C-suite Executives Awards

Recognizing women at the C-suite level who play a significant strategic role within their organizations

MARJORIE DICKMAN J.D. Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer, BLACKBERRY LTD.

BIO: Since joining Blackberry in 2020 as the company's first-ever Chief Government Affairs and Public Policy Officer, Marjorie built Blackberry's Global Government Affairs and Public Policy organization from the ground up. A C-suite leader and Corporate Officer, reporting directly to the Executive Chairman/ceo, Marjorie oversees Blackberry's global government relations, regulatory affairs, public policy and technical standards operations. The tech industry veteran's recognitions include Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech, Tech Titan, Top Lobbyist, and Top 100 Women Executives/ Heroes Role Model.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: With perseverance and integrity, hard work eventually opens doors to the right opportunities at the right times. At key moments in my career, "right" was the unforeseen.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: As leaders, we have the power to mentor and help others achieve their goals. Power without “paying it forward” is powerless.

IMA OKONNY

Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Data Officer, EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT CANADA

BIO: Ima, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Data Officer of Employment and social development Canada, is a seasoned executive and a trailblazer in the data and analytics domain. She has 23+ years of experience and she is a sought-after voice on data, AI, and leadership. She has an educational background in Mathematics, Computer Programming and Public Management and is the recipient of numerous awards, most recently, the Insight250 award. Ima was born in Ottawa, and she has an adult son.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: You never stop learning.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Knowing and owning your purpose and living each day with intention.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To live each day with intention by being that change you seek in the world.

CATHERINE ROCHE

MBA

Chief Marketing Officer, BMO FINANCIAL GROUP

BIO: Catherine Roche is a global leader responsible for the brand and marketing across BMO Financial Group. She brings strategic and customer insight to crafting and implementing marketing strategies that elevate the enterprise brand, bring the bank's purpose to life, and grow the business. Prior to joining BMO, Catherine was a Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group with global consumer insight accountability. Catherine serves on the boards of Holland Bloorview Hospital and Futurpreneur, and was a 2018 Top 100 WXN award recipient.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Being intentional about the positive imprint I leave on people and on the work we do.

ON WHAT POWERFUL MEANS: To be influential and to have the confidence to use that influence to grow the good.

POWER SONG: R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Aretha Franklin

LARA SPEIRS

ICD.D

Chief Legal Officer & EVP Public Affairs,

RANDSTAD CANADA; President & Chair,

WOMEN GENERAL COUNSEL CANADA

BIO: Lara started her career as a constitutional litigator with the Department of Justice and as solicitor for the Lord Advocate (Scotland, UK). She graduated from Mcgill University with common law and civil law degrees and obtained her BAH from Queens University. Lara is Executive Sponsor of the LGBTQ2S+ Community and sits on the organizing committee of Randstad Ride, the annual charity ride for cancer research. She is passionate about sitting on several NFP boards, with a special focus on youth and women and is Chair of Women General Counsel Canada.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Learning how to be an effective role model! How to leave your mark by supporting and elevating others through community, mentorship and thought leadership. It also includes knowing when it is time to "pass on the baton" to others, elevating them and allowing them to shine, with you quietly by their side.

HEATHER TAYLOR

FCA, FCPA Canadian Partner ESG Markets,

ERNST & YOUNG; Nominated as: Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer,

CITY OF TORONTO

BIO: Heather is Partner at EY Canada. She previously served as the CFO for the City of Toronto. Under her leadership, the city was the first government in Canada to: incorporate climate-related disclosures in their audited financial reports, to offer both green and social bonds, and to issue an annual ESG report. Heather is also a member of the Public Sector Accountability Board, Canadian Chapter of Accounting for Sustainability, an advocate for the Canadian ISSB office, and co-launched C40's Women4climate Mentorship Programme.

MOST IMPORTANT CAREER LESSON: Being authentic and leading with empathy creates trust and confidence in those around you to reach better outcomes.

ON LIVING LIKE A LEGEND: Having the courage and conviction to pursue what you believe is right and not shy away from resistance.

POWER SONG: Get on Your Feet, Gloria Estefan