To mark International Women’s Day, we asked members of our executive committee to tell us about the women who have made the biggest impact on their lives.
Wes Iqbal:
“Some 20 years ago I thought my life was set – more set than it is now, ironically. I was in my last year of high school and, as the eldest child of South Asian immigrants, I focused on math and science and was good at these subjects. I did what I was told, and planned to study Engineering at Waterloo. I thought I had it all figured out … until I didn’t.
Most of the credit for where I am today belongs to my OAC teacher Zelda Silverberg. She retired the year after I graduated and I was no doubt one of the hundreds of students whose lives she changed. But beyond helping me to believe in myself, she gave me a new perspective on how I could construct my life. Different from what my parents were trying to impress upon me. I began with knowing myself, discovering my passions, and living an authentic life. The year I was her student truly transformed me.
Near the end of that year, I was informed that I wouldn’t be allowed to leave home to attend university outside of Toronto. Mrs. Silverberg sat my family down and took it on the chin for me while I stood outside. The next day I was allowed to go. To this day, I don’t know what she said, but I do believe with all my heart that there are thousands of kids in our society who have created a good life for themselves – not because of something inherited – but because of women exactly like Mrs. Silverberg.”
Allie Sutton:
“There are countless amazing women in my life who have inspired and positively impacted me, and I’m continuously grateful to be surrounded by a supportive network of women. But there is one individual that I’d like to recognize who played a huge role in shaping who I am today.
From a young age, I spent a lot of time at the rink. Blair Koshi-Klein was my figure skating coach for most of my formative years. She supported my growth both as a figure skater and as a child transitioning into a young adult. For the group of us that grew up with Blair, we were silly, weird, and awkward kids. Blair’s fun-loving spirit embraced us and gave us full permission to be ourselves. As we grew as skaters and individuals, she became more than a safe and trusted adult to be around. She was an incredible mentor who taught me invaluable life skills, such as patience, dedication, and kindness. Her commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for her students, regardless of background or ability, showed me the power of empathy and inclusion.
We lost Blair a few years ago after a battle with cancer, and while she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched. I am forever grateful to have had such an incredible woman as my coach and mentor. Even though I’ve hung up my skates, her life lessons stay with me. And occasionally, when I put the skates back on, I never fail to hear her reminding me to point my toes.”
Aleem Punja:
“My paternal grandmother was the matriarch on my dad’s side of the family. An Indian woman filled with deeply ingrained values of seva (a sanskrit word for – selfless service to others) who put her family first – always. My grandmother and her precious family consisting of my grandfather, three sons and daughter lived in immense poverty. They did not have a house, mud hut (juperpati), a box to call home. They took shelter in a jamat khana – in Dongri, India – Mumbai.
My dad used to tell me stories of how my grandmother used to work in a canteen and cook for those who were privileged to eat – but she couldn’t bring dinner back for the family. What my grandmother did have was courage, determination and hope. It was because of my grandmother that we were able to break this cycle of poverty.
Fast forward a decade and a few years, my grandmother met a south asian man who came from Africa on a mission to India. He fell in love with my grandmother and asked for her hand in marriage. My grandmother accepted with one condition – that was to take my dad, the youngest of three at that time, to Africa in hopes of a better future – one that included a life without poverty – a life that they could start to rebuild.
It was because of my grandmother’s tenacity, leadership, love for her family, determination and grit that we are where we are today. I owe it to my grandmother who’s maternal instincts were strong and her willingness and dedication to fight for our family’s quality of life. In 1997, my grandmother passed away in my arms and I know she is watching over me and my family as our guardian angel. Love you Maa.”
Sarah Baldeo:
“Vera Tchouprik has been my stepmother for over 30 years. She has made such an impact on my life and so much of my work ethic comes from her. Vera taught me how to swim, how to ride a bike, how to put on makeup – when my son was born, she was there by my side.
Vera is a Safety & Compliance Leader at York Region Transit – in my childhood I recall her working multiple jobs and still managing to cook and take care of three kids.
She remains my inspiration today and has impacted how I parent my own child, balance work and family demands, but most of all she’s taught me true strength and resilience.”
Andrea Ernesaks:
“I always say that my life has been most substantively and positively impacted by my mom, Anne Ernesaks. As a single mother, my mom had to work very hard to build a life for the two of us. Taboos around single mothers were very much the norm at the time and she made immense sacrifices to ensure I could thrive.
There is one story I always tell that exemplifies her work ethic, compassion and desire to help others. In the 1990s, as an employee and union leader at the City of Ottawa, my mom had to attend ongoing contract negotiations with city officials but she had one small problem – me. Always a mother first, she wrapped me up in my portable baby carrier and brought me with her to the negotiations. “Childcare is on the table!” she exclaimed as she placed my carrier on the negotiating table. Not only was she being a phenomenal mother that day but she was also advocating on behalf of so many parents who were facing the same challenges that she did.
My mom always jokingly laments my passion for politics but I always tell her that these very early formative moments are what ingrained this passion within me. I am forever thankful for her love, support and sacrifices and am so proud of everything she’s accomplished in her life to date.”
Sarah Luca:
“My mom has always been my model for how to work hard, be strong and treat people with love and respect. To find a life that better suited her tenacity and independence, she left behind her family and community as a young woman, moving away from everything that was familiar to her. She arrived in a new country, Canada, with only herself to rely on and built an entire life the way that she wanted to.
I can only imagine how scared she must have been, diving headfirst into a new life without her friends and family to support her. But I also think about how excited she must have been too, to be living life on her own terms.
I think about the freedom she must have felt, to not ask permission from anyone. Even without realizing, I have grown up knowing that I can do anything and be anyone. To this day, I strive to support others to also live the lives that they want to.
I’ve always deeply appreciated my mom’s unapologetic way of living the life that she wanted on her terms, her independence and her strength in so many ways. I didn’t realize until I was an adult that she had supported me to also embrace my own life and do what I wanted, how I wanted. My mom’s biggest gift to me has been the permission and the encouragement to take full ownership of my life and to live each day in a way that makes me proud and fulfilled.
Thank you, mom—your sacrifices and commitment to being yourself has given me the opportunity to be who I want to be. That is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.”