Celebrating 15 years, renowned program helps women reignite careers in finance
TORONTO, ON (Feb. 13, 2025) – VersaFi, the leading non-profit supporting women in the Canadian finance sector, is pleased to announce that applications are open for its popular Return to Bay Street (RTBS) program. Now in its 15th year, RTBS has played a pivotal role in providing to talented women a pathway back to career success after an extended period of leave. To date, the program has reignited the careers of more than 130 women.
“Our RTBS program tackles two important challenges: creating a pathway back for skilled women to return to the sector, and addressing the critical talent gap caused by women exiting their careers mid-way,” says Tanya van Biesen, president and CEO, VersaFI. “In fields like finance, where innovation and diverse thinking are crucial to success, retaining women in the middle stages of their careers is not just the right thing to do, it’s an economic imperative.”
Designed for women who have held mid-level or senior roles in finance, RTBS provides the tools, mentorship, and industry access needed to reignite their careers and showcase their expertise. The program runs in two cycles: February to May, and September to December.
Participating firms in 2025 include: BMO Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, Mackenzie Investments, Manulife, National Bank Financial Group, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank Global Banking and Markets, and TD Securities.
Women ready to take the next step in their careers are encouraged to visit https://versafi.ca/programs/rtbs to explore eligibility criteria and apply before the deadline for the first cycle, Feb. 21, 2025.
“It’s important to remember that while many talented women take career breaks to focus on other priorities, those breaks do not diminish their talents or past achievements,” adds van Biesen. “Our program proves that with the right support, re-entering the workforce, regardless of the length of break, is not only possible, but essential to the growth and success of our industry.”
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About VersaFi
VersaFi is a national, not-for-profit organization focused on accelerating equity for women in the finance sector. Founded in 1995 as Women in Capital Markets (WCM), the organization rebranded in 2024 to empower and advocate for women and gender-diverse individuals across the finance sector, at all stages of their careers, nationally. It does this by fostering a pipeline of talent at all levels; being the leading voice and advocate for gender equity in the sector; and by working with finance sector leaders to implement impactful and lasting structural and cultural change. Its community has grown to more than 4,000 members across the sector, representing Canadian bank-owned dealers and wealth managers, independent and foreign-owned dealers, asset managers, insurance companies, pension plans, regulatory agencies, exchanges, and advisory firms. To learn more, or to become a member, visit www.versafi.ca.
