BMO Celebrates International Day of the Girl 2021 - Participates in New Sustainability Innovation Hub to Inspire Young Women
-
bookmark
-
print
-
New Innovation Hub provides youth with the opportunity to connect with BMO leaders and discuss their vision for a sustainable future
-
Fourth year participating in Plan International Canada's Girls Belong Here program, fostering leadership opportunities for young women
TORONTO and CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2021 – Leading up to International Day of the Girl on October 11, BMO Financial Group is showing its ongoing support through a series of initiatives to encourage young women on the path to leadership and backing the goal of achieving a sustainable future.
Plan International Canada's Girls Belong Here program places young women in positions of leadership, power, and influence for a day. One year into BMO’s five-year Zero Barriers to Inclusion Strategy, International Day of the Girl reminds us of the continued importance of amplifying girls’ voices, advocating for their rights, evaluating their position in society and reinforcing their capacity as decision-makers.
“Going into our fourth year participating in Girls Belong Here, we are continuously inspired by these young women who are powerhouses of innovation, inspiration and drive,” said Karen Collins, Chief Talent Officer, BMO Financial Group. “Fostering inclusion in the corporate world begins by setting our future leaders up for success and allowing them to realize their full potential. We are proud to support Girls Belong Here and as we celebrate International Day of the Girl; we continue to fulfil our Purpose to boldly grow the good, working towards our goal of zero barriers to inclusion.”
As well, in line with BMO’s announcement towards transitioning to a net zero world, BMO celebrates International Day of the Girl by reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable future.
Annual Seat Share with BMO’s General Counsel, Sharon Haward-Laird
In this year’s Seat Share, Sharon Haward-Laird, BMO General Counsel will offer up her role to youth program participant, Riti*.
“The Girls Belong Here program is very dear to my heart because it champions values of gender equity and youth empowerment, both themes inspiring my long-term involvement with Plan International Canada,” said Riti*, Plan Canada’s, Girls Belong Here participant. “The seat share program with BMO will allow me to gain an intimate look into an industry I hope to pursue a career in, make my voice heard at a table where impactful decisions are made, and consider the importance of nurturing community relations at all levels of influence to enact change both locally and globally.”
Riti, 19, is a second year Bachelor of Arts student at the University of British Columbia where she is pursuing a major in gender studies and a minor in law and society. She is originally from Saskatchewan where she is an honoured guest on Treaty 6 territory. She is passionate about social, environmental and economic justice which has paved the way for her advocacy and activism.
BMO Innovation Hub “A Just Transition”
New this year, BMO hosted an interactive ThinkTank inspiring youth to work towards a sustainable future. Last week, BMO provided seven young people an opportunity to consult and share their perspective on sustainability related issues and hear from experts in the industry. Facilitated by BMO’s Sustainability team, the event featured a three-part discussion followed by a networking session where youth could connect and share concerns and questions. Coming out of the discussion, important issues were raised and discussed but one participant, Rhea*, captured the importance of this program by saying “mentorship allows for you to extend your hand down and bring other women up.”
The conversation is now being developed into a podcast, available October 7th, framed around the three discussions. The participants discussed what sustainability and a sustainable future means to them, why our current system for energy is not "just," and the growing necessity to respond to the needs of women and marginalized groups.
Barrier Breakers
Women business owners are paving the way for the next generation of girls. The face of leadership is changing in the business community and BMO is working as catalyst for the next generation of girls who want to own their own businesses.
As International Day of the Girl nears, BMO will evolve its social media content series about women business owners. The updated content will tell women’s stories of what it means to them to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of young women leaders.
BMO Women Leaders Paving the Way
-
For many years, BMO leaders have been named as WXN's Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, including the past five consecutive years.
-
Ernie Johannson and Tracie Morris are recognized among American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking. In a profile, Ernie Johannson discusses how BMO’s Purpose commitments have guided the bank’s approach to developing products and services that will help clients make real financial progress.
-
American Banker named Ernie Johannson, Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking, to its list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking; Tracie Morris, U.S. Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer, was recognized in the same publication as a “Standout’.
-
Last year, Shaheena Khan was named to American Banker’s list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking: NEXT.
-
-
Gina Jeneroux, Chief Learning Officer, BMO Financial Group, received the Learning Leader of the Year award from Learning Performance Institute (LPI) in 2020.
BMO’s ongoing commitment to gender equality
Beyond International Day of the Girl, additional initiatives and highlights of BMO's work to advance gender equality include:
-
BMO sustained gender equity position with a range of 40 to 60 per cent representation of women in senior leadership roles, as per its Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 diversity goals.
-
BMO pledged $200,000 in grants to recognize 26 women-owned businesses across North America for their contribution to social, environmental and/or economic sustainability outcomes through their organizations' policies, practices or products.
-
Launched a $750 million Women in Business Bond solution with proceeds being allocated toward women-owned enterprises as defined in BMO's Sustainable Financing Framework, including micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
-
BMO Expanded Grant Program for Women-Owned Businesses Across North America.
-
Announced $1.2 million in funding to SheEO – a not-for-profit company which offers financial support to businesses led by women and non-binary people. BMO's financial commitment will allow SheEO to fund all 2021 venture applicant companies working to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
-
BMO partnered with Prosperity Project to drive insights on women in leadership.
-
BMO recognized for 6th year in a row by Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index.
-
BMO listed among Equileap's top 100 gender-equal companies around the world in its 2021 Gender Equality Global Report & Ranking.
-
Recognized in 2021 Report on Business Women Lead Here list.
-
BMO Harris Bank appeared on Forbes' America's Best Employers For Diversity 2021 for the third year in a row.
-
Dedicated BMO website, BMO for Women, provided tools and educational resources for women entrepreneurs, including podcast series Bold(h)er.
-
The bank is committed to doubling its industry-leading support for women entrepreneurs as part of its Purpose commitments.
-
In 2020, BMO committed US$300 million for small business lending to expand resources for women — Black and Latinx-owned small businesses in the U.S., as part of its BMO EMpower initiative and within this commitment added a new BMO Women in Business Credit Program across its full footprint.
-
BMO Harris Bank launched WMN•FINtech in 2020, a mentoring program for women-led fintech start-ups and the latest evolution of the BMO Harris /1871 Innovation Program, designed to give more women entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring cutting-edge technology and products forward.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $971 billion as of July 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
*Program participant last names are not included for confidentiality reasons
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
For further information: For News Media Enquiries: Kelsey Rutherford, Toronto, Kelsey.Rutherford@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
-
Minute Read
-
Listen
Stop
-
Text Bigger | Text Smaller
-
New Innovation Hub provides youth with the opportunity to connect with BMO leaders and discuss their vision for a sustainable future
-
Fourth year participating in Plan International Canada's Girls Belong Here program, fostering leadership opportunities for young women
TORONTO and CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2021 – Leading up to International Day of the Girl on October 11, BMO Financial Group is showing its ongoing support through a series of initiatives to encourage young women on the path to leadership and backing the goal of achieving a sustainable future.
Plan International Canada's Girls Belong Here program places young women in positions of leadership, power, and influence for a day. One year into BMO’s five-year Zero Barriers to Inclusion Strategy, International Day of the Girl reminds us of the continued importance of amplifying girls’ voices, advocating for their rights, evaluating their position in society and reinforcing their capacity as decision-makers.
“Going into our fourth year participating in Girls Belong Here, we are continuously inspired by these young women who are powerhouses of innovation, inspiration and drive,” said Karen Collins, Chief Talent Officer, BMO Financial Group. “Fostering inclusion in the corporate world begins by setting our future leaders up for success and allowing them to realize their full potential. We are proud to support Girls Belong Here and as we celebrate International Day of the Girl; we continue to fulfil our Purpose to boldly grow the good, working towards our goal of zero barriers to inclusion.”
As well, in line with BMO’s announcement towards transitioning to a net zero world, BMO celebrates International Day of the Girl by reaffirming its commitment to a sustainable future.
Annual Seat Share with BMO’s General Counsel, Sharon Haward-Laird
In this year’s Seat Share, Sharon Haward-Laird, BMO General Counsel will offer up her role to youth program participant, Riti*.
“The Girls Belong Here program is very dear to my heart because it champions values of gender equity and youth empowerment, both themes inspiring my long-term involvement with Plan International Canada,” said Riti*, Plan Canada’s, Girls Belong Here participant. “The seat share program with BMO will allow me to gain an intimate look into an industry I hope to pursue a career in, make my voice heard at a table where impactful decisions are made, and consider the importance of nurturing community relations at all levels of influence to enact change both locally and globally.”
Riti, 19, is a second year Bachelor of Arts student at the University of British Columbia where she is pursuing a major in gender studies and a minor in law and society. She is originally from Saskatchewan where she is an honoured guest on Treaty 6 territory. She is passionate about social, environmental and economic justice which has paved the way for her advocacy and activism.
BMO Innovation Hub “A Just Transition”
New this year, BMO hosted an interactive ThinkTank inspiring youth to work towards a sustainable future. Last week, BMO provided seven young people an opportunity to consult and share their perspective on sustainability related issues and hear from experts in the industry. Facilitated by BMO’s Sustainability team, the event featured a three-part discussion followed by a networking session where youth could connect and share concerns and questions. Coming out of the discussion, important issues were raised and discussed but one participant, Rhea*, captured the importance of this program by saying “mentorship allows for you to extend your hand down and bring other women up.”
The conversation is now being developed into a podcast, available October 7th, framed around the three discussions. The participants discussed what sustainability and a sustainable future means to them, why our current system for energy is not "just," and the growing necessity to respond to the needs of women and marginalized groups.
Barrier Breakers
Women business owners are paving the way for the next generation of girls. The face of leadership is changing in the business community and BMO is working as catalyst for the next generation of girls who want to own their own businesses.
As International Day of the Girl nears, BMO will evolve its social media content series about women business owners. The updated content will tell women’s stories of what it means to them to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of young women leaders.
BMO Women Leaders Paving the Way
-
For many years, BMO leaders have been named as WXN's Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, including the past five consecutive years.
-
Ernie Johannson and Tracie Morris are recognized among American Banker’s Most Powerful Women in Banking. In a profile, Ernie Johannson discusses how BMO’s Purpose commitments have guided the bank’s approach to developing products and services that will help clients make real financial progress.
-
American Banker named Ernie Johannson, Group Head, North American Personal and Business Banking, to its list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking; Tracie Morris, U.S. Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Inclusion Officer, was recognized in the same publication as a “Standout’.
-
Last year, Shaheena Khan was named to American Banker’s list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking: NEXT.
-
-
Gina Jeneroux, Chief Learning Officer, BMO Financial Group, received the Learning Leader of the Year award from Learning Performance Institute (LPI) in 2020.
BMO’s ongoing commitment to gender equality
Beyond International Day of the Girl, additional initiatives and highlights of BMO's work to advance gender equality include:
-
BMO sustained gender equity position with a range of 40 to 60 per cent representation of women in senior leadership roles, as per its Zero Barriers to Inclusion 2025 diversity goals.
-
BMO pledged $200,000 in grants to recognize 26 women-owned businesses across North America for their contribution to social, environmental and/or economic sustainability outcomes through their organizations' policies, practices or products.
-
Launched a $750 million Women in Business Bond solution with proceeds being allocated toward women-owned enterprises as defined in BMO's Sustainable Financing Framework, including micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
-
BMO Expanded Grant Program for Women-Owned Businesses Across North America.
-
Announced $1.2 million in funding to SheEO – a not-for-profit company which offers financial support to businesses led by women and non-binary people. BMO's financial commitment will allow SheEO to fund all 2021 venture applicant companies working to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
-
BMO partnered with Prosperity Project to drive insights on women in leadership.
-
BMO recognized for 6th year in a row by Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index.
-
BMO listed among Equileap's top 100 gender-equal companies around the world in its 2021 Gender Equality Global Report & Ranking.
-
Recognized in 2021 Report on Business Women Lead Here list.
-
BMO Harris Bank appeared on Forbes' America's Best Employers For Diversity 2021 for the third year in a row.
-
Dedicated BMO website, BMO for Women, provided tools and educational resources for women entrepreneurs, including podcast series Bold(h)er.
-
The bank is committed to doubling its industry-leading support for women entrepreneurs as part of its Purpose commitments.
-
In 2020, BMO committed US$300 million for small business lending to expand resources for women — Black and Latinx-owned small businesses in the U.S., as part of its BMO EMpower initiative and within this commitment added a new BMO Women in Business Credit Program across its full footprint.
-
BMO Harris Bank launched WMN•FINtech in 2020, a mentoring program for women-led fintech start-ups and the latest evolution of the BMO Harris /1871 Innovation Program, designed to give more women entrepreneurs the opportunity to bring cutting-edge technology and products forward.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $971 billion as of July 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
*Program participant last names are not included for confidentiality reasons
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
For further information: For News Media Enquiries: Kelsey Rutherford, Toronto, Kelsey.Rutherford@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996
You might also be interested in
Expanded Latino Leaders Index500, Powered by BMO Ranks Top U.S. Latino-Owned Businesses
Record Investor Attendance Expected at BMO's 33rd Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference, February 25th to February 28th, 2024
BMO Arranges Green Financing to Fund New Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Trinity College's Most Significant Build in a Century
BMO Establishes new U.S. Wine Industry Partnership, Enhancing Offering for Wine and Spirits Industry
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in North America on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 6 per cent from the prior year
BMO Climate Institute Business Leaders Survey: Nearly Half of Business Leaders in the U.S. and Canada Believe Climate Change Has Already Affected Their Businesses, but Few Have a Strategy
BMO Blue Book: U.S. Economy is Resilient but Predicted to Slow in Early 2024
BMO Announces Retirement of Dan Barclay, Names Alan Tannenbaum CEO, BMO Capital Markets
BMO's 19th Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.65 Million to Promote Education, Development and Progress for Promising Students Around the World
Banco do Brasil and BMO Financial Group to Introduce First-of-its-Kind Program to Provide Sustainability-Linked Trade Loans Supporting Brazilian Exporters
BMO Donates $3 Million to GRID Alternatives to Provide Solar Energy Solutions for Low-Income Families
BMO Provides Innovative New Sustainability-Linked Deposit Product to Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
BMO Marks National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with Support for Indigenous-Led Organizations that Empower Communities
BMO and Bell Canada Execute Innovative Sustainability-Linked Derivative Tied to Ambitious GHG Emission Reduction Targets
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 6 per cent from the prior year
BMO Named to UN-Convened Group Providing Guidance to Global Banks on Nature Target Setting
Global Food and Agriculture Trends and Outlook: BMO Hosts 18th Farm to Market | Chemicals Conference in New York
BMO Celebrates Earth Day with 3rd Annual Trees from Trades Day on its Global Trading Floors
BMO Capital Markets CEO Dan Barclay named Male Ally of the Year by Financial Women's Association
BMO Ranked North America's Most Sustainable Bank by Corporate Knights for Fourth Consecutive Year
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in North America on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Top Rankings for BMO Capital Markets' FICC Macro Strategy Group in Institutional Investor Client Survey
BMO Climate Institute Survey Shows Costs and Competing Priorities Slowing Climate Action for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 8 per cent from the prior year
BMO the Top Ranked Financial Institution on New Global Sustainability Benchmark Announced at COP 27
The Government of Canada announces the issuance of a Ukraine Sovereignty Bond
BMO to Invest in Innovative Carbon Offsets from CarbonCure to Permanently Store CO2
The Financial Women's Association Underscores Its Commitment to the Back2Business™ Return-to-Work Program
A Canadian First: BMO and Concordia University Partner for a Sustainable Future with Innovative Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO's 18th Global Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.65 Million for Education and Development of Students in Need
BMO Capital Markets Trading Floors in Toronto, New York and London Promote Equity Through Education for 18th Year to Provide Financial Aid to Students
BMO to Acquire Calgary-based Radicle Group Inc., a Leader in Environmental Services
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 6 cents from the prior quarter, up 31 per cent from the prior year
BMO Expands Electronic Trading Operations for Institutions and Broker Dealers to EMEA Markets
BMO and EDC Announce Collaboration to Introduce Sustainable Finance Solutions for Canadian Businesses
BMO joins leading US banks in support of Ownership Works, to help create wealth for working families through employee ownership programs
BMO proud to support first Government of Canada Green Bond transaction as joint-lead manager
BMO Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Canada with $5 Billion in Capital to Mark International Women’s Day 2022
BMO Launches Business Within Reach: BMO for Black Entrepreneurs and Commits $100 million in loans to Help Black-led Businesses Start up, Scale up, and Grow
BMO Announces Plan to Partner with Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to Accelerate Climate Innovation
BMO Financial Group Named North America's Most Sustainable Bank for Third Consecutive Year
BMO Financial Group accelerates North American growth with strategic acquisition of Bank of the West
BMO Capital Markets Named Best Canadian Bank for USD/CAD for 11th Consecutive Year
BMO Financial Group Announces Intention to Repurchase Up to 22.5 Million of its Common Shares
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 27 cents from the prior quarter, up 25 per cent from the prior quarter and prior year
BMO Helps Boralex Go Beyond Renewable Energy, with the Transition of its Credit Facility to a Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO Capital Markets' Fixed Income Strategy Group Earns Top Rankings in Institutional Investor Survey
BMO First Bank to Pre-Purchase Direct Air Capture Carbon Removals using Carbon Engineering technology
A Global First: BMO Supports Bruce Power with World's First Nuclear Green Financing Framework
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in the world according to Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
North American Metals & Mining first: BMO helps Sandstorm Gold Royalties achieve ESG goals with Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with $600,000 in donations to Indigenous organizations across Canada
Education, Employment and Economic Empowerment: BMO Releases Wîcihitowin ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ- First Annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report
BMO's 17th Annual Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.6 Million to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Media Advisory - BMO Celebrates 17 Years of Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Through BMO Capital Markets' Equity Through Education Trading Day
BMO Harnesses AI Technology for Capital Markets Structured Note Pricing and Scenario Analysis
BMO Announces $12 Billion Financing Commitment towards Affordable Housing in Canada
BMO supports Canada's bid to host the headquarters of the International Sustainability Standards Board
BMO Named to Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens Ranking by Corporate Knights
Bringing Indigenous Perspectives to Canadians: First Nations University of Canada, Reconciliation Education and BMO launch new eLearning to mark National Indigenous History Month
The Future of Food & Agriculture: BMO Hosts World-Leading Farm to Market Conference for 16th Consecutive Year
Rush University System for Health and BMO Financial Group Announce $10 Million Donation to Create the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity
BMO Shares Progress on IFC led Operating Principles for Impact Management in First Disclosure Statement
BMO Announces $250,000 Donation to Organizations Supporting Global Emergency COVID-19 Relief Efforts
A North American First: BMO Helps Gibson Energy Fully Transition Credit Facility to a Sustainability-Linked Loan
Forbes names BMO Harris Bank one of the Best Employers for Diversity 2021 for the third year in a row
BMO Issues C$750 million Women in Business Bond In Support of Women-Owned Businesses
BMO Commits $1.2 Million to SheEO Programs Helping Women-Led Venture Companies Access Financing
BMO Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the Fourth Year in a Row
BMO Financial Group among first Canadian banks to sign United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking
BMO Financial Group ranked top bank in North America on Corporate Knights' 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
BMO Financial Group 2020 Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement Now Available Online
BMO Capital Markets Named Best Canadian Bank for USD/CAD for 10th Consecutive Year
BMO Ranked Among Most Sustainable Companies on Dow Jones Sustainability Index - North America
BMO Financial Group Reaches Key Milestone in Matching 100 Per Cent of Electricity Usage with Renewables
BMO Financial Group Recognized as One of the World's Most Sustainably Managed Companies in New Wall Street Journal Ranking
BMO Capital Markets to Donate C$1.6 Million Following 16th Annual Equity Through Education Trading Day
Media Advisory - BMO Capital Markets Celebrates 16 Years of the Equity Through Education Trading Day
Forbes ranks BMO Harris Bank as one of America’s Best Employers for Women in 2020
Tracking the Recovery: BMO Economics Introduces Canadian Business Activity Index
BMO Capital Markets to host 2020 Prescriptions for Success Healthcare Virtual Conference
BMO Financial Group to Source 100 Per Cent of Electricity Usage From Renewables
Media Advisory - BMO Expert Podcast on COVID-19 and the Future of the Global Economy
Canada's Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action To Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19
Maple Leaf Foods and BMO Capital Markets enter into First Sustainability-Linked Loan in Canada