Our Donors Support iCAST Programming!

Austin Chen and Fei Han and daughter Elena

As the owner of Michelin-starred Enigma Yorkville, Austin Chen knows firsthand that leadership is still largely male-dominated.

“It’s changing, but too slowly,” he says. That’s why, when Austin and wife Fei Han decided to name a bench in iCAST’s Enterprise Hub, they weren’t just thinking about furniture—they were thinking about the future.

“These steps aren’t just a place to sit,” says Austin. “They’re a stage for creativity and dreams. I can already picture the girls from the Noodle program swapping ideas, inspiring each other and sparking amazing possibilities.”

A 38-week business accelerator program open to Grades 7 to 12, Noodle has grown exponentially—from five companies and 13 students in 2019 to 120 girls in 56 companies today.

Expanded to the Junior School for Grades 4–6, the Noodle program helps girls turn big ideas into real-world projects, aiming to close the gender gap within entrepreneurship. That mission resonated with Austin and Fei. Their daughter Elena is in Junior Kindergarten, well positioned to take full advantage of iCAST’s transformational opportunities.

“In today’s world, a lot of people get stuck thinking inside the box,” says Austin. “Noodle helps girls break out of that early, and shows them that ideas are great—but acting on them is even better. Seeing more talented women step up is inspiring—and I think programs like Noodle will only speed that up.”

But it’s about more than just launching businesses: “Noodle teaches girls to be fearless, to innovate and to make things happen. That’s the kind of energy the world needs right now.”

Learn more about Naming Opportunities.

Tricia "CK" Purks Hoffler'80 is leading the legacy opportunities on iCAST's Alum Donor Wall.

Branksome’s Alum Donor Wall is getting a powerful boost thanks to Tricia “CK” PURKS Hoffler’80, Partner and CEO of The CK Hoffler Firm in Atlanta, former Head Girl, and current Branksome Hall Board member. A celebrated civil rights attorney and past-president of the National Bar Association, Hoffler has been a lifelong advocate for change—and for Branksome. 

Hoffler knows how important it is for women to take up more space in the top male-dominated careers of tomorrow. She’s now symbolically aligning her generosity with her ideals, amplifying alum support by adding $250 to every Alum Donor Wall gift of $500, helping to permanently shape the bold "BH" installation composed of 250 alum names, which will be installed at the heart of iCAST.

"When I graduated in 1980, I never imagined how deeply Branksome would stay with me,” says Hoffler. “The friendships, confidence and values I gained are with me every day. Now, we have an opportunity to leave a visible legacy that reflects our shared journey and inspires future generations.”

More than just a wall, this striking installation on the second-floor bridge of iCAST is a testament to the values, traditions and leadership Branksome fosters.

Hoffler, who joined Branksome in 1976 after attending Swiss boarding schools, credits her time here—embracing theatre, dance and leadership while also becoming Branksome’s first Black Head Girl—for launching a career spent standing up for justice in the political and corporate spheres. She has gone up against such giants as Amazon.com and Purdue Pharma and was the personal attorney for iconic activist Rev. Jesse Jackson. Standing up for tomorrow’s women leaders is also part of her passion for change. 

“Let’s come together,” she urges fellow alums, “and create a legacy that will resonate for generations.”

Learn more about the Alum Donor Wall.

Register for Reunion.

Tom and Nicole Antony with daughters Elle in Grade 12 and Francesca in Grade 10.

As their daughter Elle prepares to walk across the graduation stage, Tom and Nicole Antony are marking the occasion with more than applause—they're leaving a legacy. The family is donating to the Graduating Year (GY) Scholarship Endowment Fund, a gesture they hope will open doors for future generations.

“This school has given our daughter so much,” said Tom, who praises Branksome’s leadership and vibrant community. “An endowed gift means we’re not just giving once—we’re helping students year after year. That’s real impact.”

Over 12 years, Elle immersed herself in the Branksome experience—from drama and the arts to athletics and student leadership. Her journey, her parents say, unlocked her creativity and shaped her into a confident, compassionate leader. This fall, she heads to Wake Forest University in North Carolina to continue her liberal arts path.

“Branksome has been more than just an educational institution—it has been a place of growth, creativity and leadership for our daughter, and a source of meaningful connection and shared purpose for our family,” says Tom. The Antonys also gave back in other ways—hosting events, volunteering in the library and classrooms and joining the Branksome Hall Parents' Association.

“This gift is a way to express our appreciation for the outstanding faculty, including the leadership of Principal Grace McCallum, and to help carry forward the values that have so positively shaped our daughter’s life,” says Tom.

Nicole, reflecting on the school’s exceptional faculty and holistic approach, adds, “It’s a superior education. We want to make sure talented students who can thrive here aren’t held back by financial constraints.”

Kimberley IONSON Taylor'89 with husband John and daughters Brooke'22 and Jaime in Grade 12.

For Kimberley IONSON Taylor’89, giving back to Branksome through the Stepping Stones Donor Wall feels like a natural extension of a lifelong connection to the school—and to the values it instilled.

Kimberley, whose daughters Jaime (Grade 12) and Brooke’22 also attended Branksome, was inspired to purchase a Stepping Stone because she’s thrilled to see the East and West Campuses finally connected by iCAST’s transformative learning environment.

“I wanted to give back because Branksome gave so much to me and to my daughters,” Kimberley shares. “The connections made at Branksome—the friendships, the career paths—are lasting. iCAST feels like it fills a void, creating a warm and inspiring space right in the heart of campus.”

As a boarder who once braved the cold trek across Mount Pleasant Road to the Senior School, Kimberley appreciates the connection—both architecturally and symbolically. “I just wish it had been open when I was running outside from swimming practice in a snowstorm to boarding!" she laughs.

A graduate in physics who was drawn to science through her encouraging experiences at Branksome, Kimberley credits the confidence she gained for launching her into a successful, varied career. She also cherishes the International Baccalaureate’s international focus and challenge on instilling a sense of ambition and open-mindedness in her daughters. Whether through her various past entrepreneurial ventures or her current role as a major gifts fundraiser at her alma mater, Bishop's University, she carries the spirit of Branksome with her.

“Success looks different for every girl,” she says. “I hope each one finds her own path—with the same confidence and warmth Branksome gave to me.”

Learn more about reserving your legacy with Stepping Stones.    

Student Achievement

Recent News

PrincipalED Podcast: Episode 3 with Owen Williams

Listen (or watch!) this episode of Principal McCallum’s podcast, in which English Instructional Leader, teacher and debate coach Owen Williams shares his unique storytelling approach in the classroom, the influence of his creative family members, his love of a good “giant” Assembly and more. 



Updated iCAST Naming Opportunities

Have a seat (or a bench, or a theatre) with your name! Did you know that, depending on the size of your gift, you can name a space in iCAST, including hands-on learning environments, gateways and common spaces? Learn more about our latest Naming Opportunities here or contact Claudia Metelsky, Director, Campaign and Development, Advancement and Community Engagement.

Branksome Hall

10 Elm Avenue, Toronto, ON M4W 1N4 

View as Webpage