Articles 2025 Women of Inspiration™ Award Awardees

Celebrating Visionary Leaders and SupportHER™ Champions Across North America

The Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire, and motivate. Since 2015, the awards have celebrated over 1,200 influential women and SupportHER™ champions across North America — CEOs, founders, executives, entrepreneurs, creators, community leaders, and the men who champion them.

This year, we proudly honour the 2025 Women of Inspiration™ Award Recipients, celebrated through Signature Celebrations across North America. These gatherings unite influential women in positions of power — and SupportHER™ allies — who are shaping the future of leadership.

Women of Inspiration™ Lead. Inspire. Motivate. They set the standard for leadership and what is possible. They lead with intention, inspire with vision, and motivate with impact.

Who Is a Woman of Inspiration™?

A Woman of Inspiration™ leads with intention, purpose, and conviction. She is an influential woman who knows her power — a leader whose decisions, actions, and vision drive meaningful impact. She is ambitious and resilient. She dreams big — and she achieves extraordinary things.

• She challenges the status quo.
• She sees opportunities others overlook and activates bold ideas that move change forward.
• She takes the road less traveled, guided by clarity, courage, and integrity.
• She is a changemaker, a visionary, and a role model.
• She embodies grit and tenacity, boldly claiming her space while lifting others as she rises.

And most importantly, she shows women and girls what is possible!

Leadership Without Borders

This year’s honourees represent diverse industries — technology, finance, media, healthcare, logistics, arts, sport, government, law, academia, and social impact. While each honouree is individually making an impact in her field, they share a common thread: resilience, purpose, ambition, and a commitment to lifting others as they rise. Through 50+ Women of Inspriation™ – Signature Celebrations across North America, award recipients gather with their teams, families, and SupportHER™ allies to celebrate their achievements and expand their influence.

“This year’s honourees are ambitious, resilient changemakers and visionary leaders who are redefining what leadership looks like for this generation and the next. Their courage sparks possibility. Their resilience inspires action. And their commitment to lifting others creates a ripple effect that transforms communities, industries, and lives. We honour each woman’s story — her victories, her setbacks, her triumphs, and the strength that carried her forward. Together with the SupportHER™ champions who stand with them, these women show us what is possible. When we celebrate one woman, we elevate all women — and together, we are shaping a world where women rise, lead, and thrive.” — Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO, Universal Women’s Network™ | Women of Inspiration™ | SupportHER™

A Legacy of Impact

For more than a decade, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards have elevated influential leaders and SupportHER™ allies across North America. These individuals are shaping the future of business, culture, and community — and inspiring the next generation of leaders to rise.

Meet the 2025 Honourees

2025 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION™ AWARD AWARDEES

ADVOCATE AND CATALYST FOR CHANGE AWARD

• Danette Burzlaff-Haag – CEO, Beauty From Ashes, Inspirational Speaker and Award-Winning Author – USA
• Sandra Johnson – Co-Founder, Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation – USA

AUTHENTIC LEADER AWARD

• Beth Toenies = Chief, Operating Officer, 1-800-BOARDUP, a BELFOR Franchise Group Company – USA
• Cynthia Hansen – EVP & President of Gas Transmission and Midstream. Enbridge – USA
• Denise Young – Founder and CEO, Tigers Eye Advisory Group – CDN
• Erika Barootes – Vice President External Relations & Department Head Applied Politics and Public Affairs, MaKami College – CDN
• Ginette Baker – EVP Retail Ecommerce CPG QSR. TP – USA
• Laura McLand – Vice President, Human Resources, Sun Holdings – USA
• Loraine Nyokong – Head of Local Partnerships, SKIP – CDN
• Lorraine Gray – Vice President, System Operations & Station Services, Hydro One Networks Inc. – CDN
• Loretta Soffe – Executive Coach and Author, Balance is Bullshit, Loretta Soffe – USA
• Nicole Konastsotis – Strategic Advisor, Digital, eCommerce and Customer Experience – Nicole Konastsotis –  USA
• Teresa Wilson – Vice President, GDS Customer Care, Enbridge – USA

ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT AWARD

• Caroline Bergeron – International Abstract Artist, Professional Speaker, Author, Team Building Facilitator, Coach & Mentor, CDN

DREAM BUILDER AWARD

• Danette Beck – EVP, Managing Director, National Director of Broker Operations, Astrus Insurance Solutions, LLC – USA
• Jamie Brown – VP Marketing and Entertainment, Penn Entertainment – USA
• Jess Chambers – VP, Hospitality, Penn Entertainment – USA

HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARD

• Candice Kumai – NYT Best Selling Author, Wellness Expert, Candice Kumai – USA
• Kat Ostroumova – Founder and CEO, Women’s Wellness Coach & Hormonal Imbalance Specialist, Kat International Fitness – CDN
• Vivian Meraki – Founder, Unshakable Parenting – CDN

 INSPIRE AWARD

• Kimberly Blaine – Elaine Broun, Author – USA
• Nalini Bhui – Surrey Art Gallery Association, CDN
• Sandra Santianna – Vice President, Customer Experience, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier – USA
• Trina Kennedy – Founder and CEO, RPA Consulting – CDN

LEGACY AWARD

• Honourable Rosemarie Aquilina – Michigan Circuit Court Judge serving on the 30th Judicial Circuit Court in Ingham County- USA
• Marija Pavkovic-Tovissi – Founder and CEO, MaKami College – CDN

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

• Carole A. Feuerman – Superrealism Artist – Carole A. Feuerman – USA

MOVEMENT MAKER AWARD

• Erin Gallagher – Founder and CEO, Hype Woman – USA

RISING LEADER AWARD

• Aroma Rodrigues – Technologist – USA
• Emma Mason – Senior Intern Analyst – CPP Investments – CDN

SUPPORTHER™ AWARD

• Daniel Walsh – President and CEO, TRAC Intermodal – USA
• Lavanya Hariharan – Regional Manager, USA Operations, Enbridge
• Rob Jozwiak – VP of Power Operations for Corp Strategy & Power – Enbridge Inc. – USA

TRAILBLAZER (STEM) AWARD

• Chander Arora – Biotech Program Director, Los Angeles Mission College – USA
• Dr. Rajinder Atwal – Medical Director, CEO and Family Physician – Women Stem Mentorship – CDN

VISION BUILDER AWARD

• Kelly Cooper – Founder and President, Centre for Social Intelligence Inc. – CDN
• Dana Davis – CEO, Refresh with Dana – USA
• Renita Marshall – Founder and President, Renita Marshall Helping Hands Foundation – USA

WOMEN IN FINANCE AWARD

• Katy Doan – Founder and CEO, Katy Consulting Services – USA
• Krystal Stoutenberg – Owner, Stoutenberg and Company – CDN
• Martha Breithaupt – BDO Canada LLP, Partner, Tax – Credits & Incentives – CDN

WOMEN-LED AWARD

• Amanda Cupido – Founder and Executive Producer – Lead Podcasting – CDN
• Connie Lo – Co-Founder, Three Ships – CDN
• Laura Thompson – Co-Founder, Three Ships – CDN
• Deborah Drummond – Founder and CEO, Mission Accepted Media – CDN
• Heidi Solomon-Orlick – Founder & CEO and International Author, Girl Who Sells LLC – USA
• Jasmine Daya – Lawyer and Managing Principal, JD & Co – CDN
• Jackie Robinson – She Boss Unlimited, Chief Empowerment Officer –  USA
• Karen Hoekstra – Owner, k’pure Naturals – CDN
• Stephanie D. Sanders – CEO, 9yrs – USA

WOMEN IN ADVERTISING AND MEDIA  AWARD

• Michelle Fine-Smith – Senior Vice President, Global Consumer Partnerships, Variety, USA
• Vida Cornelious – Senior Vice President, Creative –  New York Times Advertising – USA

WOMEN IN POWER AWARD

• Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe – President of Canada, Kuehne + Nagel- CDN

WOMEN IN SPORT AWARD

• Brenda Andress – Founder and CEO, SheIS App- Women in Sport Advocate

WOMEN IN TECH AWARD

• Dr. Hilal Gul – CEO, MySteMBiotech Inc., Colustra Inc., | Industrial Professor, University of Alberta = CDN
• Kristina Anoska – Global Account Director, Amazon Web Services – CDN
• Bharathi Poppappan – Senior Director, IQVIA – USA

Thank you to our Official Jewellery Partner, DeanDavidson .

A special thank you to Emma Pascu (Videographer) and Greg Palpust (Photographer). Listen to ON PURPOSE. Thank you to our inspiring panelists for sharing your journey and leadership wisdom.

• Kristine Anoska – Global Account Director, Amazon Web Services
• Dianne Fioravanti – CEO, Kuehne + Nagel Canada
• Lavanya Hariharan – Regional Manager, U.S. Operations, Enbridge
• Monica Kretschmer – CEO, Universal Womens Network™ and Women of Inspiration™
• 

• Krystal Stoutenberg – Owner, Stoutenberg and Co. Accountant & Financial Mentor
• Brenda Andress – Founder & CEO, SheIS
• Viviana Meraki – Creative Entrepreneur & Innovator
• Patricia Gagic – International Award Winning Artist, Author & Entrepreneur, Patricia Karen Gagic
• Monica Kretschmer – CEO, Universal Womens Network™ and Women of Inspiration™

Follow us on LI/IG/FB  for more event photos and more!  @UniversalWomensNetwork

Listen to the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast on Spotify!

Download the 2025 Women of Inspiration™ – Power Song Playlist on Spotify!

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What it Means to be Recognized

Dianna Fioravanti-Ashikwe

President, Kuehne + Nagel Canada
2025 Women of Inspiration™ Women in Power Award

“Receiving an Award of Inspiration is a profound honour that goes beyond professional achievement. This recognition reflects how I choose to lead — with authenticity, transparency, and purpose. My goal has always been to uplift and inspire others to be their best.
I lead with the awareness that people may not always remember what I said or did, but they will always remember how I made them feel.
This award is not just a personal accolade; it is a testament to the impact I hope to create — a legacy of inspiration, empowerment, and meaningful leadership.”

Carole A. Feuerman

Internationally Acclaimed Artist
2025 Women of Inspiration™ Lifetime Achievement Award**

“To be recognized as a Woman of Inspiration™ is both an honour and a reflection of a lifelong journey. It signifies that the risks I have taken, the challenges I have overcome, and the stories I have told through my art have created meaningful impact.
For many years, I pushed forward in a world that often dismissed the voices of women. This recognition affirms the importance of staying true to yourself, even when it’s difficult.
It celebrates the power of creativity, vulnerability, and persistence — and it reminds me that art has the ability to connect, to heal, and to inspire change.”

Daniel Walsh

CEO, TRAC Intermodal
2025 Women of Inspiration™ SupportHER Award

“Leadership is not defined by gender, but by vision, determination, and the courage to uplift others. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of diverse leadership. When women are empowered, organizations thrive, industries evolve, and societies progress.
This recognition serves as a reminder that advocacy is ongoing work. I remain committed to fostering environments where women’s voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their ambitions are realized without barriers. To all the remarkable women in leadership—past, present, and future—this award is yours as much as mine. I will continue to stand beside you, champion your success, and work toward a future where leadership knows no boundaries.”