Women Get On Board and BMO name 2026 boardroom honourees
Women Get On Board and BMO for Women announced the five women selected for the 2026 BMO Celebrating Women On Boards program at an Oct. 6 ceremony in Toronto. The awards spotlight women leaders in corporate governance and board inclusion across Canada.
Why it matters: - The program recognizes women shaping corporate governance and board leadership across Canada. - The honourees are part of a long-running effort to broaden boardroom inclusion and highlight women leaders outside the spotlight. - The recognition can raise visibility for future board candidates and reinforce governance standards across Canadian companies.
What happened: - Women Get On Board Inc. and BMO for Women announced the 2026 BMO Celebrating Women On Boards honourees. - The reveal took place at a sold-out ceremony on Oct. 6, 2026, in Toronto. - The ceremony marked the seventh annual edition of the program. - The 2026 honourees are Rita Parikh and Joan Hertz for Western Canada, Maureen Jensen and Marie-Josée Neveu for Central Canada, and Kim Keating for Eastern Canada.
The details: - The program honors Canadian women leaders who have made significant contributions to corporate governance and board leadership. - Each year, the program recognizes five women: two from Western Canada, two from Central Canada and one from Eastern Canada. - Selection is based on four criteria: board leadership, board effectiveness, agent of change for board inclusion, and volunteer/community impact. - Since launching in 2020, the program has celebrated 33 women leaders. - WGOB says the program is guided by its “power of three” philosophy, which defines three women in a boardroom as an authentic voice for change. - Dr. Deborah Rosati, founder and CEO of Women Get On Board Inc., said the honourees made significant contributions to corporate governance while advancing inclusion in the boardroom. - Sharon Haward-Laird, group head of Canadian Commercial Banking and North American Integrated Solutions at BMO and executive sponsor of BMO for Women, said the honourees exemplify leadership, judgment and vision that help organizations thrive. - Adrianne Fekete, founder and CEO of I Am Unbreakable® Global Media, delivered the keynote address, titled "The Rockstar Narrative: The Power of Storytelling." - Fekete’s talk focused on how authentic storytelling can build trust, influence and lasting impact.
Between the lines: - The ceremony reflects a broader push to turn board diversity into a measurable leadership pipeline, not just a symbolic recognition. - The mix of governance criteria and community impact suggests the program values both board performance and public leadership. - BMO’s involvement ties the recognition program to a larger corporate platform aimed at supporting women in business and finance.
What's next: - Women Get On Board and BMO for Women will continue the annual program and select future honourees. - More information on the 2026 honourees is available through Women Get On Board | BMO Celebrating Women On Boards
Disclaimer: This article was produced by AGP Wire with the assistance of artificial intelligence based on original source content and has been refined to improve clarity, structure, and readability. This content is provided on an “as is” basis. While care has been taken in its preparation, it may contain inaccuracies or omissions, and readers should consult the original source and independently verify key information where appropriate. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or other professional advice.
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