Dolce proudly presents its Summer Edition, celebrating the seventh class of women who exemplify an empowerment that transcends personal achievement; it’s about uplifting communities, challenging norms, and forging new paths.
From trailblazers in real estate and beauty to pioneers in entrepreneurship and philanthropy, this distinguished group redefines leadership with authenticity and purpose. Their narratives are not just stories of success but testaments to the transformative power of determination and passion.
In celebrating these remarkable individuals, Dolce continues its tradition of honouring those who embody the essence of la dolce vita— living life with purpose, elegance, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Photo Courtesy of Rossana Magnotta
ROSSANA MAGNOTTA
CEO and co-founder of Magnotta Winery, Rossana is a trailblazer in Canadian winemaking. A passionate philanthropist and entrepreneur, she champions innovation, quality, and community impact. Through the G. Magnotta Foundation, she advances Lyme disease research, embodying her lifelong mission to lead with purpose, vision, and compassion.
magnotta.com
@magnottawinery
Photo Courtesy of Amanda Aerin
AMANDA AERIN
With over 20 years of expertise in interior design, lifestyle products, and construction, Amanda Aerin has become a leading tastemaker in the industry. She’s a former Editor of Reno + Décor Magazine, design expert on the Emmy Award-winning Marilyn Denis Show, and current host of Find My Country Home, airing internationally on CTV Life and A&E. As a Creative Director, TV Host, and mom of five, Amanda has built a loyal following of over 100K by blending luxury design with authentic purpose-driven storytelling. Her lifestyle brand reflects a journey of personal growth, empowering others through design, product development, and candid talks on entrepreneurship and creative diversity.
@amanda.aerin.style
Photo Courtesy of Svetlana Antonyshyn
SVETLANA ANTONYSHYN
Svetlana Antonyshyn’s journey from personal challenges to professional triumphs underscores her unwavering commitment to mental health. As a psychotherapist of 15+ years and founder of InnerSight Psychotherapy Inc., she has cultivated spaces where healing and professional development coexist, inspiring many to pursue better mental well-being.
psychotherapyclinic.ca
@innersight.psychotherapy
Photo Courtesy of Two Sisters Vineyards
TWO SISTERS
Melissa and Angela are co-proprietors of Two Sisters Vineyards, 11th POST on Queen, Stone Eagle Winery, and the future hotel Parliament Oak located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. United by a passion for exceptional wine and hospitality, they champion luxury branding and guest experiences — all while earning awards for their commitment to excellence and community impact.
twosistersvineyards.com
@twosisters_vineyards
Photo Courtesy of Dr. Samra Zafar, M.D.
DR. SAMRA ZAFAR, M.D.
A visionary leader whose work spans a multitude of disciplines. Dr. Samra Zafar is an award-winning keynote speaker, bestselling author, physician, economist, resilient leader, champion for women’s rights, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Known for challenging outdated status quos, she has dedicated her life to inspiring others, fostering healing and helping people unlock the power within to live boldly, courageously, and with unwavering purpose.
@iamsamrazafar
Photo Courtesy of Claudine Montano
CLAUDINE MONTANO
Founder & CEO of Penthouse Queen Inc., Toronto’s Finest Penthouses and Luxury Properties, delivered with concierge service and expertise, built on AI, technology and scalability. Her brand caters to the lifestyles of CEOs, HNWI, professional athletes and celebrities. Recipient of numerous awards over 18 years, she is also a mother, philanthropist, upcoming author and disruptor, revolutionizing luxury real estate with her passion for digital, tech and white-glove service.
penthousequeen.com
@penthousequeen
Photo Courtesy of Elizabeth Semmelhack
ELIZABETH SEMMELHACK
With a background in cultural art history, Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator of the Bata Shoe Museum, curates exhibitions exploring footwear’s meaning and influence. She has organized over 20 shows, including Obsessed: How Shoes Became Objects of Desire and Out of the Box: The Rise of Sneaker Culture, a popular travelling exhibit. She has been recognized and featured in several media outlets including NBC’s Today Show and Netflix’s Abstract: The Art of Design. Her acclaimed publications and exhibits continue to influence global discussions on fashion, culture, and identity.
@elizabethsemmelhack
Photo Courtesy of Angela Marotta
ANGELA MAROTTA
A seasoned Travel Designer and Certified Sommelier, Angela Marotta is the founder and CEO of Marotta Travel Co. With over 30 years of industry experience and time spent living in Europe and Mexico, Angela shares her in-depth insight, refined taste and rich understanding of these cultures with discerning travellers in Canada and the U.S. Her global perspective and dedication to curating luxurious and culturally immersive experiences ensures that each journey is seamless, personalized and truly enriching.
marottatravel.ca
@marottatravel
Photo Courtesy of Valerie Simone-Georgiadis
VALERIE SIMONE-GEORGIADIS
The owner of Martin Daniel Interiors brings over 25 years of expertise in interior design and space planning. Specializing in Italian and European furnishings, she has reimagined the family business — offering a refined retail experience that blends tradition with modern luxury for loyal clients and a new generation of design lovers.
martindanielinteriors.com
@martindanielinteriors
Photo Courtesy of Femme Women’s Wellness Medical & Cosmetics
FEMME WOMEN’S WELLNESS MEDICAL & COSMETICS
Sisters Dr. Donna Gasparro and Candice Raic are the visionary co-founders of Femme Women’s Wellness Medical & Cosmetics — Toronto’s premier destination for integrative healthcare designed for women. With an all-female team and a guiding mantra of “Empowerment Through Health,” they’ve created a thoughtfully curated clinic offering personalized care across Femme’s medical, wellness, and cosmetic divisions. Committed to holistic, high-quality care, the sisters have reimagined the healthcare experience — blending clinical excellence with a refined, nurturing approach to support every facet of a woman’s well-being.
ExperienceFemme.com
@ExperienceFemme
Photo Courtesy of Desiree Furlong
DESIREE FURLONG
Certified personal trainer, actress, and creator of the trademarked Trilates Method, Desiree brings her dynamic energy and deep understanding of movement to every session, blending her background in fitness and performance to offer a workout that’s as efficient as it is effective. Trilates combines the core-strengthening principles of Pilates, the cardiovascular benefits of low-impact cardio, and the muscle-toning power of weight training — all in one session. Desiree empowers her clients to build strength, improve flexibility, and feel confident on and off the mat.
trilatesmethod.com
@trilates
Photo Courtesy of Orietta Polo
ORIETTA POLO
Always involved with fashion and design, her brand OP Collections is the reflection of her passion, creating fashion accessories that follow two core principles: Timeless Designs and Sustainability, all made in Italy with recognized craftsmanship and noble materials. In addition, she is growing her presence as social media influencer for renowned clothing brands.
oriettapolo.com
@orietta.polo
Photo Courtesy of Layla Loren
LAYLA LOREN
Inspired by her daughter, Milana, Layla Loren created Milana Loren Couture as a love letter to passion, purpose, and artistry. Milana is not just the brand’s namesake — she’s its muse, igniting Loren’s creativity. Today, Layla paves the way for female creatives and entrepreneurs, proving that staying true to your passion can lead to extraordinary, elegant success.
@milanalorencouture
Photo Courtesy of Ellen Contardi
ELLEN CONTARDI
President of Waves of Changes for Autism, Ellen Contardi, has been a passionate advocate since 2016, committed to empowering families and serving her community. Under her leadership, the organization continues to grow and make a meaningful impact. This September, Waves of Changes celebrates its 10th gala, a milestone event honouring dedication, support, and transformative change for families affected by autism.
wavesofchanges.ca
@wavesofchangesforautism
Photo Courtesy of Sabrina Marrelli
SABRINA MARRELLI
With over 25 years of experience in wealth management, Sabrina Marrelli is a seasoned Financial Planner who specializes in high-net-worth clients. A proud mother of two, she supports numerous charities and leads by example as Vice President of CIBPA Toronto, promoting heritage, business, and education. Her leadership reflects the growing influence of women in finance and inspires future generations.
@sabrina_marrelli
Photo Courtesy of Maddison Lynn
MADDISON LYNN
Fashion’s next luminary, ELLE-educated Maddison Lynn, the visionary behind Maddison & Company and Models of Canada, she has guided 1,400+ talents and influenced over 20,000 lives. Her platform restores authenticity and amplifies Canadian voices, nearing half a million organic impressions while reshaping the industry through empathy, strategy, and bold leadership. In Maddison’s hands, fashion isn’t just led, it’s reimagined.
maddisonandcompany.com
@maddison.and.company
modelsofcanada.com
@themodelsofcanada
