The Honourable Rechie Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville in 2021. She has been a member of various parliamentary committees and associations, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, as well as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Minister Valdez is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and is committed to ensuring the diverse voices of her community are heard.

Before entering politics, Minister Valdez owned and operated a small business, and dedicated herself to growing her online business avenues. She was also the host of a television show that shares the stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and artists. Prior to that, she worked in corporate banking for 15 years, where she developed her expertise in change management and strategic initiatives. Drawing on her longstanding advocacy, Minister Valdez also sponsored the National Women’s Entrepreneurship Act in 2022.

A sports enthusiast, Minister Valdez has used her love for basketball to raise funds for children’s charities. She has made numerous media appearances, was a public speaker, and is a mentor dedicated to the empowerment of women, girls, youth, and diverse and marginalized groups.

Born and raised in Zambia, Minister Valdez immigrated to Canada with her family in 1989. She is married and the mother of two children.

Dwania Peele, Founder of Canadian Small Business Women
Lead Like a Boss: Owning Your Power in Any Room  

Dwania Peele is a multifaceted force in the entrepreneurial world. Her roles as an Author, Public Speaker, Business Strategist, and Entrepreneur have allowed her to leave an indelible mark on the entrepreneurial landscape. Through her workshops, conferences, and seminars, Dwania has been instrumental in propelling the success of tens of thousands of entrepreneurs. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship has not gone unnoticed, earning her prestigious accolades such as The Alumni Ambassador Award from the University of Windsor, the Top 40 under 40 Award from the Brampton Board of Trade, the IWAA Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada Award, among others.

In addition to her latest release, “Tomorrow Is Another Day,” Dwania has authored empowering works like “The Power Within: Inspiring Stories of Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs” and “Voices of Strength: Inspiring Stories of Female Entrepreneurs.” Through her books and her actions, Dwania Peele continues to champion the success and resilience of entrepreneurs everywhere.