Over 180 nominations were received this year for the Feminist Creator Prize, which equaled 99 separate individuals or groups. Please find below the shortlist of amazing creators for the 2025 Prize. Three winners will chosen by our judge panel and announced on March 8, 2025!

Destinie Adélakun is a multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker whose work embodies feminist storytelling, cultural reclamation, and environmental justice. Rooted in Yoruba spirituality, her practice challenges colonial erasure while celebrating the resilience of Black and Indigenous matriarchal traditions. Through photography, sculpture, and film, she amplifies the voices of women and marginalized communities, using art as a tool for liberation and systemic change. Adélakun’s practice merges visual storytelling with activism, creating spaces where feminist narratives, sustainability, and cultural heritage intersect.

“Through storytelling, archival research, and visual art, I challenge systemic erasure and empower marginalized communities to reconnect with their heritage…my work fosters dialogue, reshaping narratives of identity, resistance, and the role of women in shaping our histories.”

I use the medium of the graphic novel to allow the reader to see and in a way experience the process of isolating, grooming, abusing and making the victim stay silent after. I also show the psychological after effects, and my attempt to get justice through the courts. I drew it in a way that I hoped would not be traumatic to the reader, and in a way that although it showed my specific circumstance, would be universal for all victims. My hope is the reader will learn and if a victim, it will help them move towards healing, and if a
friend of the victim will help them understand. I especially wrote it thinking of youth and parents and hope that teenagers and parents read it and can be protected from abusers by understanding what they do.

“I measure my success by the effectiveness of the book in reaching my goal which is to educate, inform, and provide an entry point to start healing for victims…I know even a single person helped saves them years of suffering, and has ripple effects to their family and friends.”

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.

“Not only was I taught that storytelling is powerful and traditionally has been a tool that my culture has used, but it’s also part of my being; my spirit name is White Thunder Woman, and the elder who gifted me my name said that I am here to make a lot of noise.”

Julie is the founder of Masla Empathy Lab and JEDI Kids. A biochemist by training, she spent over five years researching how
environmental contaminants affect children’s development before earning her MBA from McGill University. During her MBA, she
deepened her expertise in social impact and human-centered design, learning how diverse sectors can collaborate for sustainable
solutions. In 2020, she founded Masla Empathy Lab to help organizations build JEDI strategies and launched JEDI Kids, a platform for raising the next generation of inclusive, mindful children. Julie is a TEDx speaker, certified coach, panelist, and podcaster.

” I work tirelessly to create spaces where every voice is heard and valued as my goal is about being of service and contributing meaningfully to our communities.”

Katy Ho is a Chinese-Canadian writer, poet, and activist who is leading the feminist media revolution. As a daughter of refugees, sheuses her words, artistry, and influence to advocate for gender equity, climate justice, and human rights. Katy is closing the gender media gap through her work at the Environmental Media Association, which promotes environmental storytelling in entertainment, and FEMINIST, the world’s largest digital platform for intersectional feminism.

“As a Gen Z woman of colour who has spent over 10 years in activism, intersectional feminism has been a guiding light for my entire career. In a time where most digital media is controlled by tech billionaires, my mission is to amplify the voices of women, girls, and gender-diverse people.”

Khadija Mbowe (they/them) is a multi-hyphenate creative whose work spans singing, acting, writing, voiceover, and education. With a background in Vocal Performance (Opera) and “half a sociology and English degree” (as they humorously note, having left academia to pursue music), they bring diverse perspectives to their artistic pursuits. Self-described as a “cool, fun millennial aunty” and a “non-binary hippie with a bougie palate,” Khadija blends humor with a deep commitment to community, storytelling, and artistic expression. Their work (both online with YouTube and offline with their theatre collective Operatika, amongst other endeavors) fosters love, learning, and collaboration, creating spaces where people connect and grow. Through art and conversation, Khadija builds meaningful connections and inspires community, one project at a time.

“As a digital creator focused on intersectional gender analysis, I engage audiences with accessible content that fosters thoughtful discussions on gender, race, and identity.”

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. 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.

“As a feminist creator and advocate, I use digital platforms to drive critical conversations on gender justice, menstrual equity, and reproductive rights in Canada.”

Fernanda Vallejo is a dedicated community leader, activist, and founder of Latinas Manitoba, a nonprofit empowering Latina women and immigrant families in Manitoba, Canada. With a background in Social Sciences and Human Services, she is also a certified chef from Ecuador and has worked as a martial arts instructor, interpreter, and media host. Fernanda continues to expand her impact through personal initiatives, including a digital business. As a mother, activist, and entrepreneur, she remains committed to advocating for social justice, immigrant rights, and meaningful change in Canada.

” I have dedicated my career to empowering Latina women and immigrant families in Canada through Latinas Manitoba, a nonprofit that has impacted thousands since 2020.”

Michelle Osbourne is a dynamic speaker, content creator, and social entrepreneur with a passion for self-image activism and empowering women to live boldly. She tackles topics like body confidence, women’s health and well-being, media representation, life reinvention, and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights — all from an anti-racist, intersectional feminist lens. As the founder of Michelle Osbourne & Co. and the creative force behind Project Femme Noire, she’s on a mission to help women take up space, unapologetically.

” My mission is to create a community where all identifying women feel safe, empowered, and inspired to unapologetically live their best lives.”

Mimi is an artist, advocate, and movement coach dedicated to normalizing bodies and fostering self-acceptance through art and education. Her work blends life casting, advocacy, and community engagement to challenge beauty standards and celebrate body diversity. Through interactive exhibitions, bra education workshops, and digital content, she creates spaces where people can explore body image with curiosity and care. Her exhibitions have engaged thousands across North America, sparking conversations about body awareness, empathy, health, and identity. With a whimsical approach, she invites deep conversations, using joy and playfulness to create meaningful dialogue.

“Whether through sculpture, activism, or teaching, my mission is to help people move through the world with confidence, connection, and celebration of their bodies.”

missINFORMED is a volunteer youth-led health education and advocacy platform that crafts resources from an intersectional and community-informed lens. The organisation was founded in response to the lack of accessible health information for women and gender-diverse people across what is currently Canada. Our team is dedicated to creating resources that reflect the people who require them, and that incorporate diverse knowledge systems rather than relying solely on the Western research paradigm. We want everyone to know that they are not alone in their experience.

“We strive to always advocate for women and gender diverse people, apply an intersectional lens in our research efforts, amplify LGBTQIA+ research, promote health literacy, combat stigmatisation, and foster community among women and gender diverse people.”

I’m a queer, masculine-presenting lesbian, talk show host, influencer, and LGBTQ+ advocate dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for women and queer communities. Through digital content and in-person events, I foster meaningful conversations about identity, mental health, and self-love. My talk show highlights trans icons, LGBTQ+ leaders, and designers—amplifying stories that deserve to be heard. Beyond content, I host community events designed to uplift, empower, and connect women and queer folks in safe, welcoming environments. Blending expertise with authenticity, humor, and advocacy, I challenge norms and champion gender justice. My work isn’t just about
visibility—it’s about impact, representation, and building a future where all women, femmes, and LGBTQ+ people feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

“My goal is to empower individuals within the queer community to build lasting relationships, embrace their identities, and prioritize their well-being.”

As a PhD candidate at York University in the Faculty of Education, my research focuses on Black feminist thought, Afrocentric thought, research-creation and their application in re-designing systems within institutions and organizations. Through my work with community organizations and educational institutions, I have been invited as a research consultant, guest speaker, and workshop facilitator. I was
awarded a Canada Council of the Arts award for my project The Body Speaks, which is an integrative storytelling event that revives Afro-Caribbean storytelling, and honours the lived experiences of Black women through visual arts. My latest publication, Trans-Temporal Collaborators in ResearchCreation published by Brill explores Afrocentric orientation to arts-based research. My novel, We’ve Been Here Before (published by Dundurn) is scheduled for publishing in Spring 2025.

“I create artwork that inspire others to connect and recover parts of themselves. My presence in social media is interested in connecting with Black women to offer spaces of recovery that are supported through multi-modal art practices.”

Rachel Cairns is an award-winning writer, performer, and creator of the hit solo show Hypothetical Baby and the acclaimed podcast Aborsh. Her work explores parenthood, abortion, and social issues with sharp wit and nuance. A graduate of RADA, she’s also a professor and audiobook director.

“I created these projects after my abortion because I was shocked by how little I knew—and I wanted to share that knowledge in an educational, accessible, and entertaining way. Both works aim to connect reproductive rights to wider societal issues, framing abortion as part of a larger fight for social justice.”

Sarah Longpre is an entrepreneur, dance instructor, Pole Theatre Canada National Organizer, public speaker, mom of 2, and step mom of 1! The sole owner of Saskatoon Pole & Dance Studio opened their doors in 2018 believing that everyone deserves a safe space to express themselves through movement. Sarah has led Saskatoon Pole & Dance Studio with a focus on community, with their help, Sarah has donated over $30,000.00 to local organizations since 2018. She has recently started public speaking to share her story of navigating entrepreneurship while experiencing trauma. Sarah strives to break stigmas around Pole Dance, while sharing how dance and movement has contributed to her healing and empowerment.

“I have been teaching body awareness, love of movement and the power of emotional and physical healing through dance and creativity for years… I want to be able to break the stigma here in Saskatchewan and show our province that Pole can be a sport, can be an art and can be an industry.”

Sosena is a Toronto-native multidisciplinary Black & queer artist with passions revolving around reproductive justice and pleasure activism. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and has a diverse career history ranging from clinical research to marketing/communications and birth work as a fullspectrum doula. She is currently supporting Ocama Collective and Women’s Infrastructure Network
(WIN) as a Social Media Strategist/Communications Specialist and a Digital Coordinator, respectively. Her regular artistic practices are through visual arts and movement, which help her stay inspired and connected with life. Her highest passion is reproductive justice advocacy, specifically for immigrants and racialized/queer folks.

“I have many passions but they all stem back to doing what’s within my power to create change for the better. I understand that my efforts may not be experienced by me or even by my future children, but hopefully by taking small steps everyday, gender inequality will become obsolete.”

Students for Consent Culture Canada is an organization dedicated to supporting anti-sexual violence advocacy and activism on campuses by serving as a hub of resources, tools, community, and institutional memory for student engagement. SFCC also engages in advocacy at the provincial and federal level to create better policies, practices and accountability measures to protect students. SFCC was founded in 2018 by a group of students working on anti-sexual violence initiatives on campuses across Canada who initially connected through the publication of the OurTurn National Action Plan – a national strategy/toolkit for student unions to implement pro-survivor policies.

“Our overall goal is to build relationships of solidarity across social justice movements and organizations to support cultures of consent on campuses and in our communities across Turtle Island.”

Youth Initiatives & Community Development is a local student-led organization that focuses on providing high school students with unique volunteering opportunities. We also offer mentorship programs for students transitioning into post-secondary and leadership roles for those looking to diversify their resume. Many of our programs focus on aiding specific groups such as those facing food insecurity, homelessness, new immigrants, women & young girls, LGBTQAI+ and visible minorities. If you don’t see a program for you on our website – reach out today to start making meaningful change in YOUR community.

“Our goal is to engage students in their local community through heart-felt and passionate initiatives that focus on helping others and establishing connections.”

I’m an Atlantic Canadian writer, communicator, disability inclusion advocate and educator who lives with multiple disabilities. I’m also a storyteller, community builder and lifelong feminist who raises awareness about women’s, gender-diverse, and Disabled rights through my words, art and education.I unapologetically center women’s, gender diverse, BIPOC and 2SLGBTQ+ perspectives and issues in my disability inclusion advocacy work, including my social content creation…My goal is empowering disabled people to become stronger self-advocates, and building supportive anti-ableist allies so that together we can create meaningful change for inclusive, accessible communities where everyone belongs, regardless of ability or health.

“As a multiply-disabled woman, I unapologetically advocate for all women and gender diverse folks, and especially those of us living with disability, chronic illness and neurodivergence. Our authentic voices are made for storytelling, and nobody is better qualified to represent us than we ourselves are.”