On November 15, 2024, the majestic Hotel Marysin Dwór in Katowice, Poland served as the backdrop for a truly distinguished evening—the Brilliant Minded Women Gala, held in proud collaboration with the Order of St. Stanislas. This intimate gathering welcomed 200 esteemed guests from across the globe to honor exceptional leadership, cultural heritage, and the enduring power of human connection.
An elegant fusion of purpose and pageantry, the gala paid tribute to those who lead with vision, uplift their communities, and embody the highest ideals of compassion, innovation, and excellence.

An Evening of Purpose and Prestige

The gala was more than a celebration—it was a moment of reflection, empowerment, and forward-thinking. Through inspiring speeches, live performances, and meaningful awards, the evening shone a spotlight on women in leadership, the importance of service, and the global movement for gender equality.
Every element of the program was thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of warmth, unity, and cultural richness. Guests were immersed in fine dining, dynamic entertainment, and heartfelt recognition, forging connections that will continue to grow beyond the event itself.

Award Ceremony

• 4 Awardees in 2 Categories: Individuals were recognized for their excellence in Community Service and Business Development, each celebrated for their unwavering dedication to creating a better, more equitable world.
• 7 Brilliant Minded Global Ambassadors: These visionary leaders were celebrated for their international impact, exceptional leadership, and commitment to empowering others. As Brilliant Minded Women Global Ambassadors, they stand as powerful symbols of cross-cultural leadership.
• 5 Recipients of the Order of St. Stanislas: The historic and prestigious Order of St. Stanislas was conferred upon five remarkable individuals—Dames and Cavaliers—in recognition of their lifelong contributions to humanitarian efforts, public service, and global leadership.
• Certificates of Achievement: Each Brilliant Minded Women awardee received a beautifully personalized certificate, acknowledging their extraordinary impact and their role in advancing the mission of women in leadership.
• Certificates of Appreciation: Our generous sponsors and donors were also formally recognized with Certificates of Appreciation, honoring their invaluable support and belief in the Foundation’s mission.
• Acknowledging the Team and Volunteers: Behind every unforgettable evening is a team of passionate individuals. Special recognition was given to the dedicated volunteers and event team, whose hard work and devotion made the gala a true success.

Entertainment Highlights

The evening’s entertainment was a celebration of both tradition and modern expression:
🎻 A live violinist welcomed guests with elegance and grace, setting the tone for an evening of refinement.
💃 A vibrant dance performance energized the room, blending art and movement in a way that reflected the passion of the cause.
🎶 Classic and contemporary music, performed by a live band, seamlessly transitioned the night into joyous celebration, concluding with a nostalgic disco set that brought guests to their feet.
🌟 A captivating laser arts performance added a touch of magic and modernity to the night, creating an unforgettable visual experience.

In-Kind Support Contributions

This memorable evening was further enriched by generous in-kind donations, symbolizing appreciation, legacy, and shared vision:

• 💎 $20,000 Contribution
  Guests were gifted 200 copies of the commemorative documentary album,
  “Living Legends: Brilliant Minds in the World”, celebrating the extraordinary stories of individuals whose lives continue to shape and inspire the world.
• 🎁 $5,000 Contribution
  Thoughtfully curated gift baskets were presented to Sponsors, Donors, Ambassadors, and Awardees, each one a heartfelt token of gratitude and celebration.

November 1, 2019 | Riviera Event Space, Concord, Ontario
Guests: 500+

Brilliant Talk – Voices That Inspire

• Joanna Andros: My Blueprint of Self Sabotage – Helping individuals break free from self-sabotage and unlock their potential.
• Josephine Auciello: The Importance of Body, Mind & Spirit Alignment in Your Business – Teaching participants how to align their inner and outer worlds for business success.
• Tanya Chernova: The Courage to Have Life-Changing Conversations – Empowering people to step out of their comfort zones and have impactful, transformative conversations.
• Yvonne Bogorya Buczkowski: Women Empowerment – Offering strategies for women to lead, empower others, and overcome societal barriers.
• Carine Lacroix: Canadian Women Driven by Entrepreneurship – Inspiring Canadian women to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and break new ground in the business world.
• Laura Compagni: Ignite Your Fire – You’ve Got The Power – A powerful coaching session designed to ignite passion and purpose in every participant.
• Dr. Jean Augustine: Resilience – Empowering individuals to overcome challenges and build resilience in their lives.
• Angela Demontigny: Becoming a Force for Change – Providing tools for attendees to become catalysts for positive social change.
• Danuta Domurad: Shake Off Your Old Self – Guiding participants through the process of shedding old habits and embracing transformation.
• Marilyn Field: What is Most Important for Our Children – Discussing the importance of supporting the mental and emotional well-being of the next generation.
• Ida Gerasolo: Mental Health and Dancers – Focusing on the mental health challenges unique to dancers and how to build resilience in this high-pressure field.
• Hennnah Ji: Your Brilliance is Your Ministry – Teaching individuals to harness their personal brilliance for the benefit of others.
• Lesley Page: Life is Too Short to be a Passenger – Inspiring people to take charge of their own lives and create their own path.
• Lesli Silvestri: Mental Health: Design & Dialogue – Engaging in meaningful conversations around mental health, offering practical advice and strategies for well-being.
• Dauna Jones Simmonds: The Journey of Impact of Black Canadian Women – Discussing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Black Canadian women in creating social change.
• Maggie Habieda: The Power of Single Image – A repeat session with a focus on empowering individuals to use their image as a tool for leadership and impact.

Tradeshow

The event showcased a diverse range of 120 businesses across various industries, offering attendees the opportunity to explore new products, services, and innovative solutions.

• Networking Opportunities: The tradeshow served as a dynamic platform for businesses to network, interact with potential clients, partners, and investors, creating opportunities for future collaboration and growth.
• Interactive Engagement: Attendees had the chance to engage directly with business representatives, ask questions, and receive personalized demonstrations of products and services, providing a hands-on experience with the latest industry innovations.
• Discover Emerging Trends: The exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies and breakthrough services, allowing attendees to stay ahead of the curve and discover the latest trends and industry developments.
• Business Expansion: The tradeshow created an ideal environment for businesses to expand their reach, build strong partnerships, and connect with individuals who could help accelerate their growth.
• Inspiration and Insight: Participants left with new ideas, inspiration, and insights that could support their business and personal development, contributing to their long-term success.

VIP Cocktail Event

The VIP Event offered an exclusive opportunity for high-level networking and relationship-building. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers gathered to connect, share experiences, and collaborate, fostering a supportive community focused on creating lasting social and professional impact.

• Exclusive Networking: Attendees had the chance to engage in one-on-one conversations and small group discussions with some of the most prominent leaders in their respective fields. The event created an ideal setting for sharing insights, discussing new trends, and exploring collaborative opportunities.
• Collaborative Environment: The event facilitated the exchange of ideas and experiences, allowing guests to brainstorm solutions, strategize, and build partnerships that could lead to innovative ventures and social impact projects.
• Building Relationships: The intimate nature of the event encouraged the cultivation of genuine relationships, fostering long-term professional connections and friendships among like-minded individuals dedicated to creating positive change.
• Focus on Social and Professional Impact: The gathering emphasized creating lasting impact—both socially and professionally—by encouraging attendees to connect not only for business growth but also to collaborate on initiatives that drive positive change in their communities.
• Inspiring Conversations: Thought-provoking conversations took place throughout the event, where attendees could share personal stories of success, challenges, and their vision for a better future, sparking inspiration for those in attendance.

September 18, 2018 | Polish Consulate, Toronto
Guests: 260

A Celebration of Legacy, Culture, and Impact

The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action—a moment to honor those who inspire, while encouraging others to rise and lead. Held in one of Canada’s most historically significant diplomatic spaces, the event symbolized the unity between Canadian and Polish communities, and the shared values of resilience, excellence, and compassion.
Guests were immersed in a thoughtfully curated program that seamlessly blended cultural richness with visionary purpose. Every element of the evening reflected the Foundation’s mission: to recognize extraordinary women and foster meaningful dialogue that leads to lasting change.

🌟 Global Excellence Award Ceremony

🎙️ Distinguished Keynote Speakers

• Mayor Bonnie Crombie: The Mayor of Mississauga shared her vision for fostering inclusive leadership and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of women in driving positive societal change.
• Consul General Krzysztof Grzelczyk: As the Polish Consul General, he highlighted the enduring friendship between Canada and Poland and stressed the value of cultural exchange and collaboration in achieving mutual goals of global excellence.

🤝 Exclusive Networking Session

🍽️ Cultural Experience: A Taste of Poland

Guests were treated to an authentic Polish cuisine tasting, where they sampled a variety of traditional dishes, providing a unique cultural experience that complemented the evening’s festivities. This culinary journey offered a taste of Poland’s rich heritage, sparking conversations and connections over delicious food.

🎶 Live Artistic Performance

The evening also featured a live performance, further elevating the atmosphere with a beautiful and vibrant presentation of music and art. The performance captivated guests, providing an artistic reflection of the event’s themes of inspiration, leadership, and cultural connection.

Documenting Brilliance: A Historic Premiere

Data: 15 listopada 2024
Lokalizacja: Hotel Marysin Dwór, Katowice
Liczba gości: 200

Program Wydarzenia

Gala stała się przestrzenią do wymiany kulturowej, inspiracji oraz budowania wartościowych relacji. Goście mieli okazję delektować się wykwintną kolacją, wsłuchać się w poruszające przemówienia oraz uczestniczyć w niezwykłych pokazach artystycznych. Wydarzenie miało również silny wymiar społeczny – podkreślało znaczenie wspierania kobiet w przywództwie i konieczność dalszych działań na rzecz równości płci i globalnego rozwoju społecznego.

Ceremonia Wręczenia Nagród

• 4 Laureatki Brilliant Minded Women: Uhonorowano cztery wyjątkowe kobiety za ich niezwykłe osiągnięcia w dziedzinie rozwoju biznesu oraz działalności społecznej. Każda z nich została doceniona za swoje zaangażowanie, pasję i wpływ na otaczający świat.
• 7 Globalnych Ambasadorów Brilliant Minded: Tytuł Globalnego Ambasadora otrzymało siedem inspirujących osób, które wykazały się wyjątkowym przywództwem, wizją oraz oddaniem w tworzeniu pozytywnych zmian na skalę światową.
• Order Świętego Stanisława: Z inicjatywy Fundacji Brilliant Minded Women do tego prestiżowego odznaczenia zostało nominowanych pięć wyjątkowych osób – Dam i Kawalerów – w uznaniu za ich ponadprzeciętne zaangażowanie w działalność humanitarną, służbę publiczną oraz przywództwo społeczne.
• Certyfikaty Uznania i Osiągnięć: Laureatki otrzymały spersonalizowane certyfikaty Brilliant Minded Women, potwierdzające ich zaangażowanie i osiągnięcia. Certyfikaty wdzięczności wręczono również Sponsorom i Darczyńcom za ich nieocenione wsparcie.
• Podziękowania dla Zespołu i Wolontariuszy: Doceniono również pracę całego zespołu i wolontariuszy, bez których sukces tego wydarzenia nie byłby możliwy.
• Acknowledging the Team and Volunteers: The contributions of the Team and Volunteers were recognized, highlighting their hard work in making the event a success.

Wsparcie Rzeczowe

• $20 000 Cnd – 200 egzemplarzy ekskluzywnego albumu dokumentalnego “Living Legends: Brilliant Minds in the World” zostało podarowanych gościom jako pamiątka i forma uznania dla globalnych liderów.
• $5 000 Cad – 100 koszy upominkowych przygotowano dla Sponsorów, Darczyńców, Ambasadorów oraz Laureatek, jako symbol wdzięczności za ich wsparcie i wkład w wydarzenie.