CAN Fund #150Women’s exceptional network of over 2000 women coast-to-coast-to-coast continues to grow! Meet some of the women who are stepping up and supporting the success of our female athletes who compete for Canada.
Bayla Lazarus
Associate Investment Advisor, Financial Planner at BMO
Inspired by a female high school Vice Principal who challenged her mindset and encouraged her to pursue math, Bayla is dedicated to empowering her female clients and instilling the confidence in them to take charge of their finances.
Bayla Lazarus
“The advice I received from my high school VP speaks to me to this day. She pushed me to do something that scared me and it has had a huge impact on my life. I try to do the same now – women need to support each other.”
Beverley Moore
Partner - Intellectual Property at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Beverley’s science background has propelled her in law due to her ability to apply principles and ideas to new sets of facts. As Beverley has moved up in her career, she feels as though she is now in a position to do more to champion women in law!
Beverley Moore
“BE EPIC means “being the best you can be, dreaming big, and going for it!”
Brenda Chinn
Volunteer, Women’s National Volleyball Team Operations Manager, Canadian Sport Institute (1999-2014)
After graduating from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce, Brenda followed her heart and switched to the difficult path of sports administration and management. This career had far fewer options at the time, but Brenda’s three incredible female mentors supported her decision. She is so grateful for their guidance and encouragement.
Brenda Chinn
“Have the self-confidence that you are able to do what you set out to do. It’s too hard to keep up a facade of being someone you’re not. Be yourself, and love who you are.”
Carolina Romeo
Engineer, Former National Team Athlete - Field Hockey
A field hockey player turned professional engineer, Carolina emphasizes the importance of not only supporting one another, but celebrating each other's success.
Carolina Romeo
“I think it’s so inspirational to see other women succeed and we don’t talk about it enough. There is such a good support system among women and I think we need to get out in the forefront - letting each other know that there is a huge community behind us!”
Cathy Mermer
Senior Advisor, Equitable Bank
As a former high jump athlete, Cathy recognizes the important role that other women’s support has played in her success. Cathy has a fierce belief that women need to continue the tradition of giving.
Cathy Mermer
“Giving back and paying it forward is key. We are stronger when we work together.”
Cynthia Taylor
Producer in Animation
Cynthia started her career with the belief that she could do anything, and in her twenties, she was surrounded by people in the animation business. Cynthia was hired at an animation studio and she quickly learned of the workplace inequality that was present.
Cynthia Taylor
“I came through a system where I thought everything was equal, but then I found out that men were being paid more money to do the same job as I was doing! The opportunity to support female athletes is close to my heart and I was happy to find an organization that made it possible.”
“Being a recipient of this, first off, to all of the people who have supported and donated – it is such a tremendous feeling to feel that my dreams are valid and supported. It alleviates a lot of stress and allows me to focus on being the best for my team and country. And it also shows that us women, we can do incredible things, we are great! We are moving mountains.” – Pamphinette Buisa – rugby, CAN Fund #150Women recipient
Diana De Man
Strength and Conditioning Specialist
From student-athlete, to athletic trainer, to strength and conditioning specialist, Diana is an expert in the fitness industry and helps people build confidence through movement. She puts her heart into everything she does and is a strong believer that we all have the power as women to support one another and inspire others to do the same.
Diana De Man
“No matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing, make sure it makes your soul sing. When that happens, what you give out to the world is really, really special.”
Diana Spacca
Principal, Spacca Insurance Brokers Ltd.
From her career experience in the male-dominated insurance industry, Diana knows that women can feel intimidated in these environments and stresses the importance of actively supporting one another. She encourages women to follow their passion despite the challenges.
Diana Spacca
“Find what you love and do it for the rest of your life. I love what I do and I don’t have any regrets.”
Eleonora Caldato
Mangia & Bevi, Italian Restaurant Owner
Eleonora discovered her calling to restaurant ownership by fluke; she worked in retail, but her friends would rave about her exquisite cooking. Eleonora dove into chef school and never looked back. To Eleonora, BE EPIC means you can do whatever you want. As a single mother, Eleonora’s daughters are inspired by her ambition and independence.
Eleonora Caldato
“Try everything. Don’t give up. Keep on trying.”
Elizabeth McCord
Vice-President of Corporate Banking, General Capital Markets, Former National Team Athlete- Rowing
Having been a competitive rower, Elizabeth understands how difficult the shift to a post-athletic career can be. Life after rowing has led her to work in finance, and she is a new mother of a baby boy. Elizabeth loves being part of the CAN Fund #150Women community and the emphasis on women supporting each other.
Elizabeth McCord
“As an athlete, you have this identity and this drive for so long and there are so many people that can and want to help. That is the beauty of the network.”
Erin Durant
Partner and Litigator at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Erin Durant was named one of Canada’s Best Lawyers and was the winner of the Ontario Bar Association David W Scott Award for Pro Bono Law. Erin has endless passion for her work which ranges from representing athletes in safe sport and NSO disputes, to employment loss with large insurance corporations. Erin played softball at an elite level and is now coaching the younger generation of female athletes. Erin inspires the people around her with her experiences in law, sport, and life.
Erin Durant
“My message to athletes and people alike at this time of crisis would be to not put too much pressure on ourselves to be perfect and to know that we will eventually get through this together. I want them to know I am cheering for them!”
Gina Mollicone-Long
Best-Selling Author, Founder of Greatness U
It takes an extraordinary individual to bring out the greatness in others, and Gina is one of those women. Best-selling author, speaker, coach, entrepreneur and strong advocate for women’s equality, Gina is an expert at finding success in failure, making change happen, and challenging what others think is impossible.
Gina Mollicone-Long
“You aren’t capable because of your gender. You are capable because you are you.”
