What do a tourism industry CEO, a bestselling author, a businesswoman and dedicated volunteer, and a trio of entrepreneurs uplifting other entrepreneurs have in common? All of these women are making a difference in their community鈥攁n achievement being recognized this International Women鈥檚 Day through a special collaboration between听听补苍诲听.
鈥淚nspiring inclusion is at the core of Square One鈥檚 foundation, which is why we鈥檝e teamed up with Portraits with Impact for a second year to celebrate the diverse women who call Mississauga home,鈥 says Nidhi Gaur, Marketing Manager for Square One. 鈥淪potlighting the contributions of these impressive community members for International Women鈥檚 Day highlights their impact while inspiring a new generation of women. Their dedication to the space in which they work, be it healthcare, tourism, literature or business, is admirable. They exemplify what International Women鈥檚 Day is all about: progress, impact and representation.鈥
Nominated for their community contributions and impact in their fields of work, these women were celebrated at Square One with听鈥檚 signature Portraits with Impact experience. Treated to professional hair and makeup and a styling session with fashion expert Julianne Costigan herself, the women posed for beautiful portraits with photographer听.
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See the stunning results below鈥攁nd learn more about the important work that each woman is doing in the Mississauga community.
Victoria Clarke, Tourism Industry Leader
Victoria Clarke, photographed for Portraits with Impact听
Victoria Clarke worked in a variety of industries鈥攊nformation technology, news media, fundraising鈥攂efore embarking on an award-winning career in tourism marketing almost a decade ago. Now the CEO of听, the executive helped launch the city鈥檚 destination marketing organization.
鈥淢ississauga is more than just a place to me. It鈥檚 becoming woven into the fabric of my life,鈥 says Clarke. 鈥淗aving grown up on the outskirts of the city, and now returning, after having lived for 25 years in the Maritimes, I have the distinct privilege of rediscovering a place that has evolved into a vibrant tapestry of cultures, creativity and community spirit.鈥
Clarke is thrilled and honoured to have been chosen for the Portraits with Impact program, and excited for the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders and inspire others to pursue their passions. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a beautiful reminder that no dream is too big,鈥 she says, 鈥渁nd no journey is too daunting when you have a supportive community by your side.鈥
Valene Campbell, Author and Publisher
Valene Campbell, photographed for Portraits with Impact听
Photo: Erin Leydon, Dress - Melanie Lyne
Born and raised in Mississauga, Valene Campbell is a true multi-hypenate鈥攁n entrepreneur, author, speaker, dementia advocate and model, whose diverse career is driven by her commitment to representation and empowerment.
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鈥淓ach facet of my work is rooted in a shared mission to amplify voices that have historically been marginalized or overlooked,鈥 says Campbell, whose experience as a caregiver to her mother inspired her to become a speaker and advocate for Alzheimer鈥檚 disease awareness.
Campbell is also a seasoned author and publisher. Through her boutique imprint, Zou Zou Media House, she has published听, a children鈥檚 book series touching on themes like health, friendship and social issues.
鈥沦别濒蹿-辫耻产濒颈蝉丑颈苍驳听The听Amazing Zoe听was not just about creating books鈥攊t was about reclaiming my narrative, championing diversity, and paving the way for a more inclusive future in Canadian children鈥檚 literature,鈥 says Campbell. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a journey fuelled by a deep-seated commitment to ensuring every child sees themselves reflected in the stories they read.鈥
Rafaa Chapti, Zaina Moussa and Amanee Nassereddine, Entrepreneurs Uplifting Other Entrepreneurs
Zaina Moussa, photographed for Portraits with Impact
Photo: Erin Leydon, Blazer - Michael Kors, Sweater - Michael Kors, Pant - Simons, Jewellery - Simons
Rafaa Chapti, photographed for Portraits with Impact听
Photo: Erin Leydon, Dress - Tory Burch
Amanee Nassereddine, photographed for Portraits with Impact听
The three women behind听听describe their community as 鈥渙ne of the fastest growing entrepreneurial event series for ambitious women in business.鈥 They host pop-up markets and networking events, alongside a signature summit, which has welcomed inspiring speakers such as life coach Eva Redpath and fashion designer Lesley Hampton.
Founders Rafaa Chapti and Zaina Moussa and chief brand officer Amanee Nassereddine are passionate about supporting local talent and small businesses. 鈥淩un the World Summit events play an indispensable role in cultivating a nurturing ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can flourish, expand their enterprises, and contribute positively to their communities and industries,鈥 says Chapti.
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鈥淎t its core, Run the World is all about cultivating a community where females are seen, heard and supported,鈥 adds Nassereddine. 鈥淲hether it is hosting an event, partnering with valuable brands or providing mentorship opportunities, our mission is to create a space where individuals feel a strong sense of belonging.鈥
For the trio, who all grew up near Square One, participating in the Portraits with Impact experience at the shopping centre is a full-circle moment. 鈥淭his fantastic program is a great reminder that what we are creating is being seen,鈥 says Moussa.
Lucie Shaw, Community Changemaker
Lucie Shaw, photographed for Portraits with Impact听
Before co-founding a senior home care business with her husband in 2009, Lucie Shaw worked in customer experience and leadership roles in the airline industry. She then spent the next 15 years growing听听in Mississauga, offering much-needed, around-the-clock home care services for seniors, before recently moving on to pursue consulting work and personal endeavours.
Now, Shaw will have even more time to dedicate to volunteering. 鈥淕iving back to the community that we care for is so important and rewarding,鈥 says Shaw.
She was a board member of the Mississauga Board of Trade for several years, and has volunteered with the Rotary Club of Mississauga for over a decade.听鈥Being a Rotarian allows me to be part of many worthwhile fundraising opportunities,鈥 says Shaw, adding that she hopes her participation in Portraits with Impact will 鈥渋nspire others to be community-minded.鈥
This content was created by The Kit;听Square One funded and approved it.
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