OUR TEAM
Karim Mirshahi
Afzal (Al) Sovani
Dr. Alvin Curling
Experienced Publisher with a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Corporate Social Responsibility, Integrated Marketing, Advertising, and Entrepreneurship. Strong media and communication professional with a B. Sc. from University of Guelph and Waterloo.
Dr. Alvin Curling
Afzal (Al) Sovani
Dr. Alvin Curling
Dr. Alvin Curling is a Canadian politician. He represented the ridings of Scarborough North and Scarborough—Rouge River as a Member of Parliament for the Ontario Liberal Party from 1985 to 2005 . He is also the first black man to hold a ministerial office in the Ontario government and also served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 2003 to 2005.
Afzal (Al) Sovani
Afzal (Al) Sovani
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Afzal (Al) Sovani is a consummate entrepreneur and lecturer. His experience in the Venture Capital field spans over twenty years, where his involvement, in particular, with numerous joint venture projects in the environmental and clean tech industry, has provided him with first-hand experience and knowledge in some of the core issues fa
Afzal (Al) Sovani is a consummate entrepreneur and lecturer. His experience in the Venture Capital field spans over twenty years, where his involvement, in particular, with numerous joint venture projects in the environmental and clean tech industry, has provided him with first-hand experience and knowledge in some of the core issues facing the industry and probable solutions. As well, he has been active with international NGOs in some of these Joint Ventures. Al is a strong proponent of economic growth that must be tied to environmental protection for long-term sustainability. As a father of three, he is a very concerned parent for the future of his children and his grandchildren to the imminent gathering calamity that is Climate Change. Armed with his diverse background in business and education, he feels he owes a unique sense of responsibility to fill in the knowledge gap on these complex issues.
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Elsa Hsieh studied both piano performing and teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, in the UK. She was awarded the 1st prize in the Wales Tystysgrif piano competition in 1988. Elsa also formed her Dolce De Soleil Music group which has performed in many multicultural events. Elsa Hsieh is an executive music director, and also the peace amb
Elsa Hsieh studied both piano performing and teaching at Birmingham Conservatoire, in the UK. She was awarded the 1st prize in the Wales Tystysgrif piano competition in 1988. Elsa also formed her Dolce De Soleil Music group which has performed in many multicultural events. Elsa Hsieh is an executive music director, and also the peace ambassador of the International Peace Festival and a full-time realtor in Century 21 Green Realty with outstanding achievements. Besides all the concert events, Elsa recently was given an award by the Toronto Waterfront Magazine's Celebrating Outstanding Women annual event.
Sonia Dolar
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Satie Narain-Simon, CPA
Sonia Dolar is a Financial Advisor with Investia Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of IA Financial Group Inc., based in Canada. With having over twenty years of the experience, she has been working closely with individuals and multi-generational families to help them in creating, growing, and safeguarding their savings. Aside from her
Sonia Dolar is a Financial Advisor with Investia Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of IA Financial Group Inc., based in Canada. With having over twenty years of the experience, she has been working closely with individuals and multi-generational families to help them in creating, growing, and safeguarding their savings. Aside from her financial career, Sonia has been actively involved in various artistic and humanitarian endeavors. She has taken part in global women’s initiatives sponsored by the United Nations and the African Union, demonstrating her commitment to promoting gender equality and empowerment. Additionally, Sonia has a background in classical piano and has published essays on topics such as work-life balance and resiliency.
Satie Narain-Simon, CPA
Elsa Hsieh, Music for Peace
Satie Narain-Simon, CPA
Satie is a professional accountant and works as a tax auditor with the Canadian Federal Government. She is an international public speaker, a co-author, and is currently working on her next book, which will be released in Fall 2023. She’s a member of the Waterfront Magazine Planning Committee, a judge for the International Films for Peace
Satie is a professional accountant and works as a tax auditor with the Canadian Federal Government. She is an international public speaker, a co-author, and is currently working on her next book, which will be released in Fall 2023. She’s a member of the Waterfront Magazine Planning Committee, a judge for the International Films for Peace Festival and at BIFF.
Satie is passionate about finding ways of impacting others and truly advocates that each of us matters. She is Guyanese with a Caribbean cultural background.
Aida Memisevic
Francine Mbvoumbo
Francine Mbvoumbo
Aida Memisevic is a media entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital strategist in the human potential field. She creates IMPACT-based television shows, and digital wellness experiences focusing on success strategies and mindset habits. She also works with high-performance executives/entrepreneurs around personal branding and media strategy
Aida Memisevic is a media entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and digital strategist in the human potential field. She creates IMPACT-based television shows, and digital wellness experiences focusing on success strategies and mindset habits. She also works with high-performance executives/entrepreneurs around personal branding and media strategy. Aida believes strongly in mindful capitalism and profit with purpose.
Francine Mbvoumbo
Francine Mbvoumbo
Francine Mbvoumbo
Francine is the Founder and Strategic Leader of Mothers to Daughters (M2D), a for-impact organization focused on helping bridge the intergenerational gap between younger women and more experienced women and spark lasting personal and professional relationships among them.
She is among the 2020 Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada, was recogni
Francine is the Founder and Strategic Leader of Mothers to Daughters (M2D), a for-impact organization focused on helping bridge the intergenerational gap between younger women and more experienced women and spark lasting personal and professional relationships among them.
She is among the 2020 Top 100 Women to Watch in Canada, was recognized by the CivicAction Leadership Foundation as a Black Rising Leader, was honoured with the Legacy Award from Volunteer Toronto for her contributions to the local community, and was recently a Mentorship Finalist with the Women Empowerment Awards.
Vanessa Lachman
Francine Mbvoumbo
Vanessa Lachman
6IXPM started off as a break away from model life for Vanessa Lachman. 6 years ago, this was just a concept. Over 100+ productions inclusive of travels abroad, magazine launches, boat parties, model shoots, and multiple designer platforms; 6ixPM is a reality.
Running the business, the social platform, the creative artwork and being a mot
6IXPM started off as a break away from model life for Vanessa Lachman. 6 years ago, this was just a concept. Over 100+ productions inclusive of travels abroad, magazine launches, boat parties, model shoots, and multiple designer platforms; 6ixPM is a reality.
Running the business, the social platform, the creative artwork and being a mother of 4, 6ixPM and Vanessa are the epitome of what it means to be a Superwoman. The sky’s the limit as it engaged in the cosplay of fashion.
Walter Barubek
Walter Barubek
Vanessa Lachman
Walter Barubek is an entrepreneur born and raised in Hamilton Ontario. Currently residing in Oakville, he is the managing partner of All-Risks Insurance. A recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for volunteering and community activism. He is a father of twin girls both of whom have exciting career paths. He joins this committee rec
Walter Barubek is an entrepreneur born and raised in Hamilton Ontario. Currently residing in Oakville, he is the managing partner of All-Risks Insurance. A recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for volunteering and community activism. He is a father of twin girls both of whom have exciting career paths. He joins this committee recognizing the incredible achievements of the nominees and wishes to celebrate with them.
Peter Linseman
Walter Barubek
Peter Linseman
Peter Linseman is been working over 25 years as owner of Music Mentor Productions, a CCMA nominated recording studio & Independent Record Label, Peter Linseman is an award winning producer who has worn every hat in the music industry. Peter was named the President of CYCO – YOUTH DAY Global in 2020 & YOUTH DAY Toronto 2023 celebrating it
Peter Linseman is been working over 25 years as owner of Music Mentor Productions, a CCMA nominated recording studio & Independent Record Label, Peter Linseman is an award winning producer who has worn every hat in the music industry. Peter was named the President of CYCO – YOUTH DAY Global in 2020 & YOUTH DAY Toronto 2023 celebrating its 17th consecutive year at Yonge Dundas Square. Peter has also managed many artists’ careers over the years including popular actress / eOne Music artist Kate Todd and currently managing talented teen sister group ~ KLM Sisters and FiTHOP founder, recording artist and Mind/Body/Spirit Guru Niko Sofianos.
Rosemary Ghiz
Walter Barubek
Peter Linseman
Rosemary Ghiz is a highly accomplished professional with over 25 years in the real estate and mortgage financing industries. Renowned for her expertise in the field, Rosemary has been a trusted advisor to many clients, particularly working with women who are seeking to thrive in the ever-changing real estate market. Throughout her career,
Rosemary Ghiz is a highly accomplished professional with over 25 years in the real estate and mortgage financing industries. Renowned for her expertise in the field, Rosemary has been a trusted advisor to many clients, particularly working with women who are seeking to thrive in the ever-changing real estate market. Throughout her career, Rosemary has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the real estate market. Her deep understanding of market dynamics, combined with her astute financial awareness, enables her and her team to provide tailored guidance that helps clients make the best decisions, for their own personal needs. Rosemary’s ability to empower women in the real estate market, combined with her dedication to providing exceptional service, has earned her a loyal and satisfied clientele. Rosemary’s success as a three-time international best-selling author on empowering women and overcoming adversities is a testament to her talent and the impact of her work.
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Frank Caruso was inducted into the North Bay Musicians and Entertainment Hall of Recognition in June, 2017, for his lifelong contribution in music, theatre & film.
In 1980 Frank pursued commercial theatre and lists 45 plays that he has contributed to as director, producer or actor.
In 1990, Frank transitioned into filmmaking with Caruso
Frank Caruso was inducted into the North Bay Musicians and Entertainment Hall of Recognition in June, 2017, for his lifelong contribution in music, theatre & film.
In 1980 Frank pursued commercial theatre and lists 45 plays that he has contributed to as director, producer or actor.
In 1990, Frank transitioned into filmmaking with Caruso Films and went on to act, write, produce and direct feature films, shorts, documentaries, music videos and commercials. He has three movies presently airing on Amazon Prime, USA. Frank has 12 Feature Films to his credit and is currently working on several projects to be produced in the near future.
Angela H. Kim, Art for Peace
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Angela H. Kim is a contemporary artist, freelance curator, art educator and a co-founder of HEIMAT Art. Through 10+ years of art making and curatorial practices, she was able to bring artists and audiences together, and empowered artists for their professional growth.
Angela's works have been displayed in local galleries, featured in forum
Angela H. Kim is a contemporary artist, freelance curator, art educator and a co-founder of HEIMAT Art. Through 10+ years of art making and curatorial practices, she was able to bring artists and audiences together, and empowered artists for their professional growth.
Angela's works have been displayed in local galleries, featured in forums, articles and magazines, and collected by individuals and corporations globally,
Tina Tran
Frank A. Caruso, Film for Peace
Marlon L. McCombie
Tina Tran was born in the Ha Long Bay, North Vietnam. After years of war, she escaped Vietnam and lived in a Hong Kong refugee camp eventually emigrating to Canada. Tina lost two younger brothers to drug overdose however her sister has helped her become spiritual, and now she remains strong. Tina has transformed herself, and now she lives
Tina Tran was born in the Ha Long Bay, North Vietnam. After years of war, she escaped Vietnam and lived in a Hong Kong refugee camp eventually emigrating to Canada. Tina lost two younger brothers to drug overdose however her sister has helped her become spiritual, and now she remains strong. Tina has transformed herself, and now she lives as Buddhist and teach others to say no to drugs. She is now a cool mother to five boys and living a life with purpose as a proud mother, filmmaker, actor, and gifted role model who lives to teach and help transform people’s lives.
Marlon L. McCombie
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Marlon L. McCombie
A registered professional Mechanical Engineer with a multidisciplinary background in research and development, testing, mechanical design and project management. He is also a Co-founder, Director and Co-Chair of the Saint Lucian Young Leaders in Canada.
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Angelica (Angela Johnson) is a Pianist, Singer Songwriter, Composer & Producer, with 5 CD’s of original music, available in stores, in the pop and classical music genres. Angelica entertains a wide variety of audiences with a repertoire of over 3500 songs, performing concerts, shows & festivals as a soloist and in bands, including touring
Angelica (Angela Johnson) is a Pianist, Singer Songwriter, Composer & Producer, with 5 CD’s of original music, available in stores, in the pop and classical music genres. Angelica entertains a wide variety of audiences with a repertoire of over 3500 songs, performing concerts, shows & festivals as a soloist and in bands, including touring on cruise ships as a “Piano Bar Entertainer”, for Disney, Holland America & Carnival Cruise Lines. Angelica is enjoying an ever-increasing profile as one of Canada’s finest performing and recording artists.
Urszula Urac
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Angelica (Angela Johnson)
Teacher with a Master's of Education Degree from the University of Toronto. She has fifteen years experience working with students as a teacher, coach, mentor, and has organized many extra-curricular events at the school and Board level.
Nikki-Monique Kurnath
Nikki-Monique Kurnath
Nikki-Monique Kurnath
Monique Kurnath aka NIKKI-MONIQUE (250-CYT, 95-CCYT, FNE, PTS, FIS, C.Ht.), is a Certified Hypnotherapist, a Reiki Practitioner/Master, a Certified Yoga Teacher for Adults/Seniors and Children, a Meditation Specialist, a Certified Fitness Instructor/Trainer, a Nutrition Specialist and a Healthy Lifestyle Coach. She is the founder of BMPO
Monique Kurnath aka NIKKI-MONIQUE (250-CYT, 95-CCYT, FNE, PTS, FIS, C.Ht.), is a Certified Hypnotherapist, a Reiki Practitioner/Master, a Certified Yoga Teacher for Adults/Seniors and Children, a Meditation Specialist, a Certified Fitness Instructor/Trainer, a Nutrition Specialist and a Healthy Lifestyle Coach. She is the founder of BMPOWHERD® by Nikki-Monique - a Health/Wellness/Fitness Holistic Business that specializes in Alternative & Movement Therapies. Her passion is her purpose as she shares her vision of Empowering lives to be Healthy, Happy & Well-Fit through the Mind, Body & Spirit™.
NIKKI-MONIQUE is a 2x International Best-Selling Author and is a Featured Columnist/Writer for wellness online publications & print magazines. She works with children & women and those living with mental health issues, in abusive situations and/or impoverished communities.
Terence Lushington
Nikki-Monique Kurnath
Nikki-Monique Kurnath
Owner of T.L.C. (Training through learning and caring) and World Trade Systems representing a Premium Membership Club dealing in Barter, Trade and Services. He is a Transformational Coach, Trainer, Mentor, Host, Emcee, Event Planner, Singer and performer. He is also an Organizer for Charities, Live Auctioneer and Facilitator of multiple B to B businesses.
Dr Vinita Puri - Public Relation
Zainab Yusufzai - Marketing Manager
Zainab Yusufzai - Marketing Manager
Dr. Vinita Puri is the Clinical Director of Resilience Counselling and Coaching Services. As a results-focused leader, she is passionate about social justice and building diverse and respectful teams. Dr. Puri is an experienced Social Worker, Mediator, Coach, and Consultant. She provides customized educational training to a wide range of
Dr. Vinita Puri is the Clinical Director of Resilience Counselling and Coaching Services. As a results-focused leader, she is passionate about social justice and building diverse and respectful teams. Dr. Puri is an experienced Social Worker, Mediator, Coach, and Consultant. She provides customized educational training to a wide range of organizations on conflict resolution, strategic planning, employee engagement and performance management.
Dr. Puri is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Workers and holds an Honorary Doctorate (Honoria Causa) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, a Master’s in Criminological Research, a Master’s in Social Work, and a Specialized Honours B.A. in Sociology. At the present time, she is also completing her final dissertation as a Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, with a dissertation focus on Therapeutic Jurisprudence (TJ). She is proud to be a Judge for the Shakti Film Festival in Vancouver and the Global Public Relations Liaison for MDC Globe International.
Zainab Yusufzai - Marketing Manager
Zainab Yusufzai - Marketing Manager
Zainab Yusufzai - Marketing Manager
Zainab is a UX/UI design thinker, media strategist, digital marketing manager, a filmmaker, and a generative artist. She started her career as a documentary filmmaker and produced films for varied clients like United Nations, Air India, WHO, NACO. Her films tackled a range of social issues such as climate change, women’s empowerment, and
Zainab is a UX/UI design thinker, media strategist, digital marketing manager, a filmmaker, and a generative artist. She started her career as a documentary filmmaker and produced films for varied clients like United Nations, Air India, WHO, NACO. Her films tackled a range of social issues such as climate change, women’s empowerment, and AIDS awareness. Over last decade, Zainab certified as a digital marketing expert and started working for helping the brands build a lucrative presence online and on multimedia. She is best known for her skills in creating online & traditional media campaigns and implementing strategies for creating user-centric techniques for B2B and B2C. She mentors and partners with non-profits organizations, and community events for digital campaigning. Along with her degree in tv production, she also has certifications from University of Illinois in marketing and holds UX/UI credentials from the University of Toronto. Each day is a fresh start, in her words, what gets her motivated to do better. “Is because she really loves what she does.”
S C Modiste - Film For Peace (Head Juror And Programmer)
Rachel Song - Director of Media, Celebrity & Government Relations and Partnership
Rachel Song - Director of Media, Celebrity & Government Relations and Partnership
Starting out as a crew member on feature films more than 20 years ago, she has held job titles as Executive Producer, Producer, and Director of Development working on film productions that included directors Alan Rudolph and Paul Haggis. She was a juror for the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and Canada Council for the Arts and has been
Starting out as a crew member on feature films more than 20 years ago, she has held job titles as Executive Producer, Producer, and Director of Development working on film productions that included directors Alan Rudolph and Paul Haggis. She was a juror for the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards and Canada Council for the Arts and has been featured on CBC Radio and Newstalk 580 as well as a panel participant in the Diversity in Canadian Television Roundtable for the CRTC. As a Creative Producer and Media Artist, she is currently creating The Reluctant Canadian Immigrant project and completing the film One Man’s Journey. Her work reflects her vision and experiences on what it is to be a minority Canadian of African and Irish descent. Modiste recognizes that opportunities for stories identifying and told by BIPOC filmmakers are few and looks forward to the BIPOC Film Festival to ensure BIPOC inclusion and the celebration of diverse filmmakers.
Rachel Song - Director of Media, Celebrity & Government Relations and Partnership
Rachel Song - Director of Media, Celebrity & Government Relations and Partnership
Rachel Song - Director of Media, Celebrity & Government Relations and Partnership
Rachel Song is a seasoned media personality, a model, an entrepreneur, a Chinese community leader, and a former staffer at Queen's Park and on Parliament Hill. She works as the Associate Publisher of Toronto Waterfront Magazine, manages Sino Canada Business, Culture & Technology Centre, sits on numerous Boards. Rachel recently contracted
Rachel Song is a seasoned media personality, a model, an entrepreneur, a Chinese community leader, and a former staffer at Queen's Park and on Parliament Hill. She works as the Associate Publisher of Toronto Waterfront Magazine, manages Sino Canada Business, Culture & Technology Centre, sits on numerous Boards. Rachel recently contracted with a major model and talent agency in Toronto. Ms. Song also has the great honour of being selected as the Chinese Peace Ambassador of the International Peace Festival.
Mia Miazaki
Tatevik Sarkisyan
Tatevik Sarkisyan
Mia is a George Brown graduate from Recreation Management in Gerontology, she works in a long-term care home in downtown Toronto, managing programs and events for seniors. Mia also is the Executive Event Coordinator for 6ixpm, her role is to deliver support for designers, models, and the beauty team when they are showcased at the fashion
Mia is a George Brown graduate from Recreation Management in Gerontology, she works in a long-term care home in downtown Toronto, managing programs and events for seniors. Mia also is the Executive Event Coordinator for 6ixpm, her role is to deliver support for designers, models, and the beauty team when they are showcased at the fashion shows. She is an advocate for mental health, special education and women’s empowerment. Mia is honoured to be part of the Waterfront Magazine Awards 2023 Edition.
Tatevik Sarkisyan
Tatevik Sarkisyan
Tatevik Sarkisyan
Tatevik Sarkisyan, BSc in Business Management, Touro College, is the owner, producer and music industry mentor at Drellander Productions and a sought-after voice coach at Drellander’s Studio. She is a versatile vocalist, multi-genre songwriter with over 170 songs under her belt, a recognized Canadian air-played composer as a member of SO
Tatevik Sarkisyan, BSc in Business Management, Touro College, is the owner, producer and music industry mentor at Drellander Productions and a sought-after voice coach at Drellander’s Studio. She is a versatile vocalist, multi-genre songwriter with over 170 songs under her belt, a recognized Canadian air-played composer as a member of SOCAN, performer in 11 languages, music, video and film producer, health and business educator, life & business strategist, music and spiritual coach based in Toronto. Tatevik is also an excellent stylist, designer and writer. She has done a lifetime of beneficiary and volunteer work and is in partnerships with organizations empowering and helping people in the Toronto community. Due to her own healing journey, she is the biggest advocate of music and loving-kindness for health. Tatevik is blessed with a caring partner, family and friends. She is honoured to be a part of Waterfront Awards 2023 and serve on its Advisory Board.
Sabina Pasha
Bita Kanpouri
Bita Kanpouri
Sabina Pasha is a Famous PRO ARTIST Fashion Model, Stylist, Actress, Renowned Brand Commercials, and Music Videos as a Motivational Speaker, Host, and a Moderator; as an Image & Beauty Consultant, Mentor, and Trainer; Business Networking, Development, and Relationship Management, Sabina has excelled in every role and have no plans of slo
Sabina Pasha is a Famous PRO ARTIST Fashion Model, Stylist, Actress, Renowned Brand Commercials, and Music Videos as a Motivational Speaker, Host, and a Moderator; as an Image & Beauty Consultant, Mentor, and Trainer; Business Networking, Development, and Relationship Management, Sabina has excelled in every role and have no plans of slowing down.
She has been brand ambassador for several major global brands like L’Oréal Paris, GUINOT Skin Care, Damas DeBeers Jewelry, POND’s Cream, Nestle, Veet and many others.
Being a Brand Ambassador to Sephora Canada has elevated her role even further in the field of beauty.
Bita Kanpouri
Bita Kanpouri
Bita Kanpouri
Bita Kanpouri is a fashion advisor with 25 years of experience. She’s passionate about helping people and enhancing her personal style. She had a long career in theatre, starting at just 11 years old. She has worked on many theatre shows over the years. She is also a TV host and stage host for many years. And also, She has been working as the best in buying and selling real estate for long time.