Sharing about the women who inspire us

Katherine Glasbey, RN, Emergency Department

“My mother! She is one of the most hardworking and caring people I know. She moved away from her family in the Philippines to build a better life and help provide for her 7 siblings. I’m lucky to have such a strong, courageous woman to look up to. I am forever grateful to her.”

Dr. Yenge Diambomba, Staff Neonatologist, Clinical Director of Nurseries

“Even as a young girl, I could feel that Oprah Winfrey was a force to be reckoned. As an adult, I continue to admire her strength of character and her mission to raise the status of ALL women.”

Maria Radam, Cleaner, Support Services

“I’m inspired by my former manager, Judy Bonham. She was always supportive. We always felt like we could approach her about any concerns we had or if we needed help. She set a good example for everyone in working together as a team.”

Dr. Maureen Shandling, EVP, Academic & Medical Affairs

“The women of Ezras Noshem who started Mount Sinai – they saw a need in their own community and beyond, had the strength and vision to get everyone on board and established the foundation of who we are today.”

Vivian Reyes, Administrative Coordinator, Clinical Directors

“My father passed away when I was six years old leaving my mother, Victoria Lualhati, a single parent. She worked two jobs to provide for her three children; most importantly, good education. She loved and taught us the value of hard work, courage and determination. She was an exemplary woman who sacrificed so much for her children.”

Dr. Ji-Young Youn, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute

“Dr. Brenda Andrews, my PhD supervisor and Dr. Anne-Claude Gingras, my current post-doctoral supervisor at LTRI. Both are talented experimentalists, writers and effective communicators, but most importantly they are strong and compassionate leaders, ‘breaking the glass’ as female scientists.”

Dr. Rita Kandel, Chief, Dept. of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

“Dr. Maude Abbott is my role model because she broke barriers. She graduated from medical school in 1894, the only female in her class. She was a pathology researcher and was appointed at McGill University in 1910, eight years before McGill accepted women into medicine. Her work over 30 years contributed to advancing medicine.”

Stacey Quallo, Circle of Care, Call Centre

“The woman I admire most is my mother. She raised me as a single parent and I’ve never met anyone stronger, or more determined. She raised me to be confident and has encouraged me every step of the way. Growing up, she would always remind me to treat people the way I would want to be treated, and that’s something I’ve always carried with me.”

Meghan Borthwick, Social Worker

“Every day, I am honored to be surrounded by inspirational women. I have been fortunate enough to be mentored by Mary Peira, an extraordinary woman, who encouraged me to be curious and authentic in my practice.”

Christine Bradshaw, Emergency Department Social Worker

“All the women who have come forward disclosing violence, sexual assault and harassment inspire me. They are my role models and encourage me to continue to work to break down barriers and interrupt conversations and judgements, which impede equality. When women are believed, respected, and valued, it creates an environment of support for everyone.”

Vidhyaah Manohara, Senior Financial Analyst

“In 1900, a time when female education was primarily considered ‘very little reading, less writing, pudding making and pickling’, Lilian Nixon established my alma-mater (Ladies’ College, Colombo), to empower girls with education and opportunity, so that they could influence the country’s aspirations. For this, I’m grateful!”

Michelle Nelson, Research Scientist, Bridgepoint Collaboratory

“I am inspired by my friend and mentor Dr. Jennifer Mactavish (Dean of Graduate Studies, Ryerson University). By example, she inspires me to conduct research on topics, and in ways, that are concordant with my values – ‘be a good colleague and academic citizen’ and ‘do work that matters.'”

Simone, Occupational Therapist

“I’m inspired by the contributions that the recent women’s movement has made to society as a whole. It’s inspiring to see women of all ages and of different backgrounds coming together collectively to bring attention to, and inspire action towards the barriers that women continue to face.”

Melanie de Wit, VP, Clinical and Enterprise Risk and Chief Risk Officer

“Kim Parker is a superhero to me. She has raised three kind, strong daughters, all the while tirelessly working to make health care safer for everyone. Quietly and relentlessly, Kim has saved countless lives over the years. She’s an inspiration to anyone who knows her.”