our team
Meet the Mother Daughter Empower team
Our foundation is fueled by a passionate and dedicated team of women who believe in the power of connection, growth, and empowerment. Meet the people behind the vision, working to inspire and support mothers and daughters on their journey to empowerment and lasting change.
Meet the founders
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Tara Filteau
Founder & Executive Director
Tara Filteau is a registered social service worker and the founder & executive director of Mother Daughter Empower. Before launching Mother Daughter Empower, Tara lead events, community outreach, and fundraising campaigns for some of Canada’s largest charitable and not-for-profit organizations. She is a visionary leader who takes pride in being a wife, mom of three and an empowerment advocate who is dedicated to leading a life filled with both passion and purpose. In 2024, Tara was awarded, the prestigious Community Leadership Citation presented by The Ontario Association of Social Service Workers for her outstanding impact through her work with Mother Daughter Empower.
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Sophia Ghafoori
Co-Founder
Sophia Ghafoori is an inspiring young entrepreneur and co-founder of Mother Daughter Empower, she launched MDE with her mother in 2019. Remarkably, Sophia was only 7 years old when she embarked on this journey, showcasing her early passion for empowerment and community engagement. Now a vibrant 9th grader, Sophia is not just your average student; she is actively paving her way towards a bright future. Sophia is a competitively trained dancer who loves to play volleyball. She dreams of becoming an actress, a goal that aligns with her artistic inclinations and her love for the performing arts. Today, Sophia continues to be involved with Mother Daughter Empower, assisting with the charity’s social media, workshops and events.
Meet our board of directors
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Dawn Knuff
Board President
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Connecting with others, while building support and friendships.
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Deborah Neary
Board Vice President
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Creating a community where girls feel empowered and supported. Helping to build strong mother-daughter relationships.
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Lauren Rivietz
Board Member
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Empowering open, real connections between daughters and their family members, and creating a supportive community of women and girls.
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Denise Foley
Board Treasurer
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Inspiring a community of mothers and daughters through experience and creativity.
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Norma Naoufal
Board Member
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Having a daughter and seeing all the things in life that have come her way, and all our discussions that we have had. The bond and empower that a mothers we can provide to our daughter is so very important and being a part of that for a larger group brings me so much purpose and joy.
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Chloe Sanchez
Board Member
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Being a part of Mother Daughter Empower means that I have an opportunity to be part of a community that believes in and advocates for the empowerment of women and girls.
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Ariela Koldorf
Board Secretary & Event Committee Chair
What Does Being a Part of Mother Daughter Empower Mean to You?
Being part of an organization that aligns with my values as well as supporting the amazing work MDE has been doing in the community would help me continue to support and help others.
GET INVOLVED
Join us in creating lasting change with Mother Daughter Empower! Our sponsors, partners, and volunteers are the driving force behind our mission, enabling us to deliver impactful programs and events that uplift and inspire mothers and daughters worldwide. Together, we’re building a stronger, more empowered future for the next generation.