$1 million sponsorship by CIBC is helping women re-engage their careers

TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Today, the third graduating class of ReConnect: Career Renewal for Returning Professional Women^TM is stepping out of the classroom ready to restart their careers. The 16 women who participated in the seven-day immersion program at the Richard Ivey School of Business join 34 fellow graduates who have taken the opportunity to refresh their skills and knowledge to prepare for a return to their chosen careers.

"Women re-launching their professional careers after an absence often find it an exciting but challenging experience," said Jacqueline Moss, CIBC's Executive Vice-President of Human Resources. "Whether they are adjusting to changes in technology, shifts in the global economy or new business practices, the move back into the workplace can be made easier with a program like ReConnect."

CIBC teamed up with the Richard Ivey School of Business in 2008 to create ReConnect, the first program of its kind in Canada designed for professional women who want to return to the workforce after an extended absence. CIBC invested $1 million over five years in the program delivered by the renowned business school.

"The ReConnect experience has been extremely valuable in providing a complete and comprehensive roadmap to jump-start my re-entry to the workforce," said Rosa Alemany, 2010 ReConnect graduate. "The caliber of professionals that made ReConnect possible, and of the participants, was excellent. Even with the intense workload, the sense of camaraderie made it rewarding both personally and professionally."

ReConnect builds on past accomplishments and personal strengths to help participants refresh and update their business skills, enhance their network of friends and colleagues, and explore new career paths. The program is ideal for women who have a post-secondary education and possess professional experience at a managerial or executive level in a range of fields, such as business, law, finance, accounting or not-for-profit.

"Through ReConnect, I was able to bring myself up-to-date on key global issues, discover how new trends are changing business strategies and refresh my financial management, leadership, communication, and marketing skills," said Patricia Virc, a 2008 ReConnect graduate and legal counsel at Echo Energy Canada Inc. "The program guides you and helps you approach your job search in a strategic and practical way."

"These talented women have so much to contribute to Canadian businesses," said Carol Stephenson, Dean, Richard Ivey School of Business. "Helping to re-integrate them supports Canada's long-term economic growth. Reaching out to successful, yet overlooked, groups is crucial as Canadian companies struggle with an increasing talent gap sparked by the retirement of the baby boomers."

In October, the women spent five days taking part in an intensive residential program at the Ivey campus in London, renewing critical business knowledge, leadership and technical skills, as well as building their peer network and personal brand. The week in London was followed by two days at the Ivey campus in Toronto which focused on developing an action plan to return to work.

2011 Program dates are scheduled for October 3 to 7 and November 7 and 8. More information and registration forms can be found at www.reconnectyourcareer.com.

"The vast majority of women who leave their careers want to return to work," added Ms. Moss, "As a vital and highly qualified talent pool, we are excited to see the graduates of the program return to work and engage in successful careers."

About the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario
The Richard Ivey School of Business (www.ivey.ca) at The University of Western Ontario is Canada's leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provide the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today's complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as Executive Development at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.

About CIBC
CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2009, $27 million was contributed through the CIBC group of companies to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada, supporting a wide variety of national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.communitymatters.cibc.com.