Mission Statement
CWEN/RFE was founded in 1990 to address the networking needs of women economists and to promote the advancement of women in the economics profession in Canada. The network brings together women economists from across the country to share research, build professional connections, and support career development at every stage.
Objectives
- Create networking opportunities for women economists, particularly at the annual Canadian Economics Association (CEA) meetings.
- Ensure representation of women economists within the broader economics profession in Canada.
- Improve employment opportunities and career outcomes for Canadian women economists.
Executive 2016–2017
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Nicole Fortin |
| Vice-President | Marina Adshade |
| Secretary-Treasurer | Miana Plesca |
| Past President | Tammy Schirle |
The network's constitution and bylaws are available to members and outline the governance structure, membership categories, and operating procedures of the organization.
Since its founding in 1990, CWEN/RFÉ has served as an independent network dedicated to the advancement of women economists across Canada. What began as a response to the isolation many women experienced in the profession has grown into a vibrant community spanning every region of the country. The network's longevity speaks to the sustained need for spaces where women economists can share research, exchange ideas, and support one another through the various stages of an academic or professional career. Over the decades, the organization has been instrumental in fostering a wider sense of belonging within the economics profession, helping to ensure that talented women are seen, heard, and connected to the opportunities that enable their work to flourish.
A central pillar of the network's mission is promoting representation of women economists within the broader profession in Canada. Through ongoing activities, mentoring materials, and resources designed for economists at every career stage, CWEN/RFÉ works to improve employment opportunities and career outcomes for women. The network actively monitors the status of women in the profession, conducting surveys and sharing findings that shed light on representation across university departments and other institutions. By making this information widely available, the organization encourages constructive dialogue and meaningful change, helping institutions recognize where progress has been made and where further effort is still needed to build a more inclusive economics community.
Networking lies at the heart of what CWEN/RFÉ offers its members. The organization creates meaningful opportunities for connection, particularly around the annual meetings of the Canadian Economics Association, where women economists gather to present research, discuss current developments in the field, and build lasting professional relationships. These gatherings provide a welcoming environment for both established scholars and those just beginning their careers, fostering mentorship across generations. Beyond the annual meetings, the network maintains ongoing communication through newsletters and updates, keeping members informed about upcoming activities, award opportunities, travel grants, and other initiatives that support professional growth and engagement within the community.
CWEN/RFÉ is governed by a dedicated executive and guided by a constitution that has been refined over the years to reflect the evolving needs of its members. The organization operates transparently, with regular meetings, financial reporting, and clear expectations for those who serve in leadership positions. Membership is open to economists and others who share the network's commitment to advancing women in the profession, with fees structured to make participation accessible across the country. Through this inclusive approach, the network continues to attract a diverse range of voices, ensuring that its activities and priorities remain responsive to the experiences of women economists working in different regions, institutions, and sectors of the profession.
Looking ahead, CWEN/RFÉ remains committed to building on its legacy of advocacy and community-building for women economists in Canada. The network continues to explore new ways to support its members, from publishing resources and sharing job listings to creating spaces for discussion on pressing issues facing the profession. As the landscape of economics evolves, the organization adapts its programming to meet emerging needs while staying true to its founding purpose. By maintaining a strong, engaged community and amplifying the contributions of women economists across the country, CWEN/RFÉ works toward a future where the profession fully reflects the talent and perspectives of all those who practice it.