The mandate of BPW Canada is to develop the professional and leadership potential of women in Canada through education, awareness, advocacy and mentoring within a supportive network. Many women rise to the challenge as leaders in the pursuit of this goal – both in their community and workplace. BPW Canada salutes these women, through the BPW Canada Leadership Awards, which are presented to worthy recipients once a year at either the BPW Canada Annual General Meeting or the BPW Canada Biennial Convention. This is an honour award, without a cash prize, awarded to BPW Canada members in good standing.

The 2008 Leadership Awards were presented at BPW Canada's 41st Biennial Convention in Winnipeg in July 2008. Sheila Crook of BPW London, Ontario, Linda Prafke of BPW Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Rachel Proulx of BPW Greater Sudbury, Ontario received the distinctive award for their outstanding leadership. Also nominated were Sharon Hale of BPW Greater Moncton and Dianne Matyas of BPW Kitchener-Waterloo. The awards were presented by the President of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women Chonchanok (Nok) Viravan of Thailand.

Each winner received a certificate and a handcrafted piece of jewellery made from two interlocking ovals of copper and silver, one oval symbolizing the competencies of leadership (courage, self-discipline, influence and insight) and the second oval symbolizing integrity . The pins are made by Renata Pancini of Woodbridge, Ontario. All nominees received a certificate from BPW Canada.

Sheila Crook, Nok Viravan		Linda Prafke, Nok Viravan

In 2006, winners included Gertrude Demecha of Kamloops, BC; Bahi Krishnakhanthan of Ajax, ON; Joyce Marshall of Whitby, ON; and Julie McSorley of Moncton, NB. The recipients received a handcrafted piece of jewelry made from two interlocking ovals of copper and silver, one oval symbolizing the competencies of leadership (courage, self discipline, influence and insight) and the second oval symbolizing integrity.