Thanks to all of those who joined us at the 17th Annual PEAK Awards on May 8^th at the Fairmont Waterfront.  The AWF was proud to once again host an amazing night – honouring the achievements of women in finance.  Over 300 guests filled the Fairmont to enjoy the Poplar Grove Winery sponsored networking reception and a delicious gala dinner designed by the Fairmont’s Executive Chef Dana Hauser.  Norma Reid from CTV kept the evening on track and we are very grateful to her for the contribution of her time to recognize some of the Province’s most talented business women. 

The PEAK Awards is a highlight in the AWF calendar because it showcases the achievements of five women across a variety of disciplines.  This year’s honorees showed that working in finance does not necessarily mean working for a bank; Miranda Lam our ‘Rising Star’ winner is a securities lawyer and Jacqueline Hogan is the CFO of the University of the Fraser Valley. What sets the night apart from other awards ceremonies are the acceptance speeches which were truly inspirational and give voice to how success can be won many ways.  Virginia Weiler entertained us with the unusual roles at the start of her career which gave her unique perspectives that she still uses today sitting on the Board of VanCity. Miranda gave us the 3 Cs which guide her (which it turns out have nothing to do with diamonds).

1. Confidence: believe in yourself and what you can do.  Have the confidence to put your hand up for that new client, new file or new assignment.  And if you don’t know how to do all of it, have confidence that you are smart enough to figure it out.
2. Carve out your own definition of success: success is doing what makes you happy on your own time on your own terms. 
3. Champions: find yours.  Champions help you find your voice at the table.  And once you have a seat at that table, look at how you can champion the next generation.

What did all the winners have in common? Their success always seems to be accompanied by grace, hard work and an ongoing commitment to make themselves stand apart from the crowd.  It was an honor for the AWF to be able to recognize these amazing women who inspire us all with what can be achieved.

The evening was brought to a close with much applause for the hugely entertaining and informative key note speech given by Lynne Lancaster, an expert in work place demographics who led us on a journey through the generations now mixing in our offices.  From the father figure ‘Traditionalists’ to ‘Baby Boomers’ eyeing retirement with reluctance, to cynical frustrated ‘Gen Xers’  managing those connected and sometimes self-absorbed ‘Millennials’ – Lynne gave anecdotes packed with ideas and tips for office harmony.   We are confident everyone entered their workplaces the next morning looking at colleagues with a different appreciation and perhaps a different approach.

The AWF board thanks all of those who make this great evening possible, the volunteers and committee members who worked for months behind the scenes.  The event has a legacy which lasts beyond one night, due to the generous donations of our audience.  Our sponsor Lugaro Jewelers provided a beautiful diamond necklace that was used to raise over $10,000 towards educational scholarships for students entering the world of finance.  Also thanks to Marant Media Group for their video which showcased the difference these scholarships are making in the lives of current students.  Having the AWF support them provides not just a financial boost but an emotional one as well.

Thank you again for supporting and attending the PEAK awards and we look forward to bringing you another exciting event in 2015!