ANNUAL GALA 2026

where she worked to preserve and promote Polish culture, traditions, and history, with a particular focus on Poland’s long struggle for independence. As her involvement grew, she assumed several leadership positions within the organization, serving first as Financial Secretary and later as President.
In addition to her work with the Society, Zofia supported the local Polish School, collaborated with cultural organizations throughout the Niagara region, and worked alongside local elected officials to promote awareness and appreciation of Polish heritage and history in Canada.
She later served as Vice-President of the Canadian Polish Congress, Niagara District, before being elected President, a position she continues to hold today. In this role, she and her executive board organize the annual Polish Pilgrimage in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The pilgrimage commemorates the legacy of the soldiers who trained at Camp Kościuszko in Niagara-on-the-Lake before joining General Józef Haller’s forces in Poland’s fight for independence during the First World War.
Zofia later became involved with the Canadian Polish Congress Head Office, where she served as Chair of the Executive Council. She currently volunteers as General Secretary of the Canadian Polish Millennium Fund.
In recognition of her contributions to the Polish Canadian community, Zofia has received several honours, including the Canadian Polish Congress Gold Badge, the Polish Alliance of Canada Gold Badge, the Gold Cross of Merit of the Republic of Poland, and the Polish Army Gold Medal.

Her leadership has consistently focused on creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and preparing Mississauga for a prosperous future.
During her 13 years as a Member of Parliament, Mayor Parrish served as Parliamentary Secretary and played an important role in advancing initiatives related to immigration, public works, housing, and infrastructure. She also earned international recognition through her work with NATO, serving as Chair of the NATO Parliamentary Committee and becoming the first woman elected Vice-Chair of the International NATO Parliamentary Association. These roles demonstrated her commitment to collaboration and public service on both the national and international stages.
Before becoming Mayor, Carolyn proudly represented Ward 5 as City Councillor, where she championed numerous community initiatives, including the creation of the Malton Youth Hub. This welcoming centre has become a vital resource for hundreds of young people each day, providing counselling, educational programming, cultural activities, nutritious meals, and family support services. The initiative reflects her longstanding belief that investing in youth is essential to building stronger communities.
As Mayor, Carolyn Parrish continues to lead with a practical, collaborative, and forward-thinking approach. Recognizing the importance of addressing housing affordability, she established the Mayor’s Housing Task Force, which developed innovative recommendations that contributed to commitments for more than 11,400 new housing units in 2025. Her leadership has also helped secure significant federal investment through the Housing Accelerator Fund while strengthening partnerships with provincial and federal governments to advance housing, transit, infrastructure, and social services throughout Mississauga.
Mayor Parrish has remained a strong advocate for responsible governance and fiscal fairness, consistently representing the interests of Mississauga residents at the Region of Peel. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the city receives equitable treatment while promoting investments that improve public services and enhance residents’ quality of life. Under her leadership, Mississauga has expanded public transit services, introduced free MiWay transit for seniors and children, provided complimentary community centre memberships for seniors, enhanced cycling infrastructure, strengthened fire prevention initiatives, improved flood mitigation measures, expanded winter maintenance operations, and implemented citywide residential snow windrow and sidewalk clearing.
A passionate champion of community engagement, Mayor Parrish believes that Mississauga’s greatest strength lies in its diversity. She actively supports multicultural and faith-based initiatives that encourage dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among the city’s many communities. Her commitment to arts, culture, recreation, and community wellness is reflected in her support for local artists, museums, sports organizations, grassroots initiatives, and cultural institutions that enrich the city’s vibrant identity.
Her dedication to serving others extends beyond public office. For more than a decade, Mayor Parrish has hosted the annual Mississauga Milk Fund fundraiser, helping local food banks provide essential support to families experiencing food insecurity. She has also championed investments in parks, recreational facilities, skating trails, fire stations, flood prevention projects, and community infrastructure that continue to make Mississauga one of Canada’s most livable and welcoming cities.
Throughout her distinguished career, Mayor Carolyn Parrish has remained steadfast in her commitment to listening to residents, building meaningful partnerships, and delivering practical solutions that strengthen communities. Her decades of leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service continue to shape Mississauga into a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking city for current and future generations.

A proud lifelong resident of Milton, Ontario, Kristina’s life has been guided by a deep commitment to family, community, and public service. Growing up in a hardworking family, she developed an early appreciation for integrity, perseverance, compassion, and service to others—values that continue to shape both her personal and professional life. She believes that strong communities are built through collaboration, respect, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of those around us.
Inspired by a passion for advocacy and public service, Kristina earned an undergraduate degree in History and Political Science before completing her law degree at the University of Toronto. As a lawyer, she built a reputation for providing thoughtful counsel and advocating on behalf of individuals and families, always guided by fairness, accountability, and practical solutions. Her legal background has given her valuable insight into the issues facing Canadians and strengthened her commitment to effective, principled leadership.
Before being elected to Parliament, Kristina proudly served two terms as a Town Councillor for Milton, earning the respect of residents through her approachable leadership, sound judgment, and dedication to responsible growth. She worked to support local infrastructure, strengthen community services, encourage economic development, and improve the quality of life for families, seniors, and local businesses.
Today, as the Member of Parliament for Milton East–Halton Hills South, Kristina continues to champion the interests of her constituents by advocating for policies that strengthen Canada’s economy, support entrepreneurship and small businesses, enhance public safety, and create opportunities for future generations. She is committed to working collaboratively with colleagues, community organizations, and local leaders to address the priorities that matter most to Canadians while preserving the values that unite the country.
Family remains at the heart of Kristina’s life. She and her husband, Chris, have built their lives together in Milton, where they are raising their four children and have established deep roots in the community. As a local business family, they understand firsthand the importance of supporting neighbourhood organizations, fostering strong relationships, and contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of the community they proudly call home.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kristina has devoted countless hours to volunteering and supporting charitable organizations, schools, sports associations, and community initiatives. She believes that meaningful change begins with listening, understanding, and serving others, and she continues to encourage civic engagement and community involvement wherever possible. Her ability to bring people together, build consensus, and inspire collaboration has earned her widespread respect throughout the region.

Jayme’s passion for history began at a young age when she discovered her own family’s connection to Mississauga’s heritage. Learning that her ancestors may have helped build the historic Grange, where Heritage Mississauga is now located, strengthened her commitment to preserving the stories of immigrants and families who contributed to the city’s growth.
Since joining Heritage Mississauga in 2002, Jayme has played a vital role in expanding the organization’s community impact. She successfully advocated for Heritage Mississauga’s relocation to the historic Robinson-Adamson Grange, ensuring that an organization dedicated to preserving history would operate from a meaningful heritage setting. Under her leadership, Heritage Mississauga has continued to provide educational programs, historical research, community events, workshops, and resources that connect residents with their shared heritage.
Among her notable achievements is helping to organize the first Mississauga Aboriginal Festival, Maanjidowin, celebrating Indigenous culture and history. She has also contributed to numerous heritage initiatives, public presentations, and community programs that encourage residents to explore genealogy, preserve family histories, and develop a stronger sense of belonging.
Before joining Heritage Mississauga, Jayme gained experience in technology, business development, event planning, marketing, and community engagement, including serving as Manager of the Port Credit Business Improvement Area.
A lifelong advocate for storytelling and community connection, Jayme continues to inspire others to recognize that every family has a place within Mississauga’s history. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys exploring history with her husband, Les, and their two sons, sharing her passion for heritage as a family tradition.

After immigrating to Canada in 1997, she continued her professional studies, obtaining additional qualifications in French as a Second Language, including FSL Parts 1 and 2, Dramatic Arts from Brock University, and Senior Religious Education from Queen’s University.
Sylwia has served in Ontario’s Catholic education system as a teacher, mentor, and educational leader. Since 2014, she has taught French while also mentoring new educators and coordinating educational programs that support student achievement and professional excellence.
As Principal of General Józef Haller Polish School in Toronto, operating under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, Sylwia has led numerous initiatives that strengthen Polish education and cultural identity. She organizes academic competitions, educational projects, teacher conferences, parent workshops, and community events while fostering strong partnerships among students, families, educators, and Polish community organizations.
For many years, Sylwia has organized educational forums with representatives of leading Polish universities, helping Canadian students and their families explore higher education opportunities in Poland and make informed decisions about their academic futures.
A passionate advocate for youth development, Sylwia creates opportunities for students to participate in cultural, artistic, and leadership initiatives through collaborations with organizations such as Novi Singers, the Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, and St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Brampton. She also encourages civic engagement by involving students in volunteer initiatives supporting seniors at Copernicus Lodge in Toronto.
Sylwia has been an active leader within the Polish Teachers’ Association in Canada, also known as ZNP Canada. She founded the Association’s Toronto Branch in 2023 and served as its President until 2026. Since June 2026, she has served as President of the National Executive Board of the Polish Teachers’ Association in Canada, where she works to strengthen Polish supplementary education, support educators, and foster collaboration among Polish schools nationwide.
Deeply committed to preserving Poland’s history and traditions, Sylwia organizes and participates in numerous patriotic and commemorative events, including observances of the Katyn Massacre, the Smolensk Tragedy, the Warsaw Uprising, the National Day of Remembrance of the Cursed Soldiers, Poland’s Independence Day, and other important national commemorations.
Her outstanding contributions to education, community leadership, and the promotion of Polish heritage have been recognized through numerous awards and distinctions.

In 1984, Barbara immigrated to Canada to join her husband, Chris, embracing a new country, culture, and chapter in her life. She continued her education in Canada, qualifying as a law clerk before discovering her true passion for condominium management.
For more than two decades, Barbara served as President of Metropolis Management Group, successfully managing condominium communities, commercial properties, and townhomes throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Known for her calm leadership, practical problem-solving skills, and ability to simplify complex legal matters, she earned the trust and respect of clients, colleagues, and the communities she served.
Following a distinguished career, Barbara retired from business but not from service. She has remained deeply committed to giving back through volunteer leadership. She has served as Treasurer and Vice-President of the Maximilian Kolbe Foundation at the John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre, helping to preserve Polish heritage, support charitable initiatives, and strengthen community connections.
Barbara believes that retirement is simply an opportunity to serve in new ways. Her passion for volunteering, promoting Polish traditions, and supporting meaningful causes continues to inspire those around her.
Above all, Barbara treasures her family. She is a proud mother and grandmother to Luka and Summer and finds her greatest joy in spending time with them. Her warmth, generosity, resilience, and sense of humour have touched countless lives throughout her personal and professional journey.

She immigrated to Canada in 1986, where she built a distinguished 32-year career at Bombardier Aerospace in Toronto. She served in a variety of technical and leadership roles, including Programming Group Leader, Senior Methods Analyst, and the company’s first female NC Machines Programmer.
Barbara is the proud mother of two daughters and a devoted grandmother. Family has always been at the heart of her values, inspiring her lifelong commitment to serving others and building stronger communities.
Alongside her professional career, Barbara has devoted thousands of volunteer hours to community service. Inspired by the Polish Scouting World Jamboree in 2000 and the way it brought Polish youth and the broader community together, she dedicated herself to the organization. She served as Chair of the Polish Scouting Auxiliary, Mississauga Circle, for four years and later as National Coordinator of the Polish Scouting Auxiliary in Canada for 13 years. During her tenure, she helped establish six new Auxiliary Circles across Canada, co-organized national and international scouting events, led numerous fundraising initiatives, and supported youth leadership while preserving Polish traditions and values for future generations.
For more than a decade, Barbara has also played a significant leadership role within the Canadian Polish Congress. She currently serves as Vice-President of the Canadian Polish Congress Mississauga District and previously served as Secretary General of the organization’s Head Executive Board from 2020 to 2024. In these roles, she has helped organize numerous cultural, educational, patriotic, and commemorative events while fostering collaboration among Polish organizations and promoting the contributions of the Polish Canadian community within Canada’s multicultural society.
In recognition of her outstanding dedication and decades of volunteer service, Barbara has received numerous honours, including the Canadian Polish Congress’s highest distinction, the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Medal, the Canada Cross Medal from the Polish Scouting Association, and the Gold Award from the Scouting Auxiliary Organization.
Through her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service, Barbara Stadnik continues to inspire others while leaving a lasting legacy of community building, youth development, and the preservation of Polish heritage in Canada.

She is passionate about connecting business excellence with social impact and believes that effective leadership and responsible management can create lasting positive change.
After immigrating from Poland to Canada, Margaret became actively involved in strengthening business and cultural ties between the two countries. Through her collaboration with the Canada-Poland Chamber of Commerce, she has helped organize business conferences, networking events, and initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and promote cooperation between Canadian and Polish business communities. She is particularly committed to supporting Polish entrepreneurs abroad and creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
Margaret’s entrepreneurial background, combined with her ability to build meaningful partnerships, inspired her to establish the Luminaris Art Foundation, where she serves as Founder and strategic leader. Drawing on her extensive experience in business management, sales, negotiations, and organizational development, she has built a professional platform dedicated to promoting Polish culture and strengthening international cultural connections.
Under her leadership, the Foundation has successfully organized and presented major cultural events in Canada, including the highly acclaimed Toronto performance of Poland’s renowned Mazowsze National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, one of the country’s most celebrated cultural institutions. She also led the production of the Kabaretomania Canadian Tour, bringing acclaimed Polish performers to six Canadian cities and reconnecting Polish communities across the country through culture and shared heritage.
Margaret continues to develop international initiatives that bring together artists, cultural institutions, businesses, and community organizations. Her vision extends beyond organizing events—she is committed to building lasting partnerships that promote Polish culture while creating opportunities for education, collaboration, and cultural exchange across Canada, Poland, the United States, and beyond.
Known for her strategic thinking, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to unite people around a common purpose, Margaret believes that culture is one of the most powerful tools for strengthening communities, preserving identity, and building understanding across borders. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating meaningful connections among the business, nonprofit, and cultural sectors.
Outside her professional life, Margaret is passionate about lifelong learning, travel, and personal development. She is also an avid animal lover and believes that empathy, resilience, and authenticity are fundamental qualities of both successful leadership and a fulfilling life.

She is also a devoted mother of three and believes deeply in creating a legacy of knowledge, opportunity, and financial empowerment for future generations.
At the heart of Nancy’s journey is her passion for financial literacy. She believes that every woman, regardless of age, background, income, or stage of life, deserves access to clear and practical financial education. Through seminars, workshops, presentations, training sessions, and individual consultations, Nancy has helped women better understand the financial decisions that affect their lives and families.
Her educational work addresses important areas such as budgeting, debt management, credit, insurance, mortgages, investing, retirement planning, family protection, business funding, and generational wealth. Her goal is to make financial information less intimidating and more accessible, allowing women to ask questions, understand their options, and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Nancy is especially passionate about reaching women at different stages of life, from young women beginning their financial journeys to mothers managing household responsibilities, professionals planning for the future, entrepreneurs building businesses, and mature women preparing for retirement. She understands that financial literacy is not one-size-fits-all and that every woman’s story, responsibilities, challenges, and goals are different.
Her work also extends to women in business. Nancy has supported entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and women-owned businesses by helping them explore financial strategies, identify resources, build valuable partnerships, and strengthen their confidence as business leaders. She has partnered with and supported various businesses, organizations, and community networks, using her experience to connect women with opportunities that can foster both personal and professional growth.
While Nancy brings more than 20 years of experience across several areas of financial services, her greatest fulfilment comes from using that knowledge to serve others. She sees financial education as more than teaching numbers; it is a pathway to independence, stability, informed decision-making, stronger families, successful businesses, and lasting community impact.
Being recognized as a Brilliant Minded Woman reflects Nancy’s belief that true brilliance is demonstrated through service, education, resilience, and the ability to uplift others. Through her continued advocacy for financial literacy and women’s economic empowerment, Nancy Gyan remains committed to helping women replace financial uncertainty with knowledge, confidence, ownership, and hope for the future.

While at the City, Jessica was involved in various land use planning and development matters, including official plan, rezoning, severance and minor variance appeals, as well as expropriations. Jessica has appeared before the Ontario Land Tribunal, the Toronto Local Appeal Body and the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
Jessica completed her articles at the Regional Municipality of Halton, the Town of Oakville and Halton’s Regional Police Service. While in law school, Jessica was a research associate with the Windsor Law Centre for Cities where she provided direct legal research assistance to municipalities and other stakeholders working towards local climate mitigation action. Jessica also served as the President of Windsor’s Municipal and Planning Law Association, where she organized events related to local issues impacting Windsor and its cross-border city, Detroit.

YGrowing up, Claudia stayed connected to her Polish heritage through Polish Saturday school, which gave her many opportunities to engage with the Polish community. Among her achievements, she won gold in a Polish poetry recitation competition. She was also a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, where she led her squadron as a Warrant Officer First Class and earned both her glider pilot’s licence and private pilot’s licence.
Claudia also channels her energy into community building and creative expression through dance. As Co-Founder and Co-Director of Avante Dance Company, she teaches salsa to the broader community and leads performance teams that compete and perform throughout the city.

A proud mother and grandmother, Flutra enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also has a passion for travel and stays active through skiing, sailing, and cycling.

From an early age, Thao embraced responsibility and learned the importance of service. At just 12 years old, she began working alongside her parents on fruit farms during the summer, gaining valuable lessons in dedication and perseverance. Throughout her teenage years, she balanced academics, part-time employment, and supporting her younger brother through significant health challenges. Her experiences at McMaster Children’s Hospital, where she helped translate for her parents and supported her brother during medical appointments, inspired her lifelong commitment to healthcare.
Thao pursued this passion by enrolling in the Brock-Loyalist Nursing Program in 2014 and graduating with honours from Brock University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. During her studies, she demonstrated exceptional dedication through academic achievement, clinical excellence, and support for her peers. Her early nursing career included roles in brain injury rehabilitation, home healthcare, and long-term care, where she developed a strong passion for improving patients’ quality of life through compassionate and personalized care.
Driven by her interest in combining healthcare, artistry, and confidence-building, Thao transitioned into aesthetic nursing. At Monaco Medical Spa in Ancaster, she specialized in injectables and facial rejuvenation, earning certifications and building a reputation for precision, attention to detail, and a patient-focused approach. Recognized for her expertise, she became a Clinical Educator, mentoring and inspiring future aesthetic healthcare professionals.
In October 2023, Thao founded Timeless Beauty Medical Aesthetics in St. Catharines, where she continues to help clients look and feel their best through personalized aesthetic care. She is committed to lifelong learning and regularly attends industry workshops, seminars, and conferences to remain at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic medicine.
Beyond her professional achievements, Thao is passionate about mentorship, community involvement, and empowering others. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her two Chihuahuas, as well as staying active through tennis, fitness, and Pilates. Her journey reflects the power of compassion, determination, and the belief that true success comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others.

She works closely with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Ottawa, Polish consulates across Canada, and Canadian and Polish business leaders, government representatives, industry organizations, and economic partners.
Since joining PAIH in November 2024, Urszula has supported Polish companies seeking to enter and expand in the Canadian market, helping them identify opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and establish valuable connections. Through her work, she brings together entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations across a diverse range of industries, creating new opportunities for international growth and collaboration.
Urszula holds an Honours bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto and a postgraduate credential in Marketing and Corporate Communications from Humber College. She also holds a diploma in French from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
Before joining PAIH, Urszula built a career spanning more than 15 years in business development, public relations, marketing, communications, and television. She is the Co-Founder of The Creators Bureau, a production company where she produced video and branded content for clients such as IKEA, BMW, and Hisense. Her television experience included serving as a Publicist for HGTV Canada and DIY Network Canada, where she helped raise the profiles of on-air talent and developed content for multiple platforms. Her entrepreneurial achievements earned her two nominations for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, presented by Women of Influence. She has also served as a judge for the prestigious Brand Film Awards in New York.
Beyond her professional career, Urszula is passionate about building community and creating opportunities for others. For more than 20 years, she has been an active leader within the Polish Canadian community, having served as President of the Friends of Polish Scouting Association in Oakville, Ontario, and Treasurer of the Canadian Polish Congress.
Throughout her career, Urszula has built bridges between people, organizations, cultures, and ideas. Whether helping entrepreneurs enter new markets, producing creative content, supporting emerging talent, or strengthening community connections, she is driven by the belief that meaningful relationships create opportunities—and that those opportunities have the power to inspire others and create lasting impact.

Eva began her musical journey in Poland, completing her studies at the Elementary and High School of Music, followed by the Music Teachers College in Tarnów. Her exceptional talent and dedication led her to perform with orchestras in Europe and later throughout Canada. After immigrating to Canada more than 31 years ago, Eva became a valued member of several orchestras across the Greater Toronto Area, including the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra, Oshawa Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Sinfonietta, and Celebrity Symphony Orchestra.
While her musical foundation remains deeply connected to classical traditions, Eva’s artistic evolution led her to embrace the electric violin, allowing her to explore and blend genres such as pop, rock, R&B, and contemporary music. Through her performances, she combines technical excellence, emotion, and energy to create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds.
Beyond music, Eva has built an accomplished career in the fashion and apparel industry. As Creative Director and Co-Founder of Fervva Inc., she has contributed her expertise in fashion design, product development, sourcing, and brand strategy. She is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history in the apparel and fashion sector, specializing in trend analysis, textiles, product assortment planning, merchandise planning, and open-to-buy management. Her professional education includes studies at George Brown College, where she developed the foundation for her successful career in fashion and creative leadership.
Through Fervva Inc., Eva continues to combine creativity with business expertise, helping to shape apparel solutions through thoughtful design direction, market insight, and strategic product development. The company specializes in apparel design, private brands, sourcing, sustainability, and product development across children’s, women’s, and men’s apparel categories.
For Eva, music and fashion have always been deeply connected—two forms of storytelling that allow her to express beauty, emotion, and individuality. Whether performing on stage or leading creative projects in the fashion industry, she brings passion, elegance, and authenticity to everything she creates.
A devoted mother of two energetic boys and wife to her best friend, Eva believes that creativity has the power to uplift, inspire, and bring people together. She is passionate about the ability of music and art to create meaningful connections, elevate energy, and transform ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences.
Through her lifelong dedication to music, fashion, and creativity, Eva Potoczny continues to inspire others by demonstrating that true artistry has no boundaries.

During her formative years, she participated in festivals, concerts, and competitions within the Polish community across the Greater Toronto Area. After completing the Regional Arts Program in Voice at Cawthra Park Secondary School, she spent a year at the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists in Toronto. She later completed her undergraduate degree at the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Glenn Gould School, where she studied voice with Professor Jean Macphail. Anna continued her education in Katowice, completing a master’s degree in Opera at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music under the tutelage of Professor Marta Brzezińska.
Anna has performed in concert for audiences across Canada, the United States, Poland, and Germany. Her appearances include Carnegie Hall as a laureate of the American Protégé Competition; the Barbro Osher Recital Hall in San Francisco during the SongFest Young Artist Program; performances with the Karol Szymanowski Academy Baroque Orchestra in Bach’s *Trauerode*; and appearances with the Oakville Chamber Orchestra, Royal Conservatory Orchestra, Canada Virtuoso Ensemble, Toronto Sinfonietta, Camerata Ensemble, Celebrity Symphony Orchestra, and the Symphony Orchestra of the Zabrze Philharmonic.
Anna’s most recent operatic roles include Gretel in Humperdinck’s *Hänsel und Gretel* at the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music and Prima Cercatrice in Puccini’s *Suor Angelica* at the Silesian Opera House. Other roles include Franzi in Strauss’s operetta *Viennese Blood* with Arte Creatura Music Theatre, Annina in Verdi’s *La traviata*, and Nora in Vaughan Williams’s *Riders to the Sea* with the Summer Opera Lyric Theatre.
Anna is the Co-Founder of Nóżki Opera, a Toronto-based collective through which she has organized, produced, and performed in opera productions designed for first-time audiences. With Nóżki Opera, she has performed the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s *The Magic Flute* in an original English-language adaptation for a school opera outreach program in 2023; Madame Herz in Mozart’s *The Impresario* as part of the bar production *Divas & Drinks* in 2022; Anne Frank in Cecilia Livingston’s song opera *Singing Only Softly* in 2021; and Susanna in Mozart’s *Le nozze di Figaro* in a COVID-friendly outdoor garden production in 2021.
Anna is also an avid performer of art song repertoire. She has curated and performed several recital programs in Mississauga, including *Silhouettes* at the Art Gallery of Mississauga in 2022, with support from the Mississauga Arts Council, and, most recently, *Once Upon a Dream* at the Living Arts Centre in 2024, with support from the City of Mississauga’s Live Music Program.
As a first-generation Canadian, Anna is passionate about discovering and promoting the lesser-known repertoire of Polish composers.

She moved to Canada in 2004 and has since dedicated her career to supporting children and adolescents through psychological services, educational advocacy, and community initiatives.
Dr. Antczak is the Founder and CEO of Felixa Health, which advances online safety through behavioural science and artificial intelligence, and IdealMe, which promotes emotional intelligence, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through partnerships with schools, universities, and community organizations, she remains committed to building safer digital spaces and stronger communities.

Fallon testified before the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, where she shared her family’s story of loss. She later joined the National Family Advisory Circle, working closely with other MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ family members and the Commissioners of the National Inquiry.

Fallon continues to share her family’s story and raise awareness of the ongoing genocide faced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people. Through her advocacy, she hopes to inspire meaningful change and greater awareness across Turtle Island.

strengthening partnerships with volunteers, businesses, educators, foundations, service clubs, and community organizations across the Niagara Region.
With more than 20 years of experience in community and family health, Trudy brings compassion, strategic vision, and community development expertise to her work. She believes the most meaningful leaders inspire others, mobilize communities, and create opportunities for lasting change.
A passionate advocate for children experiencing food insecurity, Trudy believes every child deserves to arrive at school nourished, ready to learn, and filled with hope. Under her leadership, Community Crew provides more than 5,000 individually prepared lunches each week while expanding reading and mentorship programs, summer camps, and in-school enrichment opportunities that help children build confidence and a sense of belonging.
Receiving the Brilliant Minded Women Award is a tremendous honour. Trudy believes this recognition belongs to the dedicated Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, educators, and community partners who make Community Crew's mission possible every day. Together, they are helping ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential—proving that when a community comes together, hope becomes possible.

financial hardship by providing essential resources, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for people to feel welcomed and valued.
Among its signature initiatives are Migrant Worker Appreciation Dinners, where culturally diverse meals celebrate the rich traditions of the community while expressing gratitude to those whose hard work strengthens the region. During the winter months, Unity Hopeful Charity also organizes seasonal outreach programs, distributing warm clothing, hygiene products, and other essential items to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances.
Through collaborative partnerships with organizations such as the Workforce WindsorEssex TeaMWork Project, local churches, businesses, and dedicated volunteers, Unity Hopeful Charity extends its impact by providing backpacks, safety equipment, emergency supplies, and other resources that promote well-being and community integration.
At its heart, Unity Hopeful Charity believes that every act of kindness has the power to transform lives. Guided by a spirit of generosity and respect, the organization continues to inspire individuals, businesses, and community partners to work together in building a stronger, more compassionate, and more inclusive Windsor–Essex for all. Volunteers, donors, and community partners are warmly welcomed to join this mission of hope, empowering people through service and strengthening the bonds that unite the community.

She is pursuing a dual degree in Vocal Performance at the Eastman School of Music and Linguistics at the University of Rochester, where she has distinguished herself both on and off the stage.
As a vocalist, Nichole is an active member of the Eastman Collegium Vocal Ensemble and the Eastman Chorale under the direction of William Weinert. Her operatic roles include Mélisande in *Impressions de Pelléas*, Cupid in *King Arthur*, and Edith in *The Pirates of Penzance*. She has also performed extensively at churches, weddings, concerts, and community events, continuing to build an impressive repertoire as a young soprano. Her artistic development has been enriched through prestigious programs with The Juilliard School, Washington National Opera, Classical Singer, and Schmidt Vocal Arts. Her musical achievements include Second Place in the Schmidt Vocal Arts Competition, recognition as an SVA National Competition Finalist, and the prestigious Presser Scholar Award.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Nichole has emerged as an exceptional student leader at Eastman. She serves as President of the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society, President and Founding Member of the Eastman Latino & Hispanic Students’ Association, Vice-President of the American Choral Directors Association Student Chapter, and Student Ambassador for the Office of Admissions. She is also a Student Alumni Ambassador and Special Events Usher and previously served as a Resident Advisor, demonstrating her dedication to mentorship, student advocacy, and fostering inclusive communities.
Honouring her multicultural heritage, Nichole is also Co-Founder of the University of Rochester Polish Students’ Association, where she promotes Polish traditions and culture while strengthening connections within the university community. Through her leadership in both Hispanic and Polish organizations, she has created opportunities for students to celebrate their identities, build community, and encourage cross-cultural understanding.
With a passion for artistic excellence, cultural engagement, and service, Nichole Waligóra represents a new generation of musicians whose impact extends well beyond the concert stage. Her dedication to music, education, and community continues to inspire those around her as she builds a promising career in classical performance.