BRAMPTON, Ontario - Nov. 5, 2020 - Anna Silgardo, a renowned artist and mental health advocate was presented the prestigious award at the recently held Virtual Toastmasters District 86 "Of the Year" Awards for her contributions in improving the mental wellness of women and youth in her community and beyond through her therapeutic artwork and creativity.
The Communication and Leadership Award is presented to a non-Toastmaster in the community who is an outstanding communicator or leader who best exemplifies Toastmasters International values.
Silgardo was recognized for efforts of transforming the lives of many through the therapeutic value of art to promote mental health at the community and corporate levels. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly in building up artists from Mississauga and beyond, while encouraging women to showcase their creativity through self expression.
Through her organization, Artists in Momentum (AIM), Silgardo took a leadership role in encouraging self-reflection, stimulating the imagination while building self-esteem through creative self-expression. She used her talent of artistry as a foundation to promote mental well-being at a corporate and community level, one life at a time.
In 2015, she launched a unique concept "Bun Bu Ichi", that brought martial artists and visual artists together to promote spirituality. In 2018, her 'Through Glass' Art Series brought greater social awareness on issues surrounding mental health, and the stigma associated with it.
She has won many accolades for her hard work and dedication in arts and mental health. In 2019 she received the Mississauga Arts Council's Arts for Health Award, sponsored by Bell Canada.
Toastmasters District 86 Director Jocelyne Vezina acknowledged Silgardo for winning this award "We recognize your passion for addressing mental health issues in our community using your artwork and leadership."
Silgardo gracefully accepted the award. "I am deeply humbled and thankful to District 86 Toastmasters for recognizing and validating the work that I do.", she said. "This award is for the many who gave up the fight and for those many more we can save together."
Anna continues to build networks with art groups and community partners including The Mississauga Arts Council to develop and implement social well-being of the community through self-expression.
About Toastmasters District 86
Toastmasters District 86 represents the heartland of Ontario comprising over 212 community and corporate clubs, with over 4,400 members, except Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa. To learn more about District 86, please visit: http://www.toastmasters86.org/
Contact
Lisa des Vignes (DTM)
Public Relations Manager, Toastmasters District 86
