Category Archives: Members of the Year

Mehwish Zia is a highly motivated and results-driven Senior Risk Analyst at BMO, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over seven years of extensive experience in finance and investment, particularly within capital markets, she has developed deep expertise in equity derivatives, trading operations, and business process improvement. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Mehwish brings a global perspective to her work, along with a strong commitment to excellence in financial analysis and risk management. In her current role, Mehwish leverages her expertise to manage complex risk assessments, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. She excels in evaluating and mitigating risks, optimizing trading operations, and implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency. Her career has been distinguished by a specialization in high-volume trading operations and business processes, where she has consistently demonstrated a talent for leading teams effectively and driving impactful change. Prior to joining BMO, Mehwish made significant contributions as an Investment Operational Risk Analyst at Mercer in Toronto. There, she successfully implemented a new software system under budget by 47%, which significantly improved risk assessment accuracy and bolstered regulatory compliance procedures. As an Investment and Financial Analyst at Canderel Group, she developed over 150 financial models for a $1 billion portfolio, supported complex transactions, and managed intricate financial operations. Mehwish’s technical expertise is both broad and deep, with proficiency in MS Office, Bloomberg, Murex, Tableau, and advanced Excel functionalities, including VLOOKUPs, VBA, Macros, and Pivot Tables. She also has a solid understanding of securitization products and is familiar with FactSet Research systems for market data and economic analysis. Academically, Mehwish holds an MSc in Banking and Finance from Queen Mary University of London and a BBA in Finance from the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi. She is also pursuing the CFA designation to further enhance her financial acumen. Mehwish’s journey has been inspired by her father’s self-made success, who is also her Role Model, her mother’s dedication, and her brother’s unwavering support. These influences have shaped her approach to both personal and professional growth. Outside of her professional life, she is passionate about traveling, exploring new things, reading, and music. She also enjoys painting, which adds a creative dimension to her life and loves working out which makes her feel refreshed and energetic. Her exceptional achievements include being a two-time Gold Medalist and one-time Bronze Medalist in Japan Art Competitions, winning numerous prizes in painting competitions, and securing a position in her board exams in Karachi. Additionally, she was awarded distinctions in Mathematics and English by the University of South Wales.d With a strong foundation in financial modeling, risk management, and operational efficiency, combined with her diverse interests and inspiration from her family, Mehwish Zia is well-equipped to drive strategic initiatives and contribute to the ongoing success of her organization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehwish-zia-2950a67a/

Dr. Satyavani Gayatri is a Best-Selling Author, Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, Acharya, Fitness Trainer, and Mind-Body Spiritual Leader committed to helping women light their lives on fire.

Her signature program, The Ayurvedic Woman, reconnects women to their personal power so they can know who they truly are, what their life purpose is, and how to manifest that purpose in the world. She is the best selling author of her signature book From Pain To Power: Becoming a Woman Warrior Through Your Biggest Struggles And Most Challenging Times, and the founder of The Woman Warrior Academy. Dr. Satyavani is also a motivational speaker and the host of The Ayurvedic Woman Podcast.

Dr. Satyavani is the CEO of Satyavani Rising, her personal brand + The Woman Warrior Academy, a company dedicated to guiding women to step into their personal power through leading by example. Ayurveda, Yoga, Mind-Body-Spirit practice and Fitness are the vehicle by which she does this. She is also the co-founder of The ZenSpot Institute for Vedic + Taoist Studies with her husband Dr. + Taoist Priest Michael Bittner. Together they oversee the facility’s training programs and wellness center that offers education and services in Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM/Ayurveda) + Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Dr. Satyavani earned her doctorate in Organizational Development and Leadership with a concentration in Critical Hermeneutic theory from the University of San Francisco; an MA in Humanities from Teachers College, Columbia University; an MSEd in Educational Administration and Supervision from Pace University and a BS in History and Secondary Education from New York University. She is a native New Yorker now living in Boise, Idaho.

Her Ayurveda education includes credentials from New World Ayurveda, the Kerala Academy in Kerala, India, and the California College of Ayurveda. Satyavani has earned her advanced yoga teaching credential from the Kripalu Institute and her Acharya initiation into the Kripalu lineage. She was also the founding president of the National Ayurvedic Practitioners Association and a contributing author to the book Activate Your Life Volume III.

Her fitness education includes personal training and mind-body conditioning certifications with the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA).

Falicia Newsome is a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary behind Newsome Notary and Professional Tax Services. With over a decade of specialized expertise in tax preparation and business consulting, Falicia has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor and leader in her industry. Since the establishment of her business in 2014, Falicia has been unwavering in her commitment to delivering unparalleled legal document preparation services for pro se clients. Additionally, she extends her support to small businesses by offering comprehensive bookkeeping and business consulting solutions. Falicia’s educational journey is marked by significant milestones, including an Associate of Arts Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, and an Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Communication in Organizations. Her academic achievements, combined with her practical experience, form the cornerstone of her success. As a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Falicia possesses an extensive understanding of financial management principles, further enhancing her ability to provide strategic guidance to her clients. Her dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her induction into the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success in 2021. In addition, Falicia’s entrepreneurial prowess has earned her recognition as one of the “Top 20 Female Entrepreneurs To Look Out For In 2021.” This accolade underscores her influential presence and contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape. Falicia Newsome’s multifaceted skill set, coupled with her relentless pursuit of excellence, distinguishes her as a trailblazer and innovator in her field. Her impact on the business community is profound, reflecting her unwavering commitment to driving success and empowering others to achieve their goals. https://www.newsomeprofessionaltax.com/

Kia Bhaidani is a real estate professional proudly serving Calgary and surrounding neighbourhoods. Born in Calgary and Alberta-raised, Kia’s roots run deep, giving her an intimate understanding of the local real estate landscape. With an impressive 11-year background as a therapist in mental health, Kia brings a unique perspective to the real estate industry, demonstrating a unique understanding of the emotional nuances and complexities that come with buying or selling a home. Kia’s commitment to personalized service goes beyond professional expertise. As a mother of two, she intimately understands the distinct considerations that families face when searching for the perfect home. Her ability to navigate these unique aspects sets her apart, ensuring a smooth and empathetic real estate experience for all of her clients.
Beyond the world of real estate, Kia’s love for exploration extends to discovering the hidden gems of Calgary and its surrounding areas, always on the lookout for fun activities to enjoy with her family. With a passion for travel, dance, and a love for literature, Kia brings a dynamic blend of local knowledge, familial understanding, and fun to the real estate journey.