Under the glimmering lights of the prestigious Park Hyatt on September 13th, Canada’s most inspiring women gathered together for the 3rd annual Women Empowerment Awards, presented by *Rogers Communications *with Lead Sponsor *Mantella Corporation,* an event designed to celebrate and honor trailblazers and entrepreneurs who have made remarkable strides in their respective industries.
The air buzzed with anticipation as entrepreneurs, advocates, and leaders from across Canada came together in solidarity, unity, and celebration of women’s resilience and power. Set against the stunning backdrop of velvet curtains, the ballroom fully adorned with pink and red roses, this year’s event was nothing short of extraordinary. The mission behind the Women Empowerment Awards, founded by visionary leader *Klaudia Zinaty*, is clear: to recognize, empower, and uplift women who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. As Zinaty shared during the event, “This night is about celebrating not only the incredible achievements of these women but also the legacy they are creating for the next generation of female leaders. Empowered women empower the world.” Through the generosity of Rogers and Mantella, two $10,000 grants were awarded to help women entrepreneurs flourish in their businesses and careers—a powerful demonstration of the evening’s focus on financial support and empowerment.
The atmosphere was electric as special guests like international Supermodel *Coco Rocha*, Grammy Award-winning artist *Keshia Chanté*, and *Miss Universe Canada 2024, Ashley Callingbull*, presented awards in one of ten categories, from leadership, entrepreneurship to global impact and lifetime achievement. Their presence amplified the evening’s message of unity, diversity, and strength, as they shared their own personal stories of perseverance and advocacy, leaving the audience inspired.
The highlight of the night came with powerful and moving speeches from the honorees, whose journeys in overcoming challenges and making lasting impacts left not a dry eye in the room. From corporate leaders to grassroots activists, these women embodied resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place for future generations. One of the evening’s most moving performances came from *Voices Rock Medicine*, a choir made up entirely of women-led physicians who worked on the front lines during the pandemic and brought together with their love of music. Their performance brought the crowd to their feet, the harmonious voices representing the intersection of compassion, leadership, and community spirit. It was a poignant reminder that empowerment is not only about personal achievement but also about giving back and lifting others.
The night was filled with moments of collective celebration, where stories of struggle turned into triumph, and dreams became reality. The Women Empowerment Awards are not just about recognition—built on the belief that we rise by lifting others, they are about creating a foundation that supports women in their endeavors and helps build the next generation of female leaders. In addition to the awards, proceeds from the event go to the Women Empowerment Foundation, a non-profit initiative that supports women entrepreneurs and young women leaders, ensuring that the next wave of change-makers have the tools and resources to succeed.
As the evening came to a close, the sense of solidarity in the room was palpable. Women who had never met before embraced, energized by the shared experience and the collective mission to uplift and inspire one another. The Women Empowerment Awards were not just an event; they were a movement—a powerful force for change that demonstrates when women unite, driven by perseverance and determination, they become an unstoppable force, lifting each other higher, breaking barriers, and rewriting the future with their strength and resilience.
