Today, Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO of Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (Holland Bloorview) has been named one of Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN). The award, presented by KPMG, recognizes three female CEOs across the country who demonstrate impact in their industry, and drive equality in their sector and beyond. This is Julia’s third consecutive WXN win, the first in this category.

The announcement was made today as part of 2020 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners list released by WXX and Presenting Partner KPMG, which recognized 106 outstanding women across Canada who advocate for workforce diversity and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.

“To be recognized as one of three top CEOs across the country is a true honour and very humbling,” said Hanigsberg. “I have been and continue to be fortunate to work alongside many individuals who challenge me to be better and continue to push boundaries.  As a leader, I strive to use my position of power to model the same and elevate the voices of other women and people in equity seeking groups, not only at my organization but beyond our walls, too.”

“In a difficult year, we’ve been inspired by Canada’s highest achieving women who unite across those around them and help us all rise above our challenges,” said Sherri Stevens, owner and CEO of WXN. “These powerful women continue to lead the way, which is why it’s important to celebrate their achievements.”

Julia began her tenure as president and CEO of Holland Bloorview in January 2015 and over the last six years has cemented and enhanced Holland Bloorview’s role as a global leader in pediatric health care. Her achievements to date include: securing funding and partnerships to expand system capacity and serve the complex needs of Holland Bloorview clients; driving social justice for young people with disabilities through the ground-breaking Dear Everybody campaign; leading the $32 million expansion of the hospital’s research institute; building a more coordinated system of care for children and their families through the co-founding of the Kids Health Alliance; and engaging the Holland Bloorview community through more than 1000 touchpoints in the development of a five-year strategic plan.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Julia has been an anchor for the hospital, as an accessible, hands-on and compassionate leader. Julia has been a constant presence for Holland Bloorview staff, clients and families through hospital rounding, bi-weekly town halls and weekly bulletins. Following the murder of George Floyd in the United-States and subsequent anti-Black and anti-Indigenous protests that took place in Canada and around the world, Julia quickly mobilized members of the Holland Bloorview team to create an IDEA Task Force (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility), tasked with developing and executing an organizational plan aimed at addressing systemic racism at Holland Bloorview and beyond.

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.

WXN is hosting Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Awards Program, which includes a virtual two-day Leadership Summit and Gala on December 2 and 3. More than 1,200 winners and senior professionals will attend. Visit WXS’s website for event details.

For a full list of winners, please visit https://wxnetwork.com/page/2020Top100Winners/.

About WXN

Women’s Executive Network (WXN), a member-based organization, is Canada’s #1 and only national organization that meaningfully propels and celebrates the advancement of women at all levels, in all sectors, and of all ages. WXN delivers this advancement through training, events, mentoring, networking, and award and recognition programs for members and partners