The Universal Womens Network™—the organization behind these awards—honours the voices of women across industries to recognize Women of Inspiration™ from across Canada, the USA and internationally. Our recipients share a common thread. They each have a unique and inspiring story. In this past year, more than 900 women across five continents stepped forward to be acknowledged. “We must continue to celebrate the achievements of women, at all levels. Stepping into the spotlight gives permission for others to the same,” CEO, Kretschmer says.

Our network embraces a culture of diversity, inclusion and equality and welcomes our SupportHER™ allies to the conversation to be a part of the solution. Every woman has a unique gift; her voice matters and contributes to the economy.

Through the Women of Inspiration™ Awards, we see the impact of all women from diverse industries, walks of life, and ages recognized for their achievements, their contribution to the economy, and their impact around the world. They are everyday heroes, entrepreneurs, pilots, scientists, innovators, artists, healthcare workers, space explorers, executives and visionaries from youth to women with a Lifetime of Achievement.

When we celebrate one woman; we celebrate ALL women. When we celebrate women, we pave the path for our future leaders, we bring awareness to industries underrepresented by women, we elevate the visibility of women-led businesses and we impact the value women contribute at all levels of business as well as to society as a whole.

These incredible women coming together is beautiful, powerful and inspiring. Their individual talents, wisdom and leadership inspire change. We, as women, are the changemakers fostering innovation and embracing inclusion. We are Raising the bar for women to be seen, heard and valued. congratulations to our 2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award recipients and finalists.

Thank you to our Award  Partners for their commitment to be visible leaders committed to advancing women.

2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Winners #WOI2022Raisethebar

1. Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award – Cathy Nesbitt – Founder and CEO, Cathy’s Crawly Composters
2. Authentic Leader Award

• Ramin Fazel – Regional Vice President for Downtown Toronto, RBC
• Susie DeRidder – Truck Driver, Day and Ross
• Lavanya Hariharan – Supervisor Technician Services, Enbridge Gas
• Asawari Lele – Account Manager National Real Estate Group, Toronto Dominion Bank
• Samantha Sannella – Canadian National Director, Total Workforce Americas, Cushman and Wakefield
• Tina Powell – Author, Founder, Glorious is she
• Annemarie Heikenwalder – Head of Sales and Marketing for Americas and Oceana, Diamond Aircraft Industries Ltd.
• Neelima Magal – Chief Head of Delivery Management, Nutcache
• Naz Zehra – Learning and Development Business Partner, DELL
• Brianne Gardner – Wealth Manager & Financial Advisor, Velocity Investment Partners, Raymond James Ltd.

3. Diversity and Inclusiveness Award presented by Randstad Canada – Lexi Plath – President and Partner, Faulhaber Communications
4. Black Woman Leader Award – Patrice Barnes – TrusteeDurham School District
5. Cultural Ambassador Award – Sherry Shaw Froggatt – Founder and Publisher, AirdrieLife Magazine
6. Customer Experience Award – Jamie L. Smith – Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Amplify Advisors
7. Difference Maker Award – Danielle McCarron – VP Inpatient and Virtual programs, Canadian Addiction Treatment Centres
8. Dream Builder Award Presented by AMJ Campbell – Janet Wardle – President and CEO, MHI Canada Aerospace Inc.
9. Game Changer Award – Shannon Bryne Susko – CEO, Metronomics
10. Health and Wellness Award – Crystal Greenwood – Owner & Instructor, Okami Martial Arts
11. Indigenous Leader Award – Leigh Joseph – Founder and CEO, Sḵwálwen Botanicals
12. Immigrant Leader Award – Ayra Modalo – Owner, Modalink Immigration Services
13. Influencer Award – Stephanie Coughlan – CEO, SMS Sports
14. Youth Excellence Award  presented by RBC – Allysha Nichole Nolassco  – Advocate, Actor, Youth Leader | Prerana Manoj – Innovator
15. Millennial Leader Award – Kendra Scurfield – Brand and Communications Director, Banff Sunshine Village
16. Inspire Award – Dr. Caroline Power – CEO, Canadian HR Solutions
17. Integrity Award – Patricia Ziegler-Ignor – Board Chair, Drayton Entertainment Theatres
18. Innovation Award – Jennifer LeBrun – CEO, ULAT Dryer Balls
19. Mentorship Award – Chantal Brine – CEO, EnPoint
20. Nest Award Award presented by Sunshine Village – Shannon Smadella – CEO, Insight Global
21. Raising the Bar Award – Lindsay Sill – CEO, Sill Media
22. Rising Leader Award – Bailey Parnell – Founder and CEO, SkillsCamp
23. Rural Leader Award – Angele Miller – Co-Founder, Creekside RnR
24. Social Impact Award – Jessica Dirom – Director, Donor Relations and Development, STARS
25. SupportHER (Allie) Award presented by Enbridge Gas – Reetu Gupta – Chairwoman and Ambassadress, Gupta Group | Shawn Gibson – Partner, Incito
26. Trailblazer (STEM) Award presented by Mitacs – Kristin Davis – Ouwejan – Co-Founder and COO, Zs2 Technologies
27. Transformational Leader Award – Ally Stone – Founder, The Inspired Leader
28. Vision Builder Award –Shauna Levy – Founder, Madge and Mercier Modern Apothecary
29. Women-led Award presented by SureCall– Jennifer Hamilton – CEO, Oxygen Yoga and Fitness
30. Women in Media Award – Tara Slone – TV and Media Personality
31. Lifetime Achievement Award – Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine – Founder, Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment

 International Awards

1. Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award – Sampurna Chatterjee -Translational Scientist, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
2. Authentic Leader Award – Ukachi Anonyou – VP, Global Packaging Enterprise, Estee Lauder Companies Inc.
3. Trailblazer (STEM) Award – Dr. Vanessa Farsadaki – President and Managing Partner, Space Exploration Strategies LLC
4. Diversity and Inclusion Award – Maryse Gordon – Diversity and Inclusion, RepRisk
5. Mentorship Award – Kisa Caruthers – Electrical Engineer and Project Manager, Burns & McDonnell
6. Influencer Award – Dr. Jill Lopez – Founder and CEO, Vet Candy
7. Millennial Leader Award – Melissa Church – CEO, Digi-Buzz
8. Difference Maker  Award – Padmini Navalgund – Technical Compliance Governance- BOSCH Limited
9. Social Impact Award – Velveeta Viban – Founder, I’m Human Organization
10. Women in Media Award – Empress Golding – Media Personality