Award acknowledges, celebrates, and supports diverse feminist creators

March 8, 2025 – Today, the Canadian Women’s Foundation has announced the winners of the 2025 Feminist Creator Prize. Winners were selected by a judging panel of well-known creators: Musemo Handahu, Shauna Foster and Jamie Pandit. The three winners have been selected for their work championing critical conversations about gender justice and equality, safety, and freedom from harm.

We are so pleased to announce that this year’s recipients are Fallon Farinacci, Leisha Toory and Monica Bancheri.

@fallonfarinacci

Fallon Farinacci is Red River Métis and a child survivor, advocate and speaker for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+. Fallon testified in the National Inquiry for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, sharing her story of loss and trauma.

Later Fallon joined The National Family Advisory Circle, where she worked closely with other MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ family members and the Commissioners for the National Inquiry.

Fallon continues to share her family’s story & bring awareness to the ongoing Genocide Indigenous women girls 2S+ folx face in hopes of bringing change & awareness across Turtle Island.

“It’s a true honour to have been nominated for the Canadian Women’s Foundation Feminist Creator Prize and to be one of the winning recipients. The Elder who gifted me my spirit name, White Thunder Woman, said that I am here to make a lot of noise, so there is nothing else I would consider more of an honour than to be here as a survivor using my voice and speaking up for those who can’t. I want to acknowledge my privilege in saying that and know that there are many others who have not been given the safety and space to speak up and against the things that I have. I work in the space of advocacy to bring awareness to the injustice I have witnessed firsthand at the cost of my mother’s life, the ongoing genocide of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and LGBTQQIA+, and to pave the way for change for the next generation… I work in this space first and foremost to raise awareness and end gender-based violence, but also to be a voice and uplift others. Just as I received support from the community around me, I want others to feel that they, too, have a community fighting and speaking up for them.”

@leishatoory

Leisha Toory is a feminist advocate, writer, and the founder of the Period Priority Project, the first and only grassroots initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador dedicated solely to advancing menstrual equity. Through her work, she has successfully lobbied for free menstrual products in public spaces, a policy change recently adopted by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As an advocate for systemic change, Leisha has created innovative digital resources, including a YouTube series, podcast, and presentations toolkit, aimed at making menstrual health advocacy more accessible. These initiatives empower individuals and organizations to engage in conversations around period poverty and gender justice.

Her work has made a significant impact both locally and nationally, reaching marginalized communities and amplifying their voices. Leisha’s commitment to challenging stigma and shaping policies for menstrual and reproductive health continues to drive her mission to promote equity, safety, and freedom from harm in Canada and beyond.

“Winning the Feminist Creator Prize isn’t about applause—it’s about demanding the world to listen and act. To my fellow women of color: This is what breaking barriers looks like. Where our ancestors were silenced, we speak. Where they were excluded, we take up space. This is not just about having a seat at the table—it’s about building a new one, where every woman’s voice is heard, where our power is undeniable, and where we rise not just for ourselves, but for those who came before us and those who will follow. We are the revolution they dreamed of, and the legacy that will not be erased.”

@gayitaliannonna

Monica, also known as Gay Italian Nonna, is a queer, masculine-presenting lesbian, talk show host, and community builder dedicated to creating safe spaces for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Through her content and talk show, she helps people find connection, friendship, and belonging. Her Talk Show unMASCed shines a light on trans icons, LGBTQ+ leaders, inspirational women, and creatives- amplifying the voices that shape our culture. Within her content, Nonna Monica speaks towards mental health and inclusive beauty content, ensuring all women feel seen and celebrated. Her work is rooted in empowerment, representation, and fostering a meaningful community.

“I do this work because I know how powerful it is to feel seen, safe, and supported. Whether through my talk show, events, or online content, I’m committed to fostering connection, celebrating identity, and amplifying the voices of those who deserve to be heard. Representation, community, and empowerment aren’t just passions of mine—they are necessities. I want to ensure that every queer person, especially women and gender-diverse folks, has a place to feel valued, uplifted, and free to be themselves. Winning this prize would allow me to invest in my work, amplify queer voices, and create more safe spaces for connection and community. It’s not just support for me—it’s support for a movement of inclusivity, empowerment, and belonging. My goal is to cultivate a strong, supportive community that empowers individuals to embrace their identity, find belonging, and create their own spaces of love and acceptance.”

The Feminist Creator Prize, the only award of its kind in Canada, acknowledges, encourages, and supports diverse feminist creators who bolster feminist voices and challenge pervasive gendered digital hate and abuse. Presented in honour of award-winning journalist, activist, and feminist Michele Landsberg, each winner will receive a prize of $5,000.

Learn more about the Feminist Creator Prize and gendered digital hate, harassment, and violence in Canada.

About the Canadian Women’s Foundation

The Canadian Women’s Foundation is Canada’s public foundation for gender justice and equality. We advance this by growing support for grassroots feminist action, partnering with communities and organizations to improve conditions, and building diverse leadership and knowledge for sustainable change. Since 1991, our generous donors and supporters have contributed more than $250 million to fund over 3,200 life-transforming programs throughout Canada.

For information and interviews, contact: [email protected]