Photos from the 2018 Waterfront Awards

Process

Once a candidate has been nominated, an email will be forwarded with an acknowledgment that a web-based nomination and information has been received on her behalf. The awards administrators will review all nominations for completeness; nominators may be contacted should clarification be required. The nominee however, will have the final decision. Candidates will sign a general release form (allowing use of name and photo as an award nominee) and confirm information presented in their nomination application (as displayed on website). The Nominee represents and warrants that all information that has been provided in submitting a nomination for the Waterfront Awards is true, accurate, complete to the best of her knowledge based on her free will and she is under no restriction that would prevent her from submitting this nomination or supporting evidence nor that would prevent the Waterfront Awards from using the information provided in the selection process for the Waterfront Awards. Erroneous or false information provided in the application will result in immediate disqualification of the Nominee. Waterfront Awards committee otherwise retain the right to disqualify any Nominee in their sole discretion.

To maintain complete fairness and transparency, the awards committee members have been selected as trusted industry professionals and are not board members or management staff at Toronto Waterfront Magazine. The award committee members cannot themselves be nominees or have submitted nominations to the program during the time they serve on the committee. If a close associate, colleague, or relative of a sitting committee member is nominated for an award, that member will withdraw from voting or commenting on the nominations in that particular category.

Selection Criteria

The awards committee will review all nominations in each category carefully. Each nomination will be evaluated and ranked with a points-rating system. The awards committee will use a selection criteria in evaluating candidates, with the weighting of these criteria for each award.

This metrics-based evaluation grid eliminates possible subjectivity from one member having a notable impact on the final scoring, as there are six committee members who will be individually evaluating and scoring the submissions and submitting their confidential scoring sheets to an officiator. Once all committee members have submitted their individual scoring sheets, the officiator will tabulate the scores for each nomination in each category. The highest-ranking score in each category will determine the three finalists and category winner. In addition, there will be a selection of “People’s Choice” winners, based on website audience votes.

Award recipients and committee members will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement valid until the results are made public. In addition, this agreement instructs a strict confidentiality request to not share details of the nominations, or why a particular nomination was successful or unsuccessful.

Announcement of Results

The three finalists and category winner as well as the “People’s Choice” winner will be announced at the Waterfront Awards event in June of 2023. We are truly grateful to all the nominators and nominees for assisting the Waterfront Awards to recognize outstanding women of the GTA, and we thank all nominees ahead of time for your sisterhood, support, gratitude and grace; regardless of outcome.

• Philanthropy

• Environment

• Science and Technology

• Community Activism

• Urban Planning and Design

• Health, Fitness and Sport

• Music

• Arts and Culture

• Culinary Arts

• Entrepreneurship and Business

• Film & Television and Digital Arts

• Authors

• Fashion and Style

• Outstanding Innovator

This prominent award celebration and charity gala features visual art displays and musical performances by some of Toronto’s best talents, theatrical performances and celebrity presenters.

Sponsors will have the opportunity to be associated with one of Toronto’s most elaborate, experiential charity events with the opportunity to showcase your business, product line and logo as well as meeting over 400 VIP guests from the community. Sponsorship opportunities include title sponsor, award sponsor and other associations.

There are several benefits to becoming a sponsor, which may include: the presentation of an award, product material on sponsor table, inclusion in VIP swag bag, advertisement in Toronto Waterfront Magazine, and/or sponsor video featured at the event. In addition, there will be extensive publicity via radio, digital and social media before and after. The Award ceremony will also be broadcast through live streaming globally.

For more information, including title sponsorship opportunities or for a customized sponsorship package please contact: waterfrontmediagroup@gmail.com

Negin Valizadeh 

Negin Valizadeh is a well-regarded professional with over a decade of experience in the field of interior design. Her work has transformed residential and commercial spaces throughout Toronto and the GTA, infusing each project with luxury and elegance.

Her passion, coupled with an unwavering commitment to design excellence and innovation, has made her Interior Design firm, Negin Valizadeh Design, a beacon for transformative design and timeless elegance.

Since joining the Board of Directors at the Waterfront Magazine, Negin has participated actively to bring her past team management and planning experience and assist in creating memorable events with this group of professionals.

Satie Narain-Simon, CPA

Satie is a professional accountant and works as a tax auditor with the Canadian Federal Government. She is an international public speaker, a co-author, and is currently working on her next book, which will be released in Fall 2023. She’s a member of the Waterfront Magazine Planning Committee, a judge for the International Films for Peace Festival and at BIFF. 

Satie is passionate about finding ways of impacting others and truly advocates that each of us matters.  She is Guyanese with a Caribbean cultural background.

Aida Memisevic

Aida Memisevic is a media entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital strategist in the human potential field. She creates IMPACT-based television shows, and digital wellness experiences focusing on success strategies and mindset habits. She also works with high-performance executives/entrepreneurs around personal branding and media strategy. Aida believes strongly in mindful capitalism and profit with purpose.

Francine Mbvoumbo

Francine is the Founder and Strategic Leader of Mothers to Daughters (M2D), a for-impact organization focused on helping bridge the intergenerational gap between younger women and more experienced women and spark lasting personal and professional relationships among them.

She is among the 2020 Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada, was recognized by the CivicAction Leadership Foundation as a Black Rising Leader, was honoured with the Legacy Award from Volunteer Toronto for her contributions to the local community, and was recently a Mentorship Finalist with the Women Empowerment Awards.

Vanessa Lachman

6IXPM started off as a break away from model life for Vanessa Lachman. 6 years ago, this was just a concept. Over 100+ productions inclusive of travels abroad, magazine launches, boat parties, model shoots, and multiple designer platforms; 6ixPM is a reality. 

Running the business, the social platform, the creative artwork and being a mother of 4, 6ixPM and Vanessa are the epitome of what it means to be a Superwoman. The sky’s the limit as it engaged in the cosplay of fashion.

Terence ( Mr T) Lushington

Terence Lushington A Transformational Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Mentor. Master of Ceremonies host for many Red Carpet Gala’s and Events for many years. Also an Event Planner for various different events. Singer and Performer. Live Auctioneer for charitable events only where 100% of proceeds go to the cause. Host podcast and discussion with his own Corporation World Trade systems a portal for all. A business-to-business facilitator. Best Selling Author in The book From (Burnout to Victory) promoted by Landed for Success. Gifted Facial Reader a gift for all.

Mia Miazaki

Mia is a George Brown graduate from Recreation Management in Gerontology, she works in a long-term care home in downtown Toronto, managing programs and events for seniors. Mia also is the Executive Event Coordinator for 6ixpm, her role is to deliver support for designers, models, and the beauty team when they are showcased at the fashion shows. She is an advocate for mental health, special education and women’s empowerment. Mia is honoured to be part of the Waterfront Magazine Awards 2023 Edition.

Walter Barubek

Walter Barubek is an entrepreneur born and raised in Hamilton Ontario. Currently residing in Oakville, he is the managing partner of All-Risks Insurance. A recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for volunteering and community activism. He is a father of twin girls both of whom have exciting career paths. He joins this committee recognizing the incredible achievements of the nominees and wishes to celebrate with them.

Peter Linseman

Peter Linseman is been working over 25 years as owner of Music Mentor Productions, a CCMA nominated recording studio & Independent Record Label, Peter Linseman is an award winning producer who has worn every hat in the music industry. Peter was named the President of CYCO – YOUTH DAY Global  in 2020 & YOUTH DAY Toronto 2023 celebrating its 17th consecutive year at Yonge Dundas Square. Peter has also managed many artists’ careers over the years including popular actress / eOne Music artist Kate Todd and currently managing talented teen sister group ~ KLM Sisters and FiTHOP founder, recording artist and Mind/Body/Spirit Guru Niko Sofianos.

Rosemary Ghiz

Rosemary Ghiz is a highly accomplished professional with over 25 years in the real estate and mortgage financing industries. Renowned for her expertise in the field, Rosemary has been a trusted advisor to many clients, particularly working with women who are seeking to thrive in the ever-changing real estate market. Throughout her career, Rosemary has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. Her deep understanding of market dynamics, combined with her astute financial awareness, enables her and her team to provide tailored guidance that helps clients make the best decisions, for their own personal needs. Rosemary’s ability to empower women in the real estate market, combined with her dedication to providing exceptional service, has earned her a loyal and satisfied clientele. Rosemary’s success as a three-time international best-selling author on empowering women and overcoming adversities is a testament to her talent and the impact of her work.

Tatevik Sarkisyan

Tatevik Sarkisyan, BSc in Business Management, Touro College, is the owner, producer and music industry mentor at Drellander Productions and a sought-after voice coach at Drellander’s Studio. She is a versatile vocalist, multi-genre songwriter with over 170 songs under her belt, a recognized Canadian air-played composer as a member of SOCAN, performer in 11 languages, music, video and film producer, health and business educator, life & business strategist, music and spiritual coach based in Toronto. Tatevik is also an excellent stylist, designer and writer. She has done a lifetime of beneficiary and volunteer work and is in partnerships with organizations empowering and helping people in the Toronto community. Due to her own healing journey, she is the biggest advocate of music and loving-kindness for health. Tatevik is blessed with a caring partner, family and friends. She is honoured to be a part of Waterfront Awards 2023 and serve on its Advisory Board.

Sabina Pasha  

Bita Kanpouri

Bita Kanpouri is a fashion advisor with 25 years of experience. She’s passionate about helping people and enhancing her personal style. She had a long career in theatre, starting at just 11 years old. She has worked on many theatre shows over the years. She is also a TV host and stage host for many years. And also, She has been working as the best in buying and selling real estate for long time

Sonia Dolar

Sonia Dolar is a Financial Advisor with Investia Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of IA Financial Group Inc., based in Canada. With having over twenty years of the experience, she has been working closely with individuals and multi-generational families to help them in creating, growing, and safeguarding their savings. Aside from her financial career, Sonia has been actively involved in various artistic and humanitarian endeavors. She has taken part in global women’s initiatives sponsored by the United Nations and the African Union, demonstrating her commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, Sonia has a background in classical piano and has published essays on topics such as work-life balance and resiliency.

 After Party

Buy Tickets Now!

After Party Regular Price: $75

 After-Party Registration Starting at:  9:30 pm

6ixPM

6ixPM presents Opluence. A luxurious Fashion Showcase by KH Boutique & Ozia Boutique. As a past winner of Fashion & Style and Peoples Choice Award, this fashion show is a special exhibition spotlighting the accomplishments of stylish women. Join us for a spectular night as we congregate with a ‘Splash of Style & Grace’. After Show Soirée and Fashion Show will be happening on Saturday July 15th at 10:00pm – 1:00am at The Toronto Region Board of Trade 100 Queens Quay East, 3rd Floor, Toronto.

Performers Of Tonight!!!

Ben Anthony Lavoz

Ben Anthony LaVoz is a highly talented and versatile artist hailing from Toronto, Canada. He is a composer, songwriter, producer, and singer, known for his dedication to his craft and his humble beginnings in the music industry.

With having a deep passion for music, Ben Anthony’s message as an artist is “Love What You Do,” a motto that reflects his commitment and enthusiasm for his artistry. He has embraced his roots and challenges the current popular music landscape by having to promote traditional methods of composing Latin music, emphasizing the creative power of the singer and his band.

Rosita Stone

Rosita Stone is an exceptionally talented and accomplished artist with having diverse cultural influences. She is a singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer, known for her multilingual abilities. Born to Mexican and Ukrainian roots, Rosita Stone has embraced her heritage to create a unique and captivating musical style.

One of the highlights of Rosita Stone’s career was having to be performing alongside the renowned artist Michael Bublé. This was an collaboration allowing her to showcase her talent on a global stage and having to gain valuable experience in the music industry. Additionally, she had the privilege of opening concerts for the multi-Grammy-winning Latin star Carlos Vives, further solidifying her presence in the Latin music scene.

Dr. Draw

Dr. Draw is a highly acclaimed musician and is a performer renowned for his groundbreaking fusion of the rock, classical, and electronic music. He has became a sensation in the early 2000s and was quickly gained a dedicated following that extended far beyond his hometown of Toronto. One of Dr. Draw’s most notable contributions to music is his ability to bridge diverse genres and create a captivating musical experience. His unique blend of rock, classical, and electronic elements resonated with audiences worldwide and set him apart as a trailblazer in the industry. This innovative approach to music earned him recognition and adoration from fans around the globe.