Alright, Now What?

With Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics

Jenn Harper is an award-winning social entrepreneur and international speaker. She is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics—a brand that has gracefully painted the ideals of sustainability and inclusion onto a global canvas. From its inception in 2015, Jenn has nurtured Cheekbone Beauty into a B. Corp Certified force, now gracing the shelves of Sephora Canada and 550 JC Penney locations across the USA.

Jenn's journey with Cheekbone began as a digitally native, direct-to-consumer brand that took pride in its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting Indigenous communities. Her formidable leadership made sure Cheekbone stood out not only for its stunning products but also for its ethical backbone. It became a symphony of transparency, philanthropy, and support for women and youth. To date, over $250,000 have been donated to philanthropic causes, testament to Cheekbone's core values.

Cheekbone's prestige has been hard-earned. In 2019, Jenn Harper made a confident appearance on Canada's Dragon's Den, the nation's equivalency of Shark Tank. While she turned down offers, her unwavering resolution steered Cheekbone towards exponential growth. Jenn's tactical negotiations led to expansive contracts with major retailers in North America, shining a beacon of inspiration for Indigenous women by placing an Indigenous CEO-led brand on equal footing with global industry giants.

Jenn Harper stands as more than a CEO; she is a voice for entrepreneurship, exerting influence on topics that are reshaping the business landscape: social entrepreneurship, empathy, representation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Regularly sought after for her insights, Jenn weaves her narrative as both a woman and a representative of Indigenous peoples in North America, substantiating the importance of these values in today's business ecosystem.

The accolades accruing to Jenn's name bear the weight of her achievements. In 2022, she was listed among the 100 Women of Influence by Entrepreneur Magazine—a list graced by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. In 2023, Jenn was conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. This honorary degree recognized her unwavering dedication to community betterment and adamant endeavors in championing sustainability. In November of 2024, Jenn Harper was also named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Jenn Harper, with Cheekbone Beauty, brings forth a narrative of passion, resilience, and authenticity. Her biography is not just about the ascent of a brand; it's the story of a vision brought to life, of barriers broken, and of a future envisioned where commerce and charity coalesce seamlessly, all painted with the strokes of an eco-friendly brush.

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Jenna Barnable, disability inclusion advocate and educator

Jenna Barnable is an Atlantic Canadian writer, communicator, disability inclusion advocate and educator who lives with multiple disabilities. She is also a storyteller, community builder and lifelong feminist who raises awareness about women’s, gender-diverse, and Disabled rights through my words, art and education.

Jenna unapologetically centers women’s, gender diverse, BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ perspectives and issues in her disability inclusion advocacy work, including her social content creation on TikTok and her indie feminist podcast, “Finding Avalon: Amplifying Disabled Voices.” 

Jenna's goal is empowering disabled people become stronger self-advocates, and building supportive anti-ableist allies so that together people can create meaningful change for inclusive, accessible communities where everyone belongs, regardless of ability or health. 

As a disabled feminist and anti-ableist activist, Jenna tackles the ways disability discrimination is deeply intertwined with sexism, misogyny, gender-based violence, intimate partner violence, digital hate and gender inequity. She also shines a light on gender-based barriers within healthcare, having experienced sexist medical gaslighting and dismissal that caused irreversible damage to her health – unacceptable barriers to equitable care that women and marginalized people constantly face. 

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Kimberley Okafor, researcher and advocate for maternal health equity

Kimberley Okafor is a dedicated researcher and advocate for maternal health equity, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management (MScM) at Toronto Metropolitan University. As Vice-President External for her MScM cohort and an active member of the Black Researchers Initiative to Empower (BRITE), she is committed to addressing systemic challenges in maternal care globally. Her research explores the intersection of maternal health and social inequities, aiming to transform healthcare systems and promote culturally competent, equitable care. Through her work, she strives to influence policies that drive meaningful change in maternal healthcare.

Connect with Kimberley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-okafor/

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Leisha Toory, Winner of the 2025 Feminist Creator Prize

Leisha Toory is a feminist advocate, writer, and the founder of the Period Priority Project, the first and only grassroots initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador dedicated solely to advancing menstrual equity. Through her work, she has successfully lobbied for free menstrual products in public spaces, a policy change recently adopted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As an advocate for systemic change, Leisha has created innovative digital resources, including a YouTube series, podcast, and presentations toolkit, aimed at making menstrual health advocacy more accessible. These initiatives empower individuals and organizations to engage in conversations around period poverty and gender justice.

Her work has made a significant impact both locally and nationally, reaching marginalized communities and amplifying their voices. Leisha’s commitment to challenging stigma and shaping policies for menstrual and reproductive health continues to drive her mission to promote equity, safety, and freedom from harm in Canada and beyond.

Connect with Leisha on Social Media

Instagram: @leishatoory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leishatoory/

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Alex Valoroso, Gender Equity Advisor

Alex Valoroso is a Gender Equity Advisor and consultant specializing in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategies, with a particular focus on gender and disaster. She helps organizations build more inclusive workplaces, services, and systems by applying a feminist, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered lens.

Alex holds a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management and has completed specialized training in intersectional analysis, GBA Plus, and addressing gender-based violence in emergencies. She has worked in research, academia, government, the non-profit sector, and the private sector, and currently sits on the board of the Canadian Journal of Emergency Management.

Through her work, she brings a deep understanding of systemic inequities and their impact during times of crisis, and has supported organizations across Canada, the Caribbean, East Africa, and Latin America.

Learn more and connect with Alex:

Website:  www.valorosoconsulting.com

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/avaloroso

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Fallon Farinacci, Winner of the 2025 Feminist Creator Prize

Fallon Farinacci is Red River Métis and a child survivor who testified in the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, sharing her story of loss and trauma. 

Later Fallon joined The National Family Advisory Circle, where she worked closely with other MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ family members and the Commissioners for the National Inquiry.  

Fallon continues to share her family’s story and bring awareness to the ongoing Genocide Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ folx face in hopes of bringing change and awareness across Turtle Island.  

Connect with Fallon Farinacci on Social Media

Instagram: @fallonfarinacci 

TikTok: @fallonfarinacci

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor.  

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation  

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation  

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation  

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn  

With Suzie Dunn,  Interim Director of the Law and Technology Institute and an assistant professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.

Suzie Dunn's research centers on the intersections of equality, technology and the law, with a specific focus on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and social media. She is a research partner on a four-year SSHRC funded research project on young people’s experiences with sexual violence online, DIY Digital Safety. She is also a Senior Fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation, and a member of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund technology-facilitated violence committee.

Suzie Dunn's Bluesky handle: @suziedunn.bsky.social

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor. 

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation 

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation 

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation 

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn 

X: @cdnwomenfdn 

With Monica Bancheri, Winner of the 2025 Feminist Creator Prize

Monica, also known as Gay Italian Nonna, is a queer, masculine-presenting lesbian, talk show host, and community builder dedicated to creating safe spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Through her content and talk show, she helps people find connection, friendship, and belonging. Her Talk Show unMASCed shines a light on trans icons, LGBTQ+ leaders, inspirational women, and creatives- amplifying the voices that shape our culture.

Within her content, Nonna Monica speaks towards mental health and inclusive beauty content, ensuring all women feel seen and celebrated. Her work is rooted in empowerment, representation, and fostering a meaningful community.

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor. 

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation 

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation 

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation 

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn 

X: @cdnwomenfdn 

With Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director, BDL, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

After over 15 years of multidisciplinary experience abroad, taking on this unique role in June 2022 at the Canadian Chamber has been an opportune and fitting homecoming for Marwa. In her role with the BDL, Marwa leads the Research Center of Excellence and is responsible for developing and implementing an innovative long-term research agenda.

Prior to her role at the Chamber, Marwa served as the Advisor to the Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt for Private Sector Engagement. She also worked directly with and within some of the world’s most renowned multilateral organizations, private sector organizations, and country governments including the World Bank Group, Commonwealth Secretariat, APEC, OECD, Ernst and Young, Nathan Associates and the Asian Development Bank. In addition to leading dozens of capacity and technical assistance projects, consulting on regulatory, legal and policy reforms with these institutions, she also co-authored several publications and working papers.

Marwa’s journey has seen her through a number of professional pit stops spanning the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region where she’s worked on trade facilitation, gender equity, equality, social, and financial inclusion as well as the enablement, engagement and empowerment of the private sector. Still, one driver and common thread has always remained: championing, advocating and catalyzing impactful interventions for vulnerable, underrepresented and underserved groups, including businesses and SMEs, through rigorous data analysis, inventive research and storytelling.

Marwa received her master’s degree in international relations and international economics from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. She received her bachelor’s degree in finance and economics from Queen’s University Smith School of Business in Canada.

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor. 

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation 

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation 

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation 

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn 

X: @cdnwomenfdn 

With Leslie Woo CRE®, Chief Executive Officer of CivicAction.

Leslie is a respected city leader building sustainable communities and shaping urban development for over two decades in Canada’s fastest-growing urban region,the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. She is a seasoned urban planner, architect, and tireless community activator.

At CivicAction, Leslie has been building leadership programs that are building the next generation of civic-minded leaders. She is leading the growth of the next generation of civic-minded leaders. By equipping them with the knowledge and networks needed to tackle persistent urban problems, she is truly in the impact business.

Please listen, subscribe, rate, and review this podcast and share it with others. If you appreciate this content, if you want to get in on the efforts to build a gender equal Canada, please donate at ⁠canadianwomen.org⁠ and consider becoming a monthly donor. 

Facebook: Canadian Women’s Foundation 

LinkedIn: The Canadian Women’s Foundation 

Instagram: @canadianwomensfoundation 

TikTok: @cdnwomenfdn 

X: @cdnwomenfdn