Michelle Groulx, recently named interim CEO at the ByWard Market District Authority, received the Lifetime Achievement award at the recent Businesswoman of the Year awards.
The awards, run by the Women’s Business Network, recognize the work of women in business across the capital.
Last week, the organization gathered finalists at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa for the gala, chaired by Caitlin Spearing, founder of OMG Social Media Agency, and Jennifer Reynolds, a family lawyer and divorce mediator with Fresh Legal.
“Michelle is an experienced executive, advocate and community leader with a career spanning the business, nonprofit and civic sectors. She is passionate about strengthening local businesses, fostering economic growth, and building the partnerships and conditions that help Ottawa’s communities thrive,” the WBN said in a post on LinkedIn.
Groulx was previously the chief advocate at the Ottawa Coalition of Business Improvement Areas (OCOBIA).
The Emerging Entrepreneurial Leader award went to Julia Reid, co-founder and clinic director at Play On Pediatric Therapy. Founded in 2022, Play On offers occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language therapy.
Before founding Play On, Reid was a project and business manager with Telus Health, as well as a project manager of capital redevelopment and primary care integration with the Kemptville District Hospital.
Christine Harrison, psychotherapist and founder of Focus Forward Health and city councillor candidate for West Carleton-March Ward, received the Established Entrepreneurial Leader award. Founded in 2014, Focus Forward Health offers therapy and health services to address mental health, sport psychology, relationship issues, wellness and advanced psychotherapy.
Harrison also sits on the board of advisers for Carp Health Access, is a director at large with the Stittsville Business Association and a board member with the ByWard Family Health Team.
Francesca Davila, director of development and communications at Harmony House, won the Enterprise Leader award. Since taking on the role in 2021, Davila has developed and promoted the Harmony House brand in Ottawa by organizing and managing fundraising activities while implementing strategic partnerships with local businesses. Harmony House is a second-stage shelter for women and children fleeing violence.
“Over the past five years, Francesca has helped transform Harmony House’s fundraising and community engagement strategy, contributing to doubled fundraising efforts and renewed public visibility,” the WBN said.
Emily Jones Joanisse, co-founder and volunteer CEO of Connected Canadians, won the Community Impact award.
“Under Emily’s leadership, Connected Canadians delivers one-on-one sessions and workshops in over 26 languages to seniors at no cost. They have raised over $2.4 million to fund free digital literacy programs for seniors across Canada,” the WBN said.
Beyond her work with Connected Canadians, Jones Joanisse is an assistant professor at the Sprott School of Business as well as the founder and director of the Sprott Social Impact Hub at Carleton University.
