Meet Our Contributors

 

 ANDREA  BRUNSWICK

Andrea is a certified life coach who has have helped transform hundreds of lives through individual coaching and workshops.

At the age of 40, Andrea was widowed and left a single mother of two small children. She was left debt ridden and in need of declaring bankruptcy, but in the years since the passing of her husband, she has learned to take her pain and loss and transform it into the tool for her success and happiness.

Andrea had always wanted to be a trainer and seminar speaker, but it was not until traumatic circumstances caused her to take a look at her life, that she decided to follow her passion. Through a career counselling workshop she discovered that she wanted to go into the coaching arena, because Andrea knew that she had to help other people transform their lives. Andrea turned the darkest time of her life into a beacon of light and guidance for others who were going through the same pain she had experienced.

As well as being a Certified Life Coach, Andrea is also the co-founder of Empowering Angels. She has developed seminars, facilitates workshops and coaches clients one on one, covering many aspects of life, and focuses mainly on moving forward, both in one’s personal life and business and professional life. Self-love, truth and hope are key elements of life, and can be attributed to continued success. Teaching others these concepts, and showing them how to transform their own lives is the cornerstone of Andrea’s vision.

Andrea is based in Toronto and Vaughan, Ontario. She travels to various destinations for speaking engagements and workshops. Andrea can be reached at andrea_bruns@rogers.com or 416-500-3986. For more information on how Andrea can be your guide in transforming your life, please visit: www.andreabrunswick.com or www.empoweringangels.com. Changing the world by empowering one life at a time.

  

LORA COLABRA

Having had a passion for fitness at an early age, Lora was no stranger to spending hours of training and participating in the sport of figure skating. As a working mom, Lora struggled with the desire to make time to incorporate health and fitness into her busy life. Looking for a challenge, she took up Boxing. Boxing instantly sparked an enthusiasm in her and resulted in a transformation, both mentally and physically.

Wanting to take her love for sport and exercise to a professional level, Lora completed her Personal Training certification through the National Exercise Sports Trainer Association in 2003. In addition, Lora holds a degree in Business Administration as well as diploma in Aesthetics.

Prior to pursing her career in the Health and Wellness industry, Lora managed a Children’s apparel company for 12 years. During this time she gained a wealth of knowledge and hands on experience on how to run a successful small business. Lora was involved in all the day to day and behind the scenes duties and responsibilities. From purchasing, to design and production, collections, payables, shipping and receiving……she wore many hats in the company.

The personal victories she experienced firsthand prompted her to start her own business where she could dedicate her life to a viable career in health and fitness that would enable her to make a real difference in people’s lives. She partnered with Andrew Jones and opened PURE FX Fitness Studios . An innovative studio focused on providing big facility services and amenities with a small scale friendly atmosphere, where members could truly feel is their home away from home. Lora integrates her diverse background and experience to create an all encompassing approach to wellness.

Fitness Philosophy

She believes that “through hard work, dedication and motivation, you can achieve whatever your dreams and goals are as long as you BELIEVE in yourself”.

Lora welcomes you to PURE FX Fitness Studios and will be happy to work together with you towards your journey to health and wellness.

Please feel free to visit the studio for a tour and some additional information on the services we offer such as personal training and nutritional counselling.

Exercise alone is great, but when combined with good nutrition, it can accelerate the results and help one achieve a healthier lifestyle.

 

Lora Calabro, CPT

Owner/Director of Operations

 

 

 

1-10557 Keele Street

Maple Ontario

L6A 0J5

T. 905-303-9900 F.905-303-9908

www.purefxfitness.com

lora@purefxfitness.com

“Experience Results”

 

 

ALBA COLONNA 

Alba Colonna is an Account Executive for Marin Media Group, a full-service marketing and advertising agency located in Vaughan, Ontariowhich specializes in helping organizations achieve success through traditional media and the new era of Digital Media. www.marinmediagroup.com

Marin Media Group also has a sports and entertainment marketing division; Fantactics. As one of Canada’s most innovative, interactive, consumer-driven sports and entertainment marketing agency, Fantactics offers cutting edge ideas and promotions for brands, retailers, athletes and celebrities. www.fantactics.net

Alba supervises the implementation of all marketing and advertising plans for several clients and has overseen national marketing initiatives for client such as Office Depot, Motorola, JVC, Bargain Tire Auto Centres.

As a graduate from York University with a B.A. in Arts, Alba joined Marin Advertising Agency in 1988 where she started as a type-setter in the Graphics and Production Department and has worked her way up into management.

In 1996, Alba pursued an Inside Sales Career with an Industrial Tire company where she was responsible for sales to clients in South America, Mexico, U.S.A and Europe. In 2007, Alba returned to Marin Media Group as Account Executive.

Alba was the lead on the recently launched Vaughan Chamber of Commerce electronic magazine, BUSINESS – Keeping you Connected. She was responsible for coordinating all the creative, production, editorial, advertising and promotion of the online magazine.

Alba is continuously educating clients on how to increase their brand awareness and achieve successful marketing results.

Alba Colonna can be reached at 905.660.6655 ext. 224 or alba@marinmediagroup.com

 

 

MARY DAVERSA, PFP

Mary has been an Investment Retirement Planner since 2005. She brings experience in the financial services Industry from the past 25 years.

As an RBC® mobile Investment Retirement planner, I can help optimize your retirement plan, refine your investment strategy to maximize your income, identify tax savings opportunities and more. Best of all, I can come to you — when and where it’s most convenient.

Mary can be reached at:

Tel: 416-220-0954 / Fax: 905-851-5377

mary.daversa@rbc.com

 

 

MARY E. FENUTA, BAA, CSCMP, CPSM 

Mary Fenuta is a highly innovative, inspirational consultant who has been involved in International strategic business and coaching for over 20 years. Her certified professional background in Procurement and Supply Chain Management and her Marketing expertise has earned her respect as a leader in the industry. She has been successful due to her life-time commitment of continuous learning illustrated in her communication and presentation skills. Mary is active in giving back to her community and has served on several Not-for-Profit Boards of Directors over the years. She is an extensive networker and mentor who has a strong and positive passion for life, learning and innovation through inspiration.

Mary is currently CEO of her own company, Passionately Inspired Solutions Inc., which was founded on the basis that businesses can improve their productivity, corporate culture and profitability by inspiring their stakeholders. The company is a communications, marketing, and public relations firm specializing in ‘making a difference in the world’. She is the founder of T.I.P.S.™ (Totally Inspired Passionate SolutionsNetworking Clubs– A meeting place that inspires innovation through human contact where ‘like-minded people’ are motivated to network, share, educate and think outside the box. The company has recently become a publisher of books, e-magazine, and inspirational products. Mary is renowned for bringing a professional approach to business through creative solutions consulting, as she says, ‘with a holistic approach’. Her future vision involves globally communicating amazing business and life TIPS through a Radio Talk Show and Webinars. Learn more about Mary and her company by visiting her website www.PassionatelyInspiredSolutions.com.

 

 

TAMARA FONTANA 

Tamara Fontana is an independent recruitment consultant and the founder of SearchTree Recruitment, a contingency-based, permanent placement, independent recruitment consultancy which is located in Vaughan. Through SearchTree Recruitment, Tamara has been successfully placing candidates in local entrepreneurial companies. In so doing, the SearchTree Recruitment network is growing.

Tamara ‘s prior 10 years of experience is from the Toronto office of one of Canada’s top 10, mid-sized Chartered Accounting firms where she provided full-cycle recruitment services for the firm and for its entrepreneurial, mid-sized clients of a variety of industries.

Tamara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from York University, has pursued postgraduate studies in Recruitment, Selection and Interviewing Techniques at Seneca College, and is a member of the Association of Canadian Search, Employment and Staffing Services, abiding by its Code of Ethics and Standards. Tamara is an active member of the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Tamara for assistance in project-managing your next permanent placement search. As part of a complimentary, confidential consultation, Tamara will gain an understanding of your company and its requirements in its next hire. SearchTree Recruitment can connect your company to all levels of candidates for office positions such as in Accounting/Finance, Administration, Human Resources, Marketing/Communications/Sales, Order Entry, and Warehouse/IT/Operations Management.

She can be reached at tamara@searchtree.ca.

Direct: 905.832.TREE (8733)

 

 

ROSALIA FUOCO 

Sr. Account Manager, Business & Personal RBC

Your success in business creates exciting opportunities for you to grow both your business and your personal wealth.

I bring to you more than 20 years in the financial services industry. Since joining RBC in 1987, I have successfully helped many companies get the most out of their banking relationship.

As your account manager, I will listen to your needs and work hard to understand your company and your vision for the future. I am a knowledgeable professional with experience managing the business and personal banking needs of owners of successful businesses.

Getting you quick and easy access to flexible financing, mortgages, financial planning and investments as well as, coordinating the work of our specialist teams on your behalf are some of the ways that I can help.

I am committed to continuing to build upon my expertise so that I can provide you with practical advice.

I look forward to working with you and providing you and your company with the financial expertise and solutions that will ensure continued growth and success. I am available in person, by phone, or by e-mail at a time which is convenient for you.

“Providing sound solutions when you need them.”

Rosalia can be reached at: Royal Bank of Canada

3300 Highway 7

Suite 100

Vaughan, ON  L4K 4M3

Tel: 905-738-3265

rosalia.fuoco@rbc.com

 

 

BHUPINDER NAGRA

Bhupinder Nagra is a civil litigation lawyer practicing with the law firm of Tibollo and Associates.  She has a broad range of experience in litigation matters and concentrates on corporate/ commercial litigation, commercial and residential tenancies,  employment law,  defamation suits, and breach of contract.  In her years of practice she has experience at various levels of the judicial system having appeared at the Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal.  Her practice model focuses on having open communications with her clients and developing strong professional relationships with her clients so that there is mutual success for both parties.  Bhupinder is also fluent in Punjabi language.

Bhupinder holds an LL.B. from the University of Windsor where she graduated in 2001 and was called to the bar in 2002.  She is currently a member in good standing with the Law Society of Upper Canada.

 

 

ELOISE PASIANOTTO 

Eloise brings over 25 years of award winning experience from the Distribution, Manufacturing and Service industries. She has held a variety of leadership roles in the Finance, Business and Sales functions. Her work with and in cross functional teams including Sales, Customer Service, Marketing, Operations, Finance and Administration has resulted in a solid foundation of business and sales achievements.

Eloise is a strategic thinker who works with her clients to identify gaps, develop and execute plans.  She is a formally trained presenter who delivers workshops and seminars with an emphasis on increasing both professional and personal effectiveness. Eloise is a featured speaker and mentor at VBEC (Vaughan Business Enterprise Center) and gives seminars for RBC’s small business clients, focusing on accelerating business success.

As a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach, Eloise is passionate about helping business owners and professionals achieve massive success. Her Business Consulting and Coaching practice Effective Professional Consulting Group (EPC Group) is located in Vaughan.  She is also the co-founder of WIBIV (Women in Business in Vaughan) a supportive and informative online community for Women in Business in Vaughan to network, share knowledge and build relationships to grow successful businesses.

Eloise is committed to help her clients clearly define and surpass their goals. Eloise has a CMA designation and a MBA.

ZARLASHTA POPAL, BScH, N.D. 

Dr. Zar is a licensed Naturopath who practices as part of a large multidisciplinary health care team at Maple Health Care & Rehab. She practices preventative medicine and also treats patients with chronic health problems using diet and lifestyle changes, nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, and homeopathy. Dr. Zar’s focus is on treating the root cause of her patients’ health concerns. She is passionate about natural health and healing. She empowers her patients with education on natural and effective ways that they can achieve optimal health. Dr. Zar specializes in the treatment of chronic disease with a special focus on women’s health, digestive issues, and mental/emotional well-being.

Dr. Zar graduated with an Honours Science degree from UofT before completing her Naturopathic degree at theCanadianCollegeof Naturopathic Medicine. She holds professional memberships with the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors and is licensed inOntariothrough The Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy.

Dr. Zar has experience treating the following health conditions: digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, headaches, stress and anxiety, skin disorders, diabetes, high cholesterol, chronic pain, allergies/food sensitivities, fertility issues, PMS and menopause, detoxification programs, and weight loss.

Dr. Zar is a licensed Naturopath with over 7 years experience in the GTA. She is excited to be a part of WIBIV and looks forward to providing assistance and guidance for your natural health care needs. You can reach her at mail@maplehealthcare.com, 905-832-8880, and for more information please visit www.maplehealthcare.com.

JULIA PRONIN 

Julia Pronin, owner and founder of Bull’s Eye Business Consulting, is a seasoned professional who specializes in finding solutions for entrepreneurs.

Through a one-hour business consultation, Ms. Pronin develops an analysis of an existing business, or an entrepreneurship idea. As a result, she is able to build a framework outlining different opportunities. This framework allows the entrepreneur to realize the potential, as well as options available.

In her career, Ms. Pronin has developed over 1,500 business plans. After realizing success in developing a premium business plan, Ms. Pronin began to continue working with clients through their search for funding for their businesses.

Julia Pronin has a proven success track record in both finding and applying for Government Grants. Although there are many limitations in eligibility for Government Grants, Ms. Pronin has been able to identify at least one grant for any type of business. Julia Pronin has achieved success in applying for grants ranging from $10,000 to $400,000 in funding. She has worked on government grant applications for both for profit and non-for profit corporations, as well as sole proprietorships and companies with gross earnings of over $5,000 a year.

With the help of her business plans, Julia Pronin has also been able to obtain funding for clients through the Canada Small Business Financing Loan, loans available through the Business Development Bank of Canada, loans available through Export Development Canada, and through Investors.

Ms. Pronin enjoys working with businesses in the Manufacturing Industry, Export Industry, Arts and Culture Industry, businesses involved in research and development, and any business involved in innovation. Most of all, Julia Pronin is passionate about working with entrepreneurs who are inspired and driven for success.

SUZANNE B. QUINN 

Suzanne B. Quinn has been practicing as a sole practitioner for over ten years.  Originally from Toronto, she graduated from St. Michael’s College, at the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Labour Management Relations.  Suzanne obtained her juris doctor degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.  She was admitted to the New York Bar shortly there after.  Upon her return to Ontario, Suzanne was called to the Bar in the year 2000.

Early in her career, Suzanne gained experience in the area of labour law, and upon opening her own practice in the year 2000, focussed solely on real estate, wills, powers of attorney, estate administration and corporate law.  Recently, Suzanne has expanded her practice and legal team to provide legal services in the area of family law.  Suzanne is regarded as an expert in her field has spoken at seminars and conferences throughout the GTA, as well as Chicago, Miami, San Diego and Vancouver.  Suzanne is also in the process of publishing a book, and is working on two more in the area of estate planning and administration.

Suzanne’s practice is located in Woodbridge, Ontario and she can be reached at: 8611 Weston Rd., Unit 20, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 9P1. (905) 856-0072.

ILANA SHPARBER 

Ilana  Shparber is a certified management accountant, runs a full service accounting firm based in Vaughan,  offering diverse range of accounting, tax, bookkeeping and business advisory services to corporations, self-employed and individuals.

As Tax & Accounting specialist she helps business owners comply with the Canada Revenue Agency’s guidelines, helps save substantial money in taxes and provides services in accordance to the CMA Canada’s ethical code of conduct.

Her clients benefit from personalized, quality service that is beyond comparison. She is proactive and responsive to her clients’ inquiries and suggestions. Ilana provides wide-range support for clients in a variety of industries across Ontario. She offers innovation, knowledge and experience to her client’s financial challenges.

Ilana is thrilled to be a member of WIBIV and can be contacted for Tax and Accounting advice at ilana@shparber.ca T: 416.548.7899. For more information you can visit her web site www.shaprber.ca.

WENDY VANDERGUGTEN, BScH, MScPT 

Wendy is a registered physiotherapist and co-owner of Maple Health Care & Rehab, a large multidisciplinary rehab clinic operating in Maple for over 22 years offering physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathic care, chiropody (foot care), and acupuncture.

Wendy graduated fromMcMasterUniversitywith an Honours Science degree and Masters in Physiotherapy and also completed a specialized manual therapy program in Orthopedics. She started her career atYorkCentralHospitalproviding both in-patient and out-patient care. Wendy worked at several private clinics and provided home care services inVaughanbefore joining Maple Health Care & Rehab in 2004.

In 2006 Wendy and her husband Dr. Eric Vandergugten took ownership of Maple Health Care & Rehab. As clinic director Wendy helped to create and implement an innovative “Integrated Model of Care’, bringing multiple professions together to maximize treatment results and improve recovery times.

As a physiotherapist Wendy has over 10 years experience dealing with neck and back pain, sciatica, headaches, tennis elbow, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, hip pain, knee injuries, arthritis, post-operative rehabilitation such as total joint replacements, and rehab following knee surgeries.

Wendy is excited to be a member of WIBIV and can be contacted for assistance with workplace wellness initiatives, corporate wellness programs, ergonomic education, and other injury related questions. You can reach Wendy at physio@maplehealthcare.com, 905-832-8880, and check out the clinic website at www.maplehealthcare.com.

 

 

JANET WHITEHOUSE  

Community Development Officer, City of Vaughan

Janet joined the City of Vaughan in February 2011 as the Community Business Development Officer. In her role, she is responsible for business retention and expansion, with a focus on Corporate Calling, Issues Management and creating a new Ambassador program.

In her former position as a Regional Director at Bell Canada, she has 30 years experience in relationship management, business development, branding, sponsorship and issues management.

Janet is a graduate of Sheridan College, and is the Past- Chair of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce, a former Director on the Burlington Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation Board and former Director on the Burlington Tourism board.

 

 

SARAH ZELDMAN 

Sarah Zeldman is the co-founder of WIBIV and our Internet Marketing & Social Media WAC. Sarah Zeldman’s no-nonsense approach to business and technology has earned her profits, accolades and the moniker, “The E-marketing Maven”.  As a small business consultant she helps small business owners and solo practitioners bridge the technology gap between online promotion and offline sales.  Her services provide the solid online foundations that build relationships and drive sales. Her ability to connect simple and cost effective internet marketing strategies with the local marketplace gives substance to her speaking and consultant roles.Together with her “dream team” of dedicated internet marketing professionals, Sarah delivers the information and  services that small businesses need to achieve true success through their online efforts in a down-to-earth fashion that’s easy to understand and apply.