The Judy Project

May 25-30, 2014

The Judy Project is designed to strengthen organizations by advancing more women into executive leadership and CEO positions. It gives women the network and skills they need to be highly effective and inspiring leaders.

Back to Work

Begins Sept. 24, 2014

This specialized program is for women who are returning to the labour market after an extended period of absence. It offers the professional advantage you need to re-enter the workplace with confidence.

Athena Program

November 5-6, 2014

The Athena Program will help you develop your leadership skills and self-awareness, which are critical to professional success.

Emerging Leaders

November 17-20, 2014

Emerging Leaders addresses the challenges you face as you transition to higher levels of management. The program will help you develop leadership and business skills without losing sight of your professional and personal goals.

The Best Practices Network (BPN) brings together senior HR and Diversity & Inclusion representatives from more than 65 organizations for quarterly events with subject-matter experts. 

Through interactive roundtable discussions, BPN members share best practices, review relevant research and explore case studies focused on organizations that are achieving measurable success in championing diversity & inclusion and women's leadership. 

Together, BPN members create strategies to build more diverse and prosperous corporate cultures and to advance more women as industry leaders.

If you are a senior HR or Diversity & Inclusion professional, or if you lead a Corporate Women's Network, and would like to join the BPN, please email us

The Rotman Initiative participated in the dialogue hosted by Ontario's Pay Equity Commissioner and the Pay Equity Office as part of the efforts recognizing Ontario's Equal Pay Day on April 16th. The Honourable Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour, and the Honourable Teresa Piruzza, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues opened the event, which was followed by a panel discussion. Here are some of the startling facts and figures that were shared:

• It will take 52 years to close the pay gap if no affirmative action is taken.
• Ontario's recovery from the global recession six years ago has seen men's average annual earnings increase by about $200, but women's average earnings decrease by $1,400.
• Although pay equity is the law in Ontario, women, on average, earn 31% less than men. This pay gap affects women of all ages and education levels. 

In Partnership with Edelman Toronto

A Quota for Quoting: Addressing the Absence of Women Sources in the Media

May 14, 5:00 - 7:00 pm 

To say women are quoted less often than men in Canadian media would be an understatement.

In fact, Women make up only 20% of guest commentaries in Canada's largest daily newspapers and 30% of experts on national talk shows. If women are not seen as experts in the media, will Canada ever see a business landscape that is both prosperous and equitable? Will a quota force the fix?

Panelists

• Shari Graydon, Founder and Catalyst of Informed Opinions
• Margaret Wente, Writer at The Globe and Mail and one of Canada's leading columnists
• Elena Cherney, Canada Bureau Chief and Global Resources Editor at the Wall Street Journal 
• Tracie Crook, Chief Operating Officer and President of MT Services at McCarthy T�trault 

Anne Pemberton

Manager, Real Estate Secured Lending

TD Bank Group

In March 2011, following her participation in the Back to Work Program, Anne landed a position with the program's lead sponsor, TD Bank Group. Since that time, she has held positions in Direct Channels, Wealth, Marketing and Product Management.  

In her current product management roll, Anne is accountable for managing the technology interface for the Real Estate Secured Lending Group. She also lends her talents to initiatives that promote learning and development and employee engagement.

Prior to joining TD, Anne enjoyed a six year sabbatical from the workforce to stay home with her four children.  Re-engaging in the workforce wasn't an easy task and Anne acknowledges the positive impact the Back to Work program had as it sharpened her business skills and provided access to a supportive network, which was critical to her success.

In addition to her full time career and busy family life, Anne finds time to support the Back to Work Program as a guest speaker at the information sessions, and as a TD representative for the opening of the program.

Anne has a unique perspective on many leadership topics, including self-promotion. While many believe women should be more boastful about their achievements, Anne values "quiet confidence"; she admires people who handle success with humility and grace. To read more about Anne's perspective on leadership, motherhood and re-entering the workforce, click here