Their stories inspire us, their work changes us, and their journey started just around the corner. Meet the empowered, successful women in your own backyard and join us in celebrating women near you, wherever you are.
Meet Kristen Gale, Expansion & Growth in Business honouree.
Identifying the appetite for alternatives to traditional spas, Ms. Gale founded THE TEN SPOT INC. At age 24, Ms. Gale drafted the business plan overnight and promptly began building an “anti-spa” beauty bar, bridging the gap between upscale spa services and amenities with affordable, efficient options that would appeal to the masses. Since its opening in 2006, THE TEN SPOT INC. has expanded to over 50 locations across Canada, with U.S. franchise expansion plans. Recognized for her commitment in helping her brand’s franchisees succeed, THE TEN SPOT INC. was awarded the Franchise Choice Award by the Canadian Franchise Association for three consecutive years. They were also recognized on the PROFIT 500 ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 by Canadian Business Magazine. In addition, Ms. Gale was named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2017 and was named one of W100 Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs by PROFIT/Chatelaine Magazine in 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Meet Tanya Hayles, Community & Charitable Giving honouree.
Ms. Hayles is the founder and CEO of Black Moms Connection, a global online village and incorporated non-profit providing culturally relevant tools and resources to empower and educate Black mothers. Black Moms Connection (BMC) was created in 2015 after she noticed online parenting groups did not have the resources or discussions relatable to and for minority women. The online community steadily grew from 20 to over 4,000 members in its first year. Today, the Black Moms Connection Facebook group has over 14,000 members and growing – with connections in Japan, Nigeria and Australia. BMC hosted its first conference in 2017 in Toronto with over 100 attendees and national media attention. Ms. Hayles’ vision is to provide a “safe space” for Black mothers to congregate and share their stories in order to bring about positive change for their children and generations to come.
Meet Margaret Hachey, Trailblazers & Innovators honouree.
Ms. Hachey is the founder of numerous ventures and continues to share her business acumen, network and experience with fellow female entrepreneurs. In 1980, she founded Duocom Canada Inc. Under her leadership, Duocom Canada’s revenue grew from $2.5 million to $52 million within eight years. It has been recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Private Companies two years in a row. She was also ranked in the top 10 of the Top 100 Women in Canadaby PROFIT/Chatelaine Magazine for a decade. Seeking ways to help provide networking opportunities and support for women in similar roles, she was among the founding members of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) in Canada. Ms. Hachey owns Operation Evergreen Business Group, a consulting company providing business advice for innovators. She also serves as the Managing Director for GroYourBiz, an organization that builds peer-to-peer advisory boards for women business owners.
Meet Rose Perri, Trailblazers & Innovators honouree.
Ms. Perri serves as president of EastGate Biotech Corporation, dedicated to delivering alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals after her brother was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 1993. Based on innovative delivery systems, EastGate Biotech Corporation offers innovative pharmaceuticals that can be absorbed by the body naturally, including its latest liquid insulin for Type 2 and pre-diabetic patients.
