BRILLIANT MINDED WOMEN FOUNDATION

The Brilliant Minded Women Foundation came to life in 2016 as a charitable extension of the Brilliant Minded Women Organization (Charity Registration Tax No.
78440 3727 RR0001).

The Brilliant Minded Women Foundation is a charity whose primary focus is to advance post-secondary education by providing publicly available scholarships and bursaries to female students throughout Canada. In addition, our foundation provides coaching and mentorship to the selected students to excel in their academic endeavours. The scholarship program is designed to assist and recognize the efforts and achievements of students who are making a difference in the world around them in small little measures that go a long way in shaping their personal lives and of those of the communities that they contribute to. These individuals have displayed a personal drive to pursue academics, whilst doing their bit for the world to make it a better place.

OUR GOAL

Our goal is to raise funds to provide scholarships to minimum of
14 young women every year. We are looking for organizations and individuals that are passionate about the cause of young leaders who will at some time be the face of the world, and are willing to support our endeavours with financial contributions.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AGATA KLIMCZAK

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Agata Klimczak is a founder and CEO of Brilliant Minded Women Organization since 2014. She is also Founder and President of Brilliant Minded Women Foundation. Agata graduated from Tourism and Hospitality Collage in Zywiec and studied early education at Pedagogic University in Czestochowa, Poland. 

 

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Between 1989 (when she arrived to Canada) and 2008- she become a mother to daughter Joanna and son Patrick; evaluated her Tourism and Hospitality Diploma at Niagara Collage and Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association; was teaching in the Polish school in St. Catharines; worked for 12 years in the management at the Casino Niagara in the marketing department and she was the owner of Vision in Life cosmetic company. From 2008 Agata grew into a successful, dynamic leader in network marketing industry and in various businesses. Agata is a firm believer in creating equal opportunities for women and furthering the development of society by encouraging women to stand tall on their beliefs and nurturing young leaders to pursue their dreams. To create a better world not just in the present but for generations to come is the fuel that keeps her moving.

JOHN KIEFTE

DIRECTOR

John Kiefte has a very diverse business background, both domestically and on an international basis.  He has had positions as a president, vice-president, marketing manager, national sales manager and as a director in a number of companies and industries. Having a marketing background, he has introduced a number environmental based products  into the business community. 

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His strengths are in his contacts and relationships, with the skilled ability to synergize the two.  His business acumen has taught him to develop long-term relationships and strategic alliances always striving for integrity and respect. The author of several books and various articles, he brings a great deal of experience and people skills to any organization.

Beata Kaas

BEATA KAAS

DIRECTOR

Founded in 2010 Kaas Floral Design is a concept design studio that uses flowers in creative and innovative ways. Beata Kaas has been designing arrangements that express the unique themes and personalities of her clients.

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An honors graduate of Humber College’s Floral Design Program (Toronto, Ontario), Beata has earned her European Master Certification (EMC) and has trained under the watchful eye of Belgium Master Florist Tomas De Bruyne and Canadian Master Florist Hitomi Gilliam.

Specializing in weddings, private as well as corporate events, she combines her formal training with her background in architecture and her passion for flowers to create stunning visual displays. Kaas Floral Design received Wedding Industry Expert Award in 2015 and 2016.

Beata has been a participant and presenter at international conferences, including Belgium Fleuramour, Alden Biesen Castle, in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Floral Trends Vancouver 2016, and American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) conference in 2017 and 2018.

Kevin Aguanno

KEVIN AGUANNO

DIRECTOR

Kevin Aguanno, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM, has over 20 years of experience managing complex systems integration and software development projects. He is well known in the industry for his innovative approaches to solving common project management problems.

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He focuses on two project management specialty areas: agile project management and troubled project recovery. As a well-known keynote speaker, author, trainer, and coach in agile management methods, Aguanno has taught thousands of people how to better manage high-change projects by using techniques from Scrum, Extreme Programming, Feature-Driven Development, and other agile methods. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and private corporate events where he delights audiences with practical advice peppered with fascinating stories from his own experiences in the trenches practicing agile project management. He is also founding Director and Vice President of the Project Management Association of Canada. He is a published author, speaker and consultant with over 25 years of proven experience in driving operational and process improvements, software implementations, and complex programs to stabilize business, create growth and value and lead sustainable change.

NADIA ASFOUR

DIRECTOR

Nadia Asfour was born in Amman, Jordan. After graduating from her studies in Business Administration, she moved to Dubai with her husband, where she resided. When living in Dubai, Nadia worked in the banking industry for 20+ years until she and her family moved to Canada (Mississauga) in 2003.

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Upon arriving in Canada, she owned and operated two Hero Burger Restaurants in Mississauga and Richmond Hill with her husband for over 10 years. Following a decade in the burger industry, Nadia Asfour open bridal and evening dresses boutique in Streetsville, Mississauga: Nana Couture. Since then, she is participating in many fashion shows and have her collection be seen on several runways and at charitable events where she donates dresses. Some of these events include the Mississauga Fashion Week, Fashion Circuit Series Fashion Show in support of the Trillium Health Partners Hospital & Foundation, and the Philopateer Christian College charitable event. In November 2017, Nadia Asfour was honored with the Business Development and Growth Award by Brilliant Minded Women Organization for her community involvement over the past years. She is excited to continue developing the brand and its impact within her community and expand to other communities as well. Nadia Asfour is featured in the” Living Legacy Brilliant Minds in Canada “documentary album.

RITA FRAGNITO

TREASURER, SECRETARY

Rita Fragnito is a committed volunteer in her community, a single parent of two and an avid traveler. She was born in Italy and moved to Canada when 8 years old. She completed her degree in Social Work at Ryerson University, and settled in Vancouver where she worked for Vancouver Tourism and the hospitality industry. 

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Years later Rita moved to Niagara Falls with her daughter Amanda and son Dante to pursue her carrier and she is working in management at the Casino Niagara in the Marketing Department for over 20 years. Community service is dear to Rita Fragnito’s heart as it has been inspired by her family members. She is on the Executive Board of Club Italia Ladies Auxiliary where she has chaired the Miss Club Italia Ambassador Program for 5 years and mentored several young women. She is also on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of Niagara Casinos and Down Syndrome Caring Parents Niagara.  Rita Fragnito was awarded the Niagara Falls Volunteer Recognition Award and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award and Brilliant Minded Women Award. She is also a part of the” Living Legacy Brilliant Minds in Canada “documentary album.

KENNETH MICHALAK

CHARITY ACCOUNTANT

Kenneth Michalak was born and rise in Toronto, Canada. In 1973 he graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo with bachelor degree in business administration and he obtained Certified General Accountant/ Chartered Professional Accountant in 1987. Additionally in 1998 he became Certified Financial Planner. 

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Ken is a father to daughter Lindsay and her husband Andrew. A huge philanthropist and humanitarian. Mentor and inspiration to many students, organizations and charities. Ken Michalak is a recipient of St. Stanislaus Order. He is also a huge wine connoisseur and fisherman, recently was awarded with WSET LEVEL2 AWARD IN WINES.

SANJU GANGLANI

DIRECTOR, MEDIA

Sanju is an entrepreneur, and understands what level of dedication and support is necessary to help make a business successful. Sanju has worked with companies from single person entrepreneurs to fortune 500 companies globally. For over 10 years, gang&lani media has been serving the global business community with offices in Canada, USA and the UK. 

Nesrin Thabet

NESRIN THABET

DIRECTOR

Nesrin Thabet was born in Damascus, Syria. She immigrated to Canada over 30 years ago to pursue her studies in business as well as make-up application and aesthetics.

While pursuing her career she furthered her education and became a teacher.

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Nesrin Thabet taught for over 9 years and was highly regarded and respected as a teacher. She was also known for her dedication to her community, especially when it came to supporting young women.

After leaving her job as an educator, Nesrin Thabet became an active interpreter working for the court system as well as a helper to many Syrian refugees settling in Canada. In so doing she also became an extremely important part of the Arab community.

In that spirit, she also started a radio show, Basamatalaljudran al mahjer, where she discusses important topics and issues that concern the Arab community. As a result of the radio show, women from around the world have reached out to Nesrin Thabet for help. From aiding migrants to settle in Canada to assisting high school girls with makeup for their prom, and building up confidence amongst young women through her organized events and motivational speeches, Nesrin Thabet has done much for her local and global community via the radio show.

She is an amazing motivator, supporter, mother, and friend.