Thunder Bay’s Rosalind Lockyer, founding executive director of PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, will be named International Woman of the Decade for Community Leadership at the Women Economic Forum 2018 in New Delhi, India.
It’s the highest attainable award presented at the forum, which acknowledges and rewards the exceptional work and strong results of female trailblazers around the world.
Lockyer is also co-founder of the national Women’s Economic Council. She will share her story in front of more than 2,000 women and men from 150 countries at the forum, running from April 26 to May 1.
“The news of this award had been the most humbling experience of my career,” said Lockyer in a statement.
“It has been my lifelong passion to empower women to start, grow or build new opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities. With the right networking, mentoring, collaboration and support close to home, I have had the privilege to witness thousands of women realize their dreams and have incredible positive impacts across Canada. It is my honour to be part of their journeys and experience their remarkable growth and contributions.”
Joining Lockyer at the podium will be Nobel Peace Laureate 2015, Ouided Bouchamaoui, who played a historic role steering the peaceful transition of Tunisia to a democratic constitution with transparent elections.
“This award is not just for me but for every woman who embodies the spirit of courage, confidence and enterprise to create positive change in her world,” added Lockyer.
“Women, who in the face of adversity, challenge and insecurity, have the will to push forward and build prosperity. These women are the heart of our global socio-economic future, and together we can achieve more than ever before.”
In 2018, PARO celebrates 24 years of helping thousands of women across the North to start and grow their businesses.
Lockyer is a past winner of an Influential Women’s of Northern Ontario award and her organization has received a National Donner Canadian Foundation Award for Excellence in Education.
