BRANTFORD, ONTARIO (November 21, 2019) – Today it was announced that Melanie Debassige, Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) has been named a Women’s Executive Network (WXN) 2019 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner, presented by KPMG.
The list of Top 100 Winners was released today, paying tribute to the outstanding women across Canada who advocate for diversity in the workforce and inspire the next generation of leaders.
“It’s an honour to receive recognition as one of the Women’s Executive Network’s 2019 Most Powerful Women,” said Melanie Debassige, Executive Director of OFNTSC. “This award is very meaningful to me as I have strived to live my life in a way that will positively impact First Nations communities in Canada. I hope to inspire present and future First Nations women to pursue their dreams.”
Melanie Debassige, MBA, ICD.D, is a member of the Anishinabek Nation. She was appointed as the Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) in February 2018. Melanie is the first woman to be appointed in this role in the twenty-five-year history of the organization.
In October 2013 Melanie was appointed to the Ontario Clean Water Agency Board of Directors where she serves as Chairperson of the mandated First Nations Committee. In March 2018, she was appointed to the Board of Reconciliation Canada where she holds the position of Director/Treasure. She completed the Director’s Education Program at the Rotman School of Management and is a certified corporate director which complements her Master’s in Business Administration. Melanie has been recognized by the Canadian Board Diversity Council in the Diversity 50 and she has recently been appointed to the inaugural board of the Canada Energy Regulator.
The Top 100 Awards span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with the initial candidates selected by WXN’s Diversity Council. The final vetting process for the 2019 Top 100 Award Winners was completed by WXN’s 2018-2019 Diversity Champions.
Past Award Winners includes Canada’s most iconic women trailblazers: Margaret Atwood, best-selling author, Dr. Roberta Bondar, astronaut, Arlene Dickinson, Chief Executive Officer, Venture Communications, Christine Magee, President, Sleep Country Canada, Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada, Heather Reisman, founder and CEO, Indigo Books & Music, and Kathleen Taylor, Chair of the Board, Royal Bank of Canada.
To mark this year’s awards, WXN is hosting an Awards Gala on November 21 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. More than 1,400 senior professionals will attend.
For a full list of winners, please visit https://wxnetwork.com/wxn/top100winners/
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About the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC)
The Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation was created in 1995 to provide technical advisory services. This client base consists of 133 Ontario First Nations,16 Tribal Councils, 6 Large First Nations and 19 Unaffiliated First Nations in Ontario. Areas of service include operations and maintenance, housing, water and wastewater treatment, infrastructure, emergency planning, environment, and fire and safety. For more information on the OFNTSC, please visit www.ofntsc.org.
About the Women’s Executive Network (WXN)
Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a member-based organization, exists for the advancement, development and recognition of professional women in Canada. At WXN, equity, inclusion and the advancement of professional women make industry stronger and society better. Their passion is 100% centered on empowering women and creating positive social change. WXN currently operates in Canada and Ireland.