Three local women were honoured at the fifth annual BMO Celebrating Women program in Burlington, Ontario 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 Burlington event, the following honourees were recognized:

  • Innovation and Global Growth: Ruth Liebersbach. Ms. Liebersbach is the CEO of McMaster Innovation Park (MIP), an internationally recognized site for innovation, creativity and research. She has been integral to the growth and expansion of MIP, contributing millions of dollars to the Hamilton economy and leading international collaborations.
  • Community and Charitable Giving: Nicole German. Ms. German, global business strategist and consultant, founded the Maddie Project, a community initiative in support of youth with mental illness in honour of her daughter. With North York General, the Project has raised over $1.3 million towards the development of Maddie’s Healing Gardens.
  • Expansion and Growth in Small Business: Michele Bailey. The first Canadian to win the WPO’s Mary Lehman MacLachlan Economic Empowerment Award, Ms. Bailey is the President and CEO of Blazing The Agency, an award-winning marketing and advertising firm. In addition, she founded and created MyBigIdea, a goal setting and tracking program available internationally.

“We’re pleased to recognize these women for their hard work, commitment and the important role they play in the advancement of women in business, which is a key priority for us at BMO,” said Julie Barker-Merz, Senior Vice President, Southwestern Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “They’ve cultivated businesses and initiatives that have a deep, lasting impact and that inspire others here in the community.”

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.