News Releases
TORONTO, May 30, 2019 /CNW/ - The annual BMO Celebrating Women event in Toronto honoured three women for their remarkable contributions to business and the community.
The program honours female leaders in local communities as part of BMO's commitment to drive the advancement of women and recognizes contributions in one of three categories: Trailblazers & Innovators; Community & Charitable Giving; and Expansion & Growth in Business.
The following honourees were recognized:
- Trailblazers & Innovators: Rose Perri. Ms. Perri serves as president of EastGate Biotech Corporation, dedicated to delivering alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals after her brother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1993. Based on innovative delivery systems, EastGate Biotech Corporation offers innovative pharmaceuticals that can be absorbed by the body naturally, including its latest liquid insulin for Type 2 and pre-diabetic patients.
- Trailblazer & Innovators: Margaret Hachey. Ms. Hachey is the founder of numerous ventures and continues to share her business acumen, network and experience with fellow female entrepreneurs. In 1980, she founded Duocom Canada Inc. Under her leadership, Duocom Canada's revenue grew from $2.5 million to $52 million within eight years. It has been recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Private Companies two years in a row. She was also ranked in the top 10 of the Top 100 Women in Canada by PROFIT/Chatelaine Magazine for a decade. Seeking ways to help provide networking opportunities and support for women in similar roles, she was among the founding members of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) in Canada. Ms. Hachey owns Operation Evergreen Business Group, a consulting company providing business advice for innovators. She also serves as the Managing Director for GroYourBiz, an organization that builds peer-to-peer advisory boards for women business owners.
- Community & Charitable Giving: Tanya Hayles. Ms. Hayles is the founder and CEO of Black Moms Connection, a global online village and incorporated non-profit providing culturally relevant tools and resources to empower and educate Black mothers. Black Moms Connection (BMC) was created in 2015 after she noticed online parenting groups did not have the resources or discussions relatable to and for minority women. The online community steadily grew from 20 to over 4,000 members in its first year. Today, the Black Moms Connection Facebook group has over 14,000 members and growing – with connections in Japan, Nigeria and Australia. BMC hosted its first conference in 2017 in Toronto with over 100 attendees and national media attention. Ms. Hayles' vision is to provide a "safe space" for Black mothers to congregate and share their stories in order to bring about positive change for their children and generations to come.
- Expansion & Growth in Business: Kristen Gale. Identifying the appetite for alternatives to traditional spas, Ms. Gale founded THE TEN SPOT INC. At age 24, Ms. Gale drafted the business plan overnight and promptly began building an "anti-spa" beauty bar, bridging the gap between upscale spa services and amenities with affordable, efficient options that would appeal to the masses. Since its opening in 2006, THE TEN SPOT INC. has expanded to over 50 locations across Canada, with U.S. franchise expansion plans. Recognized for her commitment in helping her brand's franchisees succeed, THE TEN SPOT INC. was awarded the Franchise Choice Award by the Canadian Franchise Association for three consecutive years. They were also recognized on the PROFIT 500 ranking of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 by Canadian Business Magazine. In addition, Ms. Gale was named one of Canada's Top 40 under 40 in 2017 and was named one of W100 Canada's Top Female Entrepreneurs by PROFIT/Chatelaine Magazine in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
"Our honourees demonstrate visionary thinking, empowering and inspiring their peers, colleagues and communities across the GTA," said Sandra Henderson, Chief Operating Officer, BMO Private Wealth Canada. "BMO is committed to developing programs that support the advancement of women and is honoured to celebrate the commendable achievements of these entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders focused on supporting women in all communities."
BMO has developed products to address the needs of its female clients, including the recent Women in Leadership Mutual Fund – the first impact-investing mutual fund focused on gender diversity to be offered by a Canadian bank. In April 2019, CEO Darryl White signed the UN Women's Empowerment Principles on behalf of the bank, making BMO the first Canadian financial institution to sign the WEPs.
For more information about BMO Celebrating Women, please visit: bmoforwomen.com and join the social conversation using #BMOforWomen.
About BMO for Women
BMO is committed to supporting initiatives that empower women within its workforce and the communities the bank serves. BMO has partnered with organizations such as the Women's Presidents Organization, GroYourBiz, #movethedial, and Women Get On Board to provide expertise, leadership, knowledge, and opportunities for women to network and learn. In 2018, BMO announced it is making $3 billion in capital available over the next three years for Canadian businesses owned by women. Through the only bank-owned recognition program for women in North America – BMO Celebrating Women – BMO celebrates successful women who have given back to their communities or achieved success in business. Since 2012, BMO Celebrating Women has honoured more than 100 women in communities across Canada and the United States.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
