Celebrating Local Women
The publishing of Celebrating Women magazine alongside our International Women’s Day celebration always provides Family Transition Place (FTP) with the privilege and opportunity to reflect on the remarkable women who surround us. The women who support us, who support other women and their families, who volunteer their time and expertise—women who fiercely believe in our Mission and Vision and who deeply recognize the importance of celebrating women—not just on International Women’s Day—but every day.
While there is simply no shortage of extraordinary women to honour and celebrate in this community, we are please to share the perspectives and experiences of a select few. Our 2025 Celebrating Women magazine featured a number of the answers to a series of reflective questions. The full responses can be found below.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s Day (IWD) is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across generations. It is a call to action, urging us to break barriers, uplift one another, and continue striving for equality in every sphere of life. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go in the fight for equality, empowerment, and recognition. It is a day to reflect on the progress made, to recognize the challenges that remain, and to reaffirm our commitment to a world where every woman is valued, empowered, and given the opportunities she deserves. On this day, we honor the countless women who have paved the way for progress and those who continue to break barriers in every field. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could celebrate just one woman on IWD, it would undoubtedly be my mother. Her strength, wisdom, and selfless love have shaped me into the person I am today. She, like many women, has been the silent force behind the success of those around her, proving that true power often lies in quiet resilience. Beyond my mother, I draw inspiration from remarkable women like Lady Diana, whose compassion redefined humanitarian work; despite the constraints of royalty, used her influence to shine a light on causes that mattered, redefining what it meant to be a modern leader. Marie Curie, who broke scientific boundaries to Rosa Parks, whose quiet defiance ignited a movement. These women, in different ways, have demonstrated that success is not just about personal achievements but about using one’s voice and platform to create meaningful change. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
One of the things I am most proud of is the unwavering support of my family. Having a strong support system has given me the confidence to chase my dreams, overcome obstacles, and continuously grow. The love and encouragement of those closest to me have been my greatest source of strength. No achievement is ever made in isolation, and having a strong support system is invaluable. Women, in particular, thrive when they lift each other up—whether in families, workplaces, or communities. When we support one another, we amplify our voices and create ripples of change. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
There are many women who inspire me, but two stand out—Lady Diana and my mother. Lady Diana was a symbol of kindness, compassion, and resilience. Her ability to use her voice for good and break traditional norms left a lasting legacy. My mother, on the other hand, inspires me every day with her wisdom, strength, and unconditional love. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
If I had the chance to speak to a group of young women, my message would be clear: embrace self-acceptance. The world will always have an opinion, but true confidence comes from within. Do not succumb to the immense pressure society places on appearance—your worth is not defined by your looks but by your intelligence, kindness, and ambition. Celebrate yourself in your entirety, flaws and all, because authenticity is your greatest strength.
Moreover, never underestimate the power of perseverance. You can achieve whatever your heart desires. The journey may be filled with obstacles, but persistence and self-belief will always lead you forward. Look at Serena Williams, who redefined excellence in sports despite countless barriers, or Indra Nooyi, who broke corporate glass ceilings to lead PepsiCo. Their success was not handed to them—it was earned through sheer determination and resilience.
As a woman who balances a full-time corporate career, runs a business, and dedicates time to community service through the Lions Club, I know firsthand that success is built on determination, perseverance, and a strong support system.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
IWD is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action. It encourages individuals and organizations to commit to making positive changes in their communities, advocating for policies that support women’s rights, and creating an environment where all women can thrive. It’s crucial that women and girls see role models and understand the importance of their contributions to both their communities and society at large. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could celebrate just one woman on International Women’s Day, it would be Mary Two-Axe Earley. A prominent Mohawk activist, Mary dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Indigenous women, particularly concerning issues of identity and status. She fought tirelessly against discriminatory policies that affected Indigenous women, especially regarding their rights to transmit citizenship to their children. Celebrating Mary Two-Axe Earley on International Women’s Day honors her immense contributions to our communities and serves as a reminder of the continuing fight for justice and equity for Indigenous women everywhere. Her legacy inspires us to keep pushing for change and to uplift the voices of Indigenous women in all areas of society. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
I am particularly inspired by my mother. As a survivor of the 60s Scoop, she faced immense challenges throughout her life as an Indigenous woman, yet her resilience and strength are remarkable. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles she endured, but she never let those hardships define her. Instead, she turned her experiences into lessons of empowerment.My mother taught me the importance of advocating for myself and standing up for my rights. Through her actions, she instilled in me the values of resilience, determination, and the necessity of being my own voice. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices she made to ensure I had a better life than she did.
Her unwavering spirit and commitment to our culture and values inspire me every day. She is not just my mother; she is a role model who exemplifies the strength and beauty of Indigenous women. I strive to honor her legacy by continuing to fight for my rights and advocating for others in our community. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
If I were speaking to a group of young women, I would want them to know that life is all about making choices. Every day presents us with opportunities to choose wisely—start with one good choice and then follow it up with another. It’s all about taking it step by step and building momentum. I also want to share a quote from Robert Fulghum that captures some essential truths about how to navigate life: ‘Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. CLEAN UP YOUR OWNMESS.’ These simple rules serve as a great foundation for kindness, respect, and responsibility in our lives. Remember, life doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple, make good choices, and treat others well. You have the power to create a positive impact, both for yourself and for those around you.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s day is a global call to action for accelerating gender equality. It’s a day to celebrate the invaluable contributions women make to society and to further the progress toward a more equitable world. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could celebrate a group of women on IWD, I would celebrate the remarkable women of the Orangeville IODE. Established in 1907, this organization has dedicated itself to enriching our community through fundraising and tireless volunteer work. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
Immigrating to Canada in 1984, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this country has afforded me. Canada has empowered me to grow personally and professionally, and to contribute to the well-being of others. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
Ann Sprickerhof, my neighbor many years ago, taught me the importance of steadfastness in my core values and staying true to myself. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Life presents many obstacles, and the effort can sometimes seem overwhelming. However, believing in yourself and pushing through challenges can lead to extraordinary achievements and the realization of your dreams.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a crucial reminder to acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of women throughout history, today and for future generations. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing fight for women’s equality and to inspire action towards gender parity. By reflecting on the impactful contributions of countless iconic women, we are able to find inspiration and guidance in our own endeavours. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could celebrate a group of women on IWD, it would be the remarkable women and girls who train at Art Of 8 Martial Arts Academy, the martial arts school I co-own with my husband Martello. I am continually awed by their dedication and the choice they make over and over again to “OWN THEIR OUTCOMES.” These individuals, from our youngest to our most seasoned, are trailblazers. They are actively participating and thriving in a male-dominated sport. Witnessing their growing confidence and resilience is a true joy. I am confident they will face their futures with an “I can” attitude, shaped by their discipline and commitment. I am immensely proud of them for showing up just as they are and for remaining consistent in their efforts to BEST their BEST. I celebrate their achievements thus far and eagerly anticipate their milestones both on and off the training mats as they continue to make history, one punch at a time. - What/who are you most proud of? Why?
At this stage of my journey, I am most proud of myself. As a plus-sized woman actively working in a male-dominated field, I have faced numerous challenges – grappling with imposter syndrome, battling self-doubt and constantly feeling the pressure to prove my competence. Despite these hurdles, I am happy I stayed the course and shifted my focus to the difference I can make, just as I am. With this mindset, I was able to channel my love for reading into a book club with the young girls in our martial arts program. This is part of a larger vision of creating wholesome individuals in our community. Despite the struggles I have faced, I am grateful for the opportunity to spread positivity in our community. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
There are many incredible women who inspire me, but one stands above them all—my mom. What I admire most about my mom is her unshakable strength and unwavering determination. Despite enduring the unimaginable loss of two of her children—my sister and my brother—she continues to find joy and maintains a positive outlook every single day. I love that she never runs out of encouragement. She always has a song of hope, a word of wisdom and a heart full of love that she gives so freely. She reminds me, time and time again, not to worry, because worrying will change the outcome. My mom’s life is a living testament to the fact that even in the face of profound hardships, beauty, strength and resilience can emerge. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
If I were speaking to a group of young women I would encourage them to live their lives with intention – on purpose, for a purpose. I would emphasize the importance of identifying their unique purpose and seeing it as their guiding force – much like a north star. That way, when life inevitably disrupts their journey, this same sense of purpose will serve as the guiding light to finding their way back to what truly matters. I would remind them that life is not without obstacles, however, by staying connected to that deeper meaning, they will be able to face each challenge with resilience and create a fulfilling life.
- Why is it important that we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD)?
International Women’s Day stands as a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in shaping our world and the ongoing journey toward gender equality. This annual celebration honors the remarkable achievements of women throughout history who have broken barriers in science, politics, arts, and countless other fields; acknowledges the persistent challenges and inequalities that women continue to face globally; and inspires future generations to envision and work toward a more equitable world. By celebrating this day with intention and joy, we not only recognize the extraordinary contributions of women to society but also reinforce our collective commitment to creating environments where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed. International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of progress made and a call to action for the work that still lies
ahead in achieving true gender equality across all areas of life. - If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
On International Women’s Day, I celebrate Venus and Serena Williams for their transformative impact on tennis and women’s sports overall. These remarkable sisters not only dominate their sport but they also shatter racial and gender barriers in tennis. Their journey from practicing on public courts in Compton to becoming global icons highlights perseverance, excellence, and sisterhood. Beyond their athletic achievements, they advocate for equal pay in tennis, inspire generations of young Black athletes, and demonstrate that women can be both fierce competitors and successful entrepreneurs. - Is there a particular woman that inspires you?
My grandmother Eta embodies strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a Holocaust survivor who endured the unimaginable horrors of a concentration camp during World War II, she demonstrated extraordinary courage and an indomitable spirit. Despite facing the darkest chapter of human history, my grandmother maintained a remarkably positive outlook that would later become the foundation of her success. Her ability to transform profound trauma into triumph, her commitment to creating a better future, and her dedication to instilling Jewish values and pride in our family make her the person I’m most proud of. Through her example, I have been inspired and motivated to create a life filled with security, prosperity, joy, and love. I learned that even in life’s most challenging moments, maintaining hope and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements and positive change. - If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
Our words and actions have immense power to shape not only our own reality but also the world around us. As young women stepping into their future, I want them to understand that their integrity is their foundation—it’s the compass that will guide decisions and create trust in both their personal and professional relationships. When we speak with conviction and act with purpose, we create ripples of positive change. So, surround yourself with individuals who celebrate your victories, support your dreams, and propel you toward growth. These connections will become your lifeline during challenging times. Remember that your commitment to your goals must be unwavering; let it be the force that drowns out any doubts or negativity from others. Your determination and perseverance are not just personal strengths – they are tools for breaking down barriers and inspiring other women to rise. By lifting each other up and fostering a community of mutual support, we create an unstoppable network of empowered individuals who can achieve extraordinary things. Your journey is unique, your potential is limitless, and your ability to impact the world is profound – embrace these truths with confidence and purpose.
- If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
It depends upon the group of young women, but the one thing I do tell young women when it is appropriate to do so, is to not allow any man to abuse her, to put her down, to intimidate her or to threaten her. I want young women to be aware, to be accepting of the fact that they are equal to and just as important as males. I would encourage them to stand up for themselves, to respect themselves and to have the courage to do so despite being put down in society today.