NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
2026 WIN Awards Nomination Criteria
The current Women’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) awards framework includes two categories: (1) Emerging Leader and (2) Outstanding Leader.
In addition to selecting a winner in each of the Emerging Leader and Outstanding Leader categories, the WIN Awards’ Judging Panel may identify a nominee to receive a Rising Star Award or an Impact Award.
Please thoroughly review this entire Nomination Criteria page before submitting a nomination.
SELECTION PROCESS:
The WIN Awards Nominations Committee (“Nominations Committee”) will review all submissions for completeness and eligibility (including whether a nomination fulfills each of the nomination criteria for the applicable award category). The Nominations Committee will identify a short list of nominations for review and consideration by a Judging Panel. The Nominations Committee reserves the right to not accept an incomplete nomination package or an application which does not satisfy the eligibility criteria.
The Judging Panel will review all of the short-listed submissions against the nomination criteria and determine a winner for the Outstanding Leader and Emerging Leader categories.
The Nominations Committee and the Judging Panel reserves the right to withhold an award in either category.
In addition to selecting a winner in each of the Emerging Leader and Outstanding Leader categories, in any year, the Judging Panel may (in its discretion) award either (or both) of the following awards:
In respect of nominees in the Outstanding Leader category, an Impact Award to a nominee who has made a transformative contribution to, or impact on, the infrastructure sector. The nominee’s contribution or impact may be in any one (or more) of the key evaluation criteria or within her community more generally.
In respect of nominees in the Emerging Leader category, a Rising Star Award to a nominee in the early stages of her career who is in the early stages of her career, is making exceptional contributions beyond what is typical for their career stage which has made a significant impact in any one (or more) of the key criteria evaluated.
HOW TO NOMINATE:
All nominations must be completed and submitted online. All documentation in the nomination package must be in English, or in French (with an English translation).
A complete nomination package includes all of the following:
Eligibility Criteria: Written confirmation that the nominee meets the eligibility criteria for the category she is being nominated for (Outstanding Leader | Emerging Leader).
Nomination Form: A nomination form must be completed and submitted online by the person nominating the nominee. Self-nominations are not permitted.
a) Nominee Consent and Confirmation Form
The nominee must complete and consent to her nomination and the publication of her name, photo and information on the WIN website and in WIN-related social media (e.g. Twitter, LinkedIn, etc). The consent and confirmation form must be signed by the nominee.
b) Statement of Support
A statement of support by the nominator outlining how the nominee fulfills each of the criteria (both eligibility and nomination criteria) for the award. It is recommended that the statement of support be structured around the three nomination criteria (see specific Eligibility Criteria above for details.) Emphasis should be placed on ensuring there is a balance in the detail provided for each of the categories—Leadership, Achievement, and Sponsorship, Mentorship and Community.
The statement of support should be a maximum of two pages in length and be signed by the nominator.
c) Support Letters
Two letters of support for the nominee from references who have worked with the nominee, and who are not the nominator. At least one support letter must be provided by the nominee's current organization.
Each reference letter should be a maximum of one page in length and be signed by the reference.
d) Resume/CV
The nominee should provide a resume (or CV) that demonstrates the nominee’s full work and extracurricular experience, including dates of employment and brief description of the role.
When listing volunteer or extracurricular experience, the resume should clearly indicate the type of roles held by the nominee (e.g., WIN Member vs. WIN Chair).
Where possible, the resume should include a list relevant infrastructure projects or assets, and include a description of the role the nominee had/has on that particular project, the project value and the length of the nominee’s involvement.
If it is not readily apparent, please ensure the resume clearly articulates how certain work experience may or may not contribute to Infrastructure or an Infrastructure related sector (e.g., “Financing Associate at a Bank” does not demonstrate applicable experience in the infrastructure sector).
If applicable, include a link to the nominee’s LinkedIn page within the resume.
e) Supplemental Materials (optional)
Supplemental materials may be included with the nomination package to support the content of the nomination (e.g. magazine or newspaper articles, screen shots of web content, special certificates of recognition, etc.).
Additional letters of support will not be considered as supplemental documentation.
Supplemental materials to be not more than five pages in total.
f) High Resolution Photo (not evaluated)
Nominee's digital headshot (high-resolution, colour image, minimum: 600px width x 900px height).
The digital photo will be used solely for the purposes of WIN marketing material and is not used in the evaluation process (except to confirm that a photo has been submitted as part of the nomination package).
Outstanding Leader Category
Purpose
This category recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in both her profession and within the Canadian infrastructure sector, and who has demonstrated a unique ability to guide and inspire others. This award recognizes a woman who has shaped the world we live in through their work in the infrastructure industry, and are trailblazers for women in the Canadian infrastructure sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees must meet the following criteria:
The nominee is currently a “Woman in Infrastructure” (engaged in a role related to the provision of infrastructure needed for a country, region or organization to function properly).
The nominee is a resident of Canada now and for at least the full year preceding December 31, 2025).
The nominee has 15 or more years of experience in the infrastructure or infrastructure-related sector (in Canada or another jurisdiction and prior to December 31, 2025).
Nomination Criteria
Nominees for the Outstanding Leader award will be evaluated against each of the following three criteria:
Leadership: The nominee demonstrates leadership and vision within her profession and in the infrastructure sector, and has ‘broken new ground’ or has ‘paved the way’ for women in the infrastructure sector.
Achievement: The nominee excels in her field, is widely recognized by her peers, has made a significant contribution to the infrastructure sector, is committed to professional growth, and/or has overcome adversity. For example, this could include but is not limited to, awards, specific project achievements, and subject matter expertise.
Sponsorship, Mentorship and Community: The nominee serves as a role model, sponsor or mentor and demonstrates a dedication to the advancement of women and/or the general community. For example, this could include but is not limited to, involvement in equity, inclusion and diversity initiatives, not-for-profit, and community programs.
Emerging Leader Category
Purpose
This category recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself early in her career in the infrastructure sector, and has demonstrated a pattern of leadership. This award recognizes a woman who has showcased herself to be an emerging leader of the infrastructure industry of tomorrow.
Eligibility criteria
Eligible nominees must meet the following criteria:
The nominee is currently a “Woman in Infrastructure” (engaged in a role related to the provision of infrastructure needed for a country, region or organization to function properly).
The nominee is a resident of Canada now and for at least the full year preceding December 31, 2025).
The nominee has less than 15 years of experience in the infrastructure or infrastructure-related sector (in Canada or another jurisdiction and prior to December 31, 2025).
Nomination Criteria
Nominees for the Emerging Leader award will be evaluated against each of the following three criteria:
Leadership: The nominee demonstrates leadership and vision within her profession and in the infrastructure sector, and has ‘broken new ground’ or has ‘paved the way’ for women in the infrastructure sector.
Achievement: The nominee excels in her field, is widely recognized by her peers, has made a significant contribution to the infrastructure sector, is committed to professional growth, and/or has overcome adversity. For example, this could include but is not limited to, awards, specific project achievements, and subject matter expertise.
Sponsorship, Mentorship and Community: The nominee serves as a role model, sponsor or mentor and demonstrates a dedication to the advancement of women and/or the general community. For example, this could include but is not limited to, involvement in equity, inclusion and diversity initiatives, not-for-profit, and community programs.
Feel free to contact us at winawardscanada@womensinfrastructure.ca if you have any questions.