TORONTO, October 31, 2024 – Plan International Canada is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Lindsay Glassco, has been recognized as one of Canada's Most Powerful CEOs by Women's Executive Network (WXN) as part of the 2024 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards. The award honors Canadian women CEOs who are the driving force behind their organizations, making a positive impact on their industry while advancing equality in their sector and beyond.

Since joining Plan International Canada in 2020, Glassco has successfully led the organization through a period of remarkable growth and impact, driving the organization’s global mission to advance children's rights and equality for girls.

The organization has experienced an annual growth rate of 8%, despite significant economic uncertainty. By prioritizing operational efficiency, Plan Canada reduced fundraising and operational costs, ensuring that 83% of donor dollars goes towards child rights programs, reaching more than 22 million children over the last four years. With Glassco’s vision to provide platforms to amplify youth voices, Plan has engaged over 300,000 Canadian youth, who have then reached over 1.3 million people through their advocacy efforts.

Glassco’s leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in a “people at the centre” culture, has earned Plan Canada a place in Waterstone Human Capital Canada's Most Admired Cultures Hall of Fame, making history as the first non-profit to do so. The organization was also named one of Greater Toronto’s Top 100 Employers in 2024.

“Over a distinguished, three-decades long career, Lindsay has secured a legacy of leading social change and justice here in Canada and around the world,” said the Hon. Rona Ambrose, Board Chair, Plan International Canada and former Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition. “Lindsay’s strategic vision and outstanding leadership have not only driven Plan International Canada to new heights but also set a standard of excellence that inspires us all. I cannot think of someone more deserving of being called one of Canada’s most powerful CEOs.”

Glassco started her journey in international development in 1991, teaching at a high school in rural Lesotho. Her professional journey has included roles such as Interim Secretary General of CARE International, Director at the International Olympic Committee, President and CEO of Special Olympics Canada and Global Director of Policy and Strategy at Right to Play. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade with the Government of Canada and worked as a food security consultant for the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and UN Volunteers. For her contributions to society, Glassco has been honoured with prestigious accolades including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and more recently the McGill University’s Distinguished Leader Award in 2023 and the Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.

“I’m incredibly humbled to be named a WXN honoree alongside such a remarkable group of women leaders,” said Glassco. “This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the entire team at Plan International Canada, including hundreds of thousands of individual donors across Canada, who work tirelessly to create an equal and just world for girls and children. Receiving this award strengthens my belief that when we unite our passions and efforts, we are indeed very powerful.”

Plan International Canada congratulates all the winners of the 2024 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards. Their exceptional leadership and achievements continue to inspire progress toward the inclusive and equal society all girls and women deserve.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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