The VOW

Lori-Anne Toone, born and raised in Paradise, Newfoundland, is a dynamic force blending education, fitness, and family life. With degrees in Sociology, History, and Public Relations, she transitioned from corporate communications in Alberta's oil and gas industry to teaching at SAIT. A proud mom of two daughters, Lori-Anne has embraced life on and off the stage, competing in Mrs. Globe pageants an...

Renee Exelbert is a two-time breast and skin cancer survivor, psychologist, personal trainer, and author of  Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned From Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Survivor.  She empowers others to transform adversity into strength through the mind-body connection, blending positive thinking, exercise, and visualization. Passionate about resilience, Renee helps individuals overco...

Lola Reid Allin is a trailblazing commercial pilot, author, and advocate for women in aviation. Her journey from a bullied wife to soaring the skies is a testament to resilience and self-empowerment. Breaking free from an abusive marriage, Lola pursued her passion for flying in the 1980s, a time when women made up only 4% of commercial pilots. Defying societal norms, she became a symbol of courage...

Today, we’re honoured to share the incredible story of Cait Alexander. Cait’s journey is one of resilience and transformation after surviving a life-threatening attack by her ex-partner in 2021. Despite the legal system’s failure to bring her attacker to justice, Cait channelled her pain into purpose, founding End Violence Everywhere (EVE) to advocate for survivors of intimate partner violence. Ca...

Dr. Fidaa Wishah’s journey from a refugee camp in Gaza to a pediatric radiologist at Stanford’s Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is a testament to resilience and hope. A top medical student at Jordan University of Science and Technology, she now blends cutting-edge expertise with deep empathy, shaped by her experiences in war-torn Gaza. A proud wife, mother of two, and marathon runner, Dr. Wisha...

Di Katz-Shachar is a Master Fitness Trainer, entrepreneur, author, and speaker with nearly 20 years of experience transforming lives through holistic wellness. As the founder of Bodyholic and author of  Rip It Up. For Good: Your Guide to the Best Shape of Your Life... Minus the Stress , she inspires individuals to achieve their fitness goals while finding balance and peace. Living in Israel, Di ba...

Karina Gould is redefining leadership in Canada. As the first cabinet minister to give birth while in office, she broke barriers, setting a powerful example for women balancing careers and motherhood. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Burlington, Ontario, Karina has championed affordable childcare, gender equality, and inclusive communities, creating transformative opportunities for families...

Dr. Tamara Beckford is a board-certified emergency medicine physician, author, speaker, and the CEO of UR Caring Docs, where she helps high-achieving women overcome burnout and reclaim joy and purpose. Having personally faced the challenges of burnout, Dr. Beckford combines her clinical expertise with a deep understanding of self-care, resilience, and mental health. She hosts The Dr. Tamara Beckfo...

Unlocking Emotional Wealth in 2025: A Conversation with Dietrich Desmarais   In today's extraordinary episode, we’re stepping into a realm that will revolutionize how you view your financial goals and emotional well-being. While money often takes center stage in New Year’s resolutions, how we  talk about it with our partners  can hold the key to more than just financial success—it can reshape our...

Masesi Masilela is an immigrant, former stay-at-home mom, and passionate advocate for education and community empowerment. From fostering family literacy to instilling leadership as a civilian instructor for the air cadets, Masesi has dedicated her life to helping others grow. As a school administrator and minister, she combines spiritual guidance with a commitment to creating inclusive learning e...

Christie Skiftun is a devoted mother of four who has overcome bullying, financial hardships, divorce, and the challenges of single parenting. After leaving her marital home with few possessions, she rebuilt her life from the ground up, navigating both personal and professional setbacks. Having moved from Canada to the U.S., Christie faced the challenge of starting over in a new country while raisi...

Claire Masikewich is a devoted mother and Director of Marketing who faced an unimaginable challenge when her 5-year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in May. Taking a step back from her career while her daughter is in treatment, Claire has dedicated herself to advocating for childhood cancer research. Throughout her life, Claire has struggled with anxiety, but this experience has reve...

Alison Maloni is a determined mom of three who transformed her life after facing significant challenges. When her wedding was cancelled, her business faltered, and she was left with only $10, Alison battled through debt, a returning eating disorder, and feelings of inadequacy. Instead of giving up, she rebuilt her life, becoming a network news anchor within a year and revitalizing her business. No...

Jaime Breeze is a psychic medium specializing in connecting with both people and pets. She bridges the communication gap between this world and the next, offering comfort, closure, and guidance. Her journey was profoundly shaped by the loss of her soul dog, Breeze, which deepened her empathy and resolve to help others through their grief. Jaime volunteers at charity events, donating all proceeds t...

Andrea Reindl is a dynamic entrepreneur and single mom who built a 7-figure business without a high school diploma. Her story is one of incredible resilience. After losing her father, having 85% of her business revenue stolen by teammates, facing a lawsuit, and surviving rape—all within six months—Andrea fought back and thrived. Balancing business and motherhood, Andrea's dedication shines through...

Alexis Lee's life was on an upward trajectory. With a background in criminal justice and a thriving small business as a Personal Stylist, she was thriving. But in a split second, everything changed. A car accident left her with a Traumatic Brain Injury, altering her life forever. In the aftermath, Alexis faced immense challenges, both physical and emotional. Yet, through it all, she found sola...

Chelsey Peat was born with Sturge-Weber syndrome and defied the odds with life-saving brain surgery as an infant. Now, with nearly 40 years of experience living with a facial difference, she is an advocate for individuals with disfigurements and disabilities. Chelsey has worked with organizations like AboutFace Canada and Face Equality International, and her memoir, "Two Sides to a Face: My J...

In 2013, Kim Bellas faced a pivotal moment when her 15-year-old son began having seizures, preventing him from drinking alcohol at social events. Determined to support him, Kim decided to lead by example and gave up alcohol herself. What started as a three-month challenge quickly turned into a life-changing commitment. Ten years later, Kim is proud to celebrate a decade of sobriety. This journey h...

Julie Savard-Shaw is a powerhouse in the fight for gender equality, with a resume that reads like a roadmap to progress. From advising Prime Minister Trudeau on groundbreaking policies like Canada’s first Feminist International Assistance Policy to spearheading initiatives that secured billions for gender equality, Julie’s impact is undeniable. She’s not just about politics—she co-founded a music...

Meet Sandy Esprit: a force of resilience and empowerment. From experiencing homelessness three times during her childhood to now owning her home and thriving as a content creator and homeschooling mom, Sandy's journey is one of unwavering determination and triumph. She amplifies BIPOC-owned businesses and advocates for homeschooling, igniting change and inspiring others to reclaim their power...

Meet Amber Hayes, a Calgary-based interior designer and mother of two girls. Her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship is just the beginning of her story. At 37, after burying her deepest darkest secret for 35 years, Amber found herself in the depths of depression. Enduring eight years of childhood sexual abuse while navigating a toxic family dynamic, she later married into an abusi...

Sara is a wife, mother, and experienced nurse with over 20 years of experience in neonatal care. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was confronted with a rare, invisible illness that left her bedbound for nearly a year. Despite the challenges she faced, Sara emerged from this ordeal with a newfound perspective on life and a passion for holistic wellness. In her book, "When...

Geraldine Crane found her calling in the depths of personal struggle. Realizing her relationship with her mother was deeply harmful, she bravely cut ties, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Drawing from her own experience, Geraldine now guides others through spiritual connection and self-empowerment to heal their mother wounds. As a beacon of hope, she helps women reclaim their...

Diana Stobo's journey from personal health struggles to wellness empowerment epitomizes resilience and innovation. As a pioneer in the raw food movement, she crafted transformative insights into nutrition, culminating in the creation of Truth Bar—a beacon of gut health and vitality. Complementing her product innovation, Diana established The Retreat Costa Rica, a serene haven where healing jou...

Geleen Antonio is a passionate advocate for solo female travel and the power of play. Raised in the Philippines amidst familial struggles, she found inspiration in her mother's escape to the US. Now, she helps women break free from limitations through coaching, workshops, and play events, empowering them to confidently explore the world solo.