Caroline Codsi
Lifetime Contribution
The Lifetime Contribution Award honors individuals who have made a significant and long-lasting impact in the fields of diversity, equity, and inclusion. 2023 Shine Bright’s Women Leaders in Pharma nominees have demonstrated a history of accomplishments, community involvement, and professional growth. These women are recognized for their positive influence and expertise. Their work is innovative, exemplary, and represents best practices that serve as models for others. Their efforts have paved the way for other women to attain leadership positions.
Caroline Codsi, founder and CEO of Women in Governance, is 2023 Lifetime Contribution honoree, celebrated for her extraordinary impact and unwavering dedication. In 2010, Caroline established Women in Governance, a non-profit organization committed to empowering women to develop their leadership skills, advance their careers, and secure positions on boards of directors. Her fervor for gender equality and increasing women’s representation in leadership roles, both in Canada and globally, serves as a powerful inspiration.
Her expertise has been recognized by high-profile leaders such as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who appointed her to the National Gender Equality Committee, and Mayor Valérie Plante, who included her on the Montreal City Business Committee. Through her organization, Caroline has driven significant change by offering concrete support, including a robust mentorship program initially for senior women executives, which has since expanded to support ambitious women at all career stages.
Despite the challenges posed by the 2020-2021 health restrictions, Caroline adeptly transitioned these programs to virtual platforms, ensuring that Women in Governance’s resources reached women across Canada and internationally. Today, her mentorship programs are accessible to women in all sectors and locations.
Furthermore, Caroline introduced the Parity Certification in 2017, a pioneering initiative in North America aimed at helping organizations achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion. This certification focuses on increasing female representation in underrepresented sectors and senior roles, with a particular emphasis on including women of color, Indigenous women, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and women with disabilities.
Caroline Codsi exemplifies the power of change and commitment to gender equality. Her remarkable contributions continue to reshape workplaces and inspire future generations of women leaders.