If your legacy had a theme song today, what would it be and why? Oldowan Co. celebrates International Women’s Day

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Center for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Ave, I am here.” It was March 8^th, 2025. International Women’s Day. I stepped into the Center for Social Innovation, and immediately, the energy was electric.  As I entered the venue. A friendly volunteer greeted me with a bright smile and handed me a gift bag.

“Welcome! Happy International Women’s Day! We’re so glad you could join us.” I smiled, taking the bag. It’s filled with thoughtful goodies – perhaps some skin care products, a handmade soap, a discount voucher from a local business. The gift bag was a lovely touch, a little taste of what was to come, but the real welcome came from Dahlia Fernandes.

“You made it! Welcome! Here, try this!” Dahlia handed me a beautifully garnished mocktail. It’s refreshing and delicious. “Wow, this is amazing! Thank you.”

“We wanted to make sure everyone felt welcome and celebrated. We’ve got a fantastic day planned,” she shared.

I took a sip of the mocktail, looking around. The venue was alive with activity. Dahlia was right. The atmosphere was incredible. A female DJ was spinning tunes, a perfect soundtrack to the day. The music was a powerful mix of my favourite music from the 90’s and early 2000’s. I started to wander, and the first thing that struck me was the vendor market. It was a curated selection of BIPOC women entrepreneurs, each with their own unique story and products. The setup was impressive. You could tell how much care, and planning had gone into creating this space, and then, there was the Legacy Builder Mixer Bingo.

“This event is about elevating women’s contributions, and we aim to make this a day of true reflection and possibility.”

Oldowan Co. celebrated the 2025 International Women’s Day with the Legacy Builders Event, a day of inspiration, networking, and empowerment. This event brought together women and women-identifying: leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals in Toronto to reflect on legacy building and the immense power of women in shaping the future.

Building on over a decade of elevating community voices, Oldowan Co. hosted this special celebration at the Center for Social Innovation (192 Spadina Ave, Toronto). The event featured an impactful panel discussion (which I was honoured to sit on), and opportunities for meaningful connections.

The panel discussion titled “Preparing Your Legacy,” was a thought-provoking conversation on building sustainable, impactful futures. I was joined by:

• AJ Kim a trailblazer in mindfulness and global social impact, AJ’s leadership in the well-being sector is reshaping how we build sustainable communities.
• Heather Beamish, a passionate educator and community leader, Heather’s work is rooted in resilience, creativity, and social empowerment.
• Dahlia Fernandes (DAHLIA) | A multi-talented artist and marketing strategist, Dahlia’s impact spans the: music industry, film, and business, helping creatives forge their own legacies, and was hosted by the one and only Carol Douse, Founder and Director of Oldowan Co.

“We want to honor the women who have been foundational in preparing legacies—those who know firsthand that legacy is not built alone, and that women’s voices are essential in shaping what comes next,” says Carol “This event is about elevating women’s contributions, and we aim to make this a day of true reflection and possibility.”

I appreciated that all the panelists were given a chance to express ourselves. My favourite question happened to be the icebreaker, which was “If your legacy had a theme song today, what would it be and why?” Each panelist had a chance to answer this, and at the end, the audience also had a chance to share their songs.

Following the panel, the vendor interactions were a highlight of the event. My hunger led me straight to Ofelia Clarke’s bustling station, where the lengthy queue proved justified by the delectable dish, whose name eluded me but whose flavor was unforgettable. A sweet tooth satisfied, I sampled Chrissy’s Cookies and Sumaya Said’s delightful treats. Oldowan Co.’s mini store showcased a stylish jacket set that caught my attention, and I had a chance to tap into my spirituality with a tarot reading by That Wacky Witch, Bahari. Finally, a visit to City Six Cosmetics and a chat with L.A. Miller was a must; her incorporation of Toronto’s essence into her makeup line was genuinely impressive, and I couldn’t resist picking up the 905 lip glow before heading out.

Leaving the Center for Social Innovation, I felt energized and inspired. It was a reminder of the power of women coming together, supporting each other, and building a brighter future. March 8^th, 2025, a day I won’t soon forget.

What’s next for Oldowan Co.? Looking ahead, Oldowan Co. is committed to amplifying the voices of women in BIPOC communities, fostering talent, and creating the tools and spaces needed for future leaders to thrive. This International Women’s Day event marked a continuation of their mission to empower BIPOC individuals and women, celebrate resilience, and create lasting legacies.