Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Listen to inspiring female CEO's, founders, thought leaders, change-makers, and visionaries and SupportHERs making an impact locally, nationally and globally! The stories are real, raw, and authentic. Listen as they share their inspiring journies, career paths, the barriers and the successes, allyship, leadership wisdom and why celebrating women is so critical to driving change. Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities, they create them!

Phoebe Wasfy was born in Egypt and immigrated to North America at the age of nine. She is an active member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Ontario Principals Council (OPC). Her love for academia and her active involvement in the field has earned her the Arab Women of Excellence Awards in Academia from Life Transformation Academy (Calgary, Alberta - Canada).  Phoebe is a board member of ACSI-Eastern Canada. She is an adjunct Faculty for the Youth Ministry Certification Program (YMCP) offered by the Canadian Coptic Center in affiliation with YouthTrain, New Zealand. 

Phoebe enjoys interacting with other educators, students, and parents and is committed to fostering leadership and professional development amongst her staff. Phoebe heads many initiatives and is responsible for the school youth missionary trips globally while partnering with other governments, worldwide charity groups, and global aid organizations

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Listen to inspiring female CEO's, founders, thought leaders, change-makers, and visionaries and SupportHERs making an impact locally, nationally and globally! The stories are real, raw, and authentic. Listen as they share their inspiring journies, career paths, the barriers and the successes, allyship, leadership wisdom and why celebrating women is so critical to driving change. Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities, they create them!

Teresa Spinelli wasn’t destined to lead her family’s grocery business. But life takes many turns and the leader is what she became. Born in Edmonton in 1961 Teresa grew up at the Italian Centre Shop, taking her first steps in the pasta aisle. By age 13 she was working in the store regularly as a cashier, never dreaming she would one day ascend to the Presidency of the company. Family misfortune changed the course of Teresa’s life, “We were a traditional Italian family, and I had a brother, so automatically, because he was the boy, he was going to take the business.”

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Listen to inspiring female CEO's, founders, thought leaders, change-makers, and visionaries and SupportHERs making an impact locally, nationally and globally! The stories are real, raw, and authentic. Listen as they share their inspiring journies, career paths, the barriers and the successes, allyship, leadership wisdom and why celebrating women is so critical to driving change. Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities, they create them!

I am resilient. No matter what life has thrown at me, I have kept going with a positive attitude. I have suffered loss and challenges in life. I have lived through sexual abuse, I have lost a father to an accident, lost a husband to mental illness and substance abuse, I am supporting my 2nd husband fight with terminal cancer,… and I have been challenged in workplaces for my age, my race, my gender,... . Some of my plans have gone awry and I have been challenged, but I work to overcome each one, learning and growing from them and using those experiences to inform and support others on their journey.  

Life stories and adversity does not have to break you, it can strengthen, shape, and liberate you to do important things, bring people together and make the world a better place. They have inspired me to strive for more than I ever thought was possible - this simple Saskatchewan farm girl that takes Saskatchewan to the World and the World to Saskatchewan. They motivate me to persevere for my authentic self and personal purpose for making the world a better place, a safer place every day.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Listen to inspiring female CEO's, founders, thought leaders, change-makers, and visionaries and SupportHERs making an impact locally, nationally and globally! The stories are real, raw, and authentic. Listen as they share their inspiring journies, career paths, the barriers and the successes, allyship, leadership wisdom and why celebrating women is so critical to driving change. Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities, they create them!

Since 2015 Katie has led the country’s largest advisor force with more than 20,000 employees. In this role, she has undertaken a significant transformation of the retail bank’s distribution model and played a key role in the development of RBC’s Purpose and Collective Ambition. Katie is a woman with gender transition experience, revealing her journey to embrace her true self in 2019. She is a highly distinguished senior executive, diversity and inclusion advocate, proud parent of four children, and very authentic leader.

Katherine is an experienced business and thought leader with one of Canada’s most respected organizations. In her role as EVP, Regional Banking, she leads more than 20,000 advisors in branches and business centers, as well as expert advisors. Committed to community leadership, Katie is a member of the United Way Greater Toronto’s Board of Trustees as well as their Campaign Cabinet and a member of the Board of Directors for Jack.org, a Canadian charity dedicated to youth mental health.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Listen to inspiring female CEO's, founders, thought leaders, change-makers, and visionaries and SupportHERs making an impact locally, nationally and globally! The stories are real, raw, and authentic. Listen as they share their inspiring journies, career paths, the barriers and the successes, allyship, leadership wisdom and why celebrating women is so critical to driving change. Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities, they create them!

Known for her powerful and laser-focused ability to lead high-achieving leaders into being who they actually want to be, Theano’s genius is in helping people access their true power through divine sensuality in a way that is grounded, nurturing, accountable and tangible – using a rare blend of tantra-based methodologies and strategic, psychological insight.

An expert channel and moderator of conflict, Theano swiftly spots the habitual systems in her clients’ behavior and in their capacity and tolerance for change. A true artisan, she directs her clients’ relationships – and their lives – with precise, pristine care.

With Theano as a guide, driven men and women finally learn that the answer to deeper and more fulfilling relationships is not to be found in endless, empty escape and avoidance – but in extraordinary, delicious surrender. Tia masterfully creates a safe and intentional space to explore the deepest depths of our truths by dismantling into devotion to ourselves, our partners, and all our relationships.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Interviewing women making an impact, locally, nationally, and globally. Join our podcast to listen to the inspiring journeys of women blazing the rails, leading by example, ignoring the naysayers, and inspiring those around them to take action and dream big.

She worked over 10 years in the world of investments, managing portfolios of millions of dollars when a car accident has changed her life. Her journey of healing was part of a massive realization: investing alone is not doing the trick! More holistic solutions are needed – for All! She holds several licenses, including for investments, insurance, and real estate, which makes her the successful financial doctor she is today.

Eni has been helping thousands of families, individuals, and businesses to reach and surpass their financial goals, increase their revenues while minimizing their tax burden. She is a regular speaker at Ontario’s stages and has been invited to several Media shows, and her two books are planned to be published in 2020. She is a lead coach for Ontario’s teams and has a proven track record of increasing her clients’ businesses, and her teams’ profitability by over 332% within 60 days

Her philanthropic side: She has been sponsoring a child from Senegal through World Vision for the past 10+ years; recently, she became the sponsor of a girl in Nicaragua. She's a regular donor to World Vision, The Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Princess Margaret Hospital, Sick Kids, and the United Way, among many other charities. She is a leading activist with Global Citizen eradicating worldwide poverty, combating human trafficking and worldwide pollution, and fighting for humanitarian and environmental issues. As part of her involvement in the Global Citizen movement, the organization was able to raise almost $1 Billion USD to help end Extreme Poverty.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Interviewing women making an impact, locally, nationally, and globally. Join our podcast to listen to the inspiring journeys of women blazing the rails, leading by example, ignoring the naysayers, and inspiring those around them to take action and dream big.

Kim is currently the co-chair of the Calgary Domestic Violence Collective – a group of over 70 Calgary agencies working collectively to end family violence and abuse. A leader and innovator in programs, services, and organizational operations, Kim Ruse has built a career exemplified by excellence in scaling and growing non-profit organizations, developing strong teams, and transforming cultures. As the current CEO of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Kim doubled the size of the agency over seven years, stabilizing the organization’s culture and finances.

As a testament to her leadership, Kim was honored with the McKillop Award for her commitment and contributions to the Calgary community in 2011. In 2018, she was presented with an Alberta Government Inspiration Award for her leadership efforts in shaping the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter into a center of excellence with innovative violence prevention programs. Kim has consulted and presented nationally on the topics of community engagement, assessment, program design and development, evaluation, and organizational improvement.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Interviewing women making an impact, locally, nationally, and globally. Join our podcast to listen to the inspiring journeys of women blazing the rails, leading by example, ignoring the naysayers, and inspiring those around them to take action and dream big.

In 2016, my husband and I left careers in management to start an IT Services and Consulting organization. We were intent on getting people back to work in a difficult Alberta economy, equaling the playing field for women in tech, providing opportunities for marginalized populations, and mentoring the next generation. And so Levvel was born. Doubling revenue year-over-year between 2016 and 2019, we were recognized as one of Canada's fastest-growing start-ups in 2020 by Canadian Business and featured in Maclean's magazine. 

Through mentorship and volunteering, we share our skills and knowledge however we can. We are passionate about equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity, but know there is much to learn, both personally and professionally, on how to do better and foster change in others. This will be a lifelong journey.

Our career and reputation have been built on having a positive outlook on life, connecting with people, and building strong relationships across all levels, cultures, and generations within an organization and within the community.

Technology is our trade, but people are our passion, and business done right is our drive!

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer. Interviewing women making an impact, locally, nationally, and globally. Join our podcast to listen to the inspiring journeys of women blazing the rails, leading by example, ignoring the naysayers, and inspiring those around them to take action and dream big.

I am the author of the award-winning book, Did Santa Wear A Mask? inspired by my 4-year-old son when he asked the question that moved me, “Mommy, will Santa wear a mask?”. Did Santa Wear A Mask, endorsed by Amazon – Featured on ABC, FOX, NCB news outlets. The book prominently features the JAG Brothers as they helped solve one of the biggest challenges ever faced at Christmas time; how to safely deliver presents during the COVID-19 outbreak while still adhering to the newly implemented hygiene, physical distancing, and travel restrictions in effect.

In 2014, I launched my official company, JChess Designs. JChess was inspired by my son when he was only months old. JChess focuses on the natural and matriarchal side of beauty. As a Human Ecology educator, my focus was to designs a practical solution, supplying an essential tool for lactating mothers. My company offers mothers the ability to breastfeed discreetly in comfort and a more hygienic alternative when in a public setting such as restrooms or waiting areas in clinics and hospitals where sick persons often cough and sneeze nearby. These common dilemmas, combined with how shy most mothers are about breastfeeding in public, highlight the need for my Boobie covers and how useful they would be to moms.

Today I am The Gold Medal Mom Choice Honoree, 2021 for Did Santa Wear A Mask, titleholder of The Red Blazer Award for Women in Entrepreneurship, 2021; the Edna Scott Award for the Greatest degree of Diligence in Teaching, 2012 and The Ken Gray Award for innovations in Teaching, 2012.

Be Inspired.

Nominate a Woman of Inspiration and learn more, visit: https://universalwomensnetwork.com

Women of Inspiration Book - https://universalwomensnetwork.com/book-contributors/

#UniversalWomensNetwork

The Women of Inspiration™ Podcast with host Monica Kretschmer, Founder & CEO of the Universal Womens Network™, shines the spotlight on inspiring female CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, and visionaries making an impact locally, nationally, andglobally who lead, inspire and motivate.

In this episode, we interview Manjit Minhas - Co-Founder & Co-Owner of the Minhas Brewery, Distillery and Winery | 100 Women of Inspiration™ Book Contributor.

Manjit launched her spirits in 1999 and her beers in 2002 in Alberta with her business partner and brother, Ravinder Minhas. Together with $10,000 they gave the big boys a run for their money, thereby becoming the first successful company to enter the Canadian beer industry in many decades. Currently, she has over 90 brands of beers, spirits, liqueurs, and wines. Her products are sold in 5 provinces (Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia), as well as 47 states throughout the USA and 16 other countries.

Over the last few years, wherever Manjit and Ravinder have entered the marketplace, and especially in Canada, they have single-headedly caused a huge stir in the marketplace. To date, her companies have sold over 7 billion pints of beer! Many beer drinkers in Canada and the USA have welcomed her style of beer as a tasty alternative to the higher-priced mediocre beers that dominate the marketplace.

This Petroleum Engineering student turned beer baroness is a Dragon on the hit TV show Dragons’ Den on CBC in its 15th season (for which she has been on for 6 seasons/years). Manjit leads a privately owned empire that had revenues in excess of $220 million last year.

Get Ready to Be Inspired!

Learn more: @manjitminhas

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