OTTAWA, June 3, 2014 --- Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance announced the winners of its 29th Annual Innovation Awards on May 21st. The prestigious Canadian Women in Technology (CanWIT) Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation was granted to Shannon Rogers, President & General Counsel, Global Relay.

This annual award is presented to a Canadian woman who has shown outstanding technological innovation and corporate leadership - leadership that has significantly expanded the frontiers of Canada's advanced technology industry.

"I am thrilled to name Shannon Rogers as this year's Sarah Kirke award winner. Global Relay is a strong Canadian tech company solving big global problems. Shannon's entrepreneurship and leadership are evident in Global Relay's worldwide success," said Sandra Wear, CEO, CanWIT.

"I'm honoured to be following in the footsteps of such a long legacy of driven and independent Canadian women entrepreneurs," said Shannon Rogers. "Thank you CanWIT, CATA Alliance, and Ernst & Young for continuing to recognize the contributions, skill, and drive of women in technology and business."

As Global Relay's President & General Counsel, Shannon provides Global Relay with a unique combination of legal expertise and business acumen, and a talent for developing and executing on business opportunities. She is responsible for Global Relay's business strategy and business development. Over Global Relay's history, Shannon has been integral in establishing Global Relay's strong business relationships and global distribution network.

Shannon's entrepreneurial spirit and out-of-box thinking pushed her to leave the security and conformity of a large law firm practice to join Global Relay as its fourth employee. Along with Global Relay's founder Warren Roy, Shannon worked for years, to build Global Relay bootstrap style, on cash flow and sweat equity, without the help of outside investors or venture capital to a globally successful $30 million dollar company.

About CanWIT
Canadian Women in Technology, a Division of CATAAlliance, was founded in 2005 as a national community grassroots network for women to work together to advance their careers or succeed as entrepreneurs. With a network of over 200 working volunteers and 4,000 participants, CanWIT provides programs and support in professional and leadership development as well as mentorship, networking and advocacy. For more information please visit: www.canwit.ca.