The International Women's Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC), the premier international, networking and professional growth organization for women in the restructuring and insolvency industry, has named Dr. Janis Sarra as its 2019 Woman of the Year in Restructuring (WOYR) award winner. Dr. Sarra is a Professor of Law at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

 

Dr. Sarra is an active member of the international insolvency community and contributes her time to many organizations, including the IIC, World Bank, UNCITRAL, International Insolvency Institute, INSOL, Canadian Insolvency Foundation, Insolvency Institute of Canada and the Canadian Insolvency and Restructuring Professional Association.

 

"I am thrilled that IWIRC has chosen to recognize Dr. Sarra for all her achievements in Canada and internationally - she truly embodies the spirit and mandate of IWIRC, which is the connection, promotion and success of women in our profession, worldwide." states nominator Karen Fellowes (DLA Piper Canada LLP). "Dr. Sarra is a tireless advocate and supporter for women. She constantly asks the questions, 'How can we have a woman's voice on this issue, at this event? How can we ensure that we have a diversity of viewpoints in terms of geographic, cultural and gender considerations?'"

IWIRC Vice Chair, Michelle Pickett (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP), shares, "Dr. Sarra is so deserving of IWIRC's Women of the year in Restructuring award. Over her distinguished career she has made an exceptional contribution to the insolvency and restructuring industry. Through her extensive research and the Annual Review of Insolvency Law conference she developed a platform to educate insolvency professionals and to explore and debate laws, court decisions, practices and trends in both consumer and corporate insolvency. At her core, Dr. Sarra is a strong advocate and sponsor of women in the insolvency industry, consistently providing speaking and writing opportunities to promote and showcase talented junior and senior women in insolvency. I am so proud of IWIRC for recognizing her achievements and contributions to the insolvency and restructuring industry." 

Now in its 13th year, the WOYR award was conceived to honor women in the restructuring and insolvency industry who have inspired and skillfully led a restructuring team, provided creative solutions and innovative legal applications, showed exceptional leadership, and have made an extraordinary contributions to the insolvency and restructuring professions.

 

"Internationally, women in insolvency and restructuring have taken their place at the forefront of some of the most challenging files and issues of our time. I am honoured to be recognized by this community of extraordinary women," states Dr. Sarra.

 

The 2019 Woman of the Year in Restructuring award will be presented on April 11, 2019 during IWIRC's 16th Annual Spring Conference in Washington, DC. Please click here to register for the event or for more information.

 

For additional information contact:
Alexandra "CC" Schnapp, IWIRC Communications Chair Atlanta, GA
Alexandra_Schnapp@ganb.uscourts.gov