Women Empowerment Awards

Sara Austin is a leading advocate for children’s rights with over 20 years of experience. Her work includes influencing major policies like the UN Optional Protocol on children’s rights, launching the Canadian Children’s Charter, and the Young Canadians’ Parliament. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, Sara holds an MSt/LLM in International Human Rights Law from Oxford.

Ifeoma Esonwune is the visionary founder and CEO of The STAR Women's Network Inc.,
renowned for her impactful mentorship and advocacy for women's empowerment and
gender equality. As an international speaker, leadership coach, and mentor, Ifeoma has
dedicated her career to helping women overcome obstacles and realize their full
potential. Through her STAR Empowerment Initiatives and the Power Your Truth
podcast, she offers invaluable guidance, providing personal and professional
development opportunities that inspire growth and success. Her work has touched
countless lives, with a focus on fostering resilience, leadership, and confidence in women
across the globe.

Joan Kelley Walker is a global humanitarian, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who
has dedicated her life to improving the lives of women and children around the world.
Known for her advocacy with organizations like World Vision and the United Nations,
Joan has played a pivotal role in addressing gender inequality, particularly in regions
where women and girls lack access to basic necessities. Her tireless efforts have
brought clean water to villages in Uganda, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, transforming
communities and empowering future generations. Joan's commitment to
philanthropy has earned her numerous accolades, including the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee Medal, highlighting her passion for compassion, resilience, and global
empowerment.

Charlene Brophy is the President and CEO of FONEMED, a leading telehealth and
virtual care company that provides healthcare services to over 40 million people
worldwide. Under her leadership, FONEMED has become a pioneer in digital health,
managing more than 100,000 remote patient visits each month. Charlene's
innovative approach has expanded access to essential healthcare, particularly in
underserved areas like Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and remote parts of Canada.
Her forward-thinking vision has positioned FONEMED at the forefront of healthcare
technology, transforming the industry and making critical medical care accessible
when and where it's needed most.

Lauren is the dynamic co-founder of BUZZD Nutrition, a pioneering superfoods company
committed to making healthy choices accessible for Canadians. In just 2.5 years, Lauren
successfully expanded BUZZD into over 250 stores, including major retailers like Whole
Foods and Sobeys. She also built a vibrant online community, sharing the journey of
growing a consumer packaged goods brand in Canada, and was honored with the
Canadian Health Food Association's "One to Watch Award" and is a dedicated advocate
for female entrepreneurs. Through coaching, advising, and hosting events, she actively
uplifts and empowers women founders, living by her mantra, "a rising tide lifts all boats."

Hannah Flores, a third-year life science student at the University of Toronto, is a newly-
published scientist at 21. Her first-author paper in Globalization and Health addresses
WHO medical donation guidelines. Her research on forest fires and health in the Brazilian
Amazon has earned awards and international recognition. An award-winning spoken
word poet, she has collaborated with major brands and launched a global podcast,
“Punchline!” on mental health. Hannah mentors youth in public speaking and poetry and
plans to pursue a Master’s in Epidemiology.

Elise Ahenkorah is an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategist and
change management expert, known for driving impactful DE&I initiatives that enhance
employee engagement and retention. As Inclusion Strategist of inclusion FACTOR, she
has implemented data-driven strategies for over 75 clients, including Bayer Canada, IBM,
and the City of Toronto. Elise holds a background in Law & Justice and International
Relations and has received accolades from L’Oréal Paris, Avenue Calgary, and the UN of
Canada for her contributions.

Kimesha Walters is a strategic marketing expert with over 15 years of experience,
transforming brands such as Adidas, BMO, and Pepsi across Canada, the US, and
Jamaica. After migrating from Jamaica, she became a trailblazer and philanthropist,
excelling in mentorship and community leadership. Kimesha advocates for entrepreneurs
and the BIPOC community, serving on committees at YWCA Hamilton and United Way
Halton & Hamilton, and is a prominent figure in entrepreneurship and strategic counsel.

Dimitra Davidson champions a beauty philosophy focused on community and
empowerment. Transitioning from finance and luxury retail, she founded Indeed Labs in
2010 to offer affordable, high-quality skincare driven by consumer needs. Beyond
skincare, Dimitra fosters community growth through The Studio and supports the Women
Empowerment Awards, showcasing leadership with empathy and excellence.

Chan Hon Goh is the Director of Goh Ballet Academy Canada, where she has led since
2010, and the Executive Producer of the acclaimed production "The Nutcracker." She
has significantly contributed to dance in Canada, receiving numerous accolades including
the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the YWCA Women of Distinction
Award. Ms. Goh is also a founding member of Vancouver’s Arts and Culture Policy
Council and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2019, recognizing her excellence in
ballet and cultural contributions. An accomplished former Principal Dancer with the
National Ballet of Canada spanned 21 years, Goh's career highlights include performing
lead roles in iconic ballets such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Giselle" and guest
appearances with major companies worldwide. She also co-founded Principal by Chan
Hon Goh, a successful dance footwear line. Goh is committed to nurturing young talent
and authored the memoir Beyond the Dance, which was a finalist for prestigious
Canadian literary awards.