Elevating women in the finance sector
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Recognizing Leaders of Change in Finance

Developed in 2007, the VersaFi Leadership Awards celebrates exemplary individuals and firms across the financial sector with a shared vision to elevate women in the finance sector to advance prosperity for all.

At VersaFi, we recognize women rising through the ranks into senior leadership, outstanding volunteers, innovators, transformational leaders and allies that contribute to elevating women in the finance sector, as a celebration of individuals who create lasting change.

Through six awards categories in total, the Awards showcase leaders of change that harness the full potential of the finance sector – one that includes more innovation, inclusive and impactful teams, improved businesses, and new levels of prosperity.

The six awards categories include: Rising Star, Trailblazers, Outstanding Volunteer, Transformational Leadership, Excellence in Innovation, and  Ally. Details for each category, including nomination dates and awards criteria are listed below.

 

See previous recipients here.

Key dates

Applications open: March 2, 2026

Applications close: March 20, 2026

Award ceremony: June 18, 2026

Awards Categories | Criteria for Selection

The Allyship Award recognizes men who have demonstrably elevated women, 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
  • 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 elevating women in finance.

Nominations will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated Active Allyship (40%): Evidence of proactively using their position and influence to challenge systemic barriers and elevate women, (e.g. impact of challenging biased practices or behaviours; 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 elevating women over a significant period (e.g. length of time dedicated to allyship initiatives; consistently elevating women across various contexts; evidence of mentoring and sponsoring women).

Celebrating Game-Changing Innovation for Women in Finance

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

Eligibility:

  • Open to VersaFi corporate partner firms at the Platinum, Gold or Silver level 
  • 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 guidelines:

  • 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 adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Innovation & Creativity (40%):
    • Clearly describe the initiative’s objectives and how it was designed to elevate women in your organization.
    • Describe how this initiative demonstrates bold, original thinking that challenges traditional approaches to elevating women.
  • 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 elevating women 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 elevating progress for women in finance.

Eligibility:

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

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

Nomination guidelines:

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

Nominations will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Leadership & Initiative (40%): How has the nominee proactively identified opportunities and led impactful initiatives beyond assigned tasks, and achieved outcomes (i.e., 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 Elevating Women (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-in-career women who have shown exceptional promise elevating women 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 elevating women through projects, mentorship, or advocacy
  • VersaFi 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

Nomination guidelines:

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

Nominations will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Impact on Elevating Women in finance (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 elevate women?

Honouring Mid-Career Champions 

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 inclusive 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
  • Proven leadership in elevating women in finance through policy changes, sponsorship, or high impact initiatives 
  • VersaFi 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 guidelines:

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

Nominations will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Impact on elevating women in finance (50%): How has the nominee demonstrated influence on policies, programs, or cultural change that elevates women in finance?
  • Mentorship & Sponsorship (30%): Provide examples of active mentorship or sponsorship of other women in the sector.
  • Sector-Wide Influence (20%): Provide examples of impact beyond their organization.

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 elevating women 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 elevating women 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 elevating women in finance
  • VersaFi 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.

Nomination guidelines:

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

Nominations will be adjudicated on the following criteria:

  • Systemic Impact (50%): Provide examples of the influence of organizational or industry-wide change to elevating women in which the nominee has participated
  • 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.
Nominations open March 2

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