Culture / Celebrating Trailblazers: Inside The 2025 Women Empowerment Awards

Celebrating Trailblazers: Inside The 2025 Women Empowerment Awards

Culture Sep 30, 2025

by Farah Khan | Editorial Director

The 2025 Women Empowerment Awards gathered visionaries, innovators, and changemakers for an unforgettable night of inspiration and community on September 26th, 2025 at the Park Hyatt Toronto. From powerful on-stage stories to meaningful connections in the room, the event centered a clear mission: women empowering women—and the real, lasting impact that follows.

Honouring Impact Across Canada

This year’s program recognized extraordinary women across 10 categories with recognition and grants, while also investing in future leaders. Scholarships were awarded to support young girls in marginalized and racialized communities pursuing business and STEM. In a powerful gesture of inclusion, young girls from Indigenous groups, youth organizations, and the Toronto Police Human Trafficking Division were invited to attend—an affirmation that their voices and futures are not only valid but necessary.

Women Empowerment Awards' Founder & CEO, Klaudia Zinaty

L-R: Sylvia Mantella (Mantella Corporation), Klaudia Zinaty, Suzanne Rogers (Rogers Communication)

2025 Award Recipients

The night’s most powerful moments came with the recognition of ten extraordinary women, each redefining what it means to lead. The 2025 award recipients included:

Lifetime Achievement Award – Caroline Thélémaque, Groupe Gazelles

Rogers Communications Entrepreneur of the Year Grant Award – Rashmi Prakash, Founder & CEO, Aruna Revolution

Mantella Corporation Entrepreneur BIPOC Grant Award – Lesley Hampton, Designer

Businesswoman of the Year Award – Laura Suen, Founder & CEO, Fire and Steel Inc.

Rising Star Award – Meera Mahadeo, Founding Board Director, The Women’s Nonprofit Network

Mentorship Award – Dr. Cindy Sinclair, Founder & President, Sinclair Consulting Services

Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity Award – Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, BlackNorth Initiative

Leadership Award – Dr. Alexandra Bastiany, Cardiologist, Bastiany Medicine

Global Impact Award – Dr. Aditi Sivakumar, Obstetrics & Gynecology Resident, Founder, My Empowerment Platform

Innovation Award – Christina Collura, CEO & Founder, Creative Beginning

Photo Credits (below): George Pimentel

Rising Star Award – Meera Mahadeo, Founding Board Director, The Women’s Nonprofit Network

Mantella Corporation Entrepreneur BIPOC Grant Award – Lesley Hampton, Designer

Innovation Award – Christina Collura, CEO & Founder, Creative Beginning

Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity Award – Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO, BlackNorth Initiative

Leadership Award – Dr. Alexandra Bastiany, Cardiologist, Bastiany Medicine

Mentorship Award – Dr. Cindy Sinclair, Founder & President, Sinclair Consulting Services

Global Impact Award – Dr. Aditi Sivakumar, Obstetrics & Gynecology Resident, Founder, My Empowerment Platform

Rogers Communications Entrepreneur of the Year Grant Award – Rashmi Prakash, Founder & CEO, Aruna Revolution

Lifetime Achievement Award – Caroline Thélémaque, Groupe Gazelles

Businesswoman of the Year Award – Laura Suen, Founder & CEO, Fire and Steel Inc.

Gift Bags: Spotlight On Partners

Gift Bags: Spotlight on Partners

Guests received curated gift bags featuring an extensive roster of supporters.

@markanthonyhair · @simplyprotein · @strivectin · @coty · @dolcemag · @ellecanada · @clarinscanada · @panoxyl · @bluelizardsunscreen.ca · @cliniquecanada · @deciem · @phnxcosmetics · @benefitcanada · @opi · @delisa.abraham · @organikahealth · @milklady_soap · @lush · @auroranutrascience · @sipsapsucker · @sftebakery · @itsblume · @maccosmeticscanada · @theglamtemplemedspa · @marykaycanada · @yogitea · @designmehair · @ciboprevi · @peterandpaulsgifts · @ElizabethGrant · @DeanDavidson · @shalinisitara · @td_canada · @tanontherun · @altereco_foods · @NARS · @thebodyshop · @Eatable · @Conair · @sunbum · @belerbrands · @bananasplitsquats · @whatthefinancial

Sponsors & Partners

Presenting Sponsor: Rogers

Lead Sponsor: Mantella Corporation

Official Sponsors: Strivectin, Coty, Clinique, Park Hyatt, Holt Renfrew

Corporate Sponsors: Dean Davidson, TD, Sweet Magnolia Florals, Sitara Jewels, Jay Salmond Wealth Advisor, Indeed Labs

Associate Sponsors: What The Financial, Aarkish Diamonds

Vendor Partners: Laneway Distillers, Magnetic Staffing & Photobooth, Dip the Tip Desserts, The Printing House, Marquee Rentals, WMH Decor, Nancy Kim Photos, The Love Line, Shelli Oh, Yellow House Events, Nicholas Pearce Wines, Patricia’s Cake Creations, The Nail and Champagne Bar, Tehremy, Aline Nasseh Chocolates

Media Partners: Dolce Media Group, Elle Canada, Toronto Star, Anokhi Lifestyle, Vegas2LA, Gina Ma Brands

Community Partners: The Open Chest Confidence Academy, Elevate Festival

Production Partners: Encore Canada

Photo Credits (below): George Pimentel

A Movement, Not Just A Moment

The 2025 Women Empowerment Awards underscored a powerful throughline: leadership is measured by impact. As honourees shared their journeys and young attendees envisioned their own, the night reaffirmed a collective purpose—building platforms where women are celebrated, supported, and empowered to lead.

A Few Other Photos From The Event

Photo Credit: George Pimentel

Credit: Women Empowerment Awards

Farah Khan | Editorial Director

Author

Farah Khan manages the editorial department at ANOKHI LIFE, overseeing content production, publishing, and the annual editorial calendar, while also supporting operations, projects, systems, events, and vendor coordination.

COMMENTS

Women Empowerment Awards: A Sold-Out Celebration of Purpose, Power & Progress

iSAFF Turns 15: A Legacy Of Bold South Asian Cinema

IFFSA Toronto 2025 Brings 100+ Film Premieres To The GTA