I arrived early at the Metro Convention Centre on November 27, 2014 at 5 p.m. for the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) 2014 Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Awards Gala, but didn’t take long to fill the entire conference centre hall with beautiful gowns and bow ties.
The evening started with a cocktail reception and a chance to peruse items for bid at the Silent Auction. I had a look at the Silent Auction table, which featured some rare finds. Margaret Atwood had donated some books, but the most special was an autographed copy of her poem about how we personify animals, which is why it hurts so much when they die.
The WXN Top 100 Awards honour exceptional women who are proven achievers in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. The Top 100 are selected based on their extraordinary achievements in management, vision and leadership, corporate performance and community service.
The evening kicked off with the Honourable Dr. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister for the Status of Women asking the audience to be a champion for someone. This is the way that we become stronger as women.
The keynote speaker, Kathleen Taylor, Chair, RBC Board of Directors, said some inspirational words.
Next, the emcee for the evening, Catherine Murray who hosts BNN, said that every time she sees Kathleen Taylor speak at a function, she is always on and full of optimism.
The sponsored companies all stood up in turn and listed the women that they had chosen for these particular awards. Each stood up in turn and the audience clapped to congratulate them. All of the speeches had a common refrain: imploring us all to take leadership to encourage each other and to face fear.
Dinner started with a generous salad featuring poached pears and goat cheese.
Next was the entree, which was a tender sirloin beef with delectable mushroom sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and broccolini.
Lastly, dessert was sumptuous potted lemon custard with a dark chocolate brownie while WSN Founder Pamela Jeffery offered closing remarks.
The evening featured networking time between presenters and meal courses.
I was pleased to win my purchase from the silent auction. I bid on an activewear grey jacket and a black cover up from Karma.
There were over 1200 women in attendance. 130 tables seating approximately 10 people at each.
The Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Awards was a wonderful gala event. Congratulations to all of the winners.
 Top 100 Awards took place on November 27, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto.){kind=link}