OTTAWA: Monica Channa, Executive Director of Operations at Akran Marketing and Director of Akran Foundation has been conferred with the prestigious Upcoming Business Leader Award by the The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP).
NetIP is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting the achievement and advancement of South Asian professionals. The Award recognizes the contributions and the positive impact of individuals that stand out in business and strive to strengthen Canada’s economic prosperity.
Monica accepted the award at NetIP Canada’s 7th Diwali & Awards Gala, held at the Infinity Convention Centre in Ottawa, Canada.
“When South Asian women are given the chance and the opportunity, we can achieve so much. We can make the world a better place,” Channa pointed out. “We must all play our part to shape a future that is inclusive and respectful of everyone.”
Channa was presented the award by Alastair Summerlee, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University, and Roseann O’Reilly Runte, president and CEO of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation.
Monica’s value-based leadership and entrepreneurial skills have been integral in transforming Akran Marketing from a small business into one of the leading promotional product branding, licensing distribution, marketing, and specialty advertisers worldwide.
Her conviction, passion, and drive have provided the impetus behind a privately owned Canadian company transitioning from an idea into a solid, multi-million dollar corporation with offices in Canada and United States.
“The traditional way of looking at a corporation and measuring success by mere profitability no longer applies in today’s business world,” according to Monica. “As Canadian businesswomen, our identities inform the way we think about ourselves, our companies, others, and about the world as a whole. Today’s corporations need to be grounded in ethical values to be successful.
“Beyond profitability, companies need to bring these values to the world by contributing to the communities in which they operate and by protecting the environment.”
As founder & director of the Akran Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Akran Marketing, under Monica’s leadership, the company contributes ten percent of its entire profits and other tangible assets to support various charities across North America.
The Women’s Executive Network (WXN) has honoured Monica as one of Canada’s Top 100 most powerful women. She was also recognized as a top-three finalist of the WBN Business Women of the Year Award.
Monica holds a B.A. in Commerce from York University. She was the youngest owner of Treats and three Second Cup franchises in the GTA, all ranked top 10 in sales across Canada.
Monica is happily married and has two sons, age 15 and 12. “Making time for yourself, business, family, and friends takes discipline.
As a ‘soccer-hockey-sports mom’, no matter how successful in business, my role as a parent in helping my children become caring, happy, well-adjusted adults will always be foremost.”