Spoken Lives: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Come meet our community of friendly people...you may even meet a new friend! Are you ready to hear more adventures and stories of resilience?

Five wonderful women will share stories of new beginnings and what they learned along the way! Looking forward to seeing you at our live event in Toronto!

An online option is available for this event. Zoom link will be sent out to you.

Tina Calleri - No Brakes!?

I will share my journey from a childhood rooted in obedience and fear of disappointing my strict immigrant parents to becoming their advocate and caretaker. As the eldest child navigating life in a new country, I took on many responsibilities, including interpreting and caring for my siblings and parents. At 16, I entered an abusive marriage, where I struggled to maintain my silence. I found my voice and strength to confront my challenges, ultimately leaving the marriage and launching my own successful daycare business. I aim to empower women facing similar struggles, reminding them that help is available and that they can reclaim their voices and live without fear.

Cathy Dranitsaris - Shunning Shame

As women, we have been influenced in our lives by shame. Societal, cultural, family – there are many influences – staying silent instead of speaking up, afraid of being judged. Have these decisions made from shame turned out well? How have they affected your dreams, goals and passions?

My story is about the heartache of discovering my family secrets many years after those affected had passed and how these decisions had a deep and lasting impact. The cost of these decisions and the relationships that were affected in my own life as well as future generations.

My story encourages women to claim their liberation from such decisions and to reclaim themselves.

Elizabeth Verwey - Being Brave

I have released my new book, Brave New Endings: True Stories of Caring for an Ex to the world. I will read a story from this book and share a little bit of the process of writing on a brand new topic and what's happened since it launched. I will have copies available to sell for $25.

LOCATION - 348 DANFORTH AVENUE (Upstairs at the Carrot Common)

We're celebrating over a decade of sharing stories! Introduce someone to this wonderful women's speakers series.

We're excited about this upcoming event...some powerful stories will be shared.

This night will be like a box of chocolates....you never know what you'll get, but each story will be delcious!

An online option is available for this event. Zoom link will be sent out to you.

If things change and you can't attend...you can donate your ticket to someone in need or get a refund for your ticket.

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Host or Publisher Spoken Lives Toronto Central - Curated by Elizabeth Verwey