TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today congratulated Sylvia Chrominska, the Bank's Group Head of Global Human Resources and Communication, on being named one of the Top 25 Women of Influence™ by Canada's Women of Influence Inc. She is one of five women recognized for exceptional achievement in the business sector of the program.

"It is a pleasure to congratulate Sylvia on this great honour," said Rick Waugh, President and CEO of Scotiabank. "Among her many accomplishments Sylvia has been instrumental in advancing women, leadership, diversity and inclusion at Scotiabank, all of which are essential components of our success. Our organization has been immeasurably strengthened by her commitment and Sylvia's business success inspires her colleagues to excel."

The Top 25 Women of Influence™ program is designed to honour and celebrate women who have demonstrated, over the last year, strong and unyielding leadership in one of five distinct sectors spanning business, heath care, non-governmental organizations, professional services and the public sector.

The award program and ranking is based solely on quantitative criteria. Candidates are ranked based on measurable factors such as, but not limited to, how many boards they currently sit on, recent promotions and awards, number of employees managed and amount of funds raised or revenue generated.

"It's a wonderful honour to receive this recognition as it extends beyond myself to the dynamic and insightful people who inspire me each day, both in my role at Scotiabank and in my volunteering life," said Ms. Chrominska. "I have gained a unique perspective on the incredibly important role of women in the workplace from leading Scotiabank's human resource function and have seen firsthand that having a diverse range of views is essential for true innovative thinking."

"Looking at how far women have come in the workplace is inspiring, however there is always more work to be done. At Scotiabank, we are dedicated to the advancement of women by supporting and encouraging them throughout their careers. I am committed to helping women, both in my company and in the community, achieve their potential."

Ms. Chrominska has global responsibility for the Scotiabank's human resources, corporate communications, government relations, public policy and corporate social responsibility functions. Her work supports more than 81,000 employees in over 55 countries. Under her leadership Scotiabank has received numerous employer awards including Best Employers in Canada, Catalyst Award (for advancement of women in the workplace), and 38 Great Places to Work™ awards across nine countries.

The first women to be appointed to Scotiabank's executive management committee in 1995, Ms. Chrominska joined the Bank in 1979 as a Credit Analyst in Corporate Credit.

"Creating access to role models is the most compelling reason why the Top 25 Women of Influence™ must be celebrated, said Carolyn Lawrence, President and CEO of Women of Influence Inc. "The women we profile have made an important impact in their chosen fields and they are all using their influence to change the world, for the better. It is important that they are recognized because they serve as role models for Canadian women and girls.  It was how I got inspired at the start of my career, and we've been returning the favour every day since."

About Women of Influence
Women of Influence Inc. produces inspiring, progressive, and celebratory events across the country and produces a quarterly magazine. Our programs serve to fill the gap for women looking for mentors, looking to connect with likeminded individuals on their path to success, or looking for unique corporate entertainment.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 81,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets of $670 billion (as at July 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank