Catalyst Champion Nomination

Catalyst Champions must:

1. Be employed by a for-profit entity, including: a company, subsidiary, limited liability partnership, commercial crown corporation, or commercial co-operative.
2. Hold a role that fits within one of the three Champion categories at the time of nomination.
3. Have been in their current role, or a similar role, for a minimum of three years.
4. Not be a previous Catalyst employee..

Note: If your nominee is employed by an organization that is a finalist for the Catalyst Award or Breakout Program Award in the same calendar year, they may be ineligible. Employers are limited to one recognition category per Catalyst Convene event. Confer with your Catalyst representatives before nominating.

If selected, the Champion must agree to do the following:

1. Allow their name to be announced publicly
2. Review a written profile prepared by Catalyst and participate in a video or interview created to highlight their work.
3. Be available to attend and participate in the Catalyst Convene event, with the option to participate in Catalyst Convene Canada (October 2026) or Catalyst Convene New York (Spring 2027).

The nominee has:

1. Positively impacted the development and inclusion of women across their intersecting identities, with measurable results. This includes developing, spearheading, and/or sponsoring programs or initiatives that have had a marked impact on the experiences of inclusion across the organization.
2. Innovated and challenged the status quo of workplace inclusion, driving leading-edge efforts for their industry.
3. Influenced others to support inclusion efforts at their organization and beyond.
4. Demonstrated inclusive leadership behaviours, accountability, ownership, allyship, curiosity, humility, and courage, as defined by Catalyst research.

Please answer the following questions to complete your application. Submit your answers using this form.

1. Tell us about the nominee. What inspires them to do the work they do?
2. When did your nominee first start this work?
3. Describe three programs, initiatives, or efforts the nominee has driven or participated in to create a workplace that is inclusive to women across all their intersecting identities. When answering this question, please share the following:
   • Program details: Include program elements and the nominee's role. For example, if they were involved in creating a sponsorship program, discuss their involvement in its ideation, development, execution, and whether they acted as an executive sponsor providing guidance and support.
   • Impact: Explain how these initiatives have led to significant positive changes within the organization, benefiting women and other marginalized individuals. Include qualitative and quantitative data where applicable.
   • Sustainability of impact: Describe how the nominee’s efforts have been embedded in the organization to ensure lasting progress beyond their tenure.
4. Share how the nominee has successfully influenced other leaders and individuals to become champions of inclusion. Focus on specific instances and include:
   • Influence on peers and leaders: Describe how the nominee’s efforts have been embedded in the organization to ensure lasting progress beyond their tenure.
   • Methods of influence: Detail the strategies and approaches the nominee used to influence others. This could include mentorship, advocacy, training sessions, presentations, or policy changes. Highlight any innovative or particularly effective methods.
   • Impact and reach: Explain the broader impact of their influence. Include qualitative and quantitative data where applicable, such as changes in inclusion policies, increased engagement in inclusion initiatives, or testimonials from those who were influenced. Illustrate how their influence has contributed to a more inclusive culture within the organization and beyond.
5. How has the nominee overcome barriers or addressed pushback related to the initiatives described above? Share some examples (big or small) that showcase their approach and the outcomes.
6. Describe the actions the nominee has taken to ensure their team or project is inclusive, whether your nominee has a team of direct reports or is an individual contributor who may lead project teams.
   This can include:
   • Recruitment and retention strategies
   • Development and promotion practices
   • Specific actions taken to promote inclusion in their daily interactions with team members and/or clients
7. Provide two reference letters from individuals who are familiar with the nominee’s work. This can include direct reports, managers, and peers, as well as individuals outside the organization.
8. Provide any additional relevant information you were not able to include above. If there were any initiatives or programs you weren't able to include above, you can share those here!

• Completed nomination forms must be submitted through an online form.
• Please ensure each question is answered.
• Two reference letters must be provided and submitted through the online form. There is the option to attach a PDF to share any supplemental information.
• Follow-up questions with the nominator or primary contact may be required to clarify aspects of the nomination.
• Meetings and/or email correspondence with the nominee (after their selection as a Champion) will take place to build their public profile and discuss event details and participation.
• The selected Champions will have the option to be featured in sessions and given an award at Catalyst Convene Canada in Fall 2026 or Catalyst Convene NYC in Spring 2027.

All nominators will be contacted and informed if their nominee was selected prior to the public announcement in summer 2026.

• Nomination submission deadline: Thursday, March 12, 2026
• Champions announced: June-July 2026
• Catalyst Convene Canada: October/November 2026