Presenting the 2023 WHEW! WISE Awards Winners

 

The Trailblazer Award 

The winner of this award serves the community at her own resources. She decided to start an organization called Thornhill Park Autism Support Network to provide treatment to children which she has led for several years in support of Autism, at no cost. In addition, she distributes free toys to sick children, free meals to the needy people in her area and contributes through a number of initiatives to help minimize suffering and provide critical support to her community. Congratulations Shakhlo Sharipova

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Community Builder Award

The winner of this award provides a lifeline for many families within Peel Region by coordinating over $1 million dollars worth of various cash and in-kind donations to ensure the longevity of this much needed meal program. Over the past 3 years, she has dedicated her own time and personal finances and currently has over 50 volunteers weekly, and has partnered with the YMCA, Sai Dham Food Bank and Burnaby Egg Farm to help meet the demands. She also volunteers with Stop Diabetes, Clean Malton, World Vision and Arpana Organization ensuring empowerment of girls and women through education. Congratulations Aruna Anand

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The Top Under 25 Youth Achiever Award

The winner of this award was the Vice President for DeGroote Women in Business, the largest faculty student-run club which aims to uplift women’s voices, create a space that supports women, and breaks down barriers in the business world. She has raised funds from corporate sponsors to fund events, fundraised for various local charities, and brought in more than 60 speakers at 12 events throughout the year to provide perspective, role modelling and impact. In addition, she is a Varsity Athlete, Welcome Week Representative, First Year Orientation Mentor, and Teaching Assistant.  She has integrated inclusive practices to create a diverse space for others through an Intersectionality Panel ensuring high engagement and culturally competent dialogue.

Congratulations Pietra Kamstra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Newcomer Rising Leader Award

The winner of this award is a single mom, a war and breast cancer survivor. She escaped the Syrian civil war and started a new life in Canada. She is both a Food Scientist and ICF certified leadership coach and active advocate in her community. She started her entrepreneurial journey through her training and coaching to help professional women struggling with breast cancer to build a resilient mindset, so that they can successfully navigate the breast cancer journey, and reinvent themselves to be bold and resilient.  

Congratulations Rana Mustafa

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The Arts and Culture Award 

The winner of this award has developed an impactful platform that has become the catalyst for change, fostering economic growth and empowerment within marginalized communities. Through her regional expos and events that have included thousands of participants and hundreds of vendors, she has levelled the playing field for underrepresented women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive and grow their businesses impacting the local economy. She has shattered stereotypes and misconceptions around Muslim women and is a constant advocate for inclusion. She is a shining example of how women can create lasting change through resilience, determination, compassion and networking.

Congratulations Ibtissam Sebbani

 

 

 

 

 

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