Meet The Motivators Impact Awards Gala to Celebrate Women Leaders and Changemakers in Brampton

Tracy Moore to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 11th Annual Celebration of Resilience and Leadership

BRAMPTON, ON — Women leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, educators, and community changemakers will be recognized for their contributions to society during the 11th Annual Meet The Motivators (MTM) Impact Awards Gala, taking place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at The Garden Banquet Centre in Brampton.

The annual event will begin with a red-carpet reception at 5 p.m. followed by an awards gala at 7 p.m., bringing together business leaders, community advocates, media personalities, and professionals from across the Greater Toronto Area.

Hosted by Meet The Motivators founder Jacqueline Dixon, the event celebrates women who are creating meaningful impact through leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, mentorship, education, innovation, and community service.

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Spotlight on Resilience and Empowerment

This year’s gala is inspired by the newly launched Resilient Women Program, an initiative designed to provide women with resilience-building tools, confidence development strategies, personal growth support, and community connections.

The trauma-informed program supports women facing significant life challenges, including survivors of gender-based violence, sexual assault, mental health struggles, and other forms of adversity.

Organizers say the program’s focus on healing, empowerment, and transformation is reflected in the stories of this year’s keynote speakers and award recipients.

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Tracy Moore to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Canadian broadcaster Tracy Moore will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Impact Award in recognition of her contributions to Canadian media, authentic storytelling, women’s empowerment, and representation.

Special guest speaker Jean Augustine is also scheduled to participate in the evening’s program.

Additional keynote speakers include:

• Patricia Jaggernauth
• Dr. Natasha Bridgmohan, educator and transformational speaker
• Emily O’Brien

Organizers say each speaker embodies resilience, perseverance, leadership, and purpose-driven success.

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Honouring Women Making a Difference

The 2026 MTM Impact Awards will recognize women from diverse sectors whose work is creating positive change in their communities.

Among this year’s honourees are:

Emily O’Brien

Founder of Comeback Snacks, O’Brien transformed personal adversity into entrepreneurial success. Her company advocates for second chances and reducing stigma faced by individuals with criminal records.

Maria Carolina Ojeda

A mentor and advocate supporting immigrant women entrepreneurs through leadership development, business mentorship, and community-building initiatives.

Yougeeta Hansraj

Founder of the Rise Up All Star Basketball Game, Hansraj uses sports, culture, and mentorship to engage youth and address community violence.

Takiyah Wedderburn

Founder of Natural Kids Movement, Wedderburn advocates for Black children and families while addressing inequities within Ontario’s child welfare system.

Dr. Shezadi Khushal

A scholar, Human Rights Investigator, and founder of the University of Toronto Human Rights Symposium, recognized for advancing equity and justice through education and leadership.

Sandy Shobha Maeck

Motivational speaker, bestselling author, and survivor advocate who empowers women through healing, storytelling, and mentorship.

Dorothy Abbott

Community leader and educator dedicated to preserving Black Canadian history and promoting awareness of Ontario’s Underground Railroad heritage.

Deborah Dinshaw

Author and advocate whose children’s literature celebrates Desi identity, culture, and intergenerational connection.

Rhona Dunwell

Human resources leader and Jamaican diaspora advocate committed to youth empowerment, education, and community engagement.

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Celebrating Impact Across Communities

Founder Jacqueline Dixon said the awards are designed to celebrate women whose work creates opportunities and inspires future generations.

“This gala is about more than recognition. It is about celebrating women who are transforming communities, opening doors for others, and creating legacies that inspire future generations,” Dixon said in a statement.

“Each honouree represents resilience, excellence, leadership, and purpose-driven impact.”

The event is expected to attract entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders, creatives, media personalities, and community advocates from across Ontario.

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Building Stronger Communities

Through its programming and annual awards gala, Meet The Motivators continues to provide networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for emerging and established leaders.

The organization says its mission remains focused on inspiring growth, leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact through meaningful connections and motivational programming.

Tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event information are available through Meet The Motivators.

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