The Women Empowerment Awards, Canada's premier celebration of women's leadership, will mark its fifth anniversary this September at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. The milestone event, presented by Rogers with lead sponsor Mantella Corporation, brings together entrepreneurs, executives, community leaders, philanthropists, media personalities, changemakers, and emerging leaders from across the country.
A Movement Beyond a Single Evening
What began as a vision to celebrate extraordinary women has grown into a national platform for empowerment, leadership, and opportunity. According to Klaudia Zinaty, Founder and CEO of the Women Empowerment Awards and Foundation, the initiative is much more than an awards gala. "It is a national movement dedicated to recognizing the remarkable achievements of women while creating opportunities for those who need them most," she said. "When a young girl from a shelter, Indigenous community, or vulnerable background sits beside a CEO, an entrepreneur, or a national leader, her perspective of her future changes forever."
Empowering the Next Generation
As part of its commitment to youth, the Women Empowerment Foundation will again welcome young girls from shelters, Indigenous communities, community organizations, and vulnerable backgrounds to attend the gala through its signature Empowerment Program. The Foundation's year-round initiatives include mentorship programs, entrepreneurship education, leadership development, scholarships, support for women's shelters, and programs designed to build confidence, economic independence, and long-term success.
$47,000 in Grants and Scholarships
This year's celebration will provide unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs through more than $47,000 in grants, scholarships, and business support packages. The 2026 award highlights include a $15,000 Rogers Entrepreneur of the Year Grant, a $10,000 Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Grant, a $2,500 TD Businesswoman of the Year Grant, a $2,500 Scotia Leadership Award, a $2,500 Global Impact Award presented by Kathy Cheng of Redwood Classics, a $2,500 Mary Kay Rising Star Award, a $1,000 Innovation Award plus a $10,000 Pitch Package and Business Coaching Program from Rashmi Prakash, Founder of Aruna Revolution Health, and $11,000 in scholarships supporting future leaders and changemakers.
A Platform for Impact
The Women Empowerment Awards have become known as Canada's premier celebration of female excellence, where purpose meets prestige, and impact meets opportunity. For five years, the organization has built a movement focused on elevating women, creating opportunities, amplifying voices, and inspiring future generations of leaders. The annual gala at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel continues to serve as a catalyst for change, bringing together diverse voices to celebrate achievements and drive progress for women across Canada.
