7 Women Who Rock Our World

I love being inspired and amazed by women who make a difference. I cling to their every word, absorb every ounce of intelligence they share and am in awe of what they have done and what they continue to do. 

Carissa Reiniger I first met Carissa at the Edmonton's Women Show back in 2006 when she had just released her first book Stories From Our Black Books at the ripe old age of 22. I've watched her grow as one of Canada's most amazing entrepreneurs, launching Silver Lining Ltd, become a world-class speaker, philanthropist and inspiration to women everywhere. Oh and for her upcoming 30th birthday in June, she plans on getting her pilot’s license and will be flying around the world in 30 days, starting on her birthday. 

Yeh, she kinda kicks ass.

Ruth Kelly I had the privilege of working for Ruth back when Venture Publishing was only three years old. Even then I knew Ruth was a woman to be revered, respected, and renowned for her brilliance. She commands respect with merely her presence, and is an important player in Edmonton's business community. Not only does she give back to the community with her time but she mentors many young entrepreneurs and is seen as one of Edmonton's most influential business people.

Yep, I kinda have some mad respect for Ruth. And even though I swear enough to make a sailor cringe, she still sees the best in me and for that, I feel truly blessed.

Carol deDelley Carol's name might not the most recognizable on this list unless you remember the brutal murder of her son Tim McLean back in July 2008. McLean was beheaded on a Greyhound Bus by Vince Li who was found Not Criminally Responsible by the justice system. Carol has since been fighting to change the NCR law in Canada and is one of the strongest, most articulate, kindest women I have ever met. She is naturally maternal and her quiet strength and resilience inspires me to never quit no matter how bad I think I may have it. Tim's Law is still one I support and will continue to support until the NCR Law is changed. 

Christie Schultz Christie started Entrepreneurial Moms in 2007 in Calgary with only nine women who attended their first meeting. Since then she has grown EMI to include chapters all over Canada and the US, and partnered with Carla Young, publisher of MOMeo Magazine, to launch Momventures. Christie's stranglehold on the Mommy Industry is undeniable but she is as classy and gracious as she is beautiful. 

Teresa Spinelli Teresa's dad Franco started the Italian Centre in Edmonton's Little Italy in 1959 which quickly became known for it's authentic Italian fare but Teresa's vision has taken the city landmark to a whole new level in 2000 after Franco passed away from cancer. Dealing with the death of her dad and her brother's sudden death before his 33rd birthday, Teresa was thrust into a position of filling her dad's shoes; something she was unsure of and something most people were skeptical of. She surprised herself and everyone around her by growing the business 50% by 2002. I can't imagine the struggles she endured dealing with an old school Italian mentality, being a strong-willed woman, and taking on a business from a man who was so well respected BUT Teresa kicked ass, made no apologies for her success and is now one of Canada's most respected business women. She freakin' rocks. And I was thrilled beyond THRILLED to have her as our first-ever FIERCE Women of the Year awards MC. I asked her to come back for the 2nd one but, you know, she was busy celebrating her 50th birthday in Italy.

 I forgive her.

Trina Read Oh, Trina, I love her for so many reasons but one of the biggest reasons is her empowering position as a Sexpert who helps women embrace their sexuality. I first met Trina at an event in Jasper where she rocked the room as a funny, down-to-earth speaker who made women feel like it was OK to have orgasms. Lots and lots of wonderful orgasms. She is a speaker, author, therapist, and all around FIERCE woman.

Erica Ehm Last, and certainly by no means least, the incomparable Erica Ehm. I remember her as a Much Music VJ. I grew up wanting to BE her. All these years later I still wanna be her. She was a trailblazer in the  "Mommy" industry with her conception of the Yummy Mummy Club, and one of the most genuinely sweet women I have ever met. She supports and encourages other mommy-based businesses, bloggers and writers through her website and really paved the way for everyone in the industry. I love her honesty, her candor and her genuine passion for what she does.

When I met her in 2009, she was telling a story about being at a cocktail party after becoming a first-time mom. She was chatting with a guy who asked, "So what do you do?" She replied, "Well, I'm a mom..." to which he responded by smiling politely and walking away. Erica said she thought to herself in that moment, "Hold on there buddy, I'm Erica fuckin' Ehm!" (And yes, she said that. I remember my jaw dropping at the surprise of such a classy chick swearing but it endeared her to me even more so). And so... the YummyMummyClub was born.

And those, FIERCE bitches, are 7 women who rock our world!

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