VersaFi Leadership Awards

The Allyship Award recognizes men who have demonstrably championed gender equity and inclusion, creating meaningful and lasting change for women within their teams, departments, organizations, and/or the broader finance industry. These individuals have moved beyond passive support to active allyship, exhibiting sustained leadership and implementing concrete actions that have resulted in measurable progress for their women colleagues.

 

Eligibility:

• Men employed at a VersaFi Platinum, Gold, or Silver partner level firm * to be verified through LinkedIn profile
• Must be a VersaFi Ally member in good standing
• Currently working in the North American finance industry in a business line or supporting function on the sell side, the buy side, or in fintech; may also be working in an advisory firm in Capital Markets/Corporate Finance/M&A/Deals
• Has not been a VersaFi Champion of Change in the last two years 
• Self-nominations and nominations for others are accepted

Note: VersaFi Board Members are not eligible for this award.

 

Nominations must include the following:

• A summary (up to 500 words) outlining the nominee’s role as an ally in accelerating progress for women in finance..

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

 

• Demonstrated Active Allyship (40%): Evidence of proactively using their position and influence to challenge systemic barriers and advocate for women’s advancement (e.g. frequency and impact of challenging biased practices or behaviors; evidence of amplifying women’s voices and contributions; positive testimonials from women colleagues detailing specific acts of allyship).
• Tangible Outcomes & Impact (40%): Evidence that actions have resulted in measurable improvements in women’s professional experiences and opportunities (e.g. increased representation of women in leadership roles or key projects; improved pay equity or promotion rates for women; reduction in reported instances of discrimination or bias; positive shifts in workplace culture as evidenced by surveys or feedback).
• Sustained Leadership & Commitment (20%): Evidence of a consistent and ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity over a significant period (e.g. length of time dedicated to allyship initiatives; consistency in advocating for women’s advancement across various contexts; evidence of mentoring and sponsoring women).

Celebrating Game-Changing Innovation for Women in Finance

This award honors a person, team, department, or organization that has created meaningful, measurable, and lasting improvements for women through an innovative and impactful approach. The winning initiative will showcase bold thinking, strategic execution, and tangible results that have advanced gender equity in the finance sector.

 

Eligibility:

• Open to VersaFi partner firms at the Platinum, Gold, or Silver level only
• The initiative must have been implemented within the last 36 months and demonstrates sustained progress over time.
• Both self-nominations and nominations of others are welcome.

Note: VersaFi Board Members are not eligible for this award.

 

Nominations must include the following:

• A summary (up to 750 words) outlining:
  1. The initiative and its goals
  2. The results (including measures)
  3. The lasting impact and scalability

 

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

• Innovation & Creativity (40%)

• • • Clearly describe the initiative’s objectives and how it was designed to accelerate equity for women in your organization.
    • Describe how this initiative demonstrates bold, original thinking that challenges traditional approaches to advancing gender equity.

• Impact & Measurable Results (40%)

• • Provide concrete data, metrics, or evidence showcasing the initiative’s success. Where possible, include before-and-after comparisons to demonstrate measurable change.

• Sustainability & Scalability (20%)

• • Describe the lasting impact.
  • Show how the initiative can be adapted or scaled to benefit broader teams, departments, or industry partners.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes individuals who have transcended the typical boundaries of volunteerism at VersaFi. These individuals have demonstrated extraordinary leadership, initiative, and a profound commitment to advancing gender equity in the finance industry. They have become invaluable assets to VersaFi, significantly contributing to our mission by expanding our reach, enhancing our programs, and inspiring fellow volunteers. This award celebrates their dedication and tangible impact in accelerating progress for women in finance.

Eligibility:

• Has held a VersaFi volunteer position for a minimum of two years
• Must be a VersaFi member in good standing
• Self-nominations and nominations for others are accepted

Note: VersaFi Board Members are not eligible for this award.

 

Nominations must include the following:

 

• A summary (up to 500 words) outlining the nominee’s contribution to VersaFi and VersaFi’s mission to accelerate progress for women in finance.

 

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

 

• Leadership & Initiative (40%): How has the nominee proactively identified opportunities and led impactful initiatives beyond assigned tasks, and achieving outcomes (e.g., increased engagement, improved efficiency).
• VersaFi Reach & Impact (40%): Provide examples of expanding VersaFi’s network and visibility, driving increased event attendance/program participation, and/or cultivating valuable industry relationships.
• Commitment to Gender Equity (20%): Provide examples of advocating for VersaFi’s mission in their network, actively participating in VersaFi’s events and programs, and doing all of this in a consistent and sustained way.

Recognizing Emerging Leaders Driving Change

This award celebrates early-career women who have shown exceptional promise in advancing gender equity within their organizations or the broader finance sector. Candidates have fewer than 8 years of experience and demonstrate a proactive commitment to supporting women through mentorship, advocacy, or innovative initiatives. Rising Stars are the future leaders already making a meaningful impact.

Eligibility:

 

• Women professionals with up to 8 years of experience in finance * to be verified through LinkedIn profile
• Demonstrated passion for advancing gender equity through projects, mentorship, or advocacy
• Must be a VersaFi full member in good standing
• Currently working in the North American finance industry in a business line or supporting function on the sell side, the buy side, or in fintech; may also be working in an advisory firm in Capital Markets/Corporate Finance/M&A/Deals
• Self-nominations and nominations for others are accepted

 

Nominations must include the following:

• A summary (up to 500 words) outlining the nominee’s contribution to VersaFi and VersaFi’s mission to accelerate progress for women in finance.
  Note: Nominations must address all of the criteria noted below in order to be considered.

 

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

• Impact on Gender Equity (50%)-Provide examples of tangible contributions to advancing women in finance (e.g. mentorship, project leadership, advocacy).
• Community & Peer Support (30%) – Provide evidence of positive influence on colleagues, peers, or networks.
• Initiative & Innovation (20%) – How has the nominee demonstrated creativity in addressing challenges or seizing opportunities to support women?

Honouring Mid-Career Champions of Equity

This award recognizes women with 8 to 15 years of experience who are actively driving positive change for women in finance. Trailblazers demonstrate strong leadership by challenging barriers, implementing inclusive practices, and fostering diverse talent pipelines. Their efforts have had a measurable impact, both within their organizations and across the sector.

 

Eligibility:

• Women professionals with 8-15 years of experience in finance * to be verified through LinkedIn profile
• Demonstrated passion for advancing gender equity through projects, mentorship, or advocacy
• Must be a VersaFi full member in good standing
• Currently working in the North American finance industry in a business line or supporting function on the sell side, the buy side, or in fintech; may also be working in an advisory firm in Capital Markets/Corporate Finance/M&A/Deals
• Self-nominations and nominations for others are accepted

 

Nominations must include the following:

 

• A summary (up to 500 words) outlining the nominee’s contribution to VersaFi and VersaFi’s mission to accelerate progress for women in finance.
  Note: Nominations must address all of the criteria noted below in order to be considered.

 

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

• Impact on Gender Equity (50%)-Provide examples of tangible contributions to advancing women in finance (e.g. mentorship, project leadership, advocacy).
• Community & Peer Support (30%) – Provide evidence of positive influence on colleagues, peers, or networks.
• Initiative & Innovation (20%) – How has the nominee demonstrated creativity in addressing challenges or seizing opportunities to support women?

 

Celebrating Visionary Leaders Redefining the Future

This award honours senior women leaders with 15+ years of experience who have made significant and sustained contributions to advancing gender equity in finance. Transformational Leaders are champions of change—driving policy, culture, and strategy shifts that create lasting, systemic improvements for women in finance.

 

Eligibility:

• Women professionals with 15+ years of experience in finance * to be verified through LinkedIn profile
• A proven track record of driving gender equity at the executive level or industry-wide
• Influence on policies, sponsorship programs, or initiatives that have changed the landscape for women in finance in a lasting way
• Recognized thought leader, advocate, or public voice on gender equity in finance
• Must be a VersaFi full member in good standing
• Currently working in the North American finance industry in a business line or supporting function on the sell side, the buy side, or in fintech; may also be working in an advisory firm in Capital Markets/Corporate Finance/M&A/Deals
• Has not been a VersaFi Champion of Change in the past two years
• Self-nominations and nominations for others are accepted

Note: VersaFi Board Members are not eligible for this award.

 

Nominations must include the following:

• A summary (up to 500 words) outlining the nominee’s contribution to VersaFi and VersaFi’s mission to accelerate progress for women in finance.
  Note: Nominations must address all of the criteria noted below in order to be considered.

Nominations will be judged on the following criteria:

 

• Systemic Impact (50%): Provide examples of the influence of organizational or industry-wide change to support women’s advancement that the nominee has been part of 
• Executive Leadership (30%):  Provide evidence of leadership in driving inclusive strategies, policies, or initiatives.
• Legacy & Influence (20%):  Provide evidence of sustained impact and leadership across a long-term career.