TORONTO, March 7, 2014 /CNW/ - In honour of International Women's Day,
Microsoft Canada unveiled a portrait at an exclusive event yesterday,
showcasing 10 aspirational Canadian women who have used Microsoft
technology as part of their success, alongside the female executives
who make up Microsoft's own Canadian Leadership Team (CLT). More than
50 per cent of the leadership positions on Microsoft Canada's
leadership team are occupied by women, including President Janet
Kennedy.
The portrait, taken at the Microsoft Technology Centre, brings together
10 sets of women - one Canadian community leader, business leader or
entrepreneur and one Microsoft executive - who have achieved success in
their field or are affecting change in their communities. The women in
the portrait represent a wide variety of experiences and industries,
however the unifying thread that weaves their stories together is
technology.
"At Microsoft, diversity isn't an aspiration. It's a value we live and
breathe everyday," said Kennedy. "Our leadership team is driven by some
of the best and brightest women in the industry, and our technology
empowers innovative women across the country to compete in every facet
of the businesses that are driving Canada's economic growth.
International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women
globally; what better way to mark the occasion than celebrating the
incredible women who are making a difference with technology right here
in Canada."
The women featured in the portrait are:
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Janet Kennedy, President, Microsoft Canada
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Elaine Kunda, Consultant
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Claudia Ferris, Vice President, Marketing & Operations, Microsoft Canada
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Karoline Bourdeau, B.A (Hons), B.A., JD
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Mary-Ellen Anderson, Vice President, Developer & Platform Group,
Microsoft Canada
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Sarah Prevette, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Brand Project
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Carolyn Buccongello, Vice President, Human Resources, Microsoft Canada
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Leigh Mitchell, Founder, Women in Biz Network
Roshni Wijayasinha, Senior Marketing Manager, Kobo;
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Chitra Anand, Head, Public Relations & Communications, Microsoft Canada
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Carolyn Lawrence, President, Women of Influence
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Cheri Chevalier, Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft Canada
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Erin Bury, Managing Director, 88 Creative
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Laura Robinson, Vice President, Retail Sales & Marketing, Microsoft
Canada
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Lisa Cantkier, Founder/Owner
GlutenFreeFind.com
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Staci Trackey Meagher, Vice President, Enterprise & Partner Group,
Microsoft Canada
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Sharon Vinderine, Founder, Patent Trusted Parent Approved
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Lisa Gamble-Smith, SMB Director, Microsoft Canada
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Kaela Bree, CEO, X Movement
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"Technology played a critical role in my success," said Karoline
Bourdeau, a workplace mediator and one of the women featured. "I have
long relied on technology to help me accomplish my goals. I use Outlook
to stay organized and Office to create. In my life, technology has
truly been the greatest equalizer; it leveled the playing field and
helped me compete in a highly competitive industry."
Bourdeau, blind at birth, was not allowed to attend school in her native
United Arab Emerates. She started school at the age of 13 when she
arrived in Canada, went on to law school at Queen's University, and now
works as a Mediator with special interest groups. She also volunteers
with several organizations and was part of the Ontarians with
Disabilities Act Committee.
To learn more about the women featured in the portrait, visit http://microsoft.ca/womenofmicrosoft
About Microsoft Canada:
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of
Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing,
consulting and local support services in both French and English.
Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional
offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great
software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information
on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.
SOURCE Microsoft Canada Inc.
Image with caption: "Microsoft Canada Celebrates Women in Technology for International Women's Day (CNW Group/Microsoft Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140307_C9866_PHOTO_EN_37691.jpg
