Newmarket – Rebecca Shields, chief executive officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) York Region and South Simcoe Branch, is the winner of a North American award that honours women who are leaders in their field. Shields is the recipient of a Women Worth Watching Award, as selected by Profiles in Diversity Journal, an international publication that is dedicated to promoting and advancing diversity and inclusion in the corporate, government, nonprofit and higher education sectors.
“At CMHA, she champions diversity and inclusion as a key organizational strategy to provide the best service and work experience in one of Canada’s most diverse communities. Shields believes the most important qualities a woman leader should bring to the table is the ability to inspire people, allowing them to bring their full value to their organizations,” states an excerpt from an article in the journal recognizing Shields. Her full story can be viewed here.
Shields possesses an ability to energize staff, volunteers, donors and community partners to deliver high quality care that brings hope, improves health outcomes and enables recovery.
“I consider myself to be the ‘Chief Enthusiasm Officer’,” says Shields. “I have passion for fighting stigma and promoting mental health. I’m incredibly grateful the amazing staff at the branch share the same passion. Together, we do our best every day to support clients and families on the journey to recovery.”
Shields was among 162 women selected across the continent for a 2016 Women Worth Watching Award. These leaders join the ranks of past recipients, many of whom are CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. Women Worth Watching winners are role models to young women beginning their careers and an inspiration to women moving up the ranks.
Shields was nominated for the award by her CMHA York and South Simcoe’s Board of Directors.
“Rebecca is an inspiration to so many people. Her enthusiasm, dedication and positive attitude serve as inspiration to her team. By empowering her staff, she is helping to provide much needed mental health and addiction services in the community,” says Brian Fazackerley, board president, CMHA, York Region and South Simcoe Branch.
About CMHA York and South Simcoe
The Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region Branch was founded in 1984 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with mental illnesses. We help people learn how to maintain their mental health, look for and identify the signs of mental illness, and get help and support when they need it. Through several locations across York Region and South Simcoe, we provide a wide range of services to assist individuals with their recovery. Our multi-disciplinary team of professionals are dedicated to assisting people achieve their optimum level of mental health. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada. Each year, it provides direct service to more than 100,000 Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 10,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 135 communities.
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Rebecca Shields
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region and South Simcoe Branch
T: 905-841-3977
E: rshields@cmha-yr.on.ca
Sharon DeFuria, Executive Assistant
T: 1-866-345-0183 ext. 2204