19th Annual Women of Action
Brunch for Cancer Research
We are thrilled to announce that the 19th Annual Women of Action Brunch for Cancer Research, held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, raised over $260,000 thanks to the support of our attendees, sponsors and supporters! These funds will directly contribute to making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.
Over 330 guests gathered at Montreal’s Four Seasons Hotel to celebrate the remarkable achievements of honourees Sandra Abitan, Dr. Guila Delouya and Arlene Greenberg. The event was further highlighted by the captivating presence of our special guest speaker, activist Mandana Dayani, in conversation with Eden Polansky, who inspired us all with her personal journey and insights. It was a day filled with inspiration, unity, and hope, emblematic of our collective mission to make a difference.
Heartfelt Thanks to our Women of Action Committee
thank you to our EVENT sponsors and supporters
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, advertisers, and donors.
thank you to our SILENT AUCTION AND RAFFLE sponsors
The generous support of our in-kind sponsors made our silent auction and raffle possible and helped raise funds for cancer research. We also thank the female entrepreneurs who participated in the Women of Action table baskets.
MANDANA DAYANI
IN CONVERSATION WITH EDEN POLANSKY
This year’s keynote speaker was Mandana Dayani, an Iranian-American human rights activist renowned for her advocacy against antisemitism and one of the Top 100 Influential Jews according to the Tel Aviv Institute.
Born in Iran during the Iraq-Iran War, Mandana and her Persian Jewish family fled to the United States as religious refugees. With a distinguished career as a corporate attorney, Mandana has held leadership roles across the fashion, entertainment, tech, and media industries. She is also a prominent human rights activist and frequently speaks on topics such as activism, leadership, and antisemitism.
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Mandana Dayani is the Creator and Co-founder of I am a voter., a national, nonpartisan civic engagement organization. Most recently, she was President of Archewell, the production, audio, and philanthropic company founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. She is a globally celebrated brand and marketing expert and regularly appears on Morning Joe on MSNBC.
In 2018, immediately upon witnessing the child separation policy at the border, Mandana brought together 25 women leaders to launch I am a voter. in partnership with Natalie Tran and CAA. Since launching, the organization has supported over half a million Americans through their registration process and generated billions of media impressions. The organization has partnered with hundreds of influencers and brands shaping culture across entertainment, fashion, beauty, tech, and sports, including: NBA, Disney, Bumble, Starbucks, NFL, H&M, ABC, Fox, McDonald's, CFDA, Urban Outfitters, Tory Burch, and iHeartMedia. Mandana also created Register a Friend Day, a national voter registration day.
Mandana began her career as a corporate attorney at Paul Hastings. She then worked as a commercial talent agent before joining Rachel Zoe, Inc., where she led and launched the company’s consumer products, media, and strategic investment businesses. After six years, Mandana joined EBTH as Chief Brand Officer, raising $84 million in venture capital. In 2020, she co-created and hosted The Dissenters podcast with Debra Messing, highlighting the journeys of 20 of their heroes in an effort to inspire activism in others. She is the Founder of The Learning Series, an event series for women, and an active angel investor through Garde Ventures. Mandana is an outspoken advocate against anti-semitism.
Mandana is an immigrant from Iran and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two daughters; she credits her experience immigrating to the United States as a religious refugee as one of the most formative inspirations behind her activism.
Looking ahead to women of action 2025
Stay tuned for details about our 20th Annual Women of Action, and join us as we continue our mission to support life-saving cancer research.
To join the organising committee or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at
514-481-2723 or info@icrfmontreal.org
