YOUR VOICE BELONGS HERE.

The Giuseppe Polito Legacy Award was created in honour of my father, Giuseppe Polito, and the values he instilled in me — values that continue to shape the work I do and the community we are building.

This award is about more than achievement. It is about character, perseverance, generosity, integrity and the impact we leave on others.

Each year, the award recognizes someone whose actions reflect those values — someone who shows up, contributes, believes in others and helps create possibility for the people around them.

My father’s legacy lives not only in my memories of him, but in the lessons he left behind and in the ways those lessons continue to move through the next generation.

Legacy is not simply what we leave behind. It is what we inspire others to carry forward.

Named for Minerva — the Roman goddess of wisdom, art, strategy and craftsmanship — the Minerva Award celebrates women whose vision, courage and creativity extend beyond their own accomplishments.

It recognizes a woman who leads with purpose, creates with conviction, and uses her voice and experience to open doors for others.

An artist. A maker. A mentor. A leader. A visionary.

She challenges expectations. She shares what she knows. She creates space at the table rather than guarding her seat. And through her work, she helps another generation of women imagine what might be possible for them.

The Minerva Award is not simply about success. It is about wisdom shared. Courage demonstrated. Creativity lived. And women lifting women.

WHEN ONE WOMAN RISES, SHE CREATES SPACE FOR OTHERS TO RISE WITH HER.