International Women's Day

At Baycrest, extraordinary women are driving meaningful change across all levels of the organization.

In honour of International Women's Day 2025 on March 8, we connected with inspiring women who champion inclusion and excellence at Baycrest. They shared how the women in their lives have shaped and motivated them - both personally and professionally.

Who is or has been the most influential woman in your life? How would you describe the impact they had on you?

Dr. Anna Ballon, PhD, MSc, BSc. OT

Vice President
Baycrest Global Solutions

“I celebrate the most influential person in my life—my mother. For me, her story is one of unwavering strength, resilience, and courage.

She brought our family from the former Soviet Union to Canada with no money, no connections, and no knowledge of the English language. Yet, she built a life for us through sheer determination and optimism.

Her resilience shaped the person I am today. As I raise the next generation of women, my daughters, I pass down her legacy: the courage to face the unknown, the will to push forward, and the confidence to carve our own paths.

She may not be famous, but to me, my mother is the most influential woman in the world.”​

Cyrelle Muskat

Director, Quality Systems and Wellness

“The most influential women in my life are my mother and my two daughters. My mother instilled in me resilience, independence and hard work, while my daughters motivate me to evolve, be patient, kind and lead by example. My mother has shown me the power of being a lifelong learner and self advocate. My daughters teach me patience and tolerance, reminding me to embrace growth, uniqueness, and the beauty of life’s small moments.”

Dalit Fichman, CFRE

Manager, Major Gifts
Foundation

“When I was a baby, my dad had to venture ahead to seek employment in Toronto from Tel Aviv, Israel, where I was born. My mom suddenly found herself short-handed when war broke out, and she needed to run downstairs with me, my twin, and our young brother to the bomb shelter. Fortunately, there was an extremely selfless downstairs neighbour named Betty who would run upstairs to our apartment, risking her life, to help my mother every single time. She also selflessly came by daily to help take care of us. Betty was a true hero! Over the years we remained close, especially when her family also moved to Toronto. In her later years, Betty unfortunately developed dementia. It was so sad to see her decline before she passed away.

The impact Betty had on me was to try to emulate her attentiveness to others’ needs and volunteer to help whenever possible. I enjoy paying her mitzvahs forward by volunteering at the Apotex as a feeding assistant and taking residents downstairs or outside for strolls as part of Project Get Outside. I  am passionate about how Baycrest provides the best care for older adults while working to defeat dementia. That is why I’m also a monthly donor and have remembered Baycrest in my will.“

Larissa McKetton, MSc, PhD

Director of Scientific and Clinical Development

Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) & Cogniciti Inc.

Scientific Associate
Rotman Research Institute

“In addition to my grandmother, who has had a major influence on me, I would also say that Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn has been an influential woman in my life.

My grandmother taught me about kindness, generosity, and having a strong moral compass, despite her tough circumstances growing up while instilling in me the importance of doing what’s right in the world, while Dr. Blackburn’s story helped shape my career trajectory; her pioneering work on telomeres and her ability to break through barriers inspired me to push myself further in pursuing a STEM career.

Learning more about Dr. Blackburn's resilience and success in a challenging profession and her role as a mentor to other women scientists helped me understand the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and a true passion for discovery—qualities I’ve embraced in my own scientific journey.

Monica Micu

Director, Human Resources

“I would say both my mom and grandmother. Both of them faced adversity in their lives starting from a young age. However, they both worked hard to overcome this, continuously pushing for growth and change and providing a happy and safe life for their kids and grandkids. No matter the hardships, there was always love, support, laughter, and fun around. My mom was and still is a change agent she continuously strives to move forward and grow. One thing she did which still sticks with me was getting her licence in her 50s as this was something she always wanted to do. My grandma, lived in communist Romania, under a traditional system. However, once cell phones were available, she had one before me.  What they taught me is love, kindness, openness to change and resilience.”

Rosanne Aleong

Executive Director, Research, Innovation, and Translation Rotman Research Institute

Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE)

Director, Research, Innovation, and Translation Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation 

 
“As we commemorate International Women's Day, I celebrate my mother and my older sister. My mum taught me the power of personal sacrifice and service as she and my Dad moved me and my siblings to Canada to further our educational opportunities and quality of life. My older sister has been a life-long mentor - helping me navigate the professional, personal, and the balance between the two. These two amazing, inspiring women were and continue to be foundational to who I am as family, friend, and team member."

Samantha Yau

Director, Interprofessional Practice and Pharmacy & Hospital Quality

“My mom is the most influential woman in my life. She is my role model. Her strong family values, integrity and perseverance has given me the courage and strength to overcome challenges both in my personal life and professional trajectory. Her stories and encouragement gives me the confidence to continue on my journey to impact positive changes in health and social care.”

Thaomy Cosgrove
Senior Marketing Specialist
Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) 

“My mother-in-law, Rita Cosgrove. Rita has always supported and guided me through personal and career situations. She continuously encourages me to pursue new creative ideas even when I am filled with self-doubt. Her stories and recollections of being a female manager during the 70s - 80s have taught me that the best form of leadership is a combination of curiosity, laughter, and kindness. Because of her influence, I try to always sprinkle in moments of laughter wherever I go.”