Women of Distinction
A night to celebrate women who have influenced women and girls as a role model, a mentor, or through their direct accomplishments in many different fields.
Thank you for joining us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the remarkable achievements and contributions of these extraordinary women on Saturday, October 21st starting from 6pm at the United Steelworkers’ Hall (66 Brady street).
As a second-generation Chinese-Canadian, education, community, and youth leadership have been core values in Kerry’s life. Her accomplishments began in high school, when she founded PENS, a charity that’s collected over 3,000 school supplies and distributed them to Far North communities, published her Canada-Wide Science Fair research in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, and also pitched a project to Future North to improve the education experience for BIPOC youth and young adults in the District of Sudbury and Manitoulin. Her pitch developed into Future North’s flagship project, Culture of the North: BIPOC Youth Taking Action, which explored BIPOC youths’ experiences in schools and which received further funding to implement 11 BIPOC libraries in local schools and fund student-led teams to develop cultural art projects.
Kerry is currently studying to complete her bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University, but that doesn’t stop her from being involved in her home community. Kerry co-chairs Future North’s Youth Expert Panel and sits on their Board of Directors to act as a liaison between the Board and the Panel and participates in campaigns, such as Hope|Espoir as a BIPOC model and the recent Redefining Success Campaign as a keynote speaker. She has also presented as a keynote speaker for the Magnetic North Conference and the YMCA Annual General Meeting. Her anti-racism work and advocacy efforts have had a ripple effect on people and organizations across our community, who have been engaged by Kerry’s drive and energy and have stepped up themselves to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
When faced with challenges, Kerry never hesitates to roll up her sleeves and do the good work that’s needed to drive change. Her ground-breaking ideas and advocacy spark the innovation necessary to tackle systemic injustices and inspire the women around her to get involved as well.
Adolphine is a champion for social justice in both her professional and personal life. She currently works as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord in Sudbury and previously worked as a Community Relations Officer with the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. Adolphine uses her knowledge and experience to facilitate anti-racist workshops that aim to educate about the negative impacts of racism, eliminate social injustices, and strengthen intercultural competencies to bring diverse communities together.
A dedicated volunteer, Adolphine has been recognized for her over 5 years of service as a volunteer for the Toronto Police, where she offered emotional support to vulnerable and marginalized women and connects them to various resources. She is also the co-founder and Communications Specialist of Inzira y’Urumuri/Le chemin de la lumière, a charitable organization that has supported children’s education in Kavumu in Rwanda by raising funds and building a school there. Adolphine is also a member of the Mouvement Ontarien des Femmes Immigrantes Francophone’s (MOFIF) Gender, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. With MOFIF, Adolphine has promoted awareness of the systemic barriers francophone immigrant women face and advocated for their inclusion in social structures. She’s a role model for young women through her actions and achievements and used her platform as a panelist in MOFIF’s Provincial Forum to encourage women to become more involved in the political landscape.
Her commitment to improving the lives of women and girls cannot be overstated. She does so with a generous welcoming heart that brings all people together and helps them feel respected and secure in sharing their unique differences.
Nearly 14 years ago, Blaire moved to Sudbury after completing her Bachelor of Science in Nova Scotia to pursue postgraduate studies in Environmental Monitoring. She has since worked at Cambrian College, Science North, the City of Greater Sudbury and currently holds the Senior Education and Outreach Officer position at SNOLAB, where she creates accessible science outreach opportunities. This work creates space for women and equity seeking groups to develop their science communication skills and participate in networking and mentorship activities. In between work, volunteer commitments, and family responsibilities, Blaire is studying part-time to complete her Masters of Science in Science Communication at Laurentian University.
Blaire strives to improve supports and opportunities for women in STEM by leading science programming and workshops in the community including at the WISE Science Olympics, the Greater Sudbury Public Library, and in classroom visits with SNOLAB. She is passionate about the arts and social justice, engaging with community initiatives and organizations such as Up Here Festival, Black Lives Matter Sudbury, Fierté Sudbury Pride, and L’Arche Sudbury. Blaire sits on the Board of Directors for We Live Up Here Urban Arts and is a member SNOLAB’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. In a field where women and diverse people are underrepresented, Blaire helps people to believe in themselves and makes room to explore science and technology in a safe, welcoming, and encouraging way with her unique, impactful, and enthusiastic approach.
Her efforts to increase access make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Sudbury and show us all that there is a place for us in science, arts, and culture.
Cristina is the Founder and Executive Director of Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking (AOH), an organization that provides free, long-term support to survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking and their loved ones in both official languages. Having struggled with and overcome her own addiction and gone on to pursue and complete her education in counseling herself, and becoming a Certified Addictions Counsellor, she uses her lived experience and empathy as a model and as a driving force in her desire to support others on their paths to recovery.
For the past 8 years, Cristina has been wholeheartedly dedicated to this cause and on the front lines, working hand-in-hand with survivors where they’re at. To date, she and her team have assisted over 300 individuals through addictions and mental health counseling, peer support, community referrals, and workshops. AOH has facilitated over 75 workshops, youth groups, and presentations in the Sudbury area, including the Empowered Kids campaign that aims to empower children and youth in local schools to prevent early victimization. Cristina has been recognized for her commitment with the YMCA Peace Medal Award, the BPW Woman of the Month Award and she has been featured in the She&Her Spotlight, the Sudbury Star, CTV News, and CBC.
Cristina is a strong advocate for ending gender-based violence and a devoted mentor to help women achieve greater independence and success. She provides a trauma-informed approach and a network of wrap-around services that allows women to feel supported and hopeful, no matter where they are on their healing journey.
Coming from a modest background, Natalie faced setbacks from a young age. She put herself through college and, as a mother of two and working full-time and struggling to make ends meet, also pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Justice with a Minor in Labour Studies and graduated with Honours. She now works as a Human Resources Manager at Pioneer Construction, but she truly shines in her volunteer work.
Natalie knows what it’s like to face adversity and the resilience, strength, and determination it takes to succeed and grow, and so she is passionate about advocating for and uplifting marginalized groups like women, Indigenous peoples and older adults. She freely gives her time to sit on the Board of Directors for several community organizations such as the Sudbury Women’s Centre, Sudbury Métis Council, Sudbury and Area Victim Services, Meals on Wheels, and the Advisory Board for the Coalition to End Violence Against Women. Natalie is selfless and deeply caring and she fearlessly leads by example to ensure that those in need are being treated fairly. Her outreach touches many diverse lives and leaves no one behind. In her professional life, she actively mentors young and aspiring colleagues, providing guidance and support to help them navigate their career journey successfully.
Through her drive and passion, Natalie inspires those around her and proves that no matter what you’re facing, as long as you don’t give up, you can achieve your goals and do anything you set your mind to.
Dr. Patricia’s journey from Guadalajara, Mexico to Canada in 2005 kick-started a life dedicated to professional excellence and community service. Settling in Sudbury in 2006, she faced challenges in a new country and male-dominated field, which fueled her determination to succeed. Her unwavering spirit shaped her into a researcher, educator, and global speaker in Laurentian University’s Faculty of Management, amassing almost two decades of experience. Beyond her professional achievements, she’s a devoted wife and proud mother of two boys.
Beyond her role, Dr. Patricia played a pivotal part in LU’s Experiential Learning Programs, forging industry-academia-government connections and accrediting pioneering programs in northern Ontario. She co-authored three books and numerous research articles, spanning international business to the future of work as well as experiential learning. A recognized keynote speaker globally, she also earned the 40 under 40 award in 2015.
Within her community, Dr. Patricia’s impact is as notable. Advocating for immigrants, she extends support to those facing adversity. Her commitment extends to women’s organizations, fundraising, and mentorship for female students and entrepreneurs. Her involvement in World University Service Canada (WUSC) reflects her commitment to refugees settling in Canada.
Dr. Patricia’s journey embodies perseverance, passion, and selflessness. She paves the way for women and girls to embrace aspirations, igniting determination and inspiring positive change. Her commitment to education, empowerment, and community defines her as a leader within academia and society.
PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise was founded in 1995 by Rosalind Lockyer in Thunder Bay, ON. PARO’s approach to supporting women is unique in that it meets women where they’re at. Whether it’s your geographic area, or where you are on your business journey, PARO’s programs and services are designed to support you wherever you are!
PARO supports women entrepreneurs from planning and start up, helping to secure funds, to industry workshops, networking events, and peer mentoring to ensure success throughout their business journey. As an organization, PARO has been recognized with many awards including the Empowering Women in Business Award this past May, the International Award for Women of the Decade in Community Leadership, and many more.
The Sudbury team, which is made up of Carole Perrin, Kayla Soomer, and Luciana Palotino, understands the unique challenges faced by women in business and work to break down barriers and advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity in the business landscape through awareness campaigns and participation in relevant forums to amplify women’s voices. PARO also provides critical resources that empower women to operate their ventures with confidence and competence, such as training workshops and educational opportunities that allow them to build on essential skills like financial management, marketing strategies, and leadership development. PARO’s innovative and tailor-made approach to financial support strategies has allowed countless women to overcome financial barriers related to growing their business, and, during the covid-19 pandemic, they monitored trends for women in business and provided over $500,000 in non-repayable growth contributions that helped support many women entrepreneurs throughout Ontario.
Carole, Kayla, and Luciana have collaboratively and consistently demonstrated their commitment to advancing women’s economic development and have had a transformative impact in fostering an environment where women can thrive.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
