Nearly 400 attendees gathered at the first-ever Canadian Women Entrepreneur Gala (CWE Gala). The event celebrated inspiring women entrepreneurs and trailblazers pushing for a more diverse ecosystem.
The gala focused on taking women in business to the next level by bringing together leading companies, top c-suite executives, entrepreneurs and influencers, with a red carpet experience award show featuring leading companies with special guest performances from Canadian sensations, Jully Black and Kardinal Offishall.
“Women supporting women is a powerful movement. It goes beyond just a social media hashtag or phrase,” said Anna Sinclair, CEO and Founder of Total Mom Inc. “It’s about enabling and uplifting each other in all aspects of life and offering opportunities to those who need it. The CWE Gala did just that.”
The evening recognized influential women, businesses, and CSR initiatives with industry nominations and awards in categories of gender equality in the workplace, empowering women in business, women’s health and wellbeing and creating young changemakers. For companies and leaders who were nominated, a selection committee powered by Google evaluated based on addressing problems and creating measurable impacts.
The CWE brought a large community of women entrepreneurs together. Learn how to be a leader by reading How to Make a Difference in Your Community.
Also during the gala, was the live finale of Canada’s Total Mom Pitch presented by TD – the award-winning, just-for-moms small business program, where the top five finalists of the program pitched their businesses in front of leading companies, executive judges and industry professionals. Other key sponsors include Bell, Vista, Huumans and Henry Brooks LLP.
This year’s honorees
CWE Recognition Award Winners:
- Interac – Community – Women’s Health & Wellbeing
- Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment – Community – Women’s Health & Wellbeing
- Pinterest – Gender Equality in the Workplace
- EllisDon – Gender Equality in the Workplace
- TD – #HypeWomen
- BDC – Empowering Women in Business/Entrepreneurs
- The DMZ – Empowering Women in Business/Entrepreneurs
- PARO – Empowering Women in Business/Entrepreneurs
- Women Get on Board – Gender Equality in the Workplace
- WBE Canada – #HypeWomen
- Centre for Women in Business – Empowering Women in Business/Entrepreneurs
- GreenShield – Community – Women’s Health & Wellbeing
Total Mom Inc. Recognition Award Winners:
- joni – Design for Success Award by Vista
- Shine Transformation Services – Most Transformational Business Award by huumans
- Bread – Bell Digital Innovation Award
- WeApply – Black Moms Connection Village Award
- Boxing4Health – IP Star Award by Henry Brooks LLP
- EMKAO Foods – TD Social Enterprise Award
- Well Bebe – Social Media Champion Award by North Road Digital
The winner of Canada’s Total Mom Pitch is Aeryon Ashlie – Founder and CEO of Aeryon Wellness. Aeryon Wellness is a wellness brand that uses the latest in scientific research to formulate and distribute to the highest grade, all-natural, support supplements that make a difference. Their innovative use of QR codes provides education, nutrition and strategies to assist women on their journey to sustainable health and wellness. Aeryon received a grand prize of $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, business services and more.
“To make it to the top five finalists is incredible. I never in my wildest dreams thought I’d win,” said Aeryon Ashlie, CEO of Aeryon Wellness, “but the best part is having my daughter here to witness the whole thing. It is really a total mom moment.”
About the CWE Gala
The #CWEGala2023 is an exclusive gathering of Canada’s leading brands and companies committed to driving impact and fostering great relationships in the world of women entrepreneurship. In its inaugural year, top executives, brands, agencies, influencers, entrepreneurs, creators, and media will join together for an unforgettable night of networking, collaboration, and inspiration. Learn about the latest developments and trends in the industry and gain valuable insights into the innovative work being done by companies across different sectors. This year’s sponsors were Bell Media, Dentons, Google, Protexxa, Canadian Tire, BarterPay, Michael Kors, UPS, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, Sinclair Creative Agency, North Road Digital, The Fitzroy, Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, Canada’s Podcast and One King West Hotel, Baskits, Magnetic Staffing, The Influence Agency, Caribou Gifts and High On Love.
About the Total Mom Inc.
Total Mom Inc. is a professional community network helping ambitious women founders start and grow their businesses while juggling motherhood. Established in 2017, Founder & CEO Anna Sinclair started Total Mom Inc. after discovering a need for more valuable support offered to busy moms like her. Total Mom Inc. is a 100 percent women-owned company helping women across Canada access education and connections to break down barriers and build a profitable, sustainable business. Total Mom is the fastest-growing professional community of mom entrepreneurs, serving over 20,000 moms and growing. It does so through its award-winning programs and partnerships with North America’s largest brands. For more information, visit www.totalmom.ca
About Total Mom Pitch
Canada’s Total Mom Pitch is an award-winning entrepreneurship, business pitch and awards program produced by Total Mom Inc. that aims to support women to start and grow profitable and sustainable businesses. It empowers real women with an ambitious vision to overcome the barriers they face as modern moms in today’s unpredictable economy. The grant and awards program helps Canadian women who are growing their businesses and raising families to access entrepreneurship support, new opportunities and funding as well as education, mentorship and community support.
Currently, Total Mom Pitch is Canada’s largest small business pitch grant and awards program for mom entrepreneurs. The judges are comprised of some of Canada’s most successful women executives from major brands, as well as influential coaches. The program helps applicants see potential gaps in their start-up businesses, giving them an advantage in their business journeys. Total Mom Pitch partners with companies supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. It does so through recognition, awards, scholarships, and partnership opportunities for business growth. For more information, visit www.totalmompitch.ca
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