Dolce Empowering Women
Dolce proudly presents its Winter Edition, celebrating the fifth class of women who have shaped their industries and forged meaningful paths for others to follow.
As the winter season sets in, the world slows down and reflects, blanketed in the stillness of the cold. For many, this season represents a time of pause, but for others it is a time of transformation. The obstacles we face — whether in our careers, education or personal lives — are not always predictable. These challenges can often feel insurmountable, particularly when we’re juggling multiple roles, breaking societal expectations or overcoming self-doubt.
But as winter’s frost gives way to renewal, so too do women find strength in adversity. The women in Dolce’s fifth class of Empowering Women exemplify this truth. Their stories are living proof that resilience is not just about survival, but also about thriving in the face of adversity.
This class of remarkable women has made indelible marks in their respective fields — be it fashion, beauty, education, health care or beyond — demonstrating that true leadership is about lifting others while elevating oneself.
They are champions for themselves and their communities due to their unwavering drive and authenticity, proving that real power comes from turning ambition into action, even when the path ahead is not clear.
Dolce is proud to honour this extraordinary group of women who never stopped believing in the possibilities ahead.
1. DR. TINA SESTAN, ND
With 14 years of experience as a naturopathic doctor, healer, and intuitive, Dr. Tina Sestan empowers women to reconnect their minds, bodies, and souls. During her retreats, she helps women suffering from burnout regain harmony through a mix of evidence-based solutions, heart-centred healing, and Indigenous practices, promoting profound renewal, inner strength and a lively, balanced life.
www.fmuptown.com
@dr.tinasestan.nd
2. ROSE SAVAGE
An award-winning Real Estate Broker, community leader, and philanthropist who dedicates her time and leadership skills to public service. As past Chair of Vaughan Public Libraries and a 30-year career at IBM, Rose Savage actively contributes to improving educational resources and community engagement. Driven to leave a lasting legacy of excellence, Rose founded The Savage Foundation, where she serves as CEO, focusing on supporting youth, seniors, women, and family initiatives.
@rosesavagerealestate
@savagefoundations
3. STEPHANIE PUNTILLO
Always known for going against the wave of traditional learning methods, Stephanie Puntillo, founder and owner of Steph’s Study Stars, has dedicated her career to helping each child master their milestones by focusing on customized lesson plans tailored to each student’s learning style. As her success and reputation continue to grow in the community, Steph’s Study Stars has expanded to include a home-school option by parent demand!
www.stephsstudystars.com
@stephs.study.stars
4. SHIVA FELIZADEH
Specializing in residential real estate, Shiva and her team bring extensive knowledge and expertise to achieve the best outcomes for their clients. Their well-connected network provides access to exclusive opportunities. Deep-rooted connections allow them to offer expert insights, with market trends crucial for addressing clients’ needs. They aim to help clients maximize their home’s value and enhance their lifestyle with world-class service.
shivafelizadeh.com
@shiva.felizadeh
5. KIMBERLY WAKE & NATASZA TYZLER
CHEZ, brought to you by Hammond International Properties, seamlessly blends luxury real estate sales, strategic marketing, and boutique interior design. Led by Global Luxury Real Estate Broker Kimberly Wake and Global Luxury Real Estate Salesperson Natasza Tyler, CHEZ provides an elevated white-glove experience that transforms high-end properties into market leaders. With unmatched expertise and an extensive network, Kimberly and Natasza ensure each home exceeds today’s luxury standards, commanding attention and maximizing value.
hammondinternationalproperties.com
@to.chez
6. DR. SAMANTHA BOHAY DMD, C.DSM, D.ABDSM
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Bohay specializes in Dental Sleep Medicine and is the founder of Vaughan Dental Sleep Solutions, where she has transformed the lives of patients with snoring and sleep apnea. A Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, she is passionate about advocating for Oral Appliance Therapy — a proven, non-invasive alternative to CPAP for treating obstructive sleep apnea.
www.vaughandentalsleepsolutions.ca
@VaughanSleepSolutions
7. LAUREN PARENTE
Founder and CEO of LP Enterprises, Lauren leads a portfolio of 15+ business entities offering integrated design-suite services in home care, real estate, custom interiors, and lifestyle management. A Life Transformation Strategist and award-winning author of Perspective Shifts: Total Self-Mastery, this Fempreneur Extraordinaire empowers entrepreneurs with transformative coaching to cultivate winning mindsets and achieve lasting success in both business and personal development.
www.dolcemag.com/laurenparente/
8. RAKHEE DHINGRA
The CEO and visionary mortgage broker at Mortgage Savvy is leading a transformative shift in the mortgage industry by leveraging the distinctive strengths women offer in family life planning. Her approach embraces the empathy, intuition, and life experiences that women bring to financial decision-making, evolving traditional mortgage services into holistic family planning solutions. These insights have not only empowered her but also strengthened her approach to family life planning focusing on three key elements: Money, Wealth, and Time, with a particular emphasis on Time as the most precious commodity.
www.msavvy.ca
@mortgagesavvy
9. PATRICIA TORO
A dynamic entrepreneur and skilled accountant, Patricia effectively manages her businesses: Essence Bistro and Essence Natural Juice Bar, along with her role as a trusted accountant advisor. Her ventures spotlight wellness, offering globally-inspired dishes and nutrient- packed juices, promoting a balanced lifestyle. Patricia inspires as a leader in health and business.
essencenatural.ca
@essence_bistro
10. FILOMENA LOFRANCO
Founder & CEO of LDV & CO., Filomena encapsulates the very essence of Italy, transforming travel into an intimate art form. Drawing from her Italian heritage and passion for storytelling, Filomena collaborates with a network of trusted local experts to craft bespoke itineraries that celebrate Italy’s timeless charm for busy professionals and discerning travellers. With her personalized and professional service, you’re invited to embrace the true essence of Italy while savouring every moment of la dolce vita.
www.ldvandco.ca
@ldvandco
