About WOW Toronto
Watching Over Women, “WOW” Toronto, is an empowerment centre for women of diverse races, cultures, ages, socio-economic situations, and sexual orientations who have survived rape, sexual violence, sexual harassment, or any form of gender-based violence.
Monique Cunningham, Founder, is a rape survivor. From her own experience, she knows that survivors of sexual assault have the power to heal themselves and the ability to support and empower other women on their journey. She is passionate about helping women survivors find their inner power to live enriched and thriving lives!
You are invited to become a member to participate in a wide range of programs, activities, and events.
All activities will be online with the exception of some activites that require in person attendance such as attending local events. In addition, WOW Toronto collaborates with support organizations and affinity businesses to provide a holistic service. We recently hosted a panel discussion event in March 2023 to celebrate International Women’s Day and are currently planning a promo event for our launch in May 2023.
To learn more about WOW Toronto and our memberships,
WOW Toronto Vision
We envision a world where every woman who has survived rape or sexual assault will be respected, valued, and empowered to thrive and be whole as they live their best life.
WOW Toronto Mission
Our mission is to create a safe space for women who have survived sexual assault or rape by providing holistic programs and resources, in collaboration or by connecting with other services or agencies, to support them as they overcome their experiences, rediscover themselves and find courage, resilience, and acceptance.
WOW Toronto Team
Monique Cunningham
Founder
Monique brings forth a wealth of knowledge through personal experience as well as she graduated from Sheridan College in the Community Outreach and Development program in 2014 where she gained insight into some of the challenge’s women face when it comes to rape/sexual assault. She has also participated and graduated from various entrepreneur training programs that touch on various topics such as marketing, business plan 101, audience and community, finances and budgeting, etc.
She continues to work on herself and fine-tune her skills utilizing business coaches and mentors and participating in support groups tailored to survivors of gender based violence. Her passion for empowering women has become her niche.
She has an abundance of support from family and friends, including her partner whom she has known for over 25 years and has been her rock and her mother, who has been her confidant when times would get rough and felt like she should give up, she would tell her not to as what she is doing shows courage and bravery, which is what other survivors need to see.
Sherrita Mallet
Treasurer
With over 5 years experience within the financial sector, I am excited to bring my skills to good use at WOW Toronto. I am passionate about helping women in my local community, rebuild their lives and overcome past trauma. During my time at WOW Toronto, I have met many survivors and I am honored to provide them support on their journey.
Daniela Dorantes
Secretary
I am proud to be apart of the WOW Toronto Organization. Being a woman and a mother of 3, it’s important for me that other women feel empowered and worthy no matter what they have been through and endured throughout their lives. My hopes are that WOW Toronto can be a safe haven for women and a place they can feel safe and included.
Simian Saini
Program Coordinator
Passionate about advocating for minority groups and focused on supporting women, I am happy to be a part of WOW! I am a University of Waterloo Legal Studies and Sociology graduate, now working on my Master’s in Human Rights. I have previously volunteered for women-centric organizations and I have found the experiences immensely rewarding. I am excited to work alongside such amazing and strong women and to meet many more!
Selena Jodha
Program Coordinator
Selena Jodha, M.A., (she/her) is an advocate for advancing academic and professional opportunities for individuals who identify as visible minorities, within the LGBTQ2A+ community and with a disability. Through various career and volunteer opportunities, she became part of WOW Toronto to share her professional and lived experiences to further support and empower women to unlock their ambitions. A proud Liberal Arts graduate, when Selena is not advocating, you can find her with her head in a book or fussing over her plants.
Kayla Howes
Intake Worker/Admin Assistant
Hi everyone! I’m Kayla. I joined WOW Toronto because it naturally fits with my passion for supporting and empowering survivors of gender-based violence. I have a special interest in addiction studies, earning a diploma in Addiction and Community Services. I further explored my passion for advocating against gender-based violence by fulfilling my practicum at a Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, where I stay actively involved. I am so excited to see what this adventure brings and to be a part of such an amazing community of women!
Fun Fact: I am a proud Cat Mom 🙂
Emelou Porquez
Social Media Marketing Manager
Emelou (she/her) is a Communications and Digital Marketing professional, passionate about helping organizations make an even greater impact in the community.
She has worked with several not-for-profit organizations, as well as in the government and small business sectors.
She believes in WOW Toronto’s advocacy of creating a safe space to help women heal from their traumas, and is eager to be part of the movement through impactful communications.
Emelou runs her own small business, Soleil Baby, selling personalized gift items for children.