforwomen.com and join the social conversation using #BMOforWomen.

About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, and currently marking its 200th year of operations, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion as of January 31, 2017, and more than 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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