SjjHpK1p

EDITORS’ LETTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Women of Merit magazine honours extraordinary
local women with real stories who have achieved
notable success personally or professionally. These
stories are informative, interesting and inspiring
and are intended to represent each woman as a
role model for others in the community. Merit
Publishing celebrates these success stories. We are
pleased to introduce the people and the passion
behind the profession.
If you or someone you know would like to be
featured in the 2017 Women of Merit Magazine,
please contact us for more information at:
etobicoke@womenofmerit.ca
@womenofmerit
EDITOR:
Danielle Rabbat
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF:
Carly Kuntz, Lesley Warren and Janet Weldon
DESIGN:
Lesley Warren Design Group Inc.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Rabbat Photography, Danielle Rabbat
COPY EDITING:
Historical Branding Solutions, Sarah Frisse
PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION:
Cober Evolving Solutions
In May 2014, I attended a networking conference for
Women in Business. While there, I picked up an issue
of Women of Merit. I thought, “Finally, a magazine that
was created to promote, empower and inspire women!”
The magazine featured women who were accessible
and approachable.
In January 2015, I became the first licensee for Women
of Merit. I wanted to promote, inspire and empower
women who lived and worked in Etobicoke, like me. I also
thought this magazine would be a fantastic opportunity
to meet amazing women in my community. I was right!
Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting
with dozens of vibrant women who are doing great things
in our region. As you read through their stories, I hope
you will feel inspired and empowered. I was pleasantly
surprised by how much I learned from each of these
women – through their articles and interviews.
Our article authors are experts in their fields and they
share with us some wisdom that they have learned along
their journey. Silvia owns a rock climbing gym with her
husband and talks about overcoming fears. Vanessa is
a chef and gives us some practical tips for success in
the kitchen. Deborah is a jeweler who provides some
great advice for repurposing old jewelry (since many of
us have family heirlooms hidden away). She mentions
ways we can use jewelry to honour and remember our
children’s childhoods. Sherry owns Supperworks – a
fantastic time-saving solution for busy parents who want
to feed healthy meals to their families. Finally, we have
Ernestine’s Women’s shelter – a sanctuary for women
and their children escaping violence. Ernestine’s stands
up for women, protects children and inspires its residents
to start a new life away from violence and abuse.
The women featured in our profiles were all highly
recommended as Women of Merit. Their stories are
inspiring and motivational.
I noticed Dr. Sky Naslenas was rated among the top 10
dentists in the world on “Rate My MD” and if you read her
profile, you will see that she succeeds by helping others.
I met Ellen Adjor-Annei when I worked for Snap’d
Etobicoke as a photographer. I was very impressed with
the musicianship of her students.
Katie Breitkreuz has been my RMT for almost 10 years.
A massage from Katie is like no other. Once you have
had one, you will want to keep going back.
Vanessa Carty is a powerhouse of positivity! The children
lucky enough to be enrolled at her gym simultaneously
develop confidence and skills.
Doris Chung and I have encountered each other at many
events and conferences for female entrepreneurs. Read
about how she is growing the family printing business by
offering more products and building a community for authors.
I have heard wonderful things about Melissa Johari from
many people. Melissa provides counseling services to
couples, individuals and families and makes a positive
impact on people in many ways.
Finally, read about Diana Nicorescu, who moved here from
Romania a few years ago. She did not have a job when she
arrived, but was determined to make things work and, as
a financial consultant. She reached the top 5% of first and
second year consultants in her company within only one
year of working there – and she is still in her 20s.
We learn a lot through sharing our stories and I hope
reading through the profiles in this magazine will give
you the confidence to share your own story and, in turn,
inspire someone else. You may have an office job or be an
entrepreneur or stay home with your children, but no matter
what you do, you have a story and you too have merit.
If reading these stories and articles triggers a connection
for you please contact me at Etobicoke@WomenofMerit.ca.
I hope you will feel empowered reading through our
inaugural issue of Women of Merit Etobicoke.
Sincerely,
Danielle
ETOBICOKE REGION
ELLEN ANNOR-ADJEI
Musical Arts Academy 6
DORIS CHUNG
Publisher Production Solutions 16
KATIE BREITKREUZ
Toward Health Massage 10
MELISSA JOHARI
The Couple Wellness Expert 18
DR. SKY NASLENAS
Royal York Orthodontics 4
VANESSA CARTY
The Little Gym of Mississauga 12
DIANA NICORESCU
Investors Group 20
ROCK CLIMBING –
A JOURNEY OF CONFIDENCE..........2
THE KEY TO
KITCHEN SUCCESS...........................8
DESIGN TRENDS
IN JEWELRY.....................................14
TIME SAVING TIPS
FOR MEAL PLANNING.....................22
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter.....................25