#Canada #Toronto #Women of Influence #ROOM Network #Linda Kuga

Linda Kuga Pikulin Takes the Helm to Empower Women Leaders

In a significant move for women's leadership, Linda Kuga Pikulin has been appointed as the new joint President of ROOM Women's Network and Women of Influence+ (WOI+). This dual role is set to redefine the landscape for women executives across North America and beyond as these pioneering organizations strive for gender parity in the corporate sphere.

Experienced Leadership

Pikulin is no stranger to corporate leadership, boasting decades of experience with renowned companies. Her previous roles include President of PepsiCo Beverages Canada and Mark Anthony Brands, along with her recent position at Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. Her extensive track record showcases her capability in transforming business operations, optimizing performance, and building high-performing teams. This seasoned executive's skill set closely aligns with ROOM's mission to create a global platform that empowers women leaders.

Pikulin expressed her enthusiasm about this new opportunity, stating, "I am truly honoured to join these incredible companies at such a pivotal time in their growth. I have always been passionate about developing leadership talent and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive. I look forward to collaborating with this dynamic team to enhance the impact of both ROOM and WOI+, building a community of high-achieving women who support one another in driving gender equity in executive roles."

Expanding Influence and Impact

With Pikulin at the forefront, ROOM is poised for substantial growth. The organization will continue its North American expansion while also venturing into key global markets. At its core, ROOM emphasizes support for existing women leaders while equipping future leaders with tools for success. By fostering a network of connections, collaboration, and education, ROOM provides a nurturing environment for women to flourish.

Meanwhile, WOI+ is on an exciting growth trajectory, with plans to host its inaugural Top 25 WOI+ Awards in New York later this year. This event, which will be the first of its kind in the U.S., underscores WOI+'s commitment to supporting women within the workforce. Over the past 30 years, WOI+ has established itself as a highly respected resource for women leaders and boasts a community of one million members across North America, making it one of the largest networks for women.

Alexandra Blum, Co-Founder of ROOM Women's Network and Chair of ROOM Holdings Inc., remarked on Pikulin's transformational leadership potential. "Linda is a transformative leader whose experience and strategic insight will be crucial as we look to the future of ROOM and WOI+. With her at the helm, we are ready to achieve phenomenal growth and are certain to make significant strides in women's leadership and gender equality."

Co-Founder Sarah McMillan echoed Blum's sentiments, emphasizing that Pikulin's extensive background during this high-growth phase will be instrumental in achieving ROOM's goal of gender parity at the highest echelons of business.

Looking Ahead

As ROOM Women's Network expands its reach and influence, Pikulin's leadership will be vital. It will reinforce the network's presence as a premier space for women executives to grow, innovate, and lead the way forward. These initiatives align perfectly with WOI+'s commitment to empowering women to succeed, fostering a strong sense of community, and consistently backing their members with valuable resources.

Furthermore, the timing of Pikulin’s appointment is auspicious, coinciding with the upcoming Work the ROOM Summit on May 27 at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, slated to be a dynamic leadership event. This summit, alongside ROOM's successful forum groups, aims to enhance opportunities for women executives.

The corporate landscape in Canada has increasingly recognized the importance of supporting female leaders, and with Pikulin’s appointment, ROOM stands ready to amplify its influence across various industries. The need for a comprehensive support system for women leaders has never been more urgent, especially considering the significant number of women who have exited the global workforce since 2020. Without proper support, the challenge of achieving gender equilibrium in leadership roles continues to loom large.

The Mission of ROOM

ROOM Women's Network is dedicated to creating a global platform for current and future women leaders. By uniting a diverse collective of women, ROOM empowers them to work collaboratively toward innovation and advancement, all while striving for gender equality in senior leadership roles.

Amid this rapid transition in corporate America, ROOM's vision remains steadfast: to provide women with the necessary support systems, networks, and professional development resources to regain their footing in leadership roles. This commitment encompasses collaboration, creativity, and a united endeavor to elevate women's representation in leadership across the board. For more information about their initiatives, follow ROOM on LinkedIn and Instagram or visit their website at www.roomwomen.com.

About Women of Influence+

For over three decades, Women of Influence+ (WOI+) has led the charge in highlighting the unfiltered success stories of women and gender-diverse role models. By sharing their experiences and the unique challenges they face, WOI+ aims to shift the narrative surrounding women in the workforce. To stay updated on WOI+’s initiatives, follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X or visit www.womenofinfluence.ca.