By Lesley Bowen
Women have always been at the heart of Italian culture—the pillars of family, strength, and resilience. From the matriarchs who hold generations together with wisdom and tradition to the trailblazers who redefine industries, Italian women embody passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It felt deeply fitting that the Canadian Italian Business & Professional Association (CIBPA) Women in Leadership Dinner was dedicated to honouring these values, celebrating the contributions of women in business and leadership.
Founded in 1952, CIBPA was initially formed to support Italian immigrants navigating the challenges of establishing themselves in Canada. With such a profound history, our Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher Amy Pigeon and I were honoured to attend an event that celebrated the strength, resilience, and achievements of women making an impact in business and beyond.
A castle-like structure in the heart of Toronto, known as the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, served as the perfect setting for such a celebration. Originally built in 1926, this Beaux-Arts landmark has long hosted grand gatherings that honour Italian heritage, making it a symbolic and meaningful choice for an evening dedicated to recognizing the strength and impact of women. Its exterior captures a timeless elegance that makes me feel as though I’ve traveled back in time. Italians have always profoundly appreciated architectural beauty, and stepping into this space felt like walking into a piece of history—one where the past and present intertwined to shape the future.
As I stepped through the grandiose gold-rimmed doors, I was met with a sea of roaring voices, accompanied by the faint sound of violins humming in the background. The interior retained its old-world charm, with soaring ceilings and intricate moldings. It felt as though I had stepped into a piece of art, a space that revealed stories of the past while serving as a backdrop for an evening dedicated to shaping the future – the perfect setting for a story celebrating the beauty and power of women.
A Night of Inspiration and Connection
As the night commenced, the importance of community became increasingly apparent. The conversations around me weren’t just surface-level networking exchanges but deep, meaningful interactions that highlighted the collaborative spirit the CIBPA embodies. The room was filled with an incredible range of professionals—entrepreneurs, executives, creatives—all walking different paths but sharing a common purpose. There was a palpable energy, a shared understanding that tonight was about more than individual success—it was about celebrating collective progress.
In a world that often depicts women as being in competition with one another, this event served as a powerful testament to the contrary. The atmosphere was one of support, encouragement, and admiration.
Honouring Champions of Leadership
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of 21 exceptional women, named “Champions” for their outstanding contributions to business, arts, and community leadership. Among them was Nadia Di Donato, Vice President & Creative Director of Liberty Entertainment Group, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Toronto’s hospitality landscape. I was especially thrilled to see her honoured, with our team having worked on stories covering her and her husband Nick Di Donato’s renowned restaurants, including Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto, DaNico, and Cibo Wine Bar.
Another honouree close to our hearts was Daniela Sfara, a private Italian chef and cultural ambassador, whose passion for preserving and sharing authentic Italian cuisine has made her an integral part of our community. Daniela has been a great friend and ally to VeraVita Magazine, and we’re excited to share more about her in an upcoming feature.
These women, along with the other honourees, represent the best of leadership—not just through their professional accomplishments but through their dedication to mentoring and uplifting others.
It wasn’t just seasoned professionals who were celebrated that night. The Next Generation in Leadership Award recognized three outstanding young women: Ava Kypreos, Alexandra Philippou, Domenica Vezos. These students have already demonstrated a commitment to leadership through projects like a Hygiene Drive for The Refuge Youth Shelter in Oshawa and an encouragement note campaign in their school. It was inspiring to witness their early dedication to making a difference—a reminder that leadership isn’t defined by age but by action.
Women in Wellness: A Panel Discussion
One of the most thought-provoking moments of the evening came during the Women in Wellness panel discussion, featuring three trailblazing professionals who have broken barriers in the healthcare space:
- Dr. Melinda Maggisanos, Minimally Invasive General Surgeon at Humber River Hospital
- Sienna De Caro, Pelvic Floor and Orthopedic Physiotherapist at The Nest Health
- Romina Monastero, Registered Psychotherapist at Well Beings Counselling
Their discussion touched on the importance of advocating for women’s health in a historically male-dominated industry, sharing personal experiences of resilience, innovation, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. It was an eye-opening conversation, reinforcing the need for continued progress in healthcare and wellness.
Woman of the Year: Julie Di Lorenzo
Throughout the evening, powerful speeches were given by women who have shattered glass ceilings in their respective fields. Among them was Julie Di Lorenzo, who was honoured as Woman of the Year.
As President of Mirabella Corp, Julie has built an impressive career in real estate, leading with a commitment to sustainability, quality, and community enrichment. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, empowering her team to thrive and innovate. Beyond her corporate success, she is a strong advocate for women in business, dedicating time to mentorship and industry initiatives that create opportunities for future generations.
Listening to her story—and those of the other speakers—was deeply moving. As an entrepreneur myself, I related to the themes of perseverance, passion, and resilience. Each narrative was a reminder of the challenges we’ve faced and the triumphs we’ve achieved, both individually and collectively.
A Celebration of Women Supporting Women
As the night came to an end, I reflected on the stories, the connections, and the commitments that had been shared. The impact of an evening like this extends far beyond a single event. It reaffirms the power of solidarity, the importance of lifting each other up, and the beauty of celebrating women’s achievements as a collective.
Together, we continue to push boundaries, pave the way for future leaders, and redefine what success looks like—for ourselves and for the women who will follow in our footsteps.
And as I stepped out into the cool Toronto night, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Because in a room filled with so much talent, passion, and unwavering determination, one thing was clear—the future of leadership is bright. – VV
