The chief executive of the South Island Prosperity Partnership has been named as one of three finalists for the social change with regional impact award as part of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.

Emilie de Rosenroll is up against Claudine Cousins of Empower Simcoe in Barrie, Ont., and Stéphanie Jecrois of Technovation Montréal for the award, which is dedicated to a female entrepreneur who has profoundly and positively affected society.

“I see this as recognition, not just for the work of one woman, but for the outstanding SIPP team and a collaborative regional community committed to a robust, inclusive economic vision,” said de Rosenroll.

The South Island Prosperity Partnership is a Greater Victoria economic development alliance whose members include businesses, municipal governments, First Nations, major employers, academic institutions, community and business organizations and non-profits.

Alicia Skalin, chief executive of Women of Influence, which is behind the awards, said they celebrate “the entrepreneurial spirit of our country and the incredible women making it happen.”

The winners will be announced at a gala Nov. 23.

The RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards recognize women business owners from across Canada who make impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian, or global economy. Each category recognizes businesswomen and leaders of non-profits from three major regions across ­Canada: East, Central and West.

“For over 30 years, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Awards has shone a spotlight on the incredible women business owners who are leading change in their industries, driving growth in their communities and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Greg Grice, executive vice-president with RBC. “This year’s program continues this tradition, uncovering countless stories of women-led innovation and achievement among our 2022 award finalists.”

The awards program received about 10,000 nominations for women entrepreneurs. A judging review trimmed that to 21 finalists in seven categories.

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