The CRAAF Women Achievers 2025 event is set to celebrate the remarkable contributions of women across various sectors, including business, arts, and community service. Taking place on March 23, 2025, at the Meadowvale Community Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, this event aims to honor women who have made significant impacts in their fields and communities.
The celebration will feature a diverse array of speakers and honorees who exemplify leadership and innovation. By recognizing these achievements, CRAAF (Canadian Regional Arts and Advocacy Federation) seeks to inspire future generations of women leaders while fostering a supportive network that champions women’s rights and empowerment. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality and highlight the essential roles women play in societal development.
Celebrating International Women’s Day: Honoring Women Making a Difference
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of unity, progress, advocacy, and action. Observed annually on March 8th, it serves as a time to reflect on the strides made toward gender equality and the ongoing efforts needed to create an inclusive society. It is essential to recognize and support women of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences who contribute significantly to our communities.
Women Making a Difference in Our Community
Meeta Khanna (Gurmeet Kaur)
A Peer Support Ambassador for South Asian Women with the Malton Women Council, Meeta originally hails from New Delhi. She built a successful banking career in Chandigarh before moving to Canada, where she continued to nurture her passions for music, poetry, and hosting. A trained singer and performer, she has hosted shows on Hamdard TV and co-founded the Desi gononj Entertainment YouTube channel. Meeta is also an energy healer, trainer, assistant yoga teacher, and naturopathy diploma holder, dedicated to promoting emotional and mental well-being. Her contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards in both India and Canada.
Devika Mathur
An accomplished artist, educator, and community leader based in Mississauga, Devika has over 20 years of experience in the arts. She has taught in various disciplines, including Interior Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, and Fine Arts. Currently, she teaches with the City of Mississauga and Visual Arts Mississauga, inspiring students of all ages, including youth, seniors, and adults with special needs. As a founding member and director of CRAAF, she has played a crucial role in organizing art workshops, community events, and Christmas markets. Her artwork has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions, and she has contributed to public art initiatives like the Mississauga Arts Council mural project.
Melanie Pereira
A professional singer and Toastmaster with over 10 years of experience, Melanie has been an Executive Assistant at Ericsson since 2010. She has conducted leadership programs for youth, volunteered at the Mississauga Gavel Club, and led employee engagement initiatives. A trained Jazz Ballet and Salsa dancer, Melanie also conducts line-dancing workshops for non-profits and volunteers at a senior home.
Hunyah Ifran
A content creator and community developer, Hunyah is known for her engaging food reels and reviews. She facilitates workshops at the University of Toronto’s CACHE program and is a spoken word artist, frequently performing at virtual and in-person events.
Jacklyn Payne
An Architectural Design Technologist and Project Management Specialist, Jacklyn is a Distinguished Toastmaster who has served as a District Director and Region Advisor. With 18 years of service in Toastmasters, she has received numerous accolades for her leadership. Jacklyn is passionate about mentoring others and fostering personal growth within her community.
Deepa Mahanti
A writer, director, and philanthropist, Deepa specializes in short films and documentaries. As the founder of Myiesha Inc., she has launched impactful projects, including community fundraisers and storytelling platforms. She was a panelist at TIFF 2022 and has created films highlighting social issues and mental health awareness. Her “Sol Stories” project, an illustrated “Art to Wear” initiative, has been recognized for its contributions to social justice.
Dr. Zari Gill
A global health professional and social entrepreneur, Dr. Zari Gill has led health programs in over 30 countries. She is the founding president of Red Shawl Women’s Community Organization, which focuses on leadership development, intergenerational programs, and support for vulnerable families. She is recognized for her contributions to South Asian communities in the GTA and Peel region.
Davinder Bains
With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Davinder Bains is a Home Financing Advisor at Scotiabank. She is actively involved in financial literacy programs for youth and serves as a fundraising coordinator for the Spelling Bee of Canada. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and music.
Seema Tyagi
A former gynecologist in India, Seema now runs Saatvik Puja & Gift Emporium in Mississauga, blending her expertise in soft skills with her passion for cultural traditions. She is an active community member, supporting cultural celebrations and local initiatives.
Harjit Bamrah
An educator, singer, and artist with a profound love for Punjabi literature and poetry, Harjit holds six master’s degrees and has led various educational and cultural organizations. Crowned Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. India Worldwide 2023, she is also a book reviewer and YouTuber, promoting children’s literature.
Mokshi Virk
A dynamic community leader, businesswoman, and advocate for women and youth empowerment, Mokshi is the founder of the Indo-Canadian Association (ICA), which hosts the annual Womanhood Gala. She is involved in fundraising for charities and non-profit organizations and has received several community service awards, including the City of Brampton Citizen Award.
Kowsalya Chandramouli Sasthrigal
A foreign-trained dentist raised by a single mother, has built a fulfilling life as a wife, mother of two baby girls, and a professional in the dental field. Currently working as an assistant manager and certified dental assistant in a dental office, she has also embraced her passion for event planning.
In December 2022, she founded KMC Event Planners, a company dedicated to creating meaningful community experiences. Since its inception, she has successfully organized over 20 events, providing a platform for small businesswomen and mothers to showcase their talents, connect with others, and thrive in a supportive environment.
Meet Khushboo Agarwal, the visionary behind Label Blue, who has been shaping fashion trends for over two decades. With an eye for elegance and innovation, she has built a brand that seamlessly merges contemporary style with timeless charm.
Her expertise also extends to Khushi Boutique, where she masterfully blends tradition and modernity, offering a unique fashion experience. From intricate ethnic wear to chic modern ensembles, Khushboo’s designs reflect her passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
With years of experience in the industry, she has cultivated a loyal clientele who admire her ability to reinvent styles while preserving cultural aesthetics. Her work is not just about clothing—it’s about storytelling, confidence, and individuality.
Through Label Blue and Khushi Boutique, Khushboo Agarwal continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts, making waves in the world of style with her signature touch of grace and sophistication.
Conclusion
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate these remarkable women who are making meaningful contributions to our communities. Their dedication, talent, and leadership inspire us to continue advocating for gender equality and creating opportunities for all women to thrive. Let us recognize and uplift each other, ensuring that every woman has the support and platform to achieve her dreams.
Compiled and Edited by
Rachelle Alincy
Serving as CRAAF’s Blog Coordinator, Rachelle is a bilingual (English and French) professional with over 23 years of customer service experience. In 2019, she received the Mississauga Rotary Leadership Award from the Malton Women’s Council. She is transitioning into a career in Human Resources and enjoys networking, watching women-centric films, and public speaking as an active Toastmaster.
