Tracy Moore to Receive Lifetime Achievement Impact Award at June 28th Gala Featuring Patricia Jaggernauth, Dr. Natasha Bridgmohan and Emily O’Brien
Meet The Motivators (MTM) will shine a spotlight on extraordinary women leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, creatives, and changemakers during the 11th Annual Meet The Motivators Impact Awards Gala on Sunday June 28, 2026 at The Garden Banquet Centre, 8 Clipper Court, Brampton. The evening will start with a 5:00PM Red Carpet Media Reception followed by an inspiring celebration of leadership, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and community impact beginning at 7PM.
The MTM Impact Awards Gala is inspired by the newly launched Resilient Women Program, an initiative created to empower women with resilience building tools, confidence boosting strategies, and personal growth support through expert led workshops, coaching, and community connection. The program’s focus on overcoming adversity, cultivating strength, and creating meaningful transformation is reflected in this year’s keynote speakers, media personality Tracy Moore, social media influencer Patricia Jaggernauth, transformational speaker and educator Dr. Natasha Bridgmohan, and entrepreneur and Founder of Comeback Snacks Emily O’Brien, whose personal and professional journeys exemplify resilience, perseverance, leadership, and purpose driven success.
Celebrated Canadian broadcaster Tracy Moore will be recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Impact Award for her remarkable contributions to Canadian media, authentic storytelling, women’s empowerment, and representation. Special guest The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons, will also be a guest speaker during the evening.
Hosted by Meet The Motivators Founder Jacqueline Dixon, the gala celebrates women who are creating meaningful impact through leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship, education, mentorship, community service, and innovation.
“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,” said Dixon. “Each honouree represents resilience, excellence, leadership, and purpose driven impact.”
The evening is expected to attract entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, community advocates, educators, creatives, media personalities, and professionals from across the Greater Toronto Area.
2026 Impact Award Honourees
Emily O’Brien
Founder of Comeback Snacks, she transformed personal adversity into entrepreneurial success after serving a federal prison sentence. Her popcorn, now available in more than 1,300 retail locations across Canada and the United States, advocates for second chances and reducing stigma surrounding those with criminal records.
Maria Carolina Ojeda
Founder, mentor, and advocate dedicated to empowering immigrant women entrepreneurs through leadership development, business mentorship, and community building. Her work has created meaningful opportunities for newcomer women navigating entrepreneurship in Canada.
Yougeeta Hansraj
Hamilton based entrepreneur and community leader recognized for founding the Rise Up All Star Basketball Game, a movement that uses sport, culture, mentorship, and community engagement to address violence and uplift youth and emerging leaders.
Takiyah Wedderburn
Founder of Natural Kids Movement, she has spent nearly two decades advocating for Black children and families while addressing inequities within Ontario’s child welfare system through culturally responsive support, education, and systemic advocacy.
Dr. Shezadi Khushal
Award winning scholar practitioner, Human Rights Investigator, and founder of the University of Toronto Human Rights Symposium whose work advances equity, accountability, and justice through education, leadership, and systemic change initiatives.
Sandy Shobha Maeck
Motivational speaker, bestselling author, life coach, and advocate who empowers women through healing, storytelling, mentorship, and personal growth. As a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, she has transformed her personal journey into a platform for resilience and empowerment.
Dorothy Abbott
Community advocate, cultural leader, and producer committed to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history through her leadership with multiple heritage organizations and educational initiatives focused on the Underground Railroad and Black history in Ontario.
Deborah Dinshaw
Author, storyteller, and advocate whose children’s books celebrate Desi identity, culture, and intergenerational connection. Through literature and public speaking, she creates meaningful representation for diverse families and communities.
Rhona Dunwell
Human Resources leader, diaspora advocate, and community volunteer dedicated to education, youth empowerment, and global community engagement through her leadership with Jamaican diaspora and educational organizations.
The Resilient Woman Program is a trauma-informed initiative created to support women who have faced significant challenges, including experiences as ex-offenders, survivors of sexual assault, gender-based violence, mental health struggles, depression, and even suicidal ideation. The program pillars are intentionally designed to address these complex issues by providing holistic solutions that nurture healing, resilience, and self-determination.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional event information, visit Meet The Motivators
Source : Meet The Motivators
