Ryerson DMZ director lands Sara Kirke Award

The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATAAlliance) named Valerie Fox, executive director of Ryerson University’s Digital Media Zone (DMZ), the winner of its annual Canadian Women in Technology (CanWIT) Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The award recognizes Canadian women who have shown outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership. Sara Kirke arrived in Newfoundland in 1638 with husband David Kirke. He was recalled to England, but Sara stayed in Canada and became one of the most successful area merchants.

“It is my great honour to accept this award on behalf of trailblazers in entrepreneurship and innovation across Canada,” Fox said, following the May award. “Events such as these reinforce the impressive contribution our country has made in the field of technology. At the Digital Media Zone we’re currently preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs to grow Canada’s digital innovation economy.” The DMZ is a multidisciplinary workspace for young entrepreneurs. Since its launch, it has incubated and accelerated 45 companies to launch more than 88 projects. Currently the Zone houses 184 innovators in 45 teams.

“With a long career in technology and now leading a top-notch incubation centre for entrepreneurs, Valerie is a role model for young women who aspire to careers in tech,” Joanne Stanley, executive director and founder of Canadian Women in Technology, said in a statement. “Role models and mentorship are key to the advancement and retention of women in the technology workforce.”


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