Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award

This inaugural award is generously sponsored by 

The Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award, established in 2024, celebrates and recognizes public procurement professional members of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA) who have made significant contributions to the field of public procurement in Canada within the first seven (7) years of their career. These individuals exhibit leadership qualities within their roles and communities as well as within the association and the profession itself. 

Any person in any role can demonstrate leadership. The late Judy Wilson was a prominent and well-respected partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), who was known for her support and mentorship of new lawyers and for sharing her passion for public procurement law. She recognized leadership qualities in others, helped them see those qualities in themselves, and encouraged aspiring leaders to aim higher. This award stands as a tribute to her legacy.

Congratulations to the inaugural winner of the 
 Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award, Vyktorya Lye 

Award Recognition:

Judy Wilson Emerging Leader 2024 recipient will receive:

  • $1,000 award from Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes)
  • one (1) complimentary OPBA membership for the following membership year.
  • one (1) complimentary registration for the current year’s OPBA annual
    conference.
  • recognition at the annual awards event, typically held at the annual
    conference.
  • recognition on the OPBA website and social media.

Eligibility and Criteria

Eligible candidates must be OPBA members in good standing and have no more
than seven (7) years of procurement experience at the nomination deadline.

Applications must include at least one (1) letter of recommendation, either from
the nominator or an additional professional reference. The letter must detail the
relationship with the candidate, a testimonial of the candidate’s contributions to
their workplace, profession and/or community, and a clear recommendation
highlighting why the candidate is deserving of the award.

Ineligible:

  • Self-nominations
  • Nominations for current members of OPBA’s Board of Directors
  • Nominations for current members of the Awards and Recognition Committee or any of its sub-committees.
  • Nominations from current members of the Awards and Recognition Committee or any of its sub-committees.

Criteria

Candidates will be scored against the criteria set out below.  All applications will be judged by the Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award Sub-Committee. The successful candidate will be informed by June 30 and presented the award at OPBA’s awards celebration.

Using experiences gained through educational opportunities, work experience or community engagement, candidates should clearly demonstrate the following:

  • a keen interest to continue pursuing a career in public procurement;
  • achievements or significant contributions in public procurement made within the past three (3) years. Include details with respect to creativity, innovation, or collaboration;
  • embody the characteristics of honesty, integrity, accountability and respect for all people;
  • leadership efforts, initiatives and involvement in activities, volunteerism, events, or workshops; and
  • contributions to environmental sustainability, inclusivity, diversity or equity;
  • at least one (1) letter of recommendation (note: must be a professional recommendation and include name, company, title, contact phone/email).

Deadline:

2025 Judy Wilson Emerging Leader Award Deadline TBD

Nomination Form:

To view and/or complete the nomination form, click here.

Need information?:

If you would like further information, please email info@opba.ca.