Teresa Cascioli

Born in Hamilton to Italian immigrants, Teresa Cascioli is a passionate entrepreneur and philanthropist. Appointed Lakeport Brewing CEO in 1999, she led a turn-around of the bankrupt brewery taking it public in 2005. Renowned for its catchy “24 for $24”, Lakeport became Ontario’s number three brewery, employing over 200 and changing the way beer is marketed. Her philanthropic leadership enhances Hamilton’s quality of life. The Teresa Cascioli Charitable Foundation has donated over $4-million including $1-million each to her alma mater McMaster University and to St. Joseph’s Healthcare, as well as supporting City Kidz, Hamilton Food Share and McMaster Children’s Hospital. Her numerous national awards include the Canadian Venture Capital Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year and being named the first female Italo-Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year.