On June 22, 2016, The 2016 Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Awards Ceremony honoured four women who are making a positive impact on the Oakville community. Their achievements will be recognized through awards issued by Ontario’s Women’s Directorate.
The award recipients were selected for their demonstration of exemplary leadership skills, commitment to helping others, as well as their continued engagement in community issues and events.
The Leading Women Award honoured:
Julia Hanna is a local entrepreneur and the proud owner of Ritorno Restaurant and Ristorante Julia. As the founder of the Healthy Family Program, the Kids Culinary Community, and the Seniors & Family Culinary Community, she believes in helping members of the community to build and sustain healthy relationships with food. Julia is also a public speaker and she hosts the popular television series, “Return to the Table” in partnership with TV Cogeco, which is currently in its sixth season. Julia’s leadership and innovation are an example to the Oakville community.
The Leading Girls Awards honoured:
Maeve Crowne is an outstanding student at Abbey Park High School, where last year, she became the first grade 11 student to qualify for the Mock Trial team. This year, Maeve was elected to help lead the Legal Eagles and organize the Youth in Law and Justice Evening. She also coordinates the LINK Crew and volunteers with the Young Women in Leadership council. Outside of school, Maeve goes above and beyond while working at Panera Bread, where she helps to package leftover food and donate it to various homes, shelters, and charities.
Kiara Hassan is a leader in her school community at White Oaks Secondary School. She has been an active debater for four years and has competed on behalf of both her high school and the Canadian national team on an international level. In addition to being the President of the White Oaks Debate Team, Kiara also leads the Law and Mock Trial Club. She enjoys being involved in the arts, having co-directed plays in the WOSS Fringe Festival for two years. Kiara is a role model for other young students in Oakville.
Jennifer Zhao is avidly involved in bettering the Oakville community. She uses her strong math and science skills to help tutor her fellow students at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School. She contributes to Oakville, Ontario Provincial Youth Advisory Council, in addition to her involvement with the Teen Advisory Group at the Oakville Public Library. Through her role in the Suite Melody Care Program, Jennifer plays the flute for residents at Long Term Care facilities, once again demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
I am actively engaged in working towards gender equality in Oakville and throughout the province, and particularly proud to be recognizing the talents and achievements of these amazing women in the community through the Leading Women, Leading Girls, Building Communities Award again this year.