Digital Nova Scotia and Women in Communications and Technology Announce New Partnership Agreement

Digital Nova Scotia to tie provincial Digital Diversity Awards program to National Leadership Awards

HALIFAX (Jan. 18, 2017) – Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) and Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) are pleased to announce a partnership agreement which will see the two non-profit organizations collaborate on a number of initiatives, including their respective awards programs and an industry roundtable session to be held in Halifax in March 2017. As part of the partnership, Award recipients of DNS’ Digital Diversity Awards will automatically be vetted and nominated for WCT’s own national Annual Awards program. The WCT Annual Awards recognize leaders from across Canada for their contributions to Canadian innovation and diversity. DNS launched its first-ever Digital Diversity Awards program last year as part of its Women Leaders Fueling the Digital Economy project, funded by Status of Women Canada. DNS announced this past June that the Digital Diversity Awards would continue as a legacy program beyond the scope of the project. The Call for Nominations for the 2017 Digital Diversity Awards is open until March 8, 2017. “This is an exciting venture for DNS as it will enable us to nationally showcase the exceptional talent that exists within our region and our sector. Our new partnership with WCT provides a unique opportunity and national platform to recognize the significant efforts and contributions of our Digital Diversity Award winners. As a previous WCT Award winner, I know first-hand the importance of national recognition and the business connections that can be fostered as part of an awards program,” says Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia, former President and CEO, DNS. In addition to the Awards program partnership, DNS and WCT will co-host a Halifax roundtable session as part of WCT’s national project to create a “Blueprint for Women’s Leadership in the Digital Economy” on March 28th, 2017. The initiative is funded by Status of Women Canada and aims to mobilize knowledge sharing and use input from industry stakeholders to help develop a blueprint for industry and advance the careers of women working in communications, media, and technology, set to be released in the fall of 2017. ”We are pleased to formalize a partnership with DNS to promote the advancement of women in Nova Scotia.” Says Joanne Stanley, Executive Director of WCT. “Leadership recognition, both regionally and nationally, is a critical ingredient in inspiring and empowering women to reach new heights in their careers.” DNS’ industry stakeholders will be invited to participate in the upcoming roundtable session on March 28th, 2017, which will be held at McInnes Cooper’s Halifax location. For more information on DNS’ Digital Diversity Awards Call for Nominations, please visit: https://digitalnovascotia.com/digitaldiversityawards/.

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Media Contact: Caitlin Patterson Mathea Stevens Director, Marketing and Communications Manager, Marketing & Communications Digital Nova Scotia Women in Communications and Technology E: caitlin@digitalnovascotia.com E: mstevens@wct-fct.comP: (902) 401-6699 P: (613) 706-0607, ext. 103 About Women in Communications and Technology Women in Communications and Technology(WCT) is a national association committed to helping women in Canada learn, build strong relationships and advance in communications, media and technology. WCT provides opportunities for its members to network, be mentored, get access to targeted educational opportunities and be recognized for their contributions to Canada’s digital economy.