These words were used to nominate Sonia Simard who is the first recipient of Great Lakes/Seaway Review’s Impact! 2021 award. Simard was with the Shipping Federation of Canada at the time and has invested 25 years in the shipping industry. She was nominated by peers with Fednav Limited, Transport Canada and the Shipping Federation of Canada.

Now, with 2022 approaching, the selection committee is preparing to receive a new round of nominations.

“We were impressed with the caliber of women nominated for the inaugural award,” says Michelle Cortright, publisher emeritus of Harbor House Publishers. “We look forward to the nominations we will receive this year.”

In addition to the nominees, the selection committee didn’t foresee the variety of people who took time to nominate women for this new leadership award. They included people working for fleets, retirees and business peers.

“Those who submitted nominations were serious about recognizing the talent and vision of the women they’d chosen,” says Janenne Irene Pung, editor. “Many said they knew who to nominate as soon as they read the award criteria.”

Make a Nomination

Do you know a woman who is bettering the regional shipping industry through leadership, innovation and mentorship? Does her work ethic and team approach naturally help others arise and foster the best outcomes? If so, link through below and nominate her for Impact! 2022.

Women who were previously nominated and not selected may be renominated, but a new submission must be prepared.

The committee is looking for a woman’s:

• Overall impact in the industry
• How she provides leadership How she benefits her company and/or the industry through innovation
• How she is mentoring future female leaders

As an improvement to the nomination process, Great Lakes/Seaway Review is now using an online form. This will expedite the process and allow the letters of recommendation to be attached and submitted with the form or separately, as long as they arrive within the nomination timeframe.

Nominations open Friday, October 8 and close Friday, November 26.

“Whether working onboard ships, at dockside terminals or in executive leadership positions, we look forward to getting to know these talented women better – and through the eyes of the person who considers their impact worthy of industrywide recognition,” Cortright says.

The award will be presented in partnership with Women in Logistics, the regional professional women’s group launched and maintained by Gina Delle Rose-Ash, business development analyst for HOPA Ports. A specific time and day will be announced.

Link through here or on our social sites to review the criteria and make a nomination: harborhousemaritime.com/impact/.