ABOUT KLAUDIA ZINATY:
Klaudia Zinaty is a visionary trailblazer, a powerhouse of innovation, and an advocate for women’s empowerment. With over 15 years of experience spanning sports marketing, media, and fashion, her journey in sports marketing at NBA Canada (1995), broadcasting at CHUM Television (2004-2008), publishing at FLARE Magazine (2008-2017), and currently in academics as a professor in marketing, media and PR, her roles have been defined by one core mission: uplifting and championing women across all industries. She is not just a leader – she is a catalyst for change, dedicated to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation to lead with confidence.
As the visionary President and Founder of the Women Empowerment Awards, Klaudia has created a groundbreaking platform that honours and celebrates the achievements of women in business, leadership, mentorship, diversity, and community service. Since its inception in 2022, the awards have become a movement, amplifying women’s voices and fostering opportunities for female entrepreneurs, all backed by the dedicated support of industry giants like Suzanne Rogers and Rogers Communications, Sylvia Mantella and Mantella Corporation, and Holt Renfrew who have been strong supporters of her mission since its inaugural year.
The event has become the pinnacle of influence and inspiration, drawing an elite roster of powerhouses and cultural icons. From Juno Award-winning artists Jully Black and Keshia Chanté to Canadian supermodel Coco Rocha, legendary fashion journalist Jeanne Beker, TV celebrity hosts Cheryl Hickey, Sangita Patel, and business titan Arlene Dickinson, Klaudia’s ability to bring together the who’s who of industry and entertainment is undeniable. With Miss Universe Canada Ashley Callingbull and influential Ministers of Parliament like Rechie Valdez, Charmaine Williams, and Marci Ien gracing the stage, the Women Empowerment Awards aren’t just an event—they’re a movement redefining leadership and influence for women across all industries. A force to be reckoned with, every year Klaudia continues to redefine what it means to empower women.
Recognizing the need for systemic change for gender equality and instilling confidence in young girls at an early age, Klaudia expanded her vision in 2024 with the launch of The Women Empowerment Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to creating a future where every woman – regardless of her background – has the opportunity to thrive. Through scholarships for young girls in STEM and entrepreneurship, mentorship programs, and initiatives to bring marginalized youth into empowering spaces, Klaudia is actively shaping the next generation of fearless female leaders.
Beyond her organizations, Klaudia is a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her expertise on women’s empowerment at global platforms like the Women’s Forum, White Label NYC Expo, The Women’s National Show, and York University. Her influence and advocacy in the industry has had her featured on the covers of Spencer Magazine and Forward Fashion Magazine, and her Women Empowerment initiatives have been featured in Elle Canada, Vegas2LA, Dolce Magazine, Living Luxe, and more. As a published fashion editor and stylist, her work has graced the pages of Vegas2LA, Forward Fashion, and efe Magazine.
At the heart of Klaudia’s mission is her belief that “we rise by lifting others”.
We rise by lifting others
Whether mentoring young women, advocating for gender equality, or shaping policies that empower female entrepreneurs, she is a force for positive change. Her legacy is not just in the awards she’s won or the accolades she’s received – it’s in the lives she’s transformed, the confidence she instills in young girls, and the ripple effect of empowerment she continues to ignite.
Q&A WITH KLAUDIA ZINATY:
We had the opportunity to interview her for a deeper understanding of her essence and mission . . .
What is your most valuable possession and why?
My family. They are my foundation, my source of strength, and my greatest joy. The success, achievements, and accolades mean nothing without the people who love and support you unconditionally. My family reminds me of my purpose and fuels my mission to empower others.
What are your top 3 life lessons and how have they changed your life for the better (in other words, how have you implemented them to better your life)?
- Resilience is built through adversity. Every challenge that I have faced in life has strengthened me, teaching me that setbacks lead to a comeback – they are not failures but stepping stones towards growth.
- Empowerment begins within – it starts with believing in our own worth, embracing our strengths, and stepping into our power with confidence. Only when we empower ourselves can we truly uplift and inspire those around us.
- Live life with intention and purpose. When you make conscious choices that align with your values, passions, and goals, you move through life with clarity and meaning, and every action becomes a step toward fulfillment, impact, and lasting success.
What is the most valuable advice you’ve received and how did it set you up to win (please provide a specific example)?
The most valuable advice I’ve ever received is: If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. This taught me to ask, to pursue, and to dream as big as I can and not let fear of failure stop me.
The most valuable advice I've ever received is: If you don't ask, the answer will always be no.
A specific example of this was when I launched the Women Empowerment Awards. I had a bold vision to create a platform that would celebrate and uplift women, but knowing we were coming out of a pandemic, I knew I needed strong partners and the support of women across Canada to make it a reality. Instead of doubting whether companies would support the mission, I reached out to major corporations with confidence, believing in my purpose and mission, and the value of what I was building. Because I asked, I secured incredible sponsorships and partnerships who have been with me since its inception, built a powerful community, and turned my vision into an impactful movement.
This advice has shaped how I approach life – never waiting for permission, never playing small, and always believing that the right opportunities will come when you have the courage to ask for them.
What is the worst advice you’ve received and how did it impact you (please provide a specific example)?
The worst advice I have ever received is that there’s too much competition – that the space for women to succeed is limited, and that standing out too much would only make me a target for the “Tall Poppy Syndrome,” where those who rise are often cut down.
But I refuse to believe in that mindset. I believe there is space for everyone, and that true success comes from collaboration, not competition. When we work collectively, our impact reaches further, and we create deeper change in bridging the gender gap in our society. Women’s empowerment isn’t about one person winning, it’s about all of us rising together. I chose to challenge the narrative of competition and embrace the power of unity. We are stronger as a collective front, and together, we are unstoppable.
What is the one mistake you regret in life, and why? How do you feel changing it would have impacted your life for the better, and why is that change important to you?
Not trusting my instincts sooner. There were times I ignored my intuition, leading to setbacks in business and personal relationships. If I had listened to my inner voice and followed my gut earlier, I would have saved time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. Now, I trust myself fully, and I encourage all women to do the same.
When you face a challenge, what’s your method to move past it?
I choose to look at challenges as opportunities, and problems as growth. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks or setbacks, I will ask myself, “What is this teaching me? How can I grow from this?” By changing my mindset to a positive growth opportunity, it has turned failures into lessons and struggles into victories.
How do you create a work-life balance?
I create a work-life balance by prioritizing my daily tasks and responsibilities with purpose. As an entrepreneur, it’s challenging to find an equal “balance” in the traditional sense so I choose to focus on alignment. There are days or weeks where my work demands more, and others where my personal life takes priority. I ensure that there’s always quality time for my family and my own self-care, which is so important for my own well-being.
What “women” hangups have you been a victim to (due to your gender/social/economic/ political/religious/cultural nurturing), that you feel sets women up to fail in their professional career?
I believe that women are often conditioned to be compliant, self-sacrificing, and more traditional which are all qualities that can limit ambition, confidence, and leadership opportunities. I’ve personally experienced the expectation to step back to avoid being seen as “too much” or “too ambitious,” a mindset that stifles growth and confidence. Breaking free from these ingrained beliefs requires unlearning the idea that we must diminish ourselves to fit into spaces instead of creating spaces where we can thrive unapologetically as our true selves.
Are you affected by the Confidence Gap, where studies show that women require confidence as well as competence to succeed in the workplace environment, whereas their male counterparts don’t? If yes, can you share an example of it and how you have overcome it (if you have). If no, why do you think that you have not fallen victim to this?
I have witnessed the Confidence Gap in other women, but I have worked hard not to succumb to it. There have been moments where I have questioned other women why they haven’t nominated themselves or feel that they don’t deserve to be recognized because they didn’t believe they were “qualified enough” – but men rarely ask that question. Men don’t get asked the personal questions that women do regarding their career, work-life balance, or their body confidence. I have learned to own my expertise and step into rooms with the same confidence as my male counterparts.
What does equality mean to you and is it important?
Equality is not about competing against men. It’s about ensuring that the women in our society don’t have to fight for opportunities that should be rightfully theirs. True equality means dismantling systemic gender discrimination and creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.
Equality is not about competing against men. It's about ensuring that the women in our society don't have to fight for opportunities that should be rightfully theirs. True equality means dismantling systemic gender discrimination and creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.
In your experience, what types of male allyship do you feel women need to foster at home and at work, to encourage an equitable ecosystem?
Men can amplify our mission towards a more equitable future when they use their own influence to highlight women’s ideas and contributions, advocate for women in promotions and opportunities. At home, allyship means sharing responsibilities so that women aren’t carrying the weight of work and family alone.
What would you tell your 18-year-old self, looking back over your life’s experiences?
“You are always enough. Your voice matters. Your dreams are not only valid, they are necessary.” I would tell her to stop seeking permission from others, or waiting on opportunities to be given, to own her power, and to trust that everything she is building today will lead to something bigger than she could ever imagine.
What advice would you give to women to help them step into their power?
I would tell them that power is not given, it is claimed. Stop waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect credentials, or the perfect plan. Start now. Speak up in the meeting. Apply for the job. Launch the business. Take up space. Just start. Your power is yours to own.
Can you share one resource (book, course, mastermind/masterclass, etc.) that you feel all women need to have?
“The Confidence Code“ by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman – A must-read for women who struggle with self-doubt and want to build unshakable confidence in their careers and lives.
What mantra do you live by and how has it impacted your life?
“We rise by lifting others.” This belief has shaped everything I do – from founding the Women Empowerment Awards and The Women Empowerment Foundation to mentoring women in business. The more we uplift and support each other, the stronger we all become, and the greater the contributions we can make as a society.
Which therapies/modalities have helped to shape your healing and empowerment journey that you think would be helpful for other women?
My healing and empowerment journey has been shaped by a combination of mindset work, mentorship, and self-advocacy. Practices like therapy, mindfulness, and surrounding myself with strong, supportive women have been transformative in breaking limiting beliefs and stepping into my power. I believe every woman deserves the space to heal, grow, and rewrite her own story because when we invest in ourselves, we unlock limitless potential.
Confidence is not just about believing in yourself, it’s about taking action despite self-doubt. Women are limitless when they step into their power, break barriers, and lead with intention and conviction.
Confidence is not just about believing in yourself, it's about taking action despite self-doubt.
