July 23, 2026 Toronto
Bad Decisions: Great Stories
Sure, it was a bad idea—but wow, what a story.
This month, we’re celebrating the questionable choices that didn’t go according to plan (or went way too well). The impulsive moves, the doomed adventures, the nights that started with “this probably isn’t smart” and ended with memories you wouldn’t trade for anything.
A night of delicious disasters, heroic fails, and the lessons we learned the fun way.
Team 20s - Shalom Chianu (she/her) is an artist and photographer based in Toronto, Ontario. Shalom has always had a love for art for as long she can remember: dance, traditional art, textiles, graphic design, music, fashion and more. She’s loved them all. She creates from a point of view trying to understand how our experiences shape our identity, a general curiosity she has about people and their journeys. She is particularly concerned with Black and Queer communities and aims to always center them, their stories and their experiences. At the moment Shalom is enjoying the journey of shaping her own destiny and is excited to create a beautiful life for herself. Portfolio
Team 30s - Urmi Hossain is a self-published author, speaker, podcast host, and finance professional based in Canada. She holds the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) designations and works in the financial services industry, while using her platform to advocate for women’s empowerment, identity, and self-leadership. Her first book, Discovering Your Identity: A Rebirth from Interracial Struggle, reflects her journey as a third-culture woman navigating questions of belonging, culture, and self-worth. Through her writing, Urmi encourages honest conversations around identity, representation, and choosing yourself in a world that often asks women to shrink or conform. Urmi is the host of Stories Beyond Borders, a podcast that amplifies diverse voices and stories on identity, migration, language, and what “home” truly means. Her work centers on helping individuals—especially women—embrace their lived experiences as strengths rather than limitations.Passionate about leadership development and community building, Urmi serves as the Co-Chair of Women in Leadership’s Montreal Chapter. She is also a dedicated public speaker and has been an active Toastmasters member since 2019, having served as both Vice President of Education and Club President. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Urmi enjoys reading thrillers and mystery novels, practicing boxing, running, and staying active through HIIT workouts. Linkedin PodcastBook Website
Team 40s - Dr. Marie Hooper, C.Psych. (Supervised Practice) (She/Her) is a Clinical Developmental Psychologist, educator, and founder of Flourish Health Services, a neurodiversity-affirming interdisciplinary clinic. As a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) clinician, she integrates lived experience with clinical and evidence-based expertise to reshape how neurodivergence is understood and supported. She is known for her work in neuro affirming assessment, identifying hard-to-spot autism in girls, AFAB individuals, and 2SLGBTQIA+ populations, and supporting PDA through autonomy-based, trauma-assumed approaches. LinkedinInstagram
Team 50s - Nicole McKelvey was raised in Orange County, California, living in Toronto and very much out of the matrix. 😄 She is a servant of God, a soul surgeon, and someone who has lived many lives across many occupations — none of which required a degree, all of which shaped who she is. She has had three last names and never been married, which honestly says everything about her and nothing at the same time. When she is not doing the work, you'll find her savoring dark chocolate and chasing sunsets. 🌅🍫Podcast Instagram
Team 60s -Elizabeth Hardy - grew up in Montreal in the 1970s, in a world before screens and social media — a childhood shaped by imagination, independence, and the belief that, as girls, “you can do it all.” That mindset followed her across the Atlantic in 1990 when she moved to London, England, to pursue a career in fashion. She worked her way up through the international fashion brand French Connection before eventually returning to Canada to launch and lead FCUK Canada for more than 20 years. Alongside her career, she built the life she had imagined as a child — marrying a wonderful man, raising three children, and sharing her home with an ever-growing collection of beloved animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and even ducks. A lifelong animal lover, Elizabeth always dreamed of creating a fashion-forward, cruelty-free brand that blended style, practicality, and compassion. That dream became ESPE — a vegan handbag and accessory brand inspired by nature, vintage fashion, colourful blooms, and women who want pieces that are both beautiful and functional. Today, ESPE is known for its whimsical prints, timeless silhouettes, and designs that celebrate individuality at every age. WebsiteInstagram
Team 70s - Jennifer Elizabeth Monteith - Born in Jamaica in 1952, she has built a remarkable career defined by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. In the late 1960s, she became one of Canada's first Black catalogue models, appearing in publications including Eaton's, Simpsons, JC Penney, and Sears. At a time when representation was rare, Jennifer helped challenge industry norms and pave the way for greater diversity. She continued that mission in 1978 by founding Different Faces Model & Talent Agency, a groundbreaking agency that championed models of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and body types, redefining beauty standards and opening doors for countless aspiring talent. In 1995, Jennifer founded The Exhibitor Support Centre, a business that transformed trade show logistics across the GTA and became a trusted partner to major venues including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and Enercare Centre. She successfully led the company for 25 years until its closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a heart transplant in 2010, Jennifer embraced a renewed purpose as an advocate for organ and tissue donation, inspiring others through her resilience and belief that leadership means lifting people up. Today, Jennifer channels that same passion into Wisdom Oasis, where she creates meaningful spaces for seniors to connect, thrive, and be celebrated—a fitting next chapter in a life dedicated to breaking barriers and building community. My Wisdom Oasis ABCWomen Be a Donor