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Annual awards honor women for their contributions to business and their communities

PHOENIX, AZ, Oct. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - BMO Harris Bank announced three BMO Celebrating Women honorees in Phoenix last night. The women were nominated by local employees of BMO Harris Bank and selected for their professional achievements and impact on the community.

The bank surprised the three honorees on Tuesday at a reception held at the Wrigley Mansion. Receiving accolades in each of the three categories were:

• Women Who Lead: Sintra Hoffman, President and CEO of WESTMARC. For more than 20 years, Hoffman has been a leader in government, influencing community leaders in the 15 cities of West Valley to come together to support the growth and development of these cities. Previously serving in leadership roles with the City of Surprise and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Sintra now leads WESTMARC, a public/private organization focused on positioning the region for economic development.
• Women Who Serve: Paula Cullison, President of Arizona Women's Partnership (AZWP). As founder of AZWP, an all-volunteer, philanthropic, non-profit that awards grants to small charities, Cullison has helped underserved women and children at risk throughout the state of Arizona. Since 2003, AZWP has awarded $450,000 in grants to more than 70 non-profits. Paula has published numerous articles and one book called The Daughters of the American Dream, a collection of stories and essays of first-generation Italian American women who also understood the hardships and sacrifices of their immigrant families.
• Women Who Inspire: Karen Blevins, Founder of STEP (Stepping Into Hope). STEP is a faith based organization supporting family and friends who have loved ones struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Before founding STEP, Blevins served as one of many volunteer facilitators for PALS (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) after experiencing her son's struggles with addiction. Karen tirelessly volunteers at numerous events sponsored by police departments and medical communities to help provide awareness and resources for families who have loved ones battling substance abuse.

"It's important to shine a spotlight on leaders who leave a lasting mark on the business world and our communities," said Carolyn Booth, head of distribution, U.S. Personal and Business Banking for BMO Harris Bank. "We are honored to recognize these women for their impressive contributions and hope they inspire the next generation of exceptional women leaders."

BMO Harris Bank strives to be an industry leader in fostering diversity and inclusion. Earlier this year, BMO was recognized by Forbes' Magazine as one of America's Best Employers for Women.

The BMO Celebrating Women program was created to honor the achievements of women leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and innovators who are excelling in their business and making an impact in their communities. Since 2012, BMO has awarded more than 170 women in communities across Canada and the United States. For more information about BMO Celebrating Women, please visit: bmoforwomen.com and join the social conversation using #BMOforWomen.

About BMO Harris Bank
BMO Harris Bank provides a broad range of personal banking products and solutions through nearly 600 branches and fee-free access to over 40,000 ATMs across the United States. BMO Harris Bank's commercial banking team provides a combination of sector expertise, local knowledge and mid-market focus throughout the United States. For more information about BMO Harris Bank, visit the company fact sheet. Accounts are subject to approval. BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. BMO Harris Bank is part of BMO Financial Group, a highly diversified financial services provider with total assets of CDN$839 billion, as of (July 31, 2019.), and more than 45,000 employees.

SOURCE BMO Harris Bank