An Osoyoos woman made the list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 awards.
Ingrid Jarrett, general manager and vice-president of business development at Watermark Beach Resort, is listed in the RBC Champions category.
Jarrett has a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years in roles at high-profile luxury hotels and boutique hotels.
“Ingrid Jarrett is just as passionate today about the industry as when she started,” it states in the nomination bio. “She is driven to make a difference and fuel positive change. When she’s not managing Watermark Beach Resort, Jarrett stays busy serving on multiple boards across the B.C. tourism community and mentoring the next generation of tourism leaders.”
Related: CEO named one of Canada’s most powerful female executives
The list, released by the Women’s Executive Network, pays tribute to outstanding women across Canada who have advocated for diversity in the workforce and who serve as an inspiration for the next generation of leaders. Jarrett was recognized for her position as a role model, impact on other women, influence as a change agent and demonstration of community service.
“As women, I believe we can proudly champion family and contribution at the community level as well as at the corporate level — and we can bring our hearts to the boardroom. It is our unfair advantage,” said Jarrett in her nomination package on the topic of how to achieve gender parity and diversity.
Recognized as an innovator by both her colleagues and the industry, her core team comprises a strong female presence. Jarrett’s belief in the equal power of women provides a foundation for those she has mentored, with many now in leadership positions in some of the top corporate hotels in North America.
“I believe we all have the power to make a difference in the world, and make a difference for each other. Focusing on what is possible fuels positive change,” Jarrett said in a press release. “Winning this award, and being recognized as a member of the Women’s Executive Network, is an honour and privilege. It’s incredibly inspiring to be acknowledged among such esteemed colleagues and powerful female leaders, and celebrating the power of women in the workplace is something I’m proud to be part of.”
Jarrett is the past-chair of the British Columbia Hotel Association, only the second female in 100 years to hold this position, and previously was chair of the board of directors for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. She also serves on the board of Destination Osoyoos and is vice chair of the marketing advisory committee for Destination B.C. In addition to her role at Watermark Beach Resort, she runs her own successful consulting firm — Ingrid Jarrett Management. She provides leadership and strategic business development to tourism and hospitality companies.
Jarrett has a passion for growing South Okanagan culinary and agricultural tourism. She has partnered with local producers and growers as the Convivium President for Slow Food Thompson Okanagan; as well as become a member of the national board for Slow Food Canada.
One of her most valued causes is the regeneration of the Okanagan Sockeye Salmon and its ecosystem, working hand-in-hand with the Okanagan Nation Alliance. In support of this significant indigenous movement, Jarrett has presented twice at the Slow Food International conference in Italy, and educates resort guests and employees through Watermark’s innovative Hands on Harvest — a certified Canadian Signature Experience that advocates local producers, native ingredients and farm-to-table fare.
“Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards showcases the leaders that are helping to drive positive change and progress and to remind us of the importance of empowering women in our workforce and in the community,” said Sherri Stevens, president and CEO of PhaseNyne (parent company of Women’s Executive Network – WXN, Canadian Board Diversity Council – CBDC, and Stevens Resource Group – SRG). “We are so proud of the steps taken by women, and the organizations that support them, and are thrilled that we have now surpassed a major milestone, with more than 1,000 women honoured since the awards were launched in 2003.”
Past award winners include some of Canada’s most iconic women trailblazers: Margaret Atwood, best-selling author; Dr. Roberta Bondar, astronaut; Christine Magee, president, Sleep Country Canada; Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada; and Heather Reisman, founder and CEO, Indigo Books & Music.
This year’s gala event, in Toronto on Nov. 23, will feature a keynote presentation by 2003 inaugural Top 100 alumnae Arlene Dickinson, who will also serve as emcee and keynote speaker for the evening’s affairs.
