Team

Shannon McMannis – Founder – President @ Cornerstone Capital Financial Group.

Shannon is a Certified Financial Planner, specializing in holistic wealth management strategies. She has personal and professional experience in estate planning, retirement planning, risk management as well as income property acquisition and management. Shannon ensures her clients receive and maintain a well rounded, comprehensive Financial and Life Plan that addresses their current needs and propels them toward their future goals.

Shannon has twice been named the Financial Planner of The Year, as well as being awarded the Canada 150 and Ontario 150 Awards. She also believes firmly in giving back to the community and has done so through a variety of ways including being a Board Member for Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services and the Crossing All Bridges Fundraising Committee to name a few.

“After producing The Power of The Purse I saw a definite need for professional women to learn, grow and lead. We often as women compete with one another. I sought to create an empowering environment that was collaborative, welcoming, empowering and educational. We are always stronger standing together!”

Karen Moffat – Executive Leadership Team -Project Management Office Manager, Xerox Research Centre of Canada.

Karen Moffat joined the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in 1984 with a M. Sc in Chemistry and in 1998 obtained her Ph.D. in Synthetic Polymer Chemistry, both from McMaster University. She has held various management positions in materials research for Xerox which include Area Manager from 2002 to 2018 and Project Management Office Manager in 2018 to current. Karen is also the ISO Quality Champion and Intellectual Property Champion for XRCC. She has authored 12 external publications and is an inventor on over 145 US patents for Xerox. Karen’s main area of research is in the development of new materials for particle technology.

Karen and her husband Mark have lived in Brantford since 1984 and raised two children in the community. She is very passionate about sharing her professional skills developed in a corporate research environment with local business women in Brantford in the areas of project management and how to build productive teams.

Alison Maslin-Maratos – Executive Leadership Team – Owner, Maratos Counselling and Consulting Services.

Alison Maslin-Maratos, BA, BSW, MSW, RSW is the owner of Maratos Counselling and Consulting Services. She is a clinical therapist who provides psychotherapy and therapeutic coaching in her practice. She specializes in helping her clients master issues concerning relationships, living with meaning and achieving success in all areas of life. She is also a faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she supports students who are wanting to enter into practice and is a corporate trainer who focuses on helping individuals and organizations manage their wellness and quality of life.
Throughout her career as a social worker, Alison has been passionate about empowering women. From working with foster teens, to battered women to executives who are looking for fulfillment, Alison focuses on recognizing strengths and supporting her clients to work toward achieving their goals.
Alison has been married to her husband Fred for over 20 years, and is the mother of three boys. She readily embraces her role as a busy mother who enjoys spending time at her son’s various activities, pursuing her own personal fitness and her love of music.

Linda Bazoian – Executive Leadership Team – TD Trust Mortgage Specialist.

Linda Bazoian was born and raised in Brantford. While attending high school, Linda worked in the family Fish and Chips shop in town. She has been a business owner for over 20 years and involved in property management since 1990. Linda worked in sales for a promotional company and is currently a TD Canada Trust Mortgage Specialist since 2012. She is a Rotarian and member of the Brantford Sunrise chapter for over 15 years and also served on a number of different boards including the Alzheimer Society and Curl for Stroke Bonspiel.

She is an active member of the Brantford Golf and Country Club and has served on a number of different curling committees over the years. Linda brings her many years of business experience and organizations skills to this team and is looking forward to serving the Ladies Who Lead community in Brantford.

Denise Luciani – Executive Leadership Team – Owner, Marlin travel, 241 Dunsdon St #107, Brantford

Denise is the owner and manager of Marlin Travel Brantford. For over 30 years, Denise has been living her passion in the business of travel. She loves to travel the world and share those experiences with her valued clients.

Denise believes that a positive client experience is of the utmost importance and that is how she has built her business and reputation in our community. By listening to, and engaging with her clients to live their best lives, she has been able to grow her business effectively.

Denise is very community minded and has shown her support of numerous local initiatives and charitable activities throughout the community.

“I am truly inspired to be part of Ladies Who Lead as there is a need in our community to support and inspire women in business. I have always been passionate about helping guide other women entrepreneurs and celebrating in their success! I look forward to being part of this dynamic group of ladies!”

Melanie Mears – Executive Leadership Team – Owner, Paris Twisted Treats & What’s the Scoop.

Melanie Mears is the proud founder and co-owner of Paris Twisted Treats and What’s the Scoop? ice cream stores in Paris.  Melanie also works full time for the City of Brantford as a Small Business Advisor helping and teaching small businesses in our community. She also has 26 years’ experience in Social Services with the City of Brantford.  The goal for her career is to retire and be a professional volunteer which is her true passion.