Laura Dickson
Executive Director Women in Need Society
Media
Social
Biography
Industry Expertise
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Business in Calgary, Leaders Award
2016-06-23
In May, 2016 Laura was one of Calgary's top 20 Business Leaders recognized through this annual leadership award.
https://issuu.com/businessincalgary/docs/bic_july2016_lo
Trico Social EnterPrize Award
2015-11-12
In 2015, Laura and the Women in Need Society accepted the national, biennial award presented by the Trico Foundation for leadership and excellence in social enterprise. https://tricofoundation.ca/poised-for-growth-calgary-social-enterprise-grateful-to-win-prestigious-social-enterprize/
Education
University of Toronto
B.Sc - 4 Year
Biology
1995
Canadore College
Post Degree Certificate
Health Promotion
1997
Royal Roads University
MBA
Business
2013
Links
Media Appearances
Christmas in July
CTV News tv
2015-07-25
Human interest news story airing on CTV news Calgary featuring Laura Dickson.
Calgary company steps up to fill backpacks at Women in Need Society
660 News radio
2015-08-21
WINS finds a new donor to help 300 students return to school ready to learn.
Creating a win for Calgary women in need
Calgary Journal online
2015-12-22
An article that is partially biographic about Laura's passion and commitment for helping others achieve their full potential.
Event Appearances
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
Icons of Alberta, Panelist Calgary, AB
2015-04-16
Strategic Capabilities Network
Non-profit Leadership, Panel Discussion Calgary, AB
2015-11-16
Articles
A New Model of Business
Zaypo - Blog2014-05-06
What if a business’ real reason for existence was the very purpose that drove it into existence in the first place – a collective pain resolving, light shone into the darkness kind of purpose? Enter a new way of thinking about business and the value created for a wider span of stakeholders – and yes, its shareholders (we’ll call them financers) are one such stakeholder – but equally important are its customers, employees, suppliers and the community (be it real or virtual) where it resides. In a new business model, equally important are the stakeholders upon whom the business relies to deliver its solutions. Equally important are those who depend upon their delivery.
Achievement & Sufficiency
Women In Need Society - Blog2015-06-15
The economics of sufficiency balance privilege with moderation and reasonableness. Business growth and sustainability, positive social impact and global citizenship can co-exist to create prosperity. The thinking behind the economics of sufficiency reveals new possibilities for doing business that balance the values shaping our society with a desire for wealth and prosperity. A social enterprise creates opportunity by offering, for example, a first Canadian employment experience while delivering value to customers through the goods and services provided.
International Women's Day, 2016
Women In Need Society - Blog2016-03-09
Today, we celebrate the success of women in social, economic, cultural and political achievements. And yet, the World Economic Forum predicts the gap in gender parity will not close until 2133. Research shows that over a lifetime, a woman with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn a third less than a man with the same degree and that gains in salary made through the 1980s and 90s have levelled off with salaries earned by men once again pulling ahead.
What does it mean to do business while doing good?
Women In Need Society - Blog2015-06-05
If the purpose of traditional business is to create shareholder value and that of a charity is to raise donations to further its charitable mission, is there a third option that considers the generation of profit through business activities designed to benefit society? A social purpose business, or social enterprise, creates value for individuals and the community – as a whole – by ‘doing business while doing good’. Women In Need Society (WINS) is a tenured social enterprise operating four retail locations in Calgary with the goal of helping women and their families to help themselves.
