Centre for Women in Business Spring Finale Spotlights Women Leading Digital Technology in NS

May 18, 2017 HALIFAX, NS –The Centre for Women in Business will wrap up its 2016-2017 year on Tuesday May 30 with its annual Spring Finale. The event will feature a Digital Diversity Awards presentation in partnership with Digital Nova Scotia, and a keynote Q&A with Laurie MacKeigan, President of audiovisual technology leader Backman Vidcom. MacKeigan will share the story of her journey from financial advisor to business owner with event emcee Erin Elaine Casey, a Halifax-based communication specialist. It will take place in the McCain Centre at Mount Saint Vincent University, home to the Centre for Women in Business, where both MacKeigan and Casey are members. MacKeigan will reflect on her decision to purchase the commercial AV service company and how, despite her lack of industry experience, she helped it to become the leading service provider in Atlantic Canada. She will also look back on the cultural shift that began when she purchased the 40-year old company which, at the time, did not have a single woman on staff. This is the third year that Digital Nova Scotia has partnered with the Centre to co-host its Spring Finale event, and the second year they have presented their Digital Diversity Awards, recognizing women leading the way in Nova Scotia’s digital tech sector. It is being presented by BMO. Tanya Priske, Executive Director of the Centre for Women in Business, said they are pleased to collaborate with Digital Nova Scotia once again to “cast a spotlight” on women who are leaving their mark on the digital technology space. “Laurie MacKeigan’s story of entering the tech sector and being the only woman at the table is not uncommon,” said Priske. “But we have dozens of members working in the digital technology field, in strategy, design, research and marketing, and we see more every year. “Our Spring Finale has become a time to acknowledge that that growth is the direct result of hard work and perseverance; it’s a chance celebrate that progress and, for us, identify ways we can continue to support it.” Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, former President and CEO of Digital Nova Scotia said they are proud to be partnering once again with the Centre for Women in Business to acknowledge and applaud female leaders and diversity champions that are working toward a “diverse and inclusive Nova Scotia.” “As the industry association for the digital sector, our awards were created to highlight the importance of gender diversity in ICT and leadership positions.” For Lynda Taylor, Senior Vice President of BMO Bank of Montreal, sponsoring the event is an opportunity for BMO to continue its long-standing commitment to helping the advancement of women. “Through our BMO for Women initiatives, we are pleased to sponsor this event and help showcase stories that demonstrate the power of women”, she said. “Supporting causes important to women, developing tools and resources to help them succeed, and adjusting how we work to help them realize their financial goals are critical to being the bank that “gets it right” with women.” The Centre for Women in Business Spring Finale will take place on Tuesday, May 30 from 6-8pmat the McCain Centre at MSVU, Room 105/106. It will include networking, a keynote Q&A, and an awards presentation by Digital Nova Scotia. Award categories are: Women Leaders in the Digital Economy; Power IT Up: Next Generation Leadership and Diversity Champion of the Year. The cost is $35+HST for members of the Centre and Digital Nova Scotia, and $70+HST for non-members. Refreshments will be served. All media are welcome to attend.For more information, please contact: Janna McFatridge Centre for Women in Business Communications Manager 902- 457-6522 Toll-free: 1-888-776-9022janna.mcfatridge@msvu.ca