ORAGNIZATION'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

“A Decade of Impact” is more than just a title; it symbolizes the countless moments, challenges, and victories that have shaped our organization and the lives we touch. It is a journey that reflects our collective passion, dedication, and resilience.

Over the past ten years, we’ve faced obstacles that tested our resolve, but each challenge only strengthened our commitment to our mission. Together, we have fostered an environment where dreams take flight and barriers are broken. We’ve seen athletes rise, communities unite, and the spirit of sportsmanship flourish.
As we reflect on our past, let us also look forward with renewed determination. Each of us plays a vital role in shaping the next chapter. Let’s continue to inspire one another, lift each other up, and create opportunities for future generations.
Let the next decade be filled with even greater impact, unity, and triumph.

“Success is best when it’s shared. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” — Steve Jobs

Years 2014 - 2024 Accomplishments

2024

10-Year Anniversary and Ninth Annual Gala - November 2

Location: Chateau Le Jardin Event Venue, Vaughan
Guests: 550
Keynote Speakers:

  • Dr. Jean Augustine: Founder of JA Centre for Young Women, Member of Parliament
  • Giselle Drew Walsh: Mrs. Universe Canada ‘24/25, Motiv.Speaker, Host of Breaking Dress Regs podcast

Award Ceremony:

  • 11 Brilliant Minded Global Ambassadors
  • 5 Awardees in 5 Categories
  • Order of St. Stanislas to 8 Dames and Cavaliers
  • Certificate of Achievement to the Brilliant Minded Women Awardees
  • Certificate of Appreciation to the Brilliant Minded Women Sponsors and Donors
  • Certificate of Appreciation and Acknowledgment to the Team and Volunteers
  • Interviews with Brilliant Minded Women Honorable Guests, Awardees, Sponsors, and Donors

In-Kind Support:

  • $25,000 – 250 Gift Baskets for Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters
  • $10,000 – 100 Facial Masks for Awardees and Ambassadors from Time Reverse
  • $5,000 – 100 Gift Bags for Team, Volunteers, and Entertainment from Husky Food Importers
Brilliant Minded Women Gala in Collaboration with The Order of St. Stanislas - November 15

Location: Hotel Marysin Dwor, Katowice, Poland
Guests: 200
Award Ceremony:

  • 4 Awardees in 2 Categories
  • 7 Brilliant Minded Global Ambassadors
  • Order of St. Stanislas to 5 Dames and Cavaliers
  • Certificate of Achievement to the Brilliant Minded Women Awardees
  • Certificate of Appreciation to the Brilliant Minded Women Sponsors and Donors
  • Certificate of Appreciation and Acknowledgment to the Team and Volunteers
  • Interviews with Brilliant Minded Women Honorable Guests, Awardees, Sponsors, and Donors

In-Kind Support:

  • $20,000 – 200 Living Legends Brilliant Minds in the World Documentary Albums for Guests
  • $5,000 – 100 Gift Baskets for Sponsors, Donors, Ambassadors, and Awardees

    2023

    Eighth Annual Gala - November 4

    Location: Venu Events Space, Concord
    Guests: 500
    Keynote Speakers:

    • Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
    • Rozalia Szewczyk: Speaker Representative for the Order of St. Stanislas, Malopolska Krakow

    Award Ceremony:

    • 32 Awardees in 12 Categories
    • 8 Brilliant Minded Global Ambassadors
    • Order of St. Stanislas to 5 Dames and Cavaliers
    • Interviews with Brilliant Minded Women Honorable Guests, Awardees, Sponsors, and Donors

    In-Kind Support:

    • $5,000 – 100 Gift Bags from Husky Food Importers
    • $4,000 – 40 Facial Masks for Awardees and Ambassadors from Time Reverse
    • $1,500 – 25 Christmas Centrepieces for Sponsors from KAAS Floral

      2022

      Seventh Annual Gala - November 12

      Location: Riviera Events Center, Concord
      Guests: 700
      Keynote Speakers:

      • Hazel McCallion: Special Advisor on Municipal Affairs of Ontario, Chancellor of Sheridan College
      • Hon. Michael A. Tibollo: Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

      Award Ceremony:

      • 50 Awardees in 14 Categories
      • Interviews with Brilliant Minded Women Honorable Guests, Awardees, Sponsors, and Donors

      In-Kind Support:

      • $25,000 – 500 Living Legacy Brilliant Minds in Canada Documentary Albums for Guests
      • $10,000 – 100 Facial Masks for Guests and Awardees from Time Reverse
      • $2,000 – 40 Gift Baskets from Husky Food Importers

      2019

      Brilliant Talk, Tradeshow, VIP Event - November 1

      Location: Riviera Events Center, Concord
      Brilliant Talk Speakers:

      • Angela Demontigny
      • Anna Lopes
      • Carine Lacroix
      • Danuta Domurad
      • Dauna Jones Simmonds
      • Hennnah Ji
      • Ida Gerasolo
      • Jane Katkova Brown
      • Jean Augustine
      • Joanna Andros
      • Josephine Auciello
      • Joyce Morocco
      • Laura Compagni
      • Lesley Page
      • Lesli Silvestri
      • Maggie Habieda
      • Marilyn Field
      • Patti Jannetta Baker
      • Tabi Moazzam
      • Tanya Chernova
      • Yvonne Bogorya Buczkowski

      Tradeshow:

      • Exhibition for 120 businesses

      VIP Event:

      • Social networking and relationship-building gathering
      5-Year Anniversary and Sixth Annual Gala - November 2

      Location: Riviera Events Center, Concord
      Guests: 680
      Keynote Speakers:

      • Jill Dunlop: Ontario Minister of Education, Former Associate Minister of Children and Women’s Issues
      • Hazel McCallion: Former Mayor of Mississauga, Philanthropist, Mentor

      Award Ceremony Presentations:

      • Certificate of Achievement to the Brilliant Minded Women Awardees
      • Certificate of Appreciation to the Brilliant Minded Women Sponsors
      • Order of St. Stanislas to 7 Dames and Cavaliers

      In-Kind Support:

      • $10,000 – 100 Gift Certificates from Truly You Hair and Scalp Clinic
      • $5,000 – 50 Cosmetic Gift Baskets from Visi Company
      • $5,000 – 20 Facial Treatment Gift Certificates from Thao Nguyen
      • $4,000 – 10 Gift Cards from Monterella Boutique and Spa
      • $2,000 – 50 Gift Baskets from Husky Food Importers

        2018

        Living Legacy: Documentary Album Launch - September 18

        Location: Polish Consulate, Toronto
        Guests: 260
        Inspiration and Mentorship Gathering with Awardees and Guests
        Recognition Ceremony:

        • Global Excellence Award presented to Hazel McCallion

        Networking Session with Consuls and Honorable Guests

          Fifth Annual Gala - November 2

          Location: Riviera Events Center, Concord
          Guests: 550
          Keynote Speakers:

          • Maurizio Bevilacqua: Former Mayor of Vaughan, Canadian Politician, 34 Years of Public Service
          • Fran Rider: Co-Founder of the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association, Former Player

          Award Ceremony:

          • 35 Awardees across 14 Categories

          In-Kind Support:

          • $10,000 – 100 Cosmetic Sets for Guests from Visi Company
          • $7,500 – 100 Gift Certificates for Guests from Monterella Boutique and Spa for Salon Treatment

            2017

            Fourth Annual Gala - November 17

            Location: Riviera Events Center, Concord
            Guests: 550

            Keynote Speakers:

            • Hazel McCallion: Canadian Politician, Businesswoman, and Chancellor
            • Gwyneth Herrera: Abstract and Photorealistic Artist, Community Advocate

            Award Ceremony:

            • 30 Awardees across 14 Categories

            In-Kind Support:

            • $5,000 – 50 Cosmetic Sets for Guests from Visi Company
            • $5,000 – 50 Gift Certificates for Guests from Rebirth Hot Yoga Studio

              2016

              Brilliant Minded Talk - March 15

              Location: Polish Consulate, Toronto
              Guests: 150
              Inspiration and Mentorship with:

              • Maria Nowotarska: Co-Creator of the Salon of Poetry, Screenwriter, Director

              Recognition Ceremony:

              • Art and Entertainment Award presented to Maria Nowotarska
                Third Annual Gala - October 29

                Location: Pearson Convention Center, Brampton
                Guests: 350
                Keynote Speakers:

                • Tanya Chernova: One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women
                • Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski: Former President of Polish Women’s Federation
                • Bonnie Crombie: Former Mayor of Mississauga, Current Leader of Ontario Liberal Party

                Award Ceremony:

                • 32 Awardees across 13 Categories

                In-Kind Support:

                • $5,000 – 50 Duo-Cream & Cleanser Sets for Guests from Visi Company
                • $5,000 – 250 Cosmetics Sets for Guests from Aegis Beauté

                  2015

                  Second Annual Gala - November 13

                  Location: Pearson Convention Center, Brampton
                  Guests: 350
                  Keynote Speakers:

                  • Tanya Chernova: One of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women
                  • Dr. Yvonne Bogorya-Buczkowski: Former President of Polish Women’s Federation
                  • Bonnie Crombie: Former Mayor of Mississauga, Current Leader of Ontario Liberal Party

                  Award Ceremony:

                  • 32 Awardees across 13 Categories

                  In-Kind Support:

                  • $5,000 – 50 Duo-Cream & Cleanser Sets for Guests from Visi Company
                  • $5,000 – 250 Cosmetics Sets for Guests from Aegis Beauté

                    2014

                    Networking & Mentorship Event - May

                    Location: Lakeshore Convention Centre, Mississauga
                    Guests: 700 attendees from North America and Europe
                    Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
                    Focus: Leadership training and coaching
                    Speakers:

                    • Michelle Peavy: Founder of Get Off Your Ask, Executive Recruiter, Motivator, Author, Singer, Master Connector
                    • Christian Steinkeller: Global Leader in Networking
                    • Stephan Steinkeller: Global Leader in Networking

                    This event featured training and coaching on leadership, providing 700 guests from across North America and Europe with valuable insights from renowned experts.

                     

                      Dinner Event - May

                      Location: Lakeshore Convention Centre, Mississauga
                      Guests: 500 attendees
                      Keynote Speakers:

                      • Michelle Peavy
                      • Christian Steinkeller
                      • Stephan Steinkeller

                      The Dinner Event brought together 500 distinguished guests to hear from leading experts on topics of leadership and personal development.

                        Networking & Mentorship Event - November

                        Location: Paramount Eventspace, Woodbridge
                        Guests: 500 attendees from North America
                        Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
                        Focus: Mentorship and coaching on leadership and public speaking
                        Guest Speakers:

                        • Shane Morand
                        • Michelle Peavy
                        • Marianne Noed
                        • Sharon Lechter

                        The Event focused on mentorship and coaching, empowering attendees with leadership and public speaking skills through inspiring talks and practical guidance.

                          First Official Annual Gala - November

                          Location: Paramount Eventspace, Woodbridge
                          Guests: 400 attendees
                          Keynote Speakers:

                          • Sharon Lechter: Entrepreneur, world-renowned speaker, best-selling author, mentor, philanthropist
                          • Shanna McFarlane: Powerhouse Entrepreneur (Author of Homeless to Millionaire), Public Speaker

                          The Gala celebrated the achievements of women and included an award ceremony, recognizing two outstanding individuals in two categories.
                          Brilliant Minded Financial Aid Program

                          • $25,000 towards coaching and mentorship sessions with Sharon Lechter.
                            4-day publicly open event for coaching and mentoring sessions.
                          • $1,500 towards mentorship at Think and Grow Reach with Satish Verna.
                            10 students received attendance for the first and second levels of the program.

                          This financial aid program supported the growth of future leaders by providing essential mentorship and coaching.

                          In-Kind Support

                          • Value: $10,000 – Provided complimentary 5 Circles of Influence Program with intern coach Michelle Peavy, offering one-on-one sessions for 150 participants at the organization’s office and 3 sessions x 50 participants at public events.
                          • Value: $10,000 – 100 complimentary gift certificates for wellness treatments from Mind&Body Solution distributed to event’s guests.

                            Others

                            Provided Monetary and In-Kind Support

                            The Brilliant Minded Women Organization has consistently supported various causes and initiatives through both financial contributions and in-kind donations. These contributions have significantly impacted individuals, charities, and organizations worldwide and already has exceeded $200,000.

                              Monetary Contributions Toward Their Chosen Causes
                              • $15,000 – Epilepsy Foundation (Margaret Maye)
                              • $15,000 – Copernicus Lodge Foundation (Joanna Maj)
                              • $10,000 – ImpactHope Foundation (Hannah Campbell)
                              • $5,000 – I.D.A. International Dance Academy (Ida Gerasolo)
                              • $3,000 – Courageous Living (Joanna Andros)
                              • $3,900 – Kaas Floral (Beata Kaas)
                              • $3,000 – Order of St. Stanislas, Priory Malopolska
                              • $2,000 – Canadian Center for Abuse Awareness (Ellen Campbell)
                              • $1,500 – Canadian Polish Congress
                              • $1,500 – St. Eugene for Hope Foundation (Bozena Zmurko)
                              • $1,500 – Polish Women’s Heritage Funds in Canada (Lucja Stec)
                              • $1,050 – Charity Centre AGAPAS
                              • $1,000 – Three Beats Organization
                              • $1,000 – A Child’s Voice Foundation (Amalia Ruggerio)
                              • $1,000 – Nana Couture (Nadia Asfour)
                              • $1,000 – Mind, Body Solution (Gabriela Nowak)
                              • $700 – Million Dollar Smile (Anna Lopes)
                              • $250 – McGill Fund Loyalty (Joanna Klimczak)
                              • $200 – Heart to Heart Foundation (Beata Wecek & Edyta Jodelka)
                              • $200 – Million Dollar Smile (Anna Lopes)
                              • $200 – School nr. 105 in Warsaw (Iwona Kirejczyk)
                              • $100 – Lions Foundation of Dog Guides (Justyna Zmurko)
                              • $100 – Canadian Polish Congress Foundation (Iwona Kirejczyk)
                              • $100 – Fashion Circuit Series (Leslie Silvestri)
                              • $100 – Trillium Hospital, McCallion Foundation (Hazel McCallion)
                              Monetary Contributions Toward Development & Growth:
                              • $35,000 – Mery Morassutti (STORYBOX PR)
                              • $25,000 – Sharon Lechter
                              • $10,000 – Nohemi Renaud
                              • $2,000 – Evelyn Bailey (Art’s Coaching Programs)
                              • $1,500 – Margaret Cordova (Dance Coaching and Performance)
                              • $1,500 – Joanna Andros (Therapy, Coaching, and Books)
                              • $1,000 – Justyna Zmurko (Book Release)
                              • $1,000 – Mona Amine Osman (Coaching and Mentoring)
                              • $1,000 – Nesrine Thabet (Education)
                              • $1,000 – Carmela Zita Kapeleris (Toys Drive for Christmas Gifts)
                              • $255 – Sara Kardooni (After Breast Cancer Foundation Fundraising)
                              • $100 – Hazel McCallion (Fundraising for “A Century of Accomplishment”)
                              In-Kind Support for Communities and Organizations:
                              • $10,000 – Clothes and accessories donated to Polish Women’s Heritage Funds in Canada (Lucja Stec)
                              • $10,000 – Clothes and accessories donated to Helen Nejmeh’s event for Syrian Emigrants
                              • $10,000 – Fabrics donated to Copernicus Lodge Auxiliary Organization (Aniela Ganczak)
                              • $10,000 – Gifts for Christmas celebrations at Charity Center AGAPAS
                              • $5,000 – Clothes and school materials donated to Prometeusz Foundation (Poland)
                              • $3,500 – 100 Brilliant Minds in Canada Documentary Albums gifted to Million Dollar Smile Organization
                              • $2,000 – Dresses donated to I.D.A. Ballet School (Ida Gerasolo)
                              • $1,500 – Clothes and accessories for CCAA (Ellen Campbell)
                              • $500 – 15 Gift Baskets donated to Polish Women’s Heritage Funds in Canada (Lucja Stec)
                              • $500 – 15 Gift Baskets donated to Salon Poezji Foundation (Maria Nowotarska)
                              • $500 – 20 Gift Baskets donated to St. Eugene for Hope Foundation
                              Support and Participation at Awardees’ Events

                              The Brilliant Minded Women Organization has supported over 200 events hosted by our awardees. Our participation has included fundraising efforts, donations, and providing volunteer support for events that benefit various causes.

                              • Million Dollar Smile Galas Events – Anna Lopes
                              • I.D.A. International Dance Academy – Ida Gerasolo
                              • AGAPAS Charity Events
                              • Heart to Heart, Christmas Eve Dinners – Beata Wecek & Edyta Jodelka
                              • Canadian Polish Congress Galas and Banquets – Iwona Malinowska
                              • Fundraising Banquets – Bonnie Crombie
                              • Copernicus Lodge 50-Year Gala – Joanna Maj
                              • Fashion Circuit Series – Leslie Silvestri
                              • Breast Cancer Fundraising – Sara Kardooni
                              • After Breast Cancer Foundation Gala – Alicia Vianga
                              • Hazel McCallion’s Celebration Events – Hazel McCallion
                              • Fashion Circuit Series – Leslie Silvestri
                              • Luso’s Residential Building Fund – Iryna Yakovenko
                              • A Taste of Italy, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Gala – Laura Compagni
                              • St. Eugene for Hope Foundation Galas – Bozena Zmurko
                              • Polish Women’s Heritage Funds in Canada Banquets – Lucja Stec
                              • White Eagle Polish Dance Academy 50-Year Gala – Maria Dubicki
                              • Arabic Fundraising Galas – Nadia Asfour
                              • Epilepsy Foundation Fundraising Galas – Margaret Maye
                              • Polish Chambers of Commerce Gala – Maggie Stoch
                              • Miss Club Italia Galas, Niagara Falls – Rita Fragnito
                              • Polish Schools in Canada Competition Activities – Teresa Szramek
                              • Salon Poezji Foundation Performances – Maria Nowotarska
                              • Trust 15 Foundation Annual Galas – Marcia Brown
                              • Copernicus Lodge Seniors Activities – Aniela Ganczak
                              • Colours of Love Events & Concerts – Maggie Habieda
                              • Girls Take Flight Programs – Lesley Page
                              • Latino Scholarship Foundation Banquets – Natalie Castro Diaz
                              • International Women’s Day Fashion Fundraising Banquets – Bogumila Golebiowski
                              • McGill University Empowering Banquets – Joanna Klimczak
                              • 40 over Forty Galas – Rosanna Penilla Bharucha
                              • Singing Performance Events – Karolina Podolak
                              • Polish Orphans Charity Galas – Marta Pozniakowski
                              • Hats On for Awareness Galas – Enza Tiberi Checchia
                              • Build a Better Network – Jennifer Beale