Skip navigation

BMO celebrates Canada’s Most Powerful Women at Top 100 gala

December 12, 2024 | Diversity, equity and inclusion, Recognition

Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has named a BMO leader to the 2024 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 – an annual award presented to exceptional women who make a transformational difference in their fields and actively shape a more inclusive future.  

Award recipient Ashley Salazar, Head, Industry Initiatives and Partnerships, BMO Commercial Bank, was celebrated in the Emerging Leader category at the 22nd annual Top 100 Awards Gala in late November.  

The Top 100 Awards honour Canada’s bold leaders who tear down barriers to success, especially in underserved areas, and forge a future where women redefine what’s possible.  

Ashley’s award is a testament to her willingness to embrace new challenges and lead with innovation, aligning with WXN’s mantra for 2024: Be Bold. With more than 15 years of experience in Business and Commercial Banking, Ashley is well-known for inspiring women in business.  

Learn how Ashley is creating a meaningful impact on those around her:  

As part of our Purpose-driven commitment to fostering an inclusive society, we proudly support initiatives that empower women both within the bank and in the communities we serve. BMO sponsors the Top 100 STEM award category, recognizing women in STEM roles who are challenging the status quo for knowledge and driving innovation. Alongside Ashley, we are excited to honour these women for their exceptional contributions:  

  • Dr. Nicole Anderson 
  • Aminka Belvitt 
  • Dr. Charlene Chu 
  • Dr. Kristine Cowley 
  • Dr. Azadeh Dastmalchi 
  • Dr. Hadis Karimipour 
  • Dr. Deborah Kurrasch 
  • Claudia Martinez 
  • Dr. Atty Mashatan 
  • Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee 
  • Dr. Heidi-Lynn Ploeg 
  • Dr. Allison Sekuler 

At BMO, women comprise 41 per cent of our senior leadership roles and 50 per cent of our independent Board of Directors. Our Zero Barriers to Inclusion strategy focuses on providing equal access to opportunities and enabling the growth of colleagues, customers and communities. 

By cultivating leaders with unique perspectives, we are shaping a future of shared progress. 

Related Insights