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
10-Year Anniversary & Ninth Annual Gala
Date: November 2, 2024
Location: Chateau Le Jardin Event Venue, Vaughan, Ontario
Guests: 550
This year, we celebrated our 10-Year Anniversary alongside the prestigious Ninth Annual Gala. The event brought together influential leaders, outstanding individuals, and supporters who have contributed to the success of our mission. It was a night to remember, filled with celebration, recognition, and inspiring moments.
Event Program:
The evening was filled with inspiring speeches, live entertainment, and memorable moments of celebration. Guests enjoyed gourmet dining, networking opportunities, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference. The event provided a platform to highlight the accomplishments of remarkable individuals, while also fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Keynote Speakers:
- Dr. Jean Augustine: A trailblazer in education and social justice, founder of the JA Centre for Young Women and former Member of Parliament, shared her invaluable insights on empowering youth and the importance of education for young women. Her speech was a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the future of a generation.
- Giselle Drew Walsh: As the newly crowned Mrs. Universe Canada 2024/25, captivated the audience with her inspiring journey and dedication to self-empowerment. Her role as a motivational speaker and host of Breaking Dress Regs resonated deeply with attendees, as she encouraged everyone to embrace authenticity and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Honorable Guest Speakers:
The event also featured an incredible lineup of honorable guest speakers, each offering valuable perspectives on leadership, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration:
- Patrice Barnes: MPP for Ajax, shared insights into the critical importance of government support for community initiatives, focusing on the ways in which policies can be shaped to enhance opportunities for all Canadians.
- Sabina Klimek: The Vice Consul for Economic Affairs at the Polish Consulate, addressed the growing economic collaboration between Canada and Poland, emphasizing the potential for continued growth and innovation through international partnerships.
- Justyna Frelak: The Vice Consul for Polish Community Affairs, highlighted the significance of fostering strong ties between the Polish community and broader Canadian society, as well as the role of cultural diplomacy in enriching Canada’s multicultural landscape.
Award Ceremony Highlights:
The evening saw the recognition of several exceptional individuals for their remarkable contributions.
- 11 Brilliant Minded Global Ambassadors: We honored 11exceptional individuals who have exemplified leadership, innovation, and compassion on a global scale. Their work continues to inspire others to make a difference in the world.
- 5 Awardees in 5 Categories: The night celebrated the achievements of 5 individuals, each recognized for their excellence in areas such as entrepreneurship, community service, political leadership
- Order of St. Stanislas Awards: We proudly bestowed the esteemed Order of St. Stanislas upon 8 remarkable individuals—both Dames and Cavaliers—who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to society.
- Certificates of Achievement: The Brilliant Minded Women Awardees were presented with certificates recognizing their 10 years dedication to excellence, leadership, and empowerment in their respective fields.
- Certificates of Appreciation: Certificates of Appreciation were given to our generous sponsors, donors, and supporters, whose contributions played an instrumental role in the success of the event.
- Acknowledging the Team and Volunteers: We took a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts of our team and volunteers, whose dedication ensured the success of the event. Without their hard work, the gala would not have been possible.
Interviews and Media Coverage:
Throughout the evening, interviews were conducted with our honorable guests, awardees, sponsors, and donors. These interviews were featured in various media outlets and online platforms, allowing us to share the inspiring stories of those who made the event a success.
Entertainment Highlights:
The Anniversary Gala was a celebration filled with unforgettable entertainment, adding an extra layer of elegance to the evening. The night began with a stunning ballet performance by talented students, whose graceful movements captivated the audience and set a refined tone for the event. This was followed by performances from classical and contemporary singers, whose powerful voices and varied repertoires took the guests on an emotional journey. The gala’s entertainment reached its peak with an extraordinary violin performance by a world-class violinist, followed by an equally mesmerizing guitar performance that showcased an exceptional blend of technique and artistry. Together, these performances offered a perfect mix of classical sophistication and modern flair, ensuring the evening was not only a celebration of achievements but also a tribute to the beauty of music and the arts.
In-Kind Support Contributions:
We were fortunate to receive invaluable in-kind contributions from our generous sponsors:
- $25,000 Contribution: 250 Gift Baskets were distributed to our Sponsors, Donors, and Supporters, filled with high-quality, thoughtfully curated items as a token of appreciation for their support.
- $10,000 Contribution: 100 Facial Masks were provided for the Awardees and Ambassadors by Time Reverse, promoting wellness and self-care.
- $5,000 Contribution: 100 Gift Bags were created for the Team, Volunteers, Entertainment, thanks to the support of Husky Food Importers. These bags were filled with exciting goodies to show our appreciation for their dedication.