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Celebrating Trailblazers: Inside The 2025 Women Empowerment Awards
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.
Photo Credits (below): George Pimentel
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
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
Suggested Reading:
What Future Changemakers Can Learn From The Inspiring Canadian Women Honoured At The Women Empowerment Awards 2024
Canada’s Most Powerful Women Were Celebrated At The Women Empowerment Awards 2022
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.
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