2024 RPA women Entrepreneur Winners
Corie Laraya-Coutts
Founder, LaCoutts (Toronto, ON)
Corie is a passionate advocate for creative entrepreneurship. Through LaCoutts, she has empowered countless women with tools and inspiration to express identity through art, fashion, and design.
Leila Keshavjee
Founder, Happy Pops (Toronto, ON)
Leila Keshavjee is the founder of Happy Pops Canada, with a mission to promote healthy eating. Her products reflect her passion for wellness and her drive as a Canadian entrepreneur.
Evelyne Nyaro
Founder, Ellie Bianca (Calgary, AB)
Evelyne Nyaro is the founder of Ellie Bianca, a Canadian skincare brand rooted in science, sustainability, and empowerment. Her brand uplifts women through beauty and social impact.
Shawna Sherk
Founder, One Stop Home Staging (Toronto, ON)
Shawna Sherk is the founder of One Stop Home Staging. The company has transformed how homes are shown and sold, helping clients maximize value while bringing style and warmth to every space.
2023 RPA Women Entrepreneur Winners
Estefania Hernandez
Founder, Enzo Latin Food Supplier Inc. – Brampton, ON
Estefania Hernandez is the driving force behind Enzo Latin Food Supplier Inc., where she brings the vibrant flavours of Latin America to Canadian homes. Her journey as a cultural and culinary entrepreneur is an inspiring example of authenticity and resilience. RPA Canada proudly recognized her for making diversity delicious and enterprise empowering.
Dr. Indira Khurana
Founder, Laser Cosmetics Clinic Inc. – Greater Toronto Area, ON
A trailblazer in the medical aesthetics industry, Dr. Khurana has built a trusted clinic that blends science, care, and empowerment. Her entrepreneurial impact reaches beyond skin deep—she uplifts confidence and promotes well-being. RPA Canada celebrates her as a symbol of visionary care and compassionate leadership.
Merrique Richards, MBA
Founder, Vellencia Strategies Inc. – Ottawa, ON
Merrique Richards, MBA, is the powerhouse behind Vellencia Strategies Inc., where she transforms visionary thinking into results-driven impact. As a leader, mentor, and strategist, she is redefining excellence in leadership consulting. RPA Canada honoured her for embodying strength, purpose, and a bold approach to change-making.
Mahnaz Atkinson
Founder, Talah Rose Developments Inc. – Markham, ON
With a refined eye for beauty and a passion for empowering women, Mahnaz Atkinson leads Talah Rose Developments Inc. as a beacon of creativity and strength. Her dedication to fostering inclusive spaces—both in business and in community—earned her this prestigious recognition from RPA Canada as a builder of dreams and spaces alike.
Lenore Johnson
Founder, Lenjo Bakes Inc. – Kitchener, ON
From her kitchen to the community, Lenore Johnson has made Lenjo Bakes Inc. a sweet success rooted in passion and perseverance. Her commitment to representation and excellence in the culinary world is both refreshing and inspiring. RPA Canada proudly acknowledged her for turning creativity into community celebration.
2022 RPA Women Entrepreneur Winners
Le Luong
Co-Founder & CEO of Nurture Growth Bio Fertilizer – Toronto, ON
Le Luong leads the way in sustainable agriculture through her groundbreaking bio-fertilizer innovation. With Nurture Growth, she is transforming how we grow food—ethically and ecologically. RPA Canada honoured her as a visionary entrepreneur committed to nurturing both business and the planet.
Dr. Mehwish Warsi
Redstone Family Medical Services – Calgary, AB
Dr. Mehwish Warsi’s commitment to healthcare excellence is reflected in her leadership at Redstone Family Medical Services. She bridges compassion and innovation to serve her community with dignity and care. RPA Canada proudly recognized her for redefining family medicine with entrepreneurial spirit.
Kathy Legault
Founder, Pepp K9 – Fort Erie, ON
Kathy Legault is the heart behind Pepp K9, a company dedicated to professional dog training and grooming. Her entrepreneurial journey is rooted in compassion and excellence, earning her RPA Canada’s recognition for elevating the pet care industry with professionalism and love.
Genee Simmonds
Founder, Teachpit – Whitby, ON
Genee Simmonds founded Teachpit to revolutionize how children learn, connect, and grow. Her platform is a beacon of educational empowerment, and RPA Canada celebrates her dedication to shaping the minds and futures of tomorrow with innovation and heart.
Alanna McGinn
Founder, Good Night Sleep Site – Burlington, ON
Alanna McGinn is Canada’s trusted voice in sleep wellness. Through Good Night Sleep Site, she has helped families across the country reclaim rest and health. RPA Canada honoured her as an entrepreneur who turned personal passion into national impact.
2021 RPA Women Entrepreneur Winners
Masha Ali
Founder, Culture Up HR Solutions – Brampton, ON
Masha Ali launched Culture Up HR Solutions to help small businesses grow with strong HR strategies and inclusive workplace cultures.
“Receiving this award is a true honour. It affirms the importance of building people-first organizations. Thank you, RPA Canada, for recognizing the value of HR in driving business success.”
Sophia Jacob
Founder, Canadian Women of Colour Leadership Network – Ottawa, ON
Sophia Jacob is a dynamic community leader empowering racialized women through leadership, mentorship, and advocacy.
“This recognition fuels my passion to keep creating safe, supportive spaces for women of colour. I’m grateful to RPA Canada for standing with us in leadership and equity.”
Daniela Rusque & Paula Vanbarneveld
Co-Founders, Not Yer Granny’s Granola / Cookie Diva – Barrie, ON
Daniela and Paula built a beloved brand that blends fun, flavour, and community through artisan granola and baked treats.
“We started with a passion for baking and ended up building a brand. Thank you, RPA Canada, for celebrating our sweet journey and believing in women-owned small businesses.”
Lisa Thomas
President, Adventure Rooms Canada – Kitchener/Waterloo, ON
Lisa Thomas has brought people together through immersive, team-based escape room experiences that challenge minds and spark fun.
“Winning this award reminds me how powerful creativity and connection can be in business. Thank you, RPA Canada, for recognizing the impact of play and innovation.”
2020 RPA Women Entrepreneur Winners
Elizabeth Joseph
Founder, A&V Granite Importers Ltd. – Mississauga, ON
Elizabeth Joseph leads A&V Granite, a leading stone importer known for quality and innovation in the construction and interior design industry.
“This award is a recognition of resilience and vision. I am grateful to RPA Canada for celebrating the spirit of women entrepreneurs in manufacturing and trade.”
Meseret Haileyesus
Founder, Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment – Ottawa, ON
Meseret Haileyesus is a social justice advocate empowering women affected by economic abuse and leading change in public policy and education.
“Receiving this award affirms that advocacy matters. Thank you to RPA Canada for amplifying the voices of those working to break systemic barriers.”
Saboohi Swalah
Founder, Saboohi’s Salon & Spa – Toronto, ON
Saboohi Swalah has built a successful beauty and wellness brand that blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary spa services.
“I’m honoured to be recognized by RPA Canada. My journey has always been about uplifting others and helping people feel their best inside and out.”
Nadine Spencer
CEO, BrandEQ Group Inc. – Toronto, ON
Nadine Spencer is a branding expert and global changemaker, committed to advancing diversity and equity through communications.
“This award is not just for me but for every woman who dares to lead. Thank you RPA Canada for highlighting inclusive entrepreneurship.”
2019 RPA Women Entrepreneur Winners
Sonia Semy
Founder & President, Signature Salon and Spa – Mississauga, ON
Sonia Semy has redefined luxury wellness with Signature Salon and Spa, offering a holistic experience that blends beauty and self-care with professionalism.
“Thank you, RPA Canada, for this honour. I dedicate this award to every woman building her dreams with passion, creativity, and commitment.”
Shelley Jarrett
Founder, SMJ Magazine – Toronto, ON
Shelley Jarrett founded SMJ Magazine to elevate diverse voices in media and empower women entrepreneurs through authentic storytelling and visibility.
“This award inspires me to continue championing diverse narratives. I thank RPA Canada for recognizing the role of inclusive media in entrepreneurship.”
Gina Batista
President & CEO, Casa Dolce Casa Inc. – Toronto, ON
Gina Batista leads Casa Dolce Casa Inc., bringing elegance, warmth, and European flair to interior spaces through her creative design and business excellence.
“Receiving this award reminds me that women in business are shaping beautiful futures—inside and outside the home. Thank you, RPA Canada, for the recognition.”