The Mandy Goetze Award, named for the founder of TIAW, is bestowed on women who have made significant contribution to TIAW.

Sherry Gysler
Canada

Sherry spent more than 20 years at the Royal Bank of Canada.

During 1994-97, she created the foundational strategy for the bank’s national program for Canadian women entrepreneurs, and implemented a number of initiatives including championing funding to the first nationwide television documentary on women entrepreneurs; sponsorship of Canada's first national women's business association; support for the Women Entrepreneurs of Canada international conference; support for the first trade mission for women entrepreneurs to the USA held at the Canadian embassy in Washington; as well as support for other businesswomen's associations and initiatives.

She also initiated the first national gender training program, educating

bankers on how to attract and retain women business owners. Within the bank, Sherry started a network of advocates across Canada to champion women and their businesses.

In 2008 she was also a recipient of the inaugural TIAW Women World of Difference Award for her advancement of the economic empowerment of women in the corporate category. 

After leaving banking she joined the TIAW board as Director and then served as President for 3 years where she was successful in securing the Canadian Embassy in Washington which hosted the TIAW World of Difference Awards and conference. Sherry also represented TIAW at the UN Women Conference: Women's Economic Empowerment in Ottawa, Canada.

She continues her involvement today in an advisory capacity.