Calgary, September 15, 2021 – Children First Canada (CFC) is proud to announce that Sara Austin, CFC’s founder and CEO, has been named a finalist for the 2021 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 29th year, the program is an initiative of Women of Influence, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing Canadian women.
From a pool of thousands of nominees, 23 finalists from coast to coast to coast have been selected to represent seven award categories. The Social Change Award is dedicated to a female entrepreneur who is an exceptional leader of a registered charity, social enterprise or not-for-profit that is dedicated to their unique brand of social change at a national or international level. Austin is one of three regional finalists being recognized in this category, representing the Western region.
Children First Canada (CFC) is a national charitable organization that serves as a strong, effective, and independent voice for all children in Canada. CFC harnesses the strength of many organizations and individuals that are committed to improving the lives of children in Canada, including children’s charities and hospitals, research centres, government, corporations, community leaders, and children themselves.
“I’m deeply honoured to be recognized by RBC and Women of Influence for the social impact that Children First Canada is having,” says Austin. “The greatest award is being able to do meaningful work that is changing the lives of millions of kids, and I want to pay tribute to my team – our staff, board, volunteers and donors, and particularly the children and youth we work with across the country. Together, we are busting myths about what it is like to grow up in Canada and building a groundswell of support to take urgent action to make Canada the best place in the world for kids to grow up.”
The winners will be announced and celebrated at the 29th Annual Awards Gala, on Wednesday, November 17, where all attendees will be once again digitally transported into our Virtual Awards Gala. The evening’s festivities and award ceremony, which will be live-streamed around the world, will shine a spotlight on all these amazing Canadian women entrepreneurs.
The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards recognizes female business owners from across Canada who make impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian or global economy. Candidates share a strong entrepreneurial vision and a relentless passion for pursuing their dreams. These awards recognize business women from three major regions across Canada: East, Central and West. All nominees were 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 KPMG.
”This year we received a record-breaking number of applications and are honoured to celebrate the accomplishments of our 2021 award finalists,” says Alicia Skalin, Co-CEO, Women of Influence. “These entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable innovation in the face of adversity, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase their stories across the country.”
The 2021 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards are presented by RBC. Award sponsors include The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, RBC, and our official Due Diligence partner KPMG.
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 female entrepreneurs. The awards are an initiative of Women of Influence, an award-winning organization dedicated to advancing women globally.
About Women of Influence Worldwide Inc.
Women of Influence, now in its 27th year, is one of North America’s leading organizations offering solutions for workplace gender equality and women’s advancement. Through our global events, digital media, signature awards, and consulting, Women of Influence reaches a diverse community of professional women and men across Canada and internationally. Providing insights and inspiration, perspectives on key issues, and creating opportunities to connect — we are making change happen for women, today. Our signature programs include the Top 25 Women of Influence Awards and the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. For more information, please visit www.womenofinfluence.com
For interview requests or further information please contact:
Andrea Chrysanthou, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416-797-8194, achrysanthou@national.ca
Amanda Kruzich, Women of Influence, 416 456 8633, akruzich@womenofinfluence.ca