Group Head, Human Resources and Communications named Catalyst Canada Champion

TORONTO, July 15 /CNW/ - Catalyst Canada today announced their selections for the Catalyst Canada Honours, recognizing Canadian corporate leaders' commitment to the promotion of women in business. In the Human Resources/Diversity category, Catalyst has recognized Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head of Global Human Resources & Communications for her contribution in advancing women within and beyond the workplace. This year marks the first time that Catalyst has awarded The Catalyst Canada Honours, which were developed in celebration of Catalyst Canada's tenth anniversary.

"I am both proud and humbled by this recognition," said Sylvia Chrominska. "I have had great personal and professional satisfaction in the accomplishments that I've seen over my fifteen years leading Scotiabank's human resources group. We value the broad diversity that we have at Scotiabank and recognize that when we draw on the skills of all employees, we generate more innovative thinking. We've made great progress across the diversity and inclusion landscape, including the advancement of women into more senior roles in the organization. These continue to be areas of focus as they ultimately lead to stronger business results.

"I am also very proud of the work that I have done with and on behalf of organizations that seek to improve the lives of women in our community. I am continually motivated by the talent and accomplishments that I see around me and I look forward to continuing to contribute in the area."

As Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, at Scotiabank, Sylvia has been instrumental in championing a diversity and inclusion strategy that has shaped Scotiabank's ability to attract and retain employees with varied skills, abilities, experiences, and backgrounds. An avid mentor, champion, and founder of Scotiabank's Advancement of Women (AoW) strategy, Sylvia has overseen significant progress in this area. As a direct result of her efforts, many women have access to development opportunities, have gained visibility with executives, and have had the opportunity to succeed.

"I congratulate Sylvia for this well-deserved recognition and Catalyst in selecting an exceptional champion for the advancement of women," said Scotiabank President and CEO Rick Waugh. "During her tenure as the head of Scotiabank's human resources department, Sylvia has inspired and directed significant change across the organization. She has demonstrated great leadership and collaboration to make diversity and inclusion part of our culture and in particular to ensure that women have equitable opportunity to succeed."

"By highlighting the extraordinary achievements of today's honourees, The Catalyst Canada Honours hopes to inspire a robust pipeline of women and men leaders who will champion the advancement of women in Canadian business," said Deborah Gillis, Vice President, North America, Catalyst. "Ten years ago when Catalyst Canada was founded, women in business had few visible champions. Today, we are particularly pleased to celebrate the exceptional leadership of this year's honourees who understand that what's good for women is good for business and whose commitment to supporting women has measurably improved progress within their individual organizations and in the corporate sector."

With the goal of creating visible role models for Canada's current and future leaders, The Catalyst Canada Honours recognizes a Company/Firm Leader, a Business Leader, and a Human Resources/Diversity Leader whose outstanding leadership has made a critical difference to women's advancement. The three categories of honourees reflect the unique and integral roles individual corporate leaders play in championing diversity. According to Catalyst, these champions can inspire women and men leaders to step up, demonstrate foresight and leadership, and become champions themselves.

This year's winners will be celebrated at The Catalyst Canada Honours dinner on Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at the Arcadian Court in Toronto. For more information about The Catalyst Canada Honours, including complete profiles of this year's honourees, please visit www.catalyst.org. To purchase a table at The Catalyst Canada Honours dinner, please contact Diana Nind, 416-815-7600, x621 or dnind@catalyst.org.

ABOUT CATALYST

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization working globally with businesses and the professions to build inclusive workplaces and expand opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and more than 400 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honours exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award.

ABOUT THE CATALYST CANADA HONOURS

The Catalyst Canada Honours shares the rigour and prestige of the Catalyst Award, which Catalyst has presented since 1987 to business initiatives dedicated to advancing women's progress in the corporate world. The Catalyst Canada Honours celebrates individual champions of women in business. Recognizing that what's good for women is good for business, these exceptional individuals are personally and visibly committed to the advancement of women and serve as powerful role models for Canadian corporate leaders.

Once an individual is nominated, Catalyst Canada looks for examples of exceptional leadership that has had a visible impact on women's advancement both within and outside of her or his organization. The nomination process is supported by interviews with the nominee and letters of reference. The dinner celebrating the inaugural winners marks the tenth anniversary of Catalyst Canada and will be held on October 6, 2010.

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 68,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $526 billion in assets (as at April 30, 2010), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.