Celebrating the progress of women today
At RBC Global Asset Management (GAM), creating a positive social impact is at the heart of our purpose. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, we continue to work to take down barriers that hold women back from advancing in the workplace. Here are three ways we’ve worked to make a difference through the RBC Foundation.
Dress for Success Toronto - Youth Summit
Since 2009, Dress for Success (DFS) Toronto has helped over 15,000 women in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area transition from unemployment to economic independence. Its mission is to empower women by providing a network of support, professional attire and the tools they need to thrive in work and in life.
In September 2023, RBC Future Launch helped sponsor the organization’s Youth Employment Summit (YES). This event delivered career development and job search support for women ages 18-29.
In addition, RBC GAM employees attended a Lunch’n’Learn in March to learn more about the program.
“International Women's Day is a day to celebrate the resilience, achievements and contributions of women around the globe while also reflecting on the barriers that many still face,” says Karine Picard, Director, Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, DFS Toronto. “We’re committed to making a tangible impact on women's lives by offering comprehensive support throughout their journey towards economic independence.”
On their partnership with RBC, Karine notes, “RBC's steadfast support has been transformative, enabling us to introduce targeted programming for youth aged 18-29”
Learn more and donate to Dress for Success Toronto
Ivey Women in Asset Management Program (WAM)
WAM was founded in 2022 by Ivey Business School (Western University, London, Ontario) and industry partners, including RBC GAM. The program is the first and only of its kind in Canada. It aims to spur women’s interest in asset management by introducing them to diverse career paths. The program also gives those who identify as women the skills and knowledge they need to secure employment in the industry.
The program started in London, Toronto and Montreal but is now expanding to Victoria and Edmonton. RBC GAM’s first cohort completed the program in August 2022. Six more students interned at GAM in 2023. They were exposed to many aspects of our business. Example include: helping to gather and evaluate data, analyze industries, prepare models and scenarios, and assess risks and opportunities.
Sharon Hodgson, Dean of Ivey Business School believes that with these kinds of partnerships, real change can happen. She observes: “Thanks to RBC GAM’s Benefactor support, along with our other corporate partners, 74 women between second and third year of university have graduated from the custom-designed program, free of charge, and completed a 10-12 week internship to gain hands-on experience and mentorship.”
She adds, “I am thankful for the many women who have paved the way for me, but that road is still full of many challenges. We must continue to support and promote our future female leaders to turn that road to a super-highway.”
Explore the Women in Asset Management program
Fora: Rise on Boards 2023 (formerly Girls on Boards)
Launched in 2017, this program provides training and support to help young leaders join non-profit governance boards in their communities. These young Directors champion gender equity and shape decision-making on governance boards across Canada.
Prior to their board appointment, they receive in-depth training from experts in matters of governance, financials, fundraising, communications, problem-solving and leadership. Each Young Director is supported by a board member and volunteer coach.
“International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the progress of extraordinary individuals breaking barriers, challenging norms, and redefining leadership,” according to Jennifer Vachon, Director, Programs and Advocacy. “This includes many of our incredible program participants, who are showing up and changing the status quo in board rooms, community rooms, and in the halls of government.”
With the support of RBC, Rise on Boards has:
- Trained 445 youth at Leadership Forums.
- Equipped 170 young leaders (aged 18-25) in 43 cities across nine provinces with the skills,
knowledge, networks, and applied experience of sitting on a board.
Speaking of RBC’s role, Vachon notes: “RBC is an essential partner in helping us build more equitable and inclusive board rooms across Canada. As the signature sponsor of our Rise on Boards program, RBC’s support helps us train and place emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds at the board table for the first time in their careers!”
Learn more about the Rise program