Sara Kirke Award for Canada's Leading Woman High Tech Entrepreneur

The Sara Kirke Award for Woman Entrepreneurship is presented to the woman who has shown the most outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership -- leadership that has significantly expanded the frontiers of Canada's advanced technology industry. The purpose of the Award is to celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship and create positive role models for women.

CATA's WIT (Women in Technology) Forum is a  community network launched by CATA designed to boost women's participation and advancement in the high-growth technology sector.

In judging the nominees for the award, the Selection Committee is looking for women leaders who demonstrated consistent innovation and leadership skills, resulting in the creation and international acceptance of significant world-class products and/or the establishment and development of a major advanced technology company or companies that have withstood the test of time.

The selection is based on a written resume of the nominee's accomplishments and the selection criteria include:

• Technological Innovation
• Corporate Leadership
• Notable Achievements in their Particular Area of Expertise
• Community Involvement/Mentorship

Sara Kirke is considered by many to be North America's first entrepreneur. Sara Kirke arrived in Newfoundland in 1638 with her husband David Kirke, who was soon recalled to England. Sara, however, continued to reside in Avalon, and conducted business as usual from the Pool Plantation. Lady Kirke was a remarkable individual as she managed affairs at the Pool Plantation and became one of the most successful merchants on the English Shore -- and was almost certainly North America's first and foremost woman entrepreneur.

Nomination Criteria

The Sara Kirke Award for Women Entrepreneurs is presented annually to the woman who has demonstrated consistent innovation and leadership skills, resulting in the creation and international acceptance of significant world-class products and/or services.

The selection is based on a written resume of the nominee's accomplishments and the selection criteria include:

• Innovation
• Corporate Leadership
• Recognized Achievements in Area of Expertise
• Community Involvement and Mentorship
• Contributions to achieving a more competitive investment climate in Canada will also be taken into account.

The Call for Nominations for 2011 is now closed.

Past Winners