Additional Information

Cristina Howorun

​Cristina Howorun is a national and international award-winning investigative journalist and documentary film maker with CityTV in Toronto. Her film work has included exposes on the sex trafficking industry in Ontario, motherhood inside Canada’s prisons, organized cults operating in the GTA, and gun smuggling in the country. She has been very public with her battle with end-stage kidney disease and continues to shine a light on the disease and the importance of organ donation. She is a fierce Brampton booster and considers herself fortunate to have grown up in Brampton. She’s also been a strong advocate for women-related issues and earned the inaugural Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women award from the Brampton-Caledon Zonta Club

Andrea Wilson

Andrea Wilson is a visionary leader who believes in the power of people and possibilities. With a strong background in engineering, business, and extensive senior leadership experience, she founded Achieve Potential in 2013. The company takes a holistic approach to personal and professional growth, providing individuals with the tools, mindset, and network they need to succeed. In 2020, Andrea expanded her mission by creating Future Achievers, a non-profit dedicated to bridging the gap for young professionals transitioning from education to meaningful employment. By removing systemic barriers and providing equitable access to training and hands-on experience, the organization empowers youth to confidently pursue their career aspirations and contribute to a more inclusive society. Beyond her professional achievements, Andrea is a devoted mother to three future female leaders. She believes that true success is a blend of career accomplishments, a fulfilling personal life, strong relationships, and a lifelong commitment to growth.​

Dr. Ashley Sebastian

Dr. Ashley Sebastian is a family physician and community health advocate who embodies a powerful legacy of care in her hometown of Brampton. Following in the footsteps of her father, and practicing alongside her sister, she represents both a cherished family tradition and a new, vital chapter in local healthcare. Her journey - shared authentically with hundreds of thousands online - resonates deeply as a story of representation. Driven by a commitment to be the role model she seldom saw growing up, Dr. Sebastian returned home after nearly a decade of training in the United States to open her practice at the Bramalea Medical Centre. She believes that healing is rooted in long-term, compassionate relationships and understands the profound responsibility that comes with serving the community that shaped her. More than a physician, Dr. Sebastian is a bridge-builder. She approaches medicine with the understanding that health is shaped by social and environmental factors, advocating for patients inside and outside the clinic. Her practice is built on a foundation of respect, listening, and collaborative partnership, ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and empowered.​

Annie Bynoe

​Annie Bynoe is a passionate community leader whose decades-long career in social services reflects her belief in the human potential. She is a servant leader who is dedicated to opening doors to self-sufficiency and opportunities that help individuals and families thrive. As Executive Director of Knights Table, Annie has led the organization through a time of unprecedented need for food security in Brampton. Under her leadership, Knights Table has expanded its reach and strengthened its capacity to serve thousands of residents every year. She has envisioned and created innovative programs for families, developed initiatives for youths and seniors, and ensured children get a healthy start to school through breakfast programs. Annie introduced the Mobile Community Kitchen food truck during the pandemic, bringing meals directly to vulnerable communities at a time when access to food was most critical. She was also instrumental in bringing the Brampton Food Hub to life—a collaborative effort led by Knights Table alongside four founding partners and supported by more than 40 organizations. The Hub ensures culturally appropriate food access for racialized communities and strengthens food security systems across Brampton. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in helping Knights Table acquire a new property, securing a permanent home for the organization and positioning it for future growth. Annie’s commitment to empowering people has defined her entire career. She has held a variety of leadership roles focused on helping individuals move from vulnerability to stability, always guided by her belief in human potential. From mentoring hundreds of youths in Brampton high schools—many of whom are now thriving as leaders—to leading collaborative and innovative solutions to address food insecurity, Annie’s work reflects her tireless dedication to service and community building. Her contributions to the community have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing her outstanding service to society. Through her vision, compassion, and collaborative approach, Annie continues to lead efforts that serve, uplift, and empower individuals and families across Brampton to thrive.

Addy Budhwar 

Addy Budhwar is a technology professional with a strong passion for community leadership, inclusion, and sport. Alongside her corporate career, she is deeply involved in advancing women’s participation and representation in cricket in Canada. Addy’s journey in cricket took an unconventional path. She began playing the sport later in life, around the age of 31, but soon realized that the physical demands of competitive play, combined with personal priorities such as starting a family, made long-term athletic progression challenging. Determined to remain part of the game she loves, she transitioned into cricket umpiring, a decision that allowed her to stay connected to the sport while contributing in a meaningful and impactful way. She holds ICC Level 1 and Cricket Canada Level 1 umpiring certifications and has officiated at several prestigious tournaments, including the Women’s U19 National Championship, the GT20 Women’s Exhibition Match, and the Super 60 Women’s Tournament. Addy is currently the first and only woman in Ontario to hold both ICC and Cricket Canada umpiring certifications. This is an achievement she is proud of, while also hoping to see many more women join her in this space. Umpiring is more than a role for Addy. It represents her long-term vision and retirement plan from the corporate world, with the goal of pursuing cricket umpiring full-time. She is especially inspired by the rapid growth of women’s cricket and its increasing ability to draw fan engagement comparable to the men’s game. Representing Canada in any capacity through cricket is both a privilege and a source of immense pride for her.

Lee Aaron

Lee Aaron is a multiplatinum-selling Canadian rock singer, songwriter and producer whose fiery voice and fearless creativity helped break down barriers for women in hard rock. She is also a proud mother of two who grew up in Brampton. Themes of female empowerment and rising above adversity are recurring themes throughout her work. CHART Magazine declared Aaron’s BodyRock one of the 20 most influential albums of the 1980s; its impact on the next generation of female rockers was undeniable. Throughout the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Aaron battled the industry’s clichés and pressures to win creative control over her music, image and business decisions at a time when such autonomy was rare for women in the music industry. She later founded her own independent label and took reins of production, artistic direction and distribution of her own music so that her work would authentically reflect her vision. She is a Canada’s Walk of Fame inductee, a recipient of a Brampton Arts Walk of Fame Award, a 10-time JUNO nominee, a CMPA Songwriters Award, and many other accolades. Today, Aaron uses her platform to give back to multiple humanitarian endeavours: All proceeds from her BODYROCK Whole Bean Blend (a partnership with Writers and Rockers Coffee) go to the Never Alone Cancer Foundation (nacf.ca) in Winnipeg. Along with her husband, she has been artistic director (and performer) for all of Vancouver’s Rock Beats Cancer Benefits, raising nearly a million dollars in 3 years for BC Cancer Foundation’s POG research Program. She works with Guitar’s for Vets Canada, in their music healing clinics, bringing veterans and first responders with PTSD together and giving them access to free guitars and lessons. She also visits schools and music programs in her local community to listen, learn and inspire the next generation of girl-rockers to follow their dreams. 

Parking

The Market Square Parking Garage is located directly beneath The Rose with an elevator to the main lobby. Complimentary parking is available Monday to Friday after 7 PM, and from Friday at 7 PM to Monday at 5 AM. Monday to Friday, from 9 AM - 7 PM, the first hour of parking is free and each additional half hour is $1.00 to a daily maximum of $9.00. To use the parking garage, take a ticket at the entry gate regardless of the time of day. Tickets can be validated at the automated pay stations in the parking garage, and any charges incurred can be paid by cash or credit. For information on additional parking in the downtown area, visit Municipal Parking Garages. ​

Photo & Video Disclaimer

​Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event which may include your image. By entering the event space, you therefore consent to being photographed or captured on video.​