October 30, 2024
Three Baycrest leaders are among those named winners of Women Executive Network’s (WXN) prestigious 2024 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards, celebrating exceptional leadership and groundbreaking achievements that have meaningfully transformed their industries, companies, communities and country.
Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education and President and Chief Scientist, Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, powered by Baycrest (CABHI)
Dr. Allison Sekuler was recognized in the BMO STEM category for exemplifying the core principles of female empowerment in the field. In addition to tirelessly advocating for women and using her platform to uplift others, Dr. Allison Sekuler’s work has garnered national and international recognition. Driven by her passion for improving lives, Dr. Allison Sekuler’s relentless pursuit of excellence in brain health and aging research is a testament to her enduring commitment to make a difference in a rapidly changing world. This is the second time Dr. Allison Sekuler has been recognized as a Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards honouree.
Dr. Nicole Anderson, Director, Baycrest’s Ben & Hilda Katz Interprofessional Research Centre in Geriatric and Dementia care and Associate Scientific Director, Baycrest’s Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness
Dr. Nicole Anderson has also been recognized in the BMO STEM category as an exemplary leader, researcher and mentor whose work has touched countless lives across Canada and globally. Dr. Nicole Anderson has developed innovative interventions for individuals living with mild cognitive impairment and empowers aging adults to reduce their dementia risk through her leadership at Baycrest’s Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness. In addition to sharing her expertise on brain health with the general public, Dr. Nicole Anderson helps women succeed in STEM.
Melissa Turzanski, Program Director, Care Transformation and Innovation, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
Melissa Turzanski has been honoured in the Professionals category. She has initiated innovative programs at Baycrest and forges policies on the topics of aging adult safety and well-being. Melissa Turzanski’s expertise and leadership have helped propel Baycrest’s approach to exceptional aging and dementia care by implementing both strategic and operational changes. Her contributions have informed new methods of care at Baycrest and globally, in addition to inspiring and mentoring others.
“I’m extremely proud of the work done by exceptional leaders and teams across Baycrest and that three of those leaders have been recognized for exceptional work and vision serving the evolving needs of older persons with innovative care models, educational partnerships and transformative research,” said Dr. William Reichman, President and CEO, Baycrest Seniors Care. “These accomplished women recognized as Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award winners embody the spirit of innovation, transformation and collaboration, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations to lead with purpose and passion.”
Dr. Allison Sekuler, Dr. Nicole Anderson and Melissa Turzanski were recognized for their critical contributions to research, innovation and care in aging and brain health, furthering Baycrest’s vision of a world where every older person lives with purpose, fulfilment and dignity. WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards is Canada’s most recognized honour for the highest achieving female leaders in various industries including healthcare and STEM.
Since the awards launched in 2012, WXN has celebrated 1,731 women through Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards. Past winners include iconic Top 100 winners such as Princess Sarah Culberson, Princess of Sierra Leone; The Honourable Rona Ambrose, former leader of Canada’s Official Opposition in the House of Commons; Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, global activist. Head of the House of Mandela and the daughter of Nelson Mandela; and The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first African-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons.
About Baycrest
At Baycrest, our vision is a world where every older person lives with purpose, fulfilment and dignity. Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain health innovation, with over 105 years of expertise in seniors' care and cutting-edge research. Baycrest has been Designated with Exemplary Status by Accreditation Canada, and drives industry-leading care and safety outcomes. As the home of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) powered by Baycrest, the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) and the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Baycrest is at the forefront of dementia research. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest's training programs shape the future of care globally, while Baycrest Global Solutions extends its expertise to senior living and healthcare internationally. For more information, visit: baycrest.org.
Media contact: Natasha Nacevski-Laird Media Relations Specialist, Baycrest
NNacevski-Laird@Baycrest.org (416) 785-2500 ext. 5011