Student team earns 2015 national title for efforts to empower women to become more financially independent.
TORONTO, ONTARIO (May 11, 2015) – The University of Calgary has been awarded the 2015 Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Partnership Best Project award by this country’s largest student leadership development organization Enactus Canada and proud supporter Walmart. The awards presentation took place at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition today in Toronto.
The Enactus team from the University of Calgary was named National Champion because of the positive impact they had on vulnerable women in their community through their Empower project.
The Empower project developed an entrepreneurial curriculum to help female immigrants discover their true value in the Canadian economy. In its first year, 11 women completed the program with many promising businesses emerging. The team secured a $6,000 microlending fund for these businesses.
“At Walmart, we’re proud of our focus on women’s economic empowerment,” said Shelly Kiroff, Senior Vice President Apparel & Home. “By strengthening the role of women across our business and supply chain, we will make our company stronger while improving the lives of women and children around the world.”
The Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Partnership was designed to educate and empower female entrepreneurs in Canada.
“Empowering a woman, empowers her entire family as well as her community,” said Nicole Almond, Enactus Canada president. “We are proud to partner with Walmart to recognize the Enactus University of Calgary team who dramatically changed the lives of women and their families.”
The Walmart Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Partnership Best Project was awarded at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where more than 1,200 delegates including the country’s brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs came together to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
For news throughout the year and competition results during the event, please visit @Enactus_Canada on Twitter.
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ABOUT ENACTUS CANADA: Enactus Canada, this country’s largest student leadership development organization, is shaping generations of entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, more than 2,400 entrepreneurial postsecondary students led 250 community empowerment projects and business ventures this past year in communities coast to coast. As a global network of 36 countries, Enactus uses the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. For more information, visit enactus.ca.
Media inquiries:
Jody Lundrigan
Director, Communications
Enactus Canada
E: jody@enactus.ca
M: 416.346.0131