PAST EVENTS

April 2024

Theme: Spring Forward

We’ve asked our storytellers to share their personal narratives of transformation and renewal.  Of times they have undergone significant changes in their lives, illustrating their journeys of shedding old habits, embracing new beginnings, and ultimately blooming into the best versions of themselves. Through these stories, we will explore the themes of renewal, regeneration, and rebirth. We’re all constantly growing and changing, so this April expect our multigenerational line-up to dig deep and wow us with a heartfelt or humorous story about how they’ve evolved.

Our incredible performer line up

Team 20s - Marin Guy is an advocate for queer representation and self-advocacy. Outspoken about her personal challenges with self-expression and sexuality, she embraces the inevitable changes along her journey. Launching into a sales and marketing career after university, and taking the leap from Ottawa to Toronto, Marin prioritizes the importance of authenticity and self-confidence as she finds her path.  LinkedIn

Team 30s - Goji Anandarajah is a strong advocate for mental health initiatives, particularly within marginalized populations. Most importantly, she believes in reducing mental health stigma and creating awareness within her Sri Lankan Tamil Community. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto. As part of her master’s program, she is writing a thesis focused on Sri Lankan Tamil youth seeking help for mental health issues.  Goji has a decade of experience providing administrative and operational support with a specialized focus on stakeholder engagement, including government relations, community partners, mental health clients, and families. When Goji has some time to herself, she likes to keep active by practicing mindfulness meditation, yoga, and exercise. Goji absolutely adores spending time with her loved ones, especially over a delicious meal. She is lucky to be able to keep her plants alive with her somewhat green thumb!

Team 40s - Jen McNeely Described by The Globe and Mail as “a trailblazer of authentic storytelling and community building,” Jen McNeely is the founder of award-winning arts and culture website Shedoesthecity.com, and a well-respected advocate for mental health and recovery. Since 2012, McNeely has spoken candidly about her alcohol-use disorder, and has been invited to speak on CBC's The CurrentHere & Now, TVO's The AgendaCityline, and several other media outlets. Beyond Shedoesthecity, she's written for Toronto LifeFASHION MagazineThe Kit, and The Globe and Mail. In 2020, McNeely was nominated for the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award by Women of Influence. In 2021, she sold her business and moved to the woods. These days she's enjoying life in the beautiful Beaver Valley, quietly working on a few passion projects, and volunteering her time for causes and initiatives she believes in. 

Team 50s - Laurie May has been in the film business for over twenty-five years. She is Co-Founder and Co-President of Elevation Pictures, which launched at TIFF 2013 and has grown into the largest independent film company in Canada. Elevation launched a production division in 2019, and has since been prolific in Canadian productions and co-productions. Prior to Elevation, Laurie was Executive Vice President at Entertainment One, following the purchase of Alliance Films, which she had joined as Executive Vice President when they purchased Maple Pictures in August 2011.  Laurie had been Co-President and Co-Founder of Maple Pictures from April 2005 until the sale to Alliance. Before founding Maple, Laurie was Senior Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Lionsgate from 1997-2005, and sat on the board of directors of Lionsgate from 2005-2010. Prior to working in film, Laurie received her law degree from U of T Faculty of Law, practiced corporate and entertainment law at Oslers, and was an adjunct professor of Entertainment and Sports Law at Western Law School. Laurie has been a mentor for Women in Film and Television and in 2010 was the recipient of the WIFT Outstanding Achievement Award. In June 2017 she became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and in October 2021 she joined the TIFF board. In May 2023 Laurie was named one of the Most Influential Women in International Film by The Hollywood Reporter, and in June 2023 Elevation Pictures was featured in The Hollywood Reporter celebrating the company’s 10th Anniversary. LinkedIn

Team 60s - Immaculee Uwanyiligira Immaculee was born in Rwanda, spent her formative years in Uganda and in Zaire (now DRC), where her family members were exiled. Her life trajectory took her on a world tour, to many countries where she lived and worked, including: Trinidad and Tobago, the United States, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, the Netherlands and now Canada, which she calls her final stop. She worked in the Information Technology field for ten years in the United States, for over 15 years with the United Nations in various capacities and countries, as well as in diplomacy. Immaculee has two masters degrees in Information and Telecommunication Systems, in International Affairs, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science. She is a mother of three grown children and a grandmother of two.

Team 70s - Raheel Raza is President of The Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow, founding member of The Muslim Reform Movement, Director of Forum for Learning, President, Steering Committee of The Council for Muslims Against Antisemitism (CMAA), National Advisory Board of Abraham Global Peace Initiative, award winning journalist, public speaker, advocate for human rights, gender equality and dignity in diversity. Raheel has appeared in print and on TV and radio numerous times including CNN, Fox news, Real Time with Bill Maher and BBC Hardtalk. In 2017 she gave over 100 interviews internationally and published over a dozen op-eds. In her pursuit for human rights, Raheel was accredited with the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva from 2011 to 2017. Website

January 2024

Theme: Far From Home

Adventurous ladies roam.

Our theme invites our storytellers to recall a time they were far from home. This might be literal distance from home base — an overseas vacation, year abroad, the experience of moving for college or their first job. Or this might be a metaphorical distance — getting far from the person they really are, losing sight of their values and sense of self. Maybe they’ll dive deep or maybe they’ll just make us laugh. Whatever they choose to share, humorous or heartfelt, we know it’s going to inspire and delight.

Our incredible performer line up

Team 20s - Sarah Hart is a devoted Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher & Holistic Counselor with 7 years of personal practice and almost 5 years as a 500 RYT instructor. Her aim is to make the healing journey more relatable and lighthearted while still providing a deeply impactful transformative healing experience. She specializes in incorporating breathwork and her trauma-informed background for a holistic approach to mental well-being & trauma recovery. Sarah's journey into yoga and breathwork began after a spiritual awakening, seeking an alternative to conventional mental health support. Her own healing from trauma inspired her to help others facing various challenges such as anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm and PTSD caused by overcoming adversity. In her offerings, Sarah fosters a safe space for self-discovery, guiding students to find calmness and resilience. Join her transformative journey of breathwork and holistic counselling to embrace your inner power and heal from within.

Team 30s - Sunta Sem is throwing spaghetti and seeing what sticks. Sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally. After 10+ years helping other businesses go from 0 to their first million, she’s pursuing what it would mean to do that for herself doing what she loves most - anything to do with food! Her company Little Cambodian Mom Inc. is a tribute to her parents who were the first people to show her that even though life takes hard work and resilience, you can always enjoy delicious moments in between. Webstore

Team 40s - Iva Grbesic is a Cityline Style expert, Fashion/Lifestyle Blogger - “Falling in Style”. She describes herself as a brave/crazy mom of 4 who is 6' tall and believes that fashion doesn't end at age 35.  Website Instagram

Team 50s - Shawna Akerman identifies as Neurodiverse and is a dedicated advocate for the neurodiverse community, driven by her passion to support families and facilitate enriching social experiences for children while prioritizing emotional regulation. As the CEO and founder of Karma Cares Community and Karma Country Camp, Shawna brings a wealth of experience to her roles. She holds credentials as a Registered Psychotherapist and Certified Counsellor and is a proud mother of two thriving neurodiverse deaf adults. Shawna's professional journey began in the field of Early Childhood Education and Special Education, where she honed her skills as a Certified Special Education Teacher, Fitness Instructor, and accessibility expert. She is passionate about creating community and brings people together in every facet of her life. Facebook Atypical KarmaCamp KarmaCares LinkedIn

Team 60s - Deborah Kimmett Whether on the page or on the stage, Deborah Kimmett is known as one funny lady. She's a hilarious comic, author, playwright, and performer for the past 40 years. She has been a regular on CBC’s Winnipeg Comedy Festival and has been on CBC’s The Debaters for the past 17 years.  Kimmett was nominated twice for the National Magazine Award for Humour and was shortlisted for the Governor General Award for her play Miracle Mother. She has three books of comedy: Reality is Overrated, Outrunning Crazy and That Which Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Funnier. Her comedy album Downward Facing Broad is #5 on iTunes in Canada.  And now been adapted into a podcast featuring dynamic and powerful Canadian women. The architect of the Seven Minute Writer Toolkit she teaches online memoir workshops that attract people from across the world wanting to tell their stories. YouTube Facebook Instagram

Team 70s - Ann Merriam For more than three decades Ann Merriam has focused on storytelling and community building through Arts Education, Performance and Mentorship.  With a rare gift for spotting pure potential, she founded and led the Musical Theatre Department at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in Scarborough, where she created a program that recognized and fostered talented young people who have gone on to big careers on stage and in film and television. As a director and producer, her work has been seen at Theatre Passé Muraille, Roy Thompson Hall, the National Arts Centre and the Edinburgh and Toronto Fringe Festivals. Her choir, the Wexford Gleeks was the subject of Global TV’s 6x9: The Real Glee, and the TVO documentary Unsung: Behind the Glee directed by award- winning director Moze Mossanen. Currently Ann coaches emerging actors and produces projects under “Edge of The Sky” in Toronto and New York, fuelled by her belief in the transformative power of theatre and music. Ann is currently producing for the fourth time the annual Holiday Variety Show “Jingle Babz & Friends”, which features some of the top musical theatre/comedic talent in the country and will be presented at the legendary Heliconian Club in the heart of Toronto. Jingle Babz Tickets

October 24, 2023

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors: the idea that every decision we make in life has the potential to lead us down vastly different paths, influencing the course of our future.

Decisions. Most are small. Some are bigger. Whether it's choosing a career, pursuing a relationship, making a financial investment, or deciding where to live, each choice can shape the trajectory of our lives.

We’ve asked our storytellers to reflect on the concept of sliding doors and share a decision that changed their lives, forever. Join us as we consider the significance of our choices and the opportunities they present. A reminder that life is full of uncertainties, and even seemingly insignificant decisions can lead to profound consequences.

Our incredible performer line up

Team 20s - Grace Hillion A Cobourg native. Embodies confidence & self-love. An OG girls- girl, she’s a trailblazing advocate for body positivity and self-esteem. Dedicating her spare time to uplifting others through social media platforms such as Instagram. Always pushing the envelope through fashion, Grace fiercely demonstrates that no one should put themselves in a societal box because everyone is beautiful no matter their size. Instagram Instagram2

Team 30s - Emily O’Brien is an entrepreneur and the Founder of Comeback Snacks—a specialty popcorn company that challenges the status quo. After being sentenced to a four-year jail term following an abusive relationship, Emily set out on a mission to transform herself and make her time in jail as meaningful as possible. Using her entrepreneurial pre-sentence background and experience, Emily birthed the idea for Comeback Snacks (formerly ‘Cons and Kernels’)—a popcorn brand that uses high-quality, health-conscious ingredients to create unique flavours inspired by the ones Emily developed in prison. In June 2021, Emily opened Comeback Commissary, Comeback Snacks’ first-ever retail store, with a focus on telling her story and the stories of other inmates in a physical setting. Through her trailblazing efforts, Emily is an example that positive change can happen within correctional institutions with passion, drive, and a positive mindset. Emily is determined to help remove the stigma surrounding people with prior convictions, as well as give them opportunities for reintegration through training, empowerment and education. As a leading voice in this unique movement, Emily is frequently called upon by media, including CBC, CTV, Global, Toronto Star, iHeartRadio, CHCH, VICE, and more. Emily was awarded the Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship award at the 2020 YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards and, most recently, was named a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Awards. In 2022, she also received The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee for Community Service in recognition of her dedication to social justice. Emily is currently penning a memoir outlining her experience throughout the criminal justice system and beyond. For more on Emily, visit her website. Instagram Facebook X

Team 40s - kristen gale creator + ceo of THE TEN SPOT® beauty bars. starting her business at the age of 24, kristen is one of the country’s most recognized young leaders and entrepreneurs, known for canada’s largest and fasted growing beauty bar and retail company. kristen often works with professional women and entrepreneurs to provide tangible tips and tools that she has learned over the last 15+ years of her franchising success. her vision to franchise THE TEN SPOT® was driven by her passion to empower women to live their best life. she saw the opportunity for other women to experience the freedom and success she accomplished and knew that by developing processes and tools within her proven business model, other women could achieve that same success in markets across the world. her energetic and passionate personality lights up the room as she uses her unique ability to motivate and inspire women to go after their dreams. kristen’s story of hard work + setbacks leaps forward and all the fun in between is a refreshing tale of the female entrepreneur. kristen is the proud recipient of Canada's top 40 under 40 award, 100 top female entrepreneurs + top young female entrepreneur. @kris10spot YouTube LinkedIn

Team 50s - Annabel Griffiths Fitzsimmons Hi, I’m Annabel, and I’m proud to be repping Team 50s! Never to be defined by one role, I have what I like to call a portfolio career. Or, as my two teenagers say, I do a lot of things. I’m a: writer, author, playwright, speaker; a yoga, meditation, and Pilates teacher; a creative collaborator; and an entrepreneur. I was born in Canada, grew up in Bermuda and England, and then moved back to Canada for high school. I learned at an early age to carve my own path, but also the power and beauty of collaborating with others. I love helping people find their voice, stay true to themselves, and connect or reconnect with what’s important to them. I’ll find any excuse to travel, and I’m happiest by the water. You can find me on social media channels @annabeljfitz

Team 60s - Iris Simpson is former graduate of Ryerson Polytechnic Institute’s now renamed Toronto Metropolitan University, Fashion Merchandising and Design program. She has been a fixture in Toronto’s fashion scene for over 4 decades.  Iris has had a very rich legacy in Canada’s fashion industry as a former buyer of international designers. She worked as a creative producer and stylist for over 25 years and is presently working alongside some of Canada’s top fashion photographers and models.  Iris has participated in workshops and spoken at many industry events during her storied career.  During Canada’s Sesquicentennial year Iris worked as the Director of THEN NOW NEXT an exhibition showcasing 150 years of Canadian fashion history.  She is a board member of The Fashion History Museum, Canada’s only comprehensive museum showcasing fashion from the last 100 years.  Iris’s love of fashion brought her to back to Toronto Metropolitan University’s Chang School of Continuing Education as an instructor; she is currently an instructor for the Fashion Innovation Project.   Iris is also cofounder of a clothing brand, Hello Couture, which includes vintage, repurposed and new designs. Iris has mentored and inspired former graduates and fashion lovers alike, throughout her long and storied career. Instagram LinkedIn Black Fashion Canada Profile Women Empowerment Podcast: 12 Band Gallery Profile

Team 70s - For 20 years Phyllis Taylor was teaching technology at an international law firm -- determined to make lawyer’s shine! All grown up and driven to enhance her own education, Phyllis attended Ryerson University to study Journalism, George Brown College to study Adult Education & Counselling, and University of Toronto to study Philosophy – thus deepening her reflections on life. A decade ago, Phyllis overcame her teaching addiction to embrace her speaking addiction, where competitive public speaking performances won her numerous awards. Recently, Phyllis authored The Prison Lady, a Memoir of her journey alongside prisoners. When Phyllis isn’t speaking, writing, or attending courses, she can be found counselling others in her capacity as a Certified Life and Mediation Coach. Phyllis says her ultimate professional pride is her position with the Ministry of Ontario, where she delivers motivational pieces and has won awards for her dedication, innovation, and inspirational work with prisoners. Loving and respecting marginalized people, while guiding them on their healing journey, is what Phyllis calls making her dream a reality. TVO interview with Steve Paikin of The Agenda Podcast interview with Ellin Bessner of The Canadian Jewish news Radio interview with Ismaila Alfa of CBC Radio Radio interview with Judy Librach of Zoomer Radio

July 24, 2023

Bucket Lists

It is the list of all lists: the bucket list. 

Join us to hear about the search for what makes a life well lived, the satisfaction of ticking off some big achievements, and the pang of things left unchecked. We’re inviting our all-star line-up to share their dreams both realized and unmet and explore how their bucket lists have shaped their lives. 
Get inspired, get humbled and, most importantly, get connected to a group of stellar women who have wisdom to share about their bucket lists.

Team 20s - Chelsee Pettit, an inspiring leader and mentor, embodies the values of collaboration, connection, and community. Through her work at Aaniin Retail Inc., she showcases diverse Indigenous designers, supporting collaboration within the Indigenous community. Her platform fosters connections between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, promoting understanding and unity. Chelsee's dedication to community empowerment paves the way for a bright and thriving future for Indigenous communities. Website Aaniin Instagram Instagram LinkedIn

Team 30s - April Wozny is a producer, mental health and sobriety advocate that lives in Toronto. She believes in building sober confidence and that it’s ok to take a step back from your relationship with alcohol. It’s about taking baby steps day by day to achieve long-term goals. There is life beyond the bottle and she is living proof. She's also the co-founder of the long-standing queer dance party, Business Women's Special, that is a safe + inclusive queer space that welcomes all! Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Team 40s - Dr. Shamira Hudda is a mother, chiropractor and competitive trail runner. She is passionate about all things natural health, spirituality and adventure! Born in Yellowknife, NWT and raised in Toronto by a single mother, her story is one of great hardships and even greater resilience. She is driven by her determination to always be better. She’s walked on fire, hiked the Red Rocks of Sedona and served on a chiropractic mission trip to bring healing to the less fortunate. Outside of her family wellness practice, you can find her dancing, baking and giggling with her family, at the gym, running by the lake, talking to dogs at every chance or having a laugh with friends. For her, connection to people, animals, nature and most importantly, ourselves, is everything. Instagram LinkedIn

Team 50s - Hali Schwartz BFA, E-RYT~500, YACEP. Hali has been deeply immersed in the world of yoga since she was a little girl growing up in Montreal. It was at this time where her mother met her guru from the Himalayas, while he was teaching in Canada. For Hali, this would begin what would become a lifelong journey into the heart of the yoga practice, and all its facets. She first visited India in 1987 and has been travelling there yearly to continue her studies at the International Meditation Institute, as well as visit her mother, who still lives there to this day. It was there that she was introduced to the hatha and restorative practices of yoga, studied and learned Sanskrit, as well as the various texts and scriptures of the yoga tradition, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras, and delved into the history of yoga – its religious and cultural background, and its vast and diverse philosophy. She also learned the practices of meditation, pranayam and chanting, and offers workshops, trainings and classes, which incorporate them all. Hali passionately teaches all aspects of this ancient and rich tradition in ways that are relevant and accessible, and which can be understood and applied directly into our lives today. She is the author of two books on yoga: One Without a Second: The Seeds of Yoga Philosophy from Root to Sprout, and Yog and I: Living Philosophy for Teachers and Seekers. Hali is a senior faculty member of the Yogaspace 200 and 300 hour Teacher Training Programs. She also teaches public and private classes and leads international yoga retreats and teacher trainings in the UK, Europe and India. Website

Team 60s - Cynthia Banks is a dynamic storyteller with more than 30 years of experience in primetime television documentary production.  Banks began her career as a documentary researcher in 1987 at CBC’s the Journal, moving on to produce short documentaries and full edition shows before becoming a Producer in the CBC Documentary Unit.  She founded Banks Productions Limited in 1995 and produced her first independent documentary.  Shortly after, she became Series Producer at Life & Times, CBC's Canadian biography series.  In 2002 Banks began directing, producing and writing full time as President of Banks Productions Limited, establishing herself as a memorable, international, award-winning filmmaker for CBC, TVOntario, Discovery and NFB.  Banks' documentaries are amongst some of the top-rated shows in Canadian prime time documentary programming.  The Caregivers' Club was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction.  Despite an exciting career, Cynthia claims her grandest adventure began when she opened the doors of Rising Spirit Bed, Breakfast & Beyond, a wellness retreat in Orono, ON in 2019.  This 5-star rated enchanting experience has provided relaxation and respite to many guests during these last few years although quite the challenge for Cynthia as the pandemic was not in the business plan!  She believes a sense of humour and her faith that All is happening FOR her, has gotten her through.  Website Facebook Instagram Website2

Team 80s - Joanne Flint was born in Toronto and has lived here for all but four years of her life. Throughout the decades, it has been a privilege for her to work together with neighbours and colleagues for “responsible and realistic change” — first through her local community association, then as a 15- year municipal councillor. Whether as a TTC Commissioner, urban planning Chair, parks and environment advocate, or labour relations advisor, her goal was to improve the well-being of people in “her city”. She was able to contribute to the arts through board memberships such as the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art and the Canadian Film Centre. A novel experience was to be the first female board member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Joanne’s long time interest in health issues resulted in her being Vice-Chair of the Metropolitan Toronto District Health Council, and a member of the Boards of Directors of the Donwood Institute and the St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital, where she served for eight years until the hospital merged with the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre. In 2014 Joanne was elected to the Board of the Central Community Care Access Centre. Joanne’s commitment to “fairness under the law” manifested itself in decade-long service on the Ontario Municipal Board and Canada’s Board of Referees. She chaired and wrote decisions for over 800 appeals launched under the Ontario Planning, Municipal, Aggregate Resources, and Expropriations Acts; and the federal Employment Insurance Act. On a personal note, Joanne is a published author, editor of 42 filmstrips on multiculturalism for use in schools, and a founding member of the Ontario Guild of English Handbell Ringers. She is currently the Recording Secretary of her local cottage association, and Treasurer of St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Burnt River. She and her husband David are proud parents of four children, and have seven grandchildren, and two beautiful great-granddaughters.

April 18, 2023

My Best Advice: The Words that Changed Me

We’re asking our multigenerational storytellers to reflect on the best — or most memorable — advice they ever received. We look to others for advice on everything: how to live, love, laugh, and make meaning of this crazy thing called life. We’ll find out what words stuck with our storytellers. It could be advice spoken by a parent, friend, or mentee, or lessons absorbed from a film, public figure, or total stranger. Maybe it was great advice, or maybe it was bad advice that still had a lifelong impact. Looking for some wise words? You won’t want to miss this fascinating show.

Team 20s - Faduma Mohamed is a spoken word poet, playwright, arts educator, autism advocate and emerging actor. In 2016, she produced her one-woman-play OUGHTISM in d'bi young's Watah Theatre. In 2019, she wrote the sequel Golden Mind which won University of Toronto’s Historical Studies: Creativity Award. In 2015, she carried a box from her play, every single day, everywhere she went, to challenge the stigma around autism. The autism awareness and fundraising initiative called “#OughtTheBox” has raised $12,000 and benefited autistic people in Toronto, Edmonton and London, England. In 2020, she was awarded the JAYU Arts for Human Rights Award (Emerging Artist) category. She continues to pursue her career as an artist while working as an Occasional Teacher with the Toronto District School Board. After writing and performing for a decade, she is currently working on her first collection of poetry. 

Team 30s - Jax Irwin is a broadcaster and content creator based in Toronto, Ontario. On the air for over 10 years, Jax has worked in radio and television across the country from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, now calling Toronto home. An outspoken advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and a proud sober woman.. Jax has made a name for herself using her platforms for not only the fun, but the important. You'll find her on the morning show weekdays on 99.9 Virgin Radio, or in the afternoons filming herself dancing in a costume around the city. Instagram TikTok

Team 40s - Sherry Joy Hugh is excited to be repping Team 40s before she levels up next year. Sherry describes Team 40s as the Best. Club. Ever. because it is a decade where she embodied a new approach to relationships and living. Someone recently described her as a “goal digger,” but instead, she thinks of herself as someone living each day full out. Her passions include family, storytelling, fitness, nature, food, and travel and is working towards checking off her dream of drumming in a rock band (at the School-of-Rock) this summer. For over 20 years, Sherry has been building and serving the community through her work in corporate and community partnerships and engagement at local and national charities.  She is a social impact leader, community builder, professional fundraiser, group facilitator, and enthusiastic connector of people, opportunities, and ideas to make lives better. Sherry is a first generation Filipino Canadian, mother of two adults – Gavin, 25 and Shannon, 21 – and is currently enjoying empty-nest living with her partner and best friend, Glen.   LinkedIn Instagram

Team 50s - Helen Xenidis is 58 years old and excited to represent team 50’s!  While Helen has enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry, in 2009 she literally had a midlife awakening changing the trajectory of her life. Her journey has evolved into her passion to redefine our approach to midlife.  Helen is an award winning public speaker, an avid global traveler and a pro-aging midlife maven.  She is passionate about encouraging women of all ages to question their ideas about aging and to look forward to midlife unencumbered by social stereotypes.  Helen’s hobbies include photography, CrossFit and most recently she is learning to roller skate! 

Team 60s - Susan Pimento Sue is a multiple award-winning life and business strategist, with a background in corporate sales and leadership. Her career expands over multiple industries including, banking, lending, mortgage brokering, coaching and fitness. Sue worked her way up from a front-line commissioned sales person to a VP of a Schedule 1 Bank. She has also, transformed herself physically by losing over 100 pounds, becoming a licensed Fitness and Zumba instructor and by hiking to Everest Base Camp and the summit of Machu Picchu. Well into her 60”s Sue, has learned that age is not a barrier, instead it is a badge of experience and wisdom! Anyone who has met Sue knows that she has passion for being the best version of herself that she can be and encourages others to do the same! Audiences love her practical "SuzySays" strategies that they can apply professionally and personally. Often describing her as having a "delightfully contagious energy!" Oh, and did we mention that Sue is Second City trained? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she is a bit mischievous, very witty and a little cheeky! Website Facebook YouTube LinkedIn

Team 70s - Georgina Cannon Author, Speaker and award winning hypnosis instructor at the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies, Georgina Cannon, is a relationship coach,  NLP Master,   Past Life and Interlife Regression Therapist and accredited Instructor for the National Guild of Hypnotists and on the board of the International Board of Regression Therapies. Recognized by many in the media as “The Source” for expert opinion in the field of hypnotherapy and issues around complementary wellness treatments, she has been a past guest on the English European Radio – REM.FM based in Spain as well as numerous radio and t.v. shows in Canada and the U.S. Including various interviews on Gaia TV and Coast to Coast with George Noory. Based in Toronto, Canada, her teachings and lectures have taken her to various cities in the U.S. Middle East and Europe. Her two previous best selling books – “Return Again” and “The Third Circle Protocol” both reached amongst the top sellers in their category on Amazon. Her new book, “Your Guide to Self-Discovery” is a curated collection from experts around the world, who guide the reader into different forms of ancient and modern self discovery. Website Twitter Instagram YouTube Facebook LinkedIn

January 24, 2023

PROMISES MADE, PROMISES BROKEN

Join us we explore the timely theme of resolution and what it means to be a vow maker, a vow breaker or to be on the receiving end of a promise made or broken. We asked our fearless performers to dig into the catalytic moments of their lives, how it felt to honor them, or conversely, to look back on those moments when a broken promise was the only way to forge ahead.  “A promise made is a debt unpaid”

Team 20s - Leon Tsai (she/they) is a Taiwanese trans-femme and settler-immigrant storyteller (un/re)learning in Tkaronto. While seeding softness through grief and madness, they invite the world on this journey together: planning, caring, and preparing for the softest revolution yet where none is left behind. May we blossom softer, so we don’t break further." Website Instagram

Team 30s - Allison Brennan is a 39-years old (phew just made it) go team 30's! Her passions include justice, storytelling, her darling family and empowering her community to change the things they can.  Past zip codes include North Bay, Petawawa, Ottawa, Quebec City, San Francisco and Los Angeles. She currently resides in Toronto and is thrilled to be participating in Generation Women alongside the likes of these fabulous ladies.  Allison is an active member of the recovery community and has 21 years clean and sober (shout out to ladies at the Hill).  She’s passionate about helping women navigate the dire ramifications that alcohol has on their wellbeing and is dedicated to this service. She’s an actress, writer, producer; currently in post-production for The Hot Doctor Web Pilot, you can catch her in the upcoming season of Workin’ Moms. Currently you can find her studying the Ontario legal system, advocacy, and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at Humber College. She’s set to graduate in August with a Paralegal Graduate Degree.  IMDB

Team 40s - Charlotte Schwartz is a senior family law clerk and parent of four in a blended family. Her own childhood, her background in family law, and her own separation and divorce have served as massive influences in her writing and in her life. Her writing has appeared in Today's Parent Magazine, Chatelaine, The Huffington Post Canada, and She Does the City, among others. A part-time, mature English undergraduate student at The University of Toronto, Charlotte was born and raised in Toronto in the Weston neighbourhood, and now calls the East end home where she lives with her four kids, partner, and far too many pets, all within a convenient, 20 minute walk from her ex-husband's home.  LinkedIn Instagram Instagram2

Team 50s - Nikki Clarke is the founder, producer, and host of the multiple award-winning talk show, The Nikki Clarke Show on Afroglobal TV Network and on www.nikkiclarkenetwork.com. Nikki just recently launched her women’s fashion line , Navaan. Nikki, an accomplished singer /songwriter, has released a gospel single entitled, “For Your Love”, Spring 2021. The music video for ” For Your Love” was featured September 2021 in the Canadian International Faith and Family Film Festival. Nikki is the Immediate Past President of the Ontario Black History Society. Nikki has over 25 years of experience as a community activist. Nikki is an honouree of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022 , nominated 100 Dynamic Leaders for 2021 by Exeleon Magazine and RBC’s Women of Influence. Nikki is the Regional Business Manager for the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce. Book

Team 60s - Gail Heney is a leadership coach, consultant, and facilitator who supports individuals and organizations in building leadership capacity to drive personal growth and business results. She uses her background in behavioural science to build respectful, empathetic, and dynamic relationships with her clients, enabling them to make positive and productive shifts.  Over the past two decades, Gail has been an entrepreneur, a principal in a human capital firm, and spent 16 years in Investment Banking, where she ultimately attained the designation of Vice President and Managing Director at Scotia Capital, a division of ScotiaBank. Blog Instagram

Team 80s - Dr. Gokoomis (Grandmother) Jacqueline Lavallée is from Shawanaga First Nation on the Eastern Shore of Georgian Bay that lives and teaches in Tkaronto (Toronto). 

October 18, 2022

FLESH AND BONE: STORIES ABOUT THE FEMALE BODY

For our Canadian launch event, we asked our performers to turn their gaze to the site of so much female joy and anxiety: our bodies. The ever-changing relationship we have to the vessels we move through life in is fraught and fascinating, funny, and fearless. The messages we get from society, the media, even our own friends and family can be mixed and honestly, a mind f*ck. We invited our courageous storytellers to tell us a story about their body — their challenges or their triumphs. The way it’s brought them pain, or the pitter-patter of tiny feet, or better yet, pleasure.

Team 20s - Ghanwa Shahnawaz is a mental health advocate on a mission to redefine humanity by challenging what it personally means to us. Is it based on what society, peers, culture and religion prescribe, or what we truly need to thrive? She came to this realization from her own journey with mental health, body image struggles and life experience as a teen mom. Ghanwa has featured in the Toronto Star, The Kit and film documentary, #SelfHelp, and more. She has created an online community of over eleven thousand supporters who thrive on self love and self acceptance. Instagram Website

Team 30s - Raia Carey is a 3x Certified Life Coach and motivational speaker, Raia is passionate about encouraging others to tap into the confidence they never knew they had. After overcoming various hardships, she was able to transform her mindset and begin a career that empowers others to do the same. By openly sharing her triumphs and tribulations, Raia’s vulnerability helps foster a welcoming and safe environment in every room she enters. She strives to inspire and lead those around her by providing unwavering support, guidance, and motivation. By equipping clients with tangible tools to implement in their daily lives, she steers her community towards self-awareness, resilience, and sustainable success. Website Facebook LinkedIn Instagram

Team 40s - Karen Cleveland is a mother, marketing strategist and writer. She co-authored “The New Wedding Book” and her work has appeared in the New York Times, Globe and Mail, Betches, Toronto Star, Fashion Magazine and more. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram

Team 50s - Apanaki Temitayo M is a Toronto-based multi-disciplinary artist. Born in Toronto and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. Apanaki is a bi-sexual, single mother of three. She is an author, spoken word poet, actor, multimedia artist and teacher. Her canvas compositions are an expression of her Trinidadian heritage and spirituality. Apanaki is currently represented in the Sales and Rental Program at the Art Gallery of Ontario. She is a member of the Women’s Art Association of Canada. She was the CAMH 1st Artist in Wellness, 2019 - 2021. She was a featured artist at Kuumba Exhibit, Where She Went, She Thrived at Harbourfront Centre presented by Nia Centre for the Arts, 2021. She was the Workman Arts Artist-in-Residence for 2017 - 2018. She has been featured artwork Numb at Workman Arts, Being Scene 20th Annual Juried Virtual Exhibition 2021, To Speak Without Speaking. She has made her international debut at the North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, 9th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition: Maya Angelou, with her original artwork, Mama’s Watching in South Carolina. The first woman of colour to be in Room Magazine: Woman of Color Issue for 2016. Oshun Blooming was the face of Grow Room Feminist Literary Festival 2018 in Vancouver, which is a part private collection of Donna Slaight. Website Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Team 60s - Lee-Anne McAlear is an award-winning facilitator, educator, consultant, author and speaker. She is Program Director at the Centre of Excellence in Innovation Leadership at The Schulich School of Business (home of the top-rated MBA in Canada according to the Financial Times), Executive Education, York University. Lee-Anne is also the founding partner of the Toronto-based innovation and leadership house, CURRENT. Lee-Anne has worked extensively in the innovation space in over 33 countries in both the public and private sectors. LinkedIn Twitter Website

Team 70s - Marcia McClung is a retired marketing communications professional. She was the owner of Applause Communications, Vice President of Communications at Harbourfront and the Director of Communications at the National Ballet of Canada. Marcia is the granddaughter of suffragist, reformer, legislator and author Nellie McClung.