Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627) has announced that Rachel Koop, outside sales representative at Winnipeg-based Botanical PaperWorks (asi/41273), is the recipient of the inaugural Merch Canada | Promo Canada’s Women Empowerment Event Emerging Women Leaders Bursary, sponsored by Redwood Classics Apparel.

Lila Galipeau, strategic partnerships manager at Big Tree Promotions, received a secondary WEE bursary, sponsored by Merch Canada | Promo Canada.

The grants were created for women in Canadian promo ages 35 and under who own or are employed by a member company of Merch Canada | Promo Canada. The funds will be put toward the registration fee for WEE, taking place Oct. 26 and 27 at The Pearle Hotel & Spa in Burlington, ON.

“WEE has always been about creating meaningful connections between women at every stage of their careers,” said Jennifer Tarnopolski, chair of Merch Canada | Promo Canada and a WEE committee member. “The Emerging Women Leaders Bursary helps ensure that promising young professionals have access to the conversations, relationships and experiences that can help shape what comes next.”

ASI is a gold sponsor of WEE, and Hannah Rosenberger, ASI’s data analytics editor, will be a keynote speaker.

In addition, Redwood Classics recently sponsored the Global Impact Award, given by Canada’s Women Empowerment Awards, which honors women in a number of different industries. This year, Kehkashan Basu, an environmental and human rights activist, was chosen by the Women Empowerment Awards committee to receive the honor at a ceremony in Toronto.

“None of us builds a career, a company or a community entirely on our own,” said Kathy Cheng, president of Redwood Classics and a former Counselor Supplier Woman of Distinction. “Somewhere along the way, someone opened a door, made an introduction, shared their experience or simply believed in us. As leaders and organizations, I believe one of the most meaningful things we can do is share the opportunities, access and encouragement that others have generously shared with us. [This year’s recipients] remind us what becomes possible when women are given access, encouragement and room to grow.”