Voting Is Open For The 10 Finalists In The 2021 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth

By Charmaine Noronha 2/24/21 | www.samaritanmag.com

1st Row -Left to Right: Evelyn Fox, Boma Brown and Cindy Blakely 2nd Row – Left to Right – Rhonelle Bruder and Aditi Sivakumar 3rd Row – Left to Right – Simryn Atwal and Mesert Haileyesus 4th Row – Left to Right – Bita Malekian, Elise Konadu Ahenkorah and Dr. Marie Josee Dubois — photo provided by Rockit.
As part of its annual Women of Worth program, L’Oreal Paris Canada is recognizing 10 extraordinary women who are working to implement both global and domestic change. These women have devoted their time and resources to finding innovative programs and solutions to the myriad issues plaguing communities.

To thank and honour these women, a $10,000 grant will be presented to each honouree towards her charity on International Women's Day on March 8.

Until March 4, Canadians can vote for the 2021 National Honouree, who will receive an additional $10,000 grant towards her non-profit charity. This public voting outcome will be a core factor in the judging panel's selection of the 2021 National Honouree. 

"Each year, we are humbled by these selfless women whose contributions unequivocally improve the lives of others and brighten our future," said Ali Fakih, general ganager, L'Oréal Paris Canada in a press statement. "These women are beacons of hope for generations to come; their innovations to create impactful change and the spirit in which they work, perfectly embodies what L'Oréal Paris has always stood for. These passionate individuals are most certainly women of worth."

L'Oréal Paris has donated over half a million dollars across 50 organizations in Canada. These organizations include those that address the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, food insecurity, support of marginalized communities and underserved youth, environmental sustainability, the development of platforms for BIPOC communities, and more.

The 2021 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth Canadian Honourees are:

Elise Konadu Ahenkorah, #shemeets in Calgary, AB is dedicated to helping the next generation of female BIPOC entrepreneurs and innovators by providing networks, training, mentorship, and resources for professional growth.

Simryn Atwal, Bridge the Gap Mental Health Association in Surrey, BC offers mental health educational programs to marginalized groups and makes resources and peer-to-peer support more accessible.

Cindy Blakely, New Circles Community Services in Toronto, ON is an agency that provides essential support, including clothing, training, and settlement to newcomer and low-income Canadian families.

Boma Brown, Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour (SNIWWOC) in Victoria, BC, and Toronto, ON, addresses barriers to access reproductive healthcare for Black, Indigenous, and other racialized women.

Rhonelle Bruder, Project iRISE in Toronto, ON, is a survivor-led organization that offers innovative skills and leadership development programs for at-risk youth and survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence.

Dr. Marie Josée Dubois, Les Enfants GIOIA in Estrie, QC, provides children, adolescents, and young adults suffering from rare and incurable diseases, along with their families, the opportunity to experience joy through learning, play, wellness, and companionship.

Evelyn Fox, Communities for Zero Violence (CZV) in Toronto, ON, is an advocacy and awareness non-profit agency that works to eradicate gun violence while supporting victims and survivors.

Meseret Haileyesus, Canadian Centre of Women's Empowerment (CCFWE) in Ottawa, ON, is a national organization that tackles financial and economic abuse among women and survivors of domestic violence through education, advocacy, and policy change.

Bita Malekian, Water Movement in Calgary, AB, bridges the connection between Indigenous water treatment operators and experts nationwide by providing a collaborative and accessible online platform where they can connect, share ideas, and access educational videos.

Aditi Sivakumar, My Empowerment Platform in Ottawa, ON, is a website that provides tools and information about gender-based violence and resources for at-risk women and children facing violence during the pandemic. Some of Aditi's initiatives with her organization include My Empowerment Packs, which are wellness kits and resource booklets for women facing violence and youth facing homelessness.

* Samaritanmag.com is an online magazine covering the good deeds of individuals, charities and businesses.