“Never has so few women represented so many…” – at the annual Outstanding Women Awards, hosted by Waterfront Magazine for 2019 – “…in raising the awareness of Torontonian women, that they too, can be nominated when they excel in all that they do.”
Against Toronto’s sparkling cityscape, the receding sun, cast its golden rays, to crown, the gathering at the prestigious Global and Mail Centre. The assemblage of Outstanding Women, from 15 different industries, had been nominated on their expertise and recognized accomplishments. Like the Academy Awards, from hundreds of nominations, only the top three would be selected with the finalist announced to receive the OWA crystal sculpture. The anticipation generated an energy that permeated the hall as the buzz shrouded the angst of wondering who would be selected to win by the
independent Women in Governance committee.
One of the highlights of the OWA event was the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award that Toronto Deputy Mayor Ana Bailao bestowed upon Dr. Jean Augustine, PC, CM, CBE. Over six decades, Dr. Augustine has led and crusaded to improve education and woman’s rights. She was one of the first Black women to be elected to the House of Commons of Canada where she served as Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women. Other noted presenters were; Member of Parliament Julie Dabrusin, Ellen Fulcher and Karim Mirshahi, Publisher, Waterfront Magazine.
“ I WAS SURPRISED TO BE NOMINATED, BUT NOW THAT I’M HERE I’M THRILLED”
The glamour of this gala event was accented by red carpets, flower bouquets, sparkling wine, gourmet blue coffee and a buffet of scrumptious delights. Intermingled throughout the evening, ingmaster Terrance Lushington orchestrated a superb array of troubadours with: pianists Elsa Hsieh, Elizabeth Spano and Anjelica Johnson, classical guitarist Peter Mathers, flutist Linda O’Conner, drums Sheldon Universe; singers Nash Xu, Jason Peng and Tija Coules, Ballroom Dancer Jamie Domb and live painting by Angela Kim and artist Jennifer.
Once again Aida Memisevic was the MC along with Mike Wixson to introduce the OWA nominees and outstanding performers such as; 9 year old singing sensation Roberta Battaglia, Mira Solovianenko amazing soprano arias and riveting Dr. Draw Electric Violin as they moved the program to its conclusion.
Ms. Natalia Galinskaya, the Founding Owner/Principal of Little Owl Preschool and Elementary, was one of the OWA nominees who confessed that “I was a bit nervous to be here. I was surprised to be nominated, but now that I’m here I’m thrilled. This is such a wonderful setting, and I’m really impressed with all the accomplished women here. Whatever happens, it’s just great to have this experience.”
The OWA event supported the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness.
2. Jean Augustine, recipient of the Legacy Lifetime Achievement Award
3. Leslie Ann Coles, presented with the Film Award
4. Hedieh Samimi, presenting an award
5. Claudette Mc Gowan, presented with the Science and Technology Award
2. Singer Ella Farida, with Natasha Sonja and Rosario Vega
3. 9-year old Vocalist Roberta Battaglia
4. Vocalist Mira Solovianenko
5. Elsa Hsieh, entertaining guests
6. Aida Memisevic and Hillary LeBlanc
2. Activation Products CEO, Ian Clark, presenting an award
3. Guests enjoying cocktails on the terrace with a dramatic view of the Toronto skyline
4. Valeria Muriel from Trigenics, presenting an award
5. People Choice Award winners
6. Eleanor Fulcher, presenting an award
