Empowering Women's Return to Finance: VersaFi's Transformative RTBS Program

In a groundbreaking move, VersaFi (formerly WCM) has announced the addition of seven new hires through its Return to Bay Street (RTBS) Program, a pioneering initiative designed to address the significant challenges women face when re-entering the finance sector after a career break. This program has already seen more than 130 women accept new roles since its inception in 2010, underscoring its transformative impact on the industry.

Bridging the Gap: VersaFi's Commitment to Women's Career Advancement

The RTBS Program is a strategic response to the twofold challenge facing the finance sector. Firstly, women leave the industry at higher rates than men, creating significant talent and gender wage gaps that perpetuate through senior management. Secondly, women seeking to relaunch their careers following career breaks face considerable and often daunting challenges. VersaFi recognizes that supporting these qualified and motivated women is a crucial step in rebuilding the mid-to-senior level talent pool of women leaders in Canada's finance sector.

Collaborative Approach: VersaFi's Partnerships for Empowerment

To achieve this goal, VersaFi has forged strategic partnerships with a diverse array of organizations, including ATB Financial, BMO, CIBC, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), Manulife, Mackenzie Investments, National Bank, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan (OTPP), RBC, Scotiabank, and TD. These collaborations enable VersaFi to provide comprehensive training, mentorship, skills development, and, most importantly, critical job networking opportunities to women seeking to relaunch their finance careers.

Overcoming Biases and Empowering Women

"Career breaks can happen to anyone for a range of reasons, but their impact and the lingering biases affect women's careers disproportionately," noted Tanya van Biesen, president and CEO of VersaFi. "The RTBS Program was established to support women in their journey back to the finance sector by offering a holistic approach to their professional development and reintegration."

Transforming Lives, Empowering Futures

The impact of the RTBS Program is evident in the stories of its participants. Chimno Okeke, a 2023 program alumna, shared her experience: "Versafi has not just helped me find a job—they helped me rediscover my purpose and rebuild my life. They saw potential in me when I had almost lost sight of it and provided me with the tools and support to realize my aspirations. Today, I am thriving in my new job, balancing my career with motherhood, and feeling more fulfilled than ever."Okeke's journey is a testament to the program's ability to empower women, not just with employment opportunities, but with the confidence and resources to shape their own futures. After a year as an individual contributor and contract staff member, Okeke was promoted to a full-time position, a testament to her growth and the program's success in nurturing women's talent and leadership potential.

Expanding Opportunities: The 2025 RTBS Program

Building on this momentum, VersaFi is proud to announce that applications for the 2025 RTBS Program will open on September 16 and close on October 4, 2024. This program offers a unique opportunity for women seeking to relaunch their finance careers, providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive in the industry.

Celebrating Trailblazers: The 2024 RTBS Cohort

The 2024 RTBS cohort includes seven exceptional women who have joined leading finance organizations, including Rashmi Badhwar at Mackenzie Investments, Kedeisha Bryan-Mitchell at TD, Jennifer Dsilva at TD Securities, Emelia O'Callaghan at Manulife, Adeseye Oluwatola at TD Securities, Nitisha Singh-Ramruthen at Mackenzie Investments, and Angie Zarate at Scotiabank.These women represent the transformative power of the RTBS Program, showcasing how it can reignite the careers of talented individuals and contribute to the growth and diversity of the finance sector. Their stories inspire others to seize the opportunities presented by this groundbreaking initiative.As VersaFi continues to champion women's advancement in the finance industry, the RTBS Program stands as a shining example of how targeted support and a commitment to equity can unlock the full potential of women leaders. By empowering women to return to the workforce and thrive, VersaFi is not only transforming individual lives but also shaping the future of the finance sector in Canada.