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2026 inspiHER Gala Event Program

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CH 5, 2026 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR SILVER SPONSORS

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

CENTERPIECE SPONSOR

PHOTOBOOTH SPONSOR

TRIBUTE SPONSOR GIFT BAG SPONSOR

Program

5:45 pm: 6:40 pm: 6:50 pm: 7:05 pm:

7:20 pm: 7:45 pm: 8:00 pm: 9:00 pm: 9:15 pm: 9:30 pm:

Doors Open for Registration, Networking Reception

Welcome Remarks

Opening Remarks - Amandeep Sodhi, MP, Brampton

Centre

Divine Lightbody, Musical Artist

First Course - Soup

Naseem Somani Memorial Leadership Excellence

Award Presented by Dynacare

Divine Lightbody, Musical Artist

Second Course - Main

“Wings of Change” Live Auction and Fundraising

Third Course - Dessert

Keynote Speaker - Angela Carter

Closing Remarks

Networking

MeettheArtists

An essential pillar of Brampton On Stage is artist development. We are happy to support emerging and early career artists in professionalizing their work and supporting sustainable career growth in the arts and culture sector

DJ Chissmiss Cherry

Chissmiss Cherry (she/her) is a global club DJ who specializes in curating queer-friendly events in Toronto. She grew up in Brampton and has been a vital member of the community through her past work at Chinguacousy Park. Cherry's sets are packed with good vibes and nostalgic hits along the way!

Divine Lightbody

Divine Lightbody is an emerging GTAbased R&B artist known for her soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence since appearing on CTV’s The Launch. Classically trained in piano, she’s collaborated with Grammy winners, surpassed three million streams, performed internationally, and continues captivating audiences with her fresh, genre-blending sound.

MeetourEmcees

The Brampton Board of Trade is proud to have six incredible women on its Board of Directors, each bringing diverse expertise and perspectives, all united in their mission to empower the Brampton business community.

Reena Sohi is Vice President, Commercial Financial Services at RBC, leading teams th support supply chain and logistics clients. W 25+ years at RBC, she brings deep industry expertise and a passion for developing people. She serves on the Board of the Brampton Board of Trade and actively men through RBCs Asian Professional Network.

ate Saldanha is a lawyer at Prouse, Dash & rouch, LLP specializing in wills & estates law nd real estate law. She is the Brampton oard of Trade 2025 Chair, reflecting her ommitment to community engagement. In her owntime, Kate is a Disney enthusiast, drawing spiration from its storytelling and creativity.

Amisha Moorjani, culinary trailblazer and Founder of The Food Quotient, champions health and wellness through her expertise in Foods & Nutrition. Specializing in vegan, plantbased, and halal cuisine, her company offers meal delivery, catering, and takeout services in an environmentally-responsible manner, embodying her dedication to a nutritious and wholesome life.

REENA SOHI
KATE SALDANHA
AMISHA MOORJANI

MeetourEmcees

The Brampton Board of Trade is proud to have six incredible women on its Board of Directors, each bringing diverse expertise and perspectives, all united in their mission to empower the Brampton business community.

Usha Srinivasan is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and led multiple businesses across various industries As an investor, she is passionate about supporting innovative ventures and driving business growth. A dedicated vegan foodie, Usha also enjoys karaoke, embracing opportunities to connect with others through music and shared experiences

Paula Harvey is a dedicated community leader with over 25 years of experience in the developmental and health sectors within the Region of Peel.. A resourceful and creative problem solver, she is passionate about fostering inclusivity while staying connected to nature, making things from scratch, and spending time with family and friends.

Upjit Kaur Kansal is the founder of 100 Women Who Care Brampton, a not-for-profit that brings charities serving Brampton in front of donors for an immediate cash injection while doing her day job with J D Factors corporation and serving many businesses across Canada looking for funding.

PAULA HARVEY
USHA SRINIVASAN
UPJIT KANSAL

OpeningRemarks

Amandeep Sodhi was born in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Brampton In 2023, Amandeep earned her bachelor's degree in political science from King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario Following graduation, she gained hands-on experience as a legal assistant, deepening her understanding of law, governance, and public service.

In 2024, Amandeep embraced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: running for public office as the Liberal candidate in her home riding Motivated by a vision of building a stronger, more inclusive Canada, she campaigned tirelessly and, in 2025 won her seat, becoming one of the youngest voices in Parliament.

Today, Amandeep champions the interests of young Canadians as part of the Youth Caucus and is a member of the Immigration Committee She is dedicated to creating meaningful change for Canadians, focusing on immigration, public safety, and affordability, while continuing to represent the values and voices of her community

Dynacare proudly supports the healthy lives of the Brampton community, through:

• Workplace wellness and occupational safety programs.

• Provides access to medical testing for underserved members of the community, and pathways to STEM careers and training.

• Laboratory testing for Brampton residents, healthcare providers and hospitals.

• Career and STEM education opportunities within our laboratory and home office.

For more information, please visit

Naseem Somani Memorial LEADERSHIP

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Honouring an individual who exemplifies vision, integrity, and innovation, and making a lasting impact through transformative leadership.

IN MEMORY OF NASEEM SOMANI

Vito Ciciretto, President & CEO of Dynacare since 2018, is a Chartered Professional Accountant with an MBA from Schulich. Named Brampton Board of Trade’s Business Person of the Year (2021), he is a values-driven leader with a passion for team building, innovation, and operational excellence across healthcare, aerospace, and infrastructure management.

PRESENTED BY

Congratulations TOP 10 NOMINEES

FionaD'SilvaCoelho ErinoakKidsTreatmentand Devel

CityofBrampton

GrayMatterHealth

MonicaButta
SarahKhetty MapleLodgeFarms

ACloserLook AT OUR FINALISTS

"A visionary mental health leader advancing psychological safety, empowering individuals, and driving meaningful change through compassionate and purpose-driven leadership."

Marci Gray is the Founder of Gray Matter Health, a counselling and consulting firm based in Brampton, Ontario She leads a diverse and compassionate team that provides exceptional mental wellness services throughout the province Beyond her clinical practice, Marci is a trusted workplace culture consultant, partnering with organizations to promote employee wellness and create psychologically safe, inclusive environments.

ACloserLook

AT OUR FINALISTS

"A transformational leader whose vision and dedication are shaping institutions, advancing equity, and expanding access to care for the community."

Sharanjeet Kaur is Chief Administrative Officer of the Toronto Metropolitan University School of Medicine, and has over 20 years of progressive public-sector leadership experience. A dedicated community leader, she champions human rights, youth mentorship, and community capacity building, and was named the City of Brampton’s Citizen of the Year in 2023

ACloserLook AT OUR FINALISTS

"A purpose-driven leader committed to empowering youth, strengthening communities, and building organizations where people

With extensive experience in the social service/non-profit sector, Shari Lynn Ladanchuk (BASc), President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York, truly believes in the value and values of mentoring and volunteerism Her 30 years working within the Big Brothers Big Sisters movement has afforded her tremendous opportunity to impact children and youth and their families through her leadership, volunteer endeavours, community development, collaboration efforts and advocacy work.

Thank you to our female led AND THE EXCEPTIONAL TEAM AT FRIPP AUCTIONS, OUR OFFICIAL WINGS OF CHANGE AUCTIONEER FOR THE INSPIHER GALA.

Thank you to Frances Fripp Event Vendors

Wings of Change

LIVE AUCTION AND FUNDRAISING FUNDING TRANSFORMATIONS THAT REBUILDS LIVES

Armagh is the Region of Peel's only transitional housing program, providing safe, affordable and stable housing for women, with or without children, who have experienced violence Unlike emergency shelters that offer short-term refuge, Armagh creates a foundation for long-term healing and independence. Through extended housing stability and wraparound support services, we empower residents to rebuild their lives, strengthen their skills and move confidently toward safe, independent living.

Tonight, we invite you to Give to Gain. Give safety. Give stability. Give a fresh start. Every dollar raised stays local and directly supports women and children rebuilding their lives right here in our community.

Wings of Change

Auction Item # 1

Downtown Brampton Experience

Experience the heart of Brampton like never before with this curated downtown package celebrating arts, culture, wellness, and local business.

Two Tickets to Any Show at The Rose Theatre

Enjoy an unforgettable evening at one of Brampton’s premier performance venues. From live music and comedy to theatre and special events your night out awaits. (Value: $200)

Original Painting – Brampton Farmers’ Market

A beautiful original artwork created by a talented local artist, capturing the vibrant spirit and charm of the Brampton Farmers’ Market. A meaningful piece to display with pride (Value: $200)

$100 Gift Card – Downtown Brampton BIA

Shop, dine, sip, or explore at any participating Downtown Brampton BIA member business. Discover hidden gems and local favourites while supporting small business. (Value: $100)

10 Yoga + Mat Pilates Classes

Prioritize your wellness with ten rejuvenating yoga and mat Pilates classes designed to strengthen, restore, and energize. (Value: $200)

Total Value - $700

Wings of Change

Auction Item # 2 & 3

F45 Training North Park Brampton

Ready to level up your fitness? Bid on one of two 3-month unlimited memberships to F45 Training North Park Brampton, a global fitness phenomenon known for high-energy, team-based functional workouts that deliver real results.

Auction Item # 4

Three-Month Unlimited Membership Train with expert coaches, push your limits, and experience the motivation of a supportive community environment.

Value - $720/ea

Canon Video-First Camera

Capture your story in stunning detail with the Canon PowerShot V10 a compact, video-first camera designed for creators on the go.

Canon Powershot V10

Featuring 4K video, a built-in stand, high-quality microphone, and ultra-portable design, it’s perfect for content creation, travel, events, and everyday moments.

Value - $599.99

Wings of Change

Auction Item # 5

Luxury Fine Art Portrait Experience

Artage Portraits specializes in museum-quality artwork that celebrates family, connection, and life’s most meaningful moments This is more than a photo session, it’s an investment in preserving your story with elegance and artistry

Capture your legacy with an unforgettable portrait experience from Artage Portraits. This exclusive gift certificate includes a luxury portrait sitting and a stunning 20" fine art portrait, beautifully crafted to become a timeless heirloom for your home. Value - $5000

Auction Item # 6

Wings of Change Swim School Package

Dive into confidence! Perfect for little swimmers building skills or seasoned splash-makers looking to level up. Bid high and make a splash!

Gift Certificate and Swim Essentials

Auction Item # 7

Includes a $100 gift certificate toward swim lessons at Making Waves Swim School, plus a bundle of swim-ready essentials: goggles, hair care products, sunglasses, pool toy

Value - $200

Double the action. Double the excitement. Bring a friend, treat a client, or plan two unforgettable nights out cheering on the Raptors live!

4 Tickets - 2 Games!

This incredible package includes four premium tickets across two thrilling matchups: Friday, March 27 – Raptors vs. New Orleans Pelicans - generously donated by our Audio Visual Partner Livecast Thursday, April 9 – Raptors vs Miami Heat - generously donated by Armagh House Value - $800+

Wings of Change

Auction Item # 8

4-Season Luxury Lakefront Escape

This stunning & spacious custom-built waterfront cottage boasts breathtaking views overlooking Graham Lake & situated on 15 acres of private land This perfect getaway gives you plenty of fun activities to do with family or friends. Enjoy taking a dip in the inground heated pool, relax in our new 44-jet hot tub or jacuzzi Enjoy the nearby Triangle Ski Resort (5 minutes), the historic Brockville Tunnel (20 minutes) or 1000 Islands National Park (15 minutes).

2 Night Stay at Country Road Cottage

Gather your family or friends for an unforgettable lakeside retreat at this stunning 4-season cottage in beautiful Mallorytown.

With 6 spacious bedrooms, 12 beds, and 3 full baths, this incredible property comfortably sleeps 16+ guests.

Value - $3740

Wings of Change

Auction Item # 9

Blank Canvas to Auction Stage

Witness something truly powerful unfold in real time. Feel the magic of art in motion as Nada brings a blank canvas to life before your eyes, creating a powerful, one-of-a-kind masterpiece throughout the evening. When the final brushstroke is set, this extraordinary piece will take centre stage in our live auction. Guests will have the extraordinary opportunity to bid and bring home not just an original 30" x 40" work of art, but a symbol of courage, healing, and transformation

NADA ALBAKRI

Impact Speaker

JANNIES LE

Armagh House

Jannies Le is the Executive Director of Armagh House, dedicated to providing transitional housing and support to women and children fleeing violence. Passionate about empowerment and collaboration, she fosters strong partnerships and innovative solutions that create safe spaces, lasting change, and renewed hope for families rebuilding their lives.

FUND A Wings of Change

Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for empowering women and children to rebuild lives free from violence.

Keynote Speaker

ANGELA J. CARTER

Roots Community Services

Angela J. Carter, the 2023 InspiHer Award recipient and former Executive Director of Roots Community Services, is a communityrooted advocate and systems change strategist. Working at the intersection of health equity, racial and social justice, governance and ethical innovation she boldly defend and amplify the voices of Black and other communities that are often marginalized.

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