Universal Womens Network™

2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Winners

A Year of Momentum and Vision

In 2022, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards continued to grow in reach and significance, honouring extraordinary women across North America who are redefining leadership in every sector. From boardrooms to classrooms to groundbreaking startups and social impact initiatives, these changemakers lead with purpose, pave new paths, and inspire those around them to rise.

Presented by the Universal Womens Network™, the 2022 Awards celebrated women who exemplify resilience, innovation, and courage—women who lift others as they lead and prove that every voice has the power to create change.

As we reflect on their achievements, we invite you to explore their stories, amplify their impact, and continue championing a world where women—and the allies who support them—are seen, heard, and valued.

“We must continue to celebrate the achievements of women, at all levels. Stepping into the spotlight gives permission for others to the same,”

2022 Women of Inspiration™ Award Winners

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