Speaker Series: Accelerating Growth Through Action presented by Maple Lodge Farms
Violinist Performance, CABINPARTY
Third Course - Dessert
Closing Remarks
Networking & DJ set by thatgirlwhodjs
Step Up For Change
Soles4Souls Canada is dedicated to creating sustainable jobs and providing relief through the distribution of shoes and clothing worldwide. Through its four key programs—4Opportunity, 4Relief, 4EveryKid, and 4ThePlanet the organization empowers women entrepreneurs, supports those in crisis, provides footwear for children in need, and promotes sustainability by keeping shoes out of landfills.
BioPed Brampton has been a proud supporter, collecting nearly 11,000 pairs of shoes last year and setting a new goal of 15,000 pairs this year. Help them reach their goal by bringing your gently loved footwear to the inspiHER Gala! BioPed will be setup to receive all of your wonderful donations
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated footwear and contributed to this incredible shoe drive at this years inspiHER Gala—your generosity is making a real difference!
Welcome t GALA
Welcome to the 2025 inspiHER Gala in celebration of International Women’s Day. Tonight, the Brampton Board of Trade community unites in solidarity to mark our accomplishments on the road to achieving gender equality and to support one another in our quest to continue moving gender parity forward.
Kate Saldanha
Tonight we will celebrate women leaders in our community through the Naseem Somani Memorial Leadership Excellence Award, be inspired by the words of women trailblazers in local organizations through the Accelerating Growth Through Action Speaker Series, and be delighted and entertained by the artistry of talented local women.
And while we have many accomplishments to celebrate, the road ahead is long. Data from the World Economic Forum projects that it will take until 2158 – approximately five generations from now – to reach full gender parity at the current rate of progress.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2025 is Accelerate Action. This is a challenge to increase the rate of progress toward gender parity by intensifying our urgency, acting swiftly, and taking decisive steps. This is also a call to action each day - whether we are celebrating women ’ s success, questioning bias, calling out discrimination and stereotypes, or uniting together to encourage others to Accelerate Action.
We thank you for joining us this evening. We trust that you will leave this event both inspired and motivated to heed the call to Accelerate Action as part of your daily life in support of all women.
Meet our Emcees
The Brampton Board of Trade is proud to have five incredible women on its Board of Directors, each bringing diverse expertise and perspectives, all united in their mission to empower the Brampton business community.
Kate Saldanha is a lawyer at Prouse, Dash & Crouch, LLP specializing in wills & estates law and real estate law. She is the Brampton Board of Trade 2025 Chair, reflecting her commitment to community engagement. In her downtime, Kate is a Disney enthusiast, drawing inspiration from its storytelling and creativity.
Paula Harvey is a dedicated c 25 years of experience in the sectors within the Region of P creative problem solver, she is passionate about fostering inclusivity while staying connected to nature, making things from scratch, and spending time with family and friends.
Paula Harvey
Kate Saldanha
Usha Srinivasan is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and led multiple businesses across various industries. As an investor, she is passionate about supporting innovative ventures and driving business growth. A dedicated vegan foodie, Usha also enjoys karaoke, embracing opportunities to connect with others through music and shared experiences.
Upjit Kaur Kansal is the founder of 100 Women Who Care Brampton, a not-for-profit that brings charities serving Brampton in front of donors for an immed injection while doing her day job with J D corporation and serving many businesses Canada looking for funding with their pre non-recourse factoring services.
Amisha Moorjan , y ounder of The Food Quotient, champions health and wellness through her expertise in Foods & Nutrition. Specializing in vegan, plant-based, and halal cuisine, her company offers meal delivery, catering, and takeout services in an environmentally-responsible manner, embodying her dedication to a nutritious and wholesome life.
Usha Srinivasan
jit Kansal
Amisha Moorjani
Meet theArtists
thegirlwhodjs
Kari the DJ is a rising Brampton-based DJ who began her journey in high school through the Math Thru Music program, mastering the art of mixing for diverse audiences. After graduating in 2023, she launched her own business, "thatgirlwhodjs," at just 19. Kari has played at major events across the city, including CP24 for the Brampton Honey Badgers, BAO's Town Hall, and her biggest event to date, the Brampton Board of Trade’s 2024 Business Excellence Awards
Desiree McKenzie is an award-winning poet, arts educator, and national poetry slam champion with roots in Brampton. Her work has been featured by CBC’s Poetic License, and When Sisters Speak, to name a few. She leads community poetry programs for JAYU, VIBE Arts, Unity Charity, and Poetry in Voice. In 2022, she opened for Rupi Kaur at Massey Hall on her world tour. Desiree is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Guelph. Desiree McKenzie
Spotlight Stage
PRESENTED BY
Award-winning folk singer/songwriter Leah Holtom grew up in Brampton, Ontario, and now thrives in Toronto's music scene. Blending folk and country, she offers fresh storytelling with a unique take on traditional instrumentation. In 2024, she won the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for her debut single, Face The Day. Her rich sound and tender vocals shine on her debut EP, Patchwork.
CABINPARTY
Daisy holds a Master’s degr The Schulich School of Mus Bachelor’s degree from The Johns Hopkins University. Daisy started playing piano at the age of two and started the violin just a few years later. Juggling both the violin and the piano, Daisy attended the Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Leah Holtom
Naseem Somani Memorial LEADERSHIP
EXCELLENCE AWARD
Honouring an individual who exemplifies vision, integrity, and innovation, and making a lasting impact through transformative leadership.
PRESENTED BY
Vito Ciciretto, President & CEO of Dynacare since 2018, is a Chartered Professional Accountant with an MBA from Schulich. Named Brampton Board of Trade’s Business Person of the Year (2021), he is a values-driven leader with a passion for team building, innovation, and operational excellence across healthcare, aerospace, and infrastructure management.
Vito Ciciretto PRESIDENT&CEO,DYNACARE
H th St ti tieCleland
KikiFerrari
A Closer Look AT OUR FINALISTS
Rifat Parvaiz
A PILLAR OF STRENGTH AND EXCELLENCE
For over 25 years, Rifat Parvaiz has been a driving force behind A1 Cash & Carry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, resilience, and integrity. As co-owner and Director of Human Resources, she has shaped the company ’ s culture, fostering inclusivity, employee well-being, and operational excellence.
A strong advocate for women ’ s empowerment, Rifat has championed initiatives that support career growth and leadership for women. Through her strategic foresight and empathy, Rifat continues to inspire, cementing her reputation as a transformational leader driving both business success and social impact.
ORMING HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP
Executive Vice President and Chief icer at William Osler Health System, is a ive leader dedicated to advancing patient ospital operations. Playing a key role in Osler’s services, innovations, and for increased healthcare resources. Kiki’s was instrumental during the COVID-19 ensuring the rapid development of centers and vaccine clinics. Her t to employee engagement, mentorship, pment has made her an inspiration in the industry.
NARY IN DIGITAL INNOVATION
der of We Love Digital Marketing Inc., Jyoti ailblazer in the world of business and With a passion for empowering businesses, ped over 100 companies achieve their gh tailored strategies and innovative s. Leading a dynamic team of 30 sionals, Jyoti fosters a culture of collaboration, ntability, and excellence. Jyoti's leadership is by a deep commitment to integrity and zational excellence, inspiring those around her nnovate and succeed.
Kiki Ferrari
Sponsored TABLEPARTNER
Brampton Venture Zone by TMU is a purpose-driven, non-equity incubator launching early-stage technology startups in Brampton. At BVZ, startups are more than just a vanity metric—they are key players driving innovation and impact in our ecosystem. BVZ is proud to introduce the following female-powered Med Tech startups.
S. Robinson & Associates of RBC Dominion Securities Thank you to our
Gift Bag Donors
THANK YOU TO THE HOPE ENDOORS TEAM FOR ASSEMBLING OUR GIFT BAGS
Violet Pearce is the Vice President of Human Resources at Maple Lodge Farms, bringing extensive expertise in HR strategy, talent development, and organizational leadership. With a passion for employee engagement and workplace culture, she drives initiatives that foster growth, inclusion, and innovation, ensuring a thriving and dynamic workforce under her leadership.
With over 15 years of community experience, Aretha McCarthy specializes in trauma-informed, culturally responsive strategies to enhance community safety & social services in under-served areas. A recognized leader, supporting Revive’s mission to aid individuals impacted within the community through advocacy, education, and intervention.
Manvir Bhangu is an award-winning community leader and founder of Laadliyan, an organization dedicated to empowering South Asian daughters through education, engagement, and advocacy. With over a decade of experience in gender equity and human rights, she has created transformative opportunities for young women.
t Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor of n College, has over 30 years of experience in post-secondary sector, championing student ess and community engagement. Since 2018, adership has elevated Sheridan’s reputation, ng it the top spot on Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers in 2023.
