Kisha Elliston, MSW is a passionate and influential voice in the community, actively engaging across the Greater Toronto Area. Whether it's on panels, as a keynote speaker, or at mental health and wellness engagements, Kisha’s presence is both captivating and inspiring. Those who’ve met Kisha know her for her warmth, positivity, and undeniable impact. She brings a light that uplifts and leaves a lasting impression.

She is a dedicated mental health professional with over 12 years of counselling experience. She holds a Master’s in Social Work, an Honours degree in Sociology, and a Diploma in Legal Administration. Her expertise includes working with youth, individuals, couples, and families, and she is well-versed in group counselling settings.

Kisha has made significant contributions at organizations such as the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and CAMH, where she supported women in crisis and worked with youth in urgent care and substance abuse programs. She is highly knowledgeable in Anti-Oppression and Anti-Black approaches, and her sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds allows her to effectively engage with people from various walks of life. Known for her warmth, approachability, and inspiring presence, Kisha uplifts everyone she encounters, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to meet her.

Sola Oluwole is the Regional Manager for Inclusive Entrepreneurship at BDC, working with BDC teams across Ontario and ecosystem partners to make BDC services more accessible to diverse entrepreneurs.

With a career spanning over 15 years, she has worked with several entrepreneurs to grow their businesses by facilitating access to financing, business advice and network. She is especially passionate about women entrepreneurs.

Prior to BDC, she worked in the banking and business consulting industries where she gained knowledge of banking and business strategy & operations.  She is also an experienced entrepreneur, having run her own business and seen first-hand the challenges business owners face.

Outside of work, she volunteers with local and global organizations committed to helping women and girls to be their best. In 2012, she founded a women capacity development organization dedicated to the personal growth of women across many countries.

Sola is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and an MSc graduate of the University of Manchester’s where she majored in International Development.

Originally from Leeds, England. Tony aka Master T was a decorated VJ at Muchmusic hosting/producing and interviewing some of the most popular artists in the world, including Madonna, Janet Jackson, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, Meat Loaf, Jay Z, TuPac and countless others. From 1990-2001 at a pivotal time in Canadian hip-hop history, he was a producer and VJ for various MuchMusic programs, including his original creation X-tendamix/Da Mix, and produced RapCity in the latter years, which helped to continue the growth of Hip Hop throughout Canada and beyond.

He’s the former Director of Media Production for RX Music a music consultancy agency that helps create captivating guest experiences for retail stores, hotels, bars, restaurants, spas, and other experiential spaces. Tony was also proud to create and produce their online series, RX Music Live. Master T pulled back the curtain and brought a fresh perspective on the life, times, struggles and the story behind some of today’s brightest stars. Including BeBe Rexha, Neon Dreams, The Sheepdogs, Brett Kissel, Haviah Mighty, Kardinal Offishall, Vance Joy, Johnny Orlando, Talib Kweli, Maestro, Little Dragon, Sean Paul, Clean Bandit, Lee Fields and many more!

As an MC, host or keynote speaker he continues to be in demand for his natural dynamic approach for engaging audiences. In 2023, T managed to conduct three massive Keynotes with Canadian Hip Hop Icons. Kardinal Offishal at CMW, Michie Mee for Indie Week and Maestro Fresh Wes for National Music Centre and CARAS.

T wrapped up 2023 by hosting both nights of the Andy Kim Christmas in support of the National Music Centre at Studio Bell in Calgary.

Currently he is the host, producer and director for Esor Productions, providing online content and creating properties for the brand he has helped establish with his wife over the years.

Rahim is the CEO and founder of Datasoft Group of Companies, a multinational fintech specializing in foreign exchange and global payments software. Rahim leads a global workforce of over 100 employees in developing and delivering transformational solutions for the FX and global payments space.

A classically trained multi-instrumentalist, Isabelle is preparing for her Level 8 Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Her talent earned her a spot in the Regional Arts and Media Program.

Since its establishment in 1999, Rahim has been at the helm of the Datasoft Group, guiding it from its startup phase to its current status as a globally recognized leader. Under Rahim’s leadership, Datasoft developed its proprietary flagship platform, FxOffice, an enterprise-level software core, that provides end-to-end FX and global payment functionality to bank and non-bank financial institutions worldwide. FxOffice runs as a SaaS offering, powering financial institutions in 9 countries, clearing hundreds of billions in FX flows, and millions of cross-border settlements annually.

Before 2008, Rahim played a crucial role in the senior management team at Jameson Bank, where they successfully secured a Canadian Schedule 1 banking charter. In the capacity of Executive VP Operations, Rahim managed bank operations and technology, actively shaping policies and procedures pertaining to risk, technology, security, and compliance during the transition to a regulated bank.

Rahim has been instrumental in his leadership capacity at the Datasoft Group and beyond, skillfully integrating hands-on engineering, strategy development, governance design, and executive leadership. He has honed his expertise across various organizational domains, showcasing a proven and versatile skill set. His latest innovation involves the fusion of cloud-based automation with embedded finance and banking-as-a-service to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements for financial service platforms.

Rahim attended the University of Toronto studying Computer Sciences, Economics, and Biology. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with his wife and is a proud girl-dad to two teenage daughters. His greatest joys are his family, boating and flying.

Isabelle Paul, a 16-year-old student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, is in the Music Program and has loved music since childhood. She started playing piano as a toddler and developed her skills over the years while attending Brackendale Montessori.

A classically trained multi-instrumentalist, Isabelle is preparing for her Level 8 Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Her talent earned her a spot in the Regional Arts and Media Program.

Isabelle founded "Lessons By Belle," a piano school in her living room, which has since grown into a business offering birthday entertainment, corporate events, classroom education, and educational music books. Her program won an Ontario Summer Company grant to help expand her business. She plans on digitizing her business into educational apps, websites, and a sound book.

Her debut book, Do Re Mi with the Bell Family, introduces children to the C scale and aims to make music learning fun. Isabelle is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians through her creative approach to music education.

I’m Irismar Lawrence, a Chopra Certified Life Coach, dedicated to guiding you on your journey toward wellness, inner peace, and fulfilling personal growth. My path to becoming a wellness and life coach was shaped by nearly two decades of experience in the banking industry, where I developed a deep understanding of the pressures and challenges faced by professionals. This unique background fuels my passion for helping others find balance and resilience in their lives.

Driven by my own quest for healing and understanding the true essence of well-being, I’ve embraced the teachings of Deepak Chopra, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to offer a holistic approach to wellness. Whether you’re seeking to reduce stress, enhance joy, or navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Beyond coaching, I’m an enthusiast for life’s simple joys—from the tranquility of morning meditations to exploring nature’s wonders. I believe in living mindfully, loving deeply, and laughing often, values that I bring into my coaching practice to help you achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

I am a clinical psychologist who has worked with clients recovering from burnout and who has felt burnout myself. I approach burnout prevention and stress management from the perspective of research and my clinical experiences working with clients. Burnout and stress can make you a different person. We want to bring you back to yourself and teach you what you need to know to stay healthy in the long term!

At Clear Mind, I lead collaborative workshops on stress management and burnout prevention for entrepreneurs, cooperations, and healthcare workers. I also have a private practice, Inner Wisdom Psychology, where I work with clients who live with anxiety, mood disorders, and chronic pain/illness.

Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, reading fantasy fiction, and baking all kinds of sweets.

Althea Fernandes is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in supporting working professionals, especially paramedics and healthcare workers, in Ajax and Ontario. In her role as a psychotherapist, she has extensive experience working with adolescents, families, and couples and brings that expertise into how she supports working professionals to understand and manage the range of stressors in their lives. She is particularly passionate about helping professionals struggling with work-related burnout, stress, and trauma and the impact it has on their identity. Drawing on her diverse professional experiences, her own journey as an entrepreneur as well as personal experiences with burnout, Althea assists professionals in gaining insight into the factors that make them vulnerable to burnout and stress and the barriers preventing them from fully enjoying their lives. Her goal is to empower her clients to find more purpose, freedom, and passion in their work and personal lives, enabling them to overcome burnout and THRIVE, not just survive.

Meredith Best is the Assistant Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) where she oversees the strategic direction and operations of the Sam Ibrahim Centre for Inclusive Excellence, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership (SICIEEIL).

Prior to joining UTSC, Meredith was a Senior Lead in the Innovation Office at FSRA Ontario focused on modernizing innovation policy in the financial sector, the Director of Ecosystem Development & Engagement in Walmart Canada's Innovation Division, the Senior Director of Partnerships at the Toronto Region Board of Trade (one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in Ontario), and Director of Partnerships at the Toronto International Film Festival (the largest public attended film festival in the world).

A proud Scarborough resident, you can find her on weekend walking her dog Steeler along The Meadoway, as a Steering Committee member of the East Scarborough Storefront, and Advisory Committee member of the Legacy Awards.

Yannick, a determined advocate of small business at RBC Royal Bank, leads the team of bankers dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in East Toronto. His team of strategic advisors strives to reach a deep understanding of each customer’s business and provide them access to a wide range of helpful solutions including but not limited to loans, credit cards, currency exchange, bank accounts, deposit and payment solutions, as well as “beyond banking” solutions offered through a large partner network.

Yannick, a determined advocate of small business at RBC Royal Bank, leads the team of bankers dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in East Toronto. His team of strategic advisors strives to reach a deep understanding of each customer’s business and provide them access to a wide range of helpful solutions including but not limited to loans, credit cards, currency exchange, bank accounts, deposit and payment solutions, as well as “beyond banking” solutions offered through a large partner network.

Jonathan Diamond is a Principal at Well Grounded Real Estate, a family firm that owns and operates a portfolio of multi-family and retail properties throughout Ontario. In his primary role driving purpose-built rental developments, Jonathan demonstrates a commitment to scalable strategies for building design, development, and execution. Furthermore, Jonathan holds a PhD in neuroscience, bringing a distinct perspective to the industry, viewing development as an engineering challenge above all else.”

Rock Wang is an Executive Director at Oakbank Capital Group and is responsible for sourcing and structuring mortgage financing for real estate developers and investors. Rock has over 15 years of experience in mortgage lending and real estate. Most recently, Rock was a Senior Director at a Montreal based residential developer with projects in QC, ON, and BC. Prior to that, Rock was a Senior Director at one of Canada's largest non-bank lenders and was involved in more than $3B of financings. Rock attended the University of Western Ontario and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

Sofia Aguilar is a visionary marketing strategist, content creator, and multifaceted entrepreneur who seamlessly blends faith-based principles with impactful digital marketing strategies. As the founder of Aguilar Media Group and The Confident Creator Academy, Sofia is dedicated to empowering aspiring business owners, executives and individuals to authentically express themselves online.

From founding her own dance studio at 18 to guiding over 400 businesses across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, her journey is a testament to resilience and purpose.

Launching her venture during the pandemic, she quickly garnered recognition, including an appearance on Breakfast Television, where she shared her expertise on social media best practices. Drawing from her personal experiences, Sophia bridges the gap between faith, business ownership, and digital marketing, empowering high-level entrepreneurs worldwide to craft high-converting content. With a focus on faith, Kingdom influence, and the digital realm, Sophia has become a sought-after mentor and speaker, known for inspiring others to discover and amplify their authentic voices online.

Yanique Russell is a Canadian Attorney who is the Founder and CEO of Yanique Russell Law, Global Immigration Services Jamaica & CollegePass Recruitment Inc. She is an attorney licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, and a licensed foreign worker recruiter. Her practice includes Canadian Immigration, Business and Estates Law at Yanique Russell Law. As a Canadian immigrant, her passion to serve her community led her to launch her college and work recruitment company with a mission to make the international study, investment and work experience more accessible to immigrants. She also creates turn- key business migration opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs and connects Canadian employers with foreign talent. Her experience as an immigrant, lawyer and recruiter makes her ideal to guide anyone interested in studying, working and living in Canada.

Mark Borkowski has been president of Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions Corporation since 1986.

Mercantile is a mid-market sell-side M&A brokerage firm based in Toronto. Mark is an Electrical Engineer and MBA. After leaving Hewlett-Packard, Mark was co-founding president of Cimtek Automation Systems. He sold his interests to his partners. Mark is an avid co-investor with enterprising entrepreneurs.

Isaiah Joseph is a independent researcher known for his robust digital platform on LinkedIn and past work leading internal research requests at a large commercial real estate brokerage in Toronto. His published reports span across the spectrum of commercial real estate asset types, including multifamily, residential land development, office, industrial, mixed-use, retail, and hospitality. Isaiah received his H.BSc. from the University of Toronto and has a passion for sports, reading, and volunteering at his local church. Additionally, he sits as a Co-Chair for a Top 100 Global Platinum City Club, has over four years of experience volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross on their Emergency Response Team and currently serves the City of Pickering on their Property Review Committee.

As Trend Hunter's SVP of Special Projects, Sean Watson wears many different hats. Whether helping Fortune 500 brands refine their approach to innovation through our Patterned Thinking workshop or outlining ways a tech startup can get ahead through his Futuristic Tech presentation, Sean approaches public speaking with the mission to inform the mind and inspire the imagination. He has honed this skill through his extensive background at companies like Rogers, Bertelsmann, and American Express.

As Trend Hunter's resident tech specialist, Sean has run private keynotes and innovation sessions with brands such as Coca-Cola, Kraft-Heinz, and Google. His expertise is in getting highly knowledgeable teams to employ a new perspective of the trend content they deem relevant to them, consequently encouraging them to reset and rethink their approach to innovation.

Imanzi has over 10 years of experience in the Federal Public Service and recently joined the Procurement Assistance Canada (Ontario Region) team in January 2021.

In his current role as Policy Analyst, Imanzi is responsible for stakeholder engagement and cultivating partnership opportunities with organizations to support businesses looking to become government suppliers and increase the participation of equity deserving businesses in federal procurement.  He also delivers seminars that assist and inform suppliers on how to do business with the Government of Canada, how to navigate the federal procurement system and how to utilize canadabuys.canada.ca, the Government Electronic Tendering Service.

Paul spent 12 years with Hazelview Investments and its predecessor Timbercreek Asset Management, most recently as Executive Director overseeing all aspects of a $4.5B multi-residential investment portfolio. He left in 2022 to pursue residential development in the GTA, and currently oversees two strategies - Front Street, which focuses on single-family urban infill projects, and Densifi – a GTA-focused high-rise development firm. He is also a member of the Rose Corporation’s Advisory Board – a Toronto based development firm with a 40-year history.

Groundbreaking research by CMHC has revealed that inadequate supply is a key driver behind escalating house prices in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. The lead researcher for that project – Deputy Chief Economist Aled ab Iorwerth – now coordinates a diverse national team of researchers and analysts who are investigating impediments to housing supply and potential solutions.

“Housing markets are local. Broader challenges such as supply are often common, but the drivers and magnitude of these challenges may differ significantly across the country.

My goal is to help understand and inform on market dynamics, how they support or hinder housing affordability goals and to provide thought leadership on housing economics across housing industry participants.”

Aled joined CMHC in 2016, bringing his strong analytical and research capabilities to bear on complex housing issues. He previously had a 15-year career at Finance Canada, in various research and analysis roles that included secondments to Environment Canada and the Council of Canadian Academies.

Aled holds a PhD in Economics from Western University and master’s degrees in European and International Relations (University of Amsterdam) and Economics (Carleton University). He speaks three languages: English, French and Welsh.

Jeremiah Shamess, Executive Vice President at Colliers, leading Private Capital Investment Group, specializing in the sale of buildings & development land in the GTHA. Jeremiah has sold over $2.1 billion worth of real estate. A proven deal maker, and creative in finding solutions for owners of development land, he specializes in exclusively representing sellers of commercial real estate. A regular commentator in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail and Storeys Jeremiah is a thought leader and regularly writes on twitter with his handle @JShamess regarding Canadian Real Estate.

Shawn Allen, a prominent figure in Canadian finance, epitomizes the essence of Scarborough, having been born, raised, and currently residing in this vibrant community. In 2008, he founded Matrix Mortgage Global, guiding it to become the premier private lending brokerage in the nation. Shawn’s exceptional contributions have earned him significant recognition, including his induction into the Scarborough Walk of Fame, 5 consecutive Broker of the Year awards, and a place on the prestigious Growth 500 list for the fastest growing mortgage brokerage in Canada. He has also been honored three times with the Top 100 Global Mortgage Broker award. Notably, Shawn was acknowledged as one of the top 100 most influential Black individuals in Canada in 2022 and 2023.

He recently hosted the 2023 Toronto Business Summit at UTSC and is scheduled to host the Affordable Housing Summit at UTSC in 2024. In addition to his financial accomplishments, Shawn shows empathy towards student challenges and underscores his commitment to community welfare by establishing The Shawn Allen Award for students in the Faculty of Management and International Business. This initiative underscores his dedication to both the finance industry and the betterment of his community. Currently serving as the President of the Scarborough Business Association, Shawn continues to lead a thriving organization that serves as a diverse and dynamic center for business excellence and community engagement.

As the President of Light Speed Web Inc., dedicated to driving innovation and growth through strategic digital transformation.

With a passion for leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions, I help businesses navigate the complexities of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

My expertise lies in leading transformative initiatives that not only foster growth but also enhance operational excellence.

By aligning technology with business objectives, I empower organizations to thrive in today’s competitive environment. --- This highlights Ishwinder's commitment to innovation, growth, and digital transformation.

With a wealth of experience, Cora has been president of Trade Alliances Canada Inc. since 2018. Her passion lies in forging innovative and global connections within Canada and the Asian communities. Over her 30-year career, she has navigated government and private industry intricacies, collaborating with entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized companies, and NGOs to establish connections between Canada and Asian countries. This extensive experience is a testament to her capabilities and expertise.

She retired from the Ontario provincial government in 2011 and held several executive positions in the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Business Practices Division. Roles included those as Provincial Registrar, responsible for the enforcement and administration of Ontario Consumer Protection statutes under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act, the Cemeteries Act, as Project Director for the transition team of the Travel Industry Act, as Project Director for the re-development of a comprehensive commercial registration, information and tracking system to accommodate the requirements of business regulation and consumer protection under seven pieces of legislation.

Cora worked as a business consultant with Business Development Canada (BDC) for over five years. She then moved and lived in the Philippines from 2012 to 2018 to become the National Executive Director for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She worked closely with the Trade Commissioner’s Office of the Canadian Embassy in the Philippines and promoted Canadian businesses and trade relations between Canada and the Philippines.

As the current Chair of the Philippine Canadian Chamber of Commerce (PCCC), Cora is a driving force in advancing its mission to foster economic growth among Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs. Her past leadership roles include President of the National Alliance of Philippine Business Trade and Tourism (Canada), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce-Toronto, the Canadian Association of Philippine Travel Agents, and the Regional Vice President of the National Council of Canadian Filipino Associations.

Cora is a recipient of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World Award, a global winning award under the Filipina Global Women’s Network TM, a San Francisco-based non-profit professional organization for women, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at the International Women’s Day in Markham, Ontario, an award finalist for the Asian of the Year in Business and Public Service under the Canada Asian Network held in Parliament Hills, Ottawa, One of the Most Outstanding President of Philippine Associations in Canada, and Most Outstanding Filipino-Canadian..

Born in the Philippines and immigrated to Canada at age 20, Cora's journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. Her ability to navigate different cultures and systems has been a critical factor in her success. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Philippines and a Bachelor's in Administrative Studies from York University.

Cora's passion lies in coaching women in entrepreneurship and leadership, where she has made significant contributions. Her commitment to building and mentoring the youth is evident in her work and is a vital part of her professional identity.

With a passion for protecting nature, an understanding of the challenges the natural world faces, and a spirit of ruthless optimism, Dolf DeJong has enjoyed an incredible career in the conservation, wildlife protection and education field.

Dolf began as Chief Executive Officer of your Toronto Zoo in September 2018. His focus revolves around a commitment to raising the Zoo’s community connections to ensure we are working together to deliver on the Zoo’s new Strategic and Master Plan. These Plans focus on saving and protecting wildlife, igniting the passion, delivering exceptional guest experiences, serving the community and revolutionizing technology.

Dolf has a Masters of Environmental Studies from Wilfred Laurier University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and an Honours Bachelor of Science from Brock University.

Murray Simser is the Founder and CEO of CITIZN, a groundbreaking societal network that's all about boosting democratic engagement. With over 20 years of experience, including significant time in Silicon Valley, Murray has held roles in both the public and private sectors, including stints at Microsoft and various tech startups. His software has been used by millions of people, showcasing its widespread impact. He's a serial entrepreneur who loves using tech to tackle big societal issues.

Murray kicked off his career in politics, working at Parliament, but soon made the leap to tech, blending his political smarts with tech know-how. One of his standout achievements was co-founding one of the first-ever cloud-based CRM software companies. This game-changing CRM was snapped up by big names like British Telecom, the Canadian Government, and loads of Fortune 1000 companies. It even powered Service Canada, reimagining digital government services. Murray has successfully raised significant funding for his startups and the companies he has led, demonstrating his ability to attract investment and drive growth.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Murray was the Worldwide Director of Incubation for Microsoft Services, where he led a team to integrate new acquisitions into Microsoft's ecosystem, including what became Teams. Murray's Silicon Valley experience further honed his skills, giving him a unique edge in the tech world. He has also served as CEO and on the boards of several public companies, leading significant reorganizations and recapitalizations.

At CITIZN, Murray's innovative approach uses societal networks to drive positive policy changes and address core human needs. His vision? To make decision-making more inclusive through tech. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics from the University of Ottawa and is big on mentoring startups and teaching as an adjunct professor at IE Business School.

Murray frequently speaks about politics, entrepreneurship, and AI at universities, sharing his insights and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As a leader of startup incubators, he is dedicated to nurturing new ventures and fostering innovation. His commitment to using tech for societal good continues to fuel his work at CITIZN, where he's on a mission to empower democracy and tackle capitalism-induced inequalities.

Bill McConkey is Associate Professor, Teaching Stream for Strategy and Entrepreneurship and Academic Director of The BRIDGE New Venture Program. In addition to teaching several courses in the BBA and MAccFin programs,

Bill supervises students who wish to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities, helping them build business plans and bring their concepts to market. Bill is involved in several student organizations, including TMG The Marketing Group, Management Consulting Club and the African Impact Challenge. Bill sits on the Board of Advisors and Board of Directors of a number of Canadian companies.

Abi Ragu is a dynamic Senior Global Business Development Executive with a proven track record in sales and leadership, consistently exceeding targets and driving substantial revenue growth. His expertise lies in strategic account management, pipeline development, and fostering robust client relationships, particularly within the logistics and supply chain sectors. As a logistics expert, Abi helps his customers navigate the complexities of import and export challenges from Canada, enabling Canadian businesses to thrive by accessing new markets.

Abi's career trajectory showcases a unique blend of scientific curiosity and business acumen. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology from McMaster University, a foundation that has instilled in him a data-driven and analytical approach to problem-solving. This, coupled with his passion for business, has propelled him to excel in the fast-paced world of sales and account management.

Beyond his professional achievements, Abi is a dedicated family man, cherishing his time with his wife and two children. He also has a zest for travel, constantly seeking new experiences and broadening his horizons.

Vikas (Vik) Jain is a Small Business Advisor with City of Toronto, Economic Development Division. Working as a Business Advisor and Entrepreneurial Trainer for 28 years, he provides support and advisory services for start up entrepreneurs and early-stage existing business to grow and expand. His main area of programming is delivering Micro-Financing Grant Funding Programs within the City of Toronto. Specially the Starter & Summer Company Program providing government grant funding up to $5,000. Has managed over $5M of funding to over 700 entrepreneurs from 2000-2024.

Vik has provided training and advisory coaching to a number of businesses that went to pitch their venture in front of the famous CBC TV show “The Dragons Den.”

Vik also has been and will continue to being a part-time faculty member at various Canadian Colleges, lecturing various courses in Business and International Business degree programmes within the School of Business and Continuing Education departments.

Tapfuma Musewe is a seasoned trade and investment executive with over 15 years of experience in advancing emerging markets and fostering regional leaders. Tapfuma has done extensive work across Southern Africa and is recognized as one of the Top 25 people shaping the future of Canada-Africa relations. As the founder of Afrifursa, he has built one of Canada’s foremost platforms for bridging African and Canadian innovation ecosystems through trade and investment. As the Associate Director of Sustainable Finance at EYElliance, he empowers entrepreneurs in global emerging markets to scale using innovative finance solutions. He also advises Bio Usawa, an Africa-based company specializing in life-saving, next-generation cancer treatments. Tapfuma has received several accolades, including the 2022 African Scholars Global Impact Award and the 2024 Arbor Award from the University of Toronto, reflecting his dedication to community engagement and academic excellence.

Jean Barrett brings over 25+ years of banking experience in the Retail and Commercial sectors. As the Manager for Alterna Savings' nationally acclaimed Community Microfinance Program, she oversees nine community microloan portfolios and manages 250+ small business borrowers in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa Region annually. Certified in financial literacy, Jean advises entrepreneurs and community organizations, and she frequently speaks on business planning, credit, budgeting, and financing at institutions like ACCES Employment Services, Toronto Business Development Centre, Toronto Library, and Youth Employment Services. She also supports ACCESS Community Capital Loan Fund and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund Team.

Jean’s leadership and expertise have made a substantial impact within the community and Alterna. Her management of microloan portfolios benefits a large number of small businesses. Her educational contributions reach aspiring entrepreneurs and community organizations. Her support for ACCESS Community Capital Loan Fund and the Ottawa Community Loan Fund Team demonstrates her commitment to community development. Jean’s mentoring and recognition by the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade highlight her dedication to supporting young entrepreneurs. Her volunteering with RISE Asset Development Investment Committee contributes to microfinance and small business loan reviews. The “Outstanding Community Services & Business Development Support” award from the AfriCanada Commerce Exchange in 2023 further underscores her significant impact in the community.

Mark J. Richardson is the Chief Technology Officer at Rich Analytics. He has 25+ Years of consulting- experience with public-sector clients at all-levels of Government in Canada, and was part of the City of Toronto's Open Data Advisory Group which helped define the City's first official Open Data Master Plan in 2018, and was a citizen-member of the City of Toronto's Planning Review Panel (2015-2017).

Mark is the Founder and Technical-Lead of the HousingNowTO.com affordable-housing tracking and transparency project since 2019. Using common tools such as Google maps, photographs, videos and data-visualization, HousingNowTO.com removes industry jargon, thereby minimizing misinformation and enhancing transparency and opportunities for genuine civic engagement. The HousingNowTO.com project was given an Innovation Spotlight by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 2021.

He is an active ULI volunteer with the Terwilliger Center for Housing in Washington, DC – and a regular collaborator on urban affordable housing innovation projects with University of Toronto’s School of Cities, and Toronto Metropolitan Universities’ School of Urban and Regional Planning.

Mark Radha is a brand and business strategist merging behavioural science, econometrics, and finance working with brands such as, GE, State Street, Facebook, to name a few.

Currently, Mark serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at 369 Publishing, where he oversees 3 Magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication that celebrate Third Culture Individuals and the culturally curious. Mark is also the Chief Brand Economist at Strata Insights and the architect of Brand Economics.

Mark holds several influential board appointments including as an Independent Board Member at Elexicon Corporation, one of Ontario's largest electricity distribution companies where he serves on the Audit, Finance, and Risk Management Committee, and Chairs the Elexicon Group Committee (EV, solar, and distributed energy).

In addition, Mark serves on the High Tech Automotive Industry Advisory Board at L.E.S. (USA), collaborating with top-tier automotive brands in vehicle technology, including electrification, smart cities, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and connected vehicles.

Mark has co-authored a pioneering global standard for the measurement, reporting, and management of overseeing intangible capital value and risk in order to protect shareholder value. This standard was adopted by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Mark is also a dedicated professor, having taught at George Brown College, Trent University, and Canadore College.

Philip is the founder and director of the Centre for Redemptive Entrepreneurship (CRE) at Tyndale University. The vision for CRE is to equip Christian entrepreneurs as culture-shaping catalysts in advancing their ventures. A co-founder of two social enterprises, KLINK Coffee and Red Propeller, by selling services and products to employ people with barriers to employment, Philip sees the critical value of addressing service gaps with an entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, in Philip’s creative business at GenesisXD, he serves on several non-profit boards and has experience in the relationship between leadership, social impacts, and innovation.

Ryan is a strategic consultant with over a decade of experience in helping businesses thrive online. He collaborates with leaders across diverse industries in Canada, from growing startups to established enterprises, using Google Ads to unlock their full potential.

Ryan is passionate about leveraging AI-powered tools to navigate the evolving landscape of digital marketing.

Ryan lives in Mississauga with his wife with 2 young boys.

John Kiru has over 40 years of experience specializing in local business improvement and planning for municipalities.

For the past 23 years, John has managed as its ED and CEO the day-to-day operation of the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA). TABIA is an umbrella organization representing Toronto’s 85 Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), with more than 90,000 main street retailers, professionals, landowners, and occupants who employ some 600,000 full and part time employees. BIA’s are a reflection of Toronto’s extensive diversity and play a key role in community building in the city of Neighbourhoods.

His years of experience with BIAs and Local small business provided an understanding of their needs and wants which resulted in John being the founder of Digital Main Street.

He has also successfully completed many projects since 1985 as the sole proprietor of John J. Kiru and Associates, Planning and Economic Development Consultants. These include by-law and operating guidelines for the municipal council of Richmond Hill for the establishment of the Richmond Hill BIA, first impression reviews of the Oakville BIA as well as for the BIA in the Town of Markham, a panel member for Mayor Bloomberg’s New York city small business review and BID enhancement. He has taken the BIA concept worldwide sharing the benefits of small businesses helping themselves and the ultimate private public partnership in places such as Hamburg Germany where he performed a peer review of the proposed enabling legislation.

Provincially John served as a member of Minister of Labour, Vulnerable Worker Task Group. From 2016 to 2021 Mr. Kiru was elected to the role of President and Chair of the Board of the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA) a 147-year-old institution that annually operates an 18 day fair drawing 1.6 million people.

Jesse Asido is the passionate owner and founder of Scarborough Spots, a dynamic social media-based retail store located in Eglinton Square Shopping Centre. With a vision to uplift and celebrate his beloved hometown of Scarborough, Jesse has transformed a simple Instagram account into a thriving community hub and retail space that embodies the vibrant spirit of the area.

Scarborough Spots began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a platform to promote local restaurants. Over time, it evolved to cover Scarborough news, memes, and unique merchandise, becoming a digital love letter to the community. Jesse's dedication to highlighting the positive aspects of Scarborough, from its diverse culture to its rich history, is evident in every post and product.

The store itself is a unique experience, designed to resemble a subway station, with sections dedicated to different areas of Scarborough. It not only offers clothing and merchandise but also serves as a center for community events and initiatives. Jesse's efforts extend to supporting local causes, with proceeds from certain collections going to groups such as the Scarborough Health Network.

Jesse's work with Scarborough Spots has not only redefined retail but also helped reshape the narrative around Scarborough, challenging negative stereotypes and celebrating the area's true essence. His deep love for Scarborough, coupled with his innovative approach, continues to inspire and bring positive change to the community.

Few Canadians have contributed to the world of design as much as Paul Rowan. Throughout his nearly fifty-year career, Paul has worked tirelessly to create and promote thoughtful, elevated design with the dream of making the world a more beautiful place. In 1980, Paul co-founded Umbra with his childhood friend Les Mandelbaum. Initially the only designer, Paul was responsible for all product design and manufacturing, creating modern, affordable housewares that led Canada into a new era of design. As Umbra grew into a global brand, Paul built a design team, primarily recruiting from OCADU, establishing a long-lasting relationship with the university.
Paul's passion for education and nurturing new designers led him to pioneer an innovative program in 2000 between design schools and Umbra, starting with Pratt University. Students collaborated with Paul to create products, with winning submissions produced and marketed by Umbra, providing royalties to both students and schools. This competition model was extended to numerous design schools worldwide, including Emily Carr, The Design Centre in Pasadena, and Humber College. These collaborations generated significant revenue and led to many internships and full-time jobs at Umbra and other leading design companies. Paul also sat on the OCADU board of directors for six years, contributing to initiatives like the Imagination Catalyst, an incubator promoting entrepreneurship among OCADU graduates.
Paul's contributions extend beyond Umbra and OCADU. He has been involved in numerous educational initiatives and competitions, such as a design competition with EAFIT University in Medellin, Colombia, and advisory roles in various design startups. He has written articles for Misc Magazine and frequently speaks at design institutions and events globally, including TEDx Toronto and the Ontario Economic Summit. Paul's achievements include his mesh can design being added to the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and receiving multiple awards, such as the Best Design Strategy Award and the Premier’s Award for Outstanding Achievement from the Colleges of Ontario. Currently, Paul is a partner and senior advisor at the design consulting firm Arch've, where he continues to support design education and advise emerging designers.

Upasana is a true trailblazer and a dynamic entrepreneur. She is the Vice President of TiE Toronto and the Managing Director of TiE Toronto’s Startup Visa program.
An expert in the Canadian Start-up Visa Program, Upasana has successfully launched several global start-ups in the Canadian market. She is also the co- managing partner at Tangentia Ventures, a Designated Venture Capital group under the Canada Start-up Visa Program. With a wealth of legal experience from her time practicing law with one of Toronto's leading law firms, Lerners LLP, she brings unique insight into the Canadian legal and regulatory system - an invaluable asset backing her expertise in advocacy, negotiating, critical thinking, and problem-solving!
Upasana is an unstoppable force in providing exceptional service, which has positioned her as a trusted advisor to business owners, start-ups, and organizations.
With such formidable background knowledge and experience, she is arguably building a best-in-class Startup incubation program in Canada's Start-up ecosystem, helping startups succeed in breaking into Canada's competitive market.
Being an entrepreneur herself, Upasana has the acumen and empathy to aid entrepreneurs through the daunting process of expanding their ventures to Canada. Her exceptional service has earned her numerous accolades, recognition, and affiliations. She sits on the Board of Angel One Network Inc. Named a MacArthur Foundation Scholar for her dedication and drive, Upasana achieved academic success by obtaining an LLM degree from the University of Toronto. Her impressive network brings together top investors, business consultants, lawyers, and industry experts, providing entrepreneurs mentorship and knowledge-based resources to ensure their success.
Her achievements and contributions are a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Here's what you should know about Upasana: - There is nothing more important to her than hard work and determination. - Strategically navigating complex but lucrative markets, she hits goals, avoids problems, and tackles new possibilities. - She finds great people and assembles teams that perform and deliver. - She believes in the hustle and faces down challenges with grit and tenacity to bring people and ideas together to build successful businesses. - There is no greater thrill to her than digging into businesses and watching them grow.

With over 30 years in healthcare management and advocacy, Marc Kealey is a leading voice for transformation. He is the Chief Advocate and founder of K&A Inc., a public policy, project management consultancy with clients in Canada and abroad. His success is honed through years of practical experience in governance, public policy development and management. Well networked, he serves clients in the areas of energy, gaming, healthcare, and agriculture with projects in several countries including Asia, Latin America, USA, and Canada. Kealey has been instrumental in crafting complex policy decisions in Canada and globally.
From 2004 to 2007, he served as CEO of the largest pharmacy organization in Canada. He steered the organization through the toughest issues of the day including the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act. Recognized in North America as a leading advocate for the preservation of the multi-billion dollar prescription drug industry, he is an advocate for the elimination of cross border re-importation and drug security. Through his network, he lectures globally on related issues.
Prior to 2004, Kealey served as GM of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd (AECL) , he was part of AECL CANDU technology team in China and Eastern Europe. He delivered value by being interface with governments
and linked CANDU technology with Canadian healthcare system design in Qinshan, China and Cernavoda, Romania. In China he capitalized on the great work of Dr. Norman Bethune and in Romania linked Canadian health and social services to the region where nuclear facilities are located. He continues advocacy for Bethune in China and CANDU nuclear.
From 1990 to 1999, Kealey served as VP of Planning and Development at Whitby General Hospital and steered the transition from community hospital to part of a regional system now known as Lakeridge Health System. He facilitated collaboration among the six hospitals in Durham region and fostered consensus to integrate all hospitals into one system. He served as an advisor to former Prime Minster Rt. Hon. John N. Turner from 1984 to 1990 on federal/provincial relations. He and Prime Minister Turner remained colleagues even after they both left politics and campaigned for causes like water sustainability and democracy throughout the world.
Mr. Kealey sits on a number of boards including Canada India Foundation, Jamaica Disaster Relief and Resilience Initiative, Doctors Federation for the World; China Association of TCM; the Bethune Foundation and Wounds Canada as well as publicly traded companies. He is well traveled internationally and lectures on healthcare and democracy. In 2005 he and Prime Minister John Turner represented Canada in Israel for the anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. In 2004 he led a delegation to Ukraine to oversee that country’s move to democracy. In 2017, he became a Knight in the Order of France.
He is a graduate of St. Jerome’s University at the University of Waterloo in Ontario and attended Kent State University in Ohio. He lives in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.

David Tsubouchi is an author and former politician, regulator, and Integrity Commissioner. Mr. Tsubouchi holds a B.A. from York University, a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, an LL.D. from Assumption University in Windsor, a D.S. Litt. from Huntington University and C.Dir. from McMaster University.

David Tsubouchi is the first Japanese Canadian to be elected to a provincial legislature and be appointed to cabinet in Canada. He has served as the MPP for Markham for two terms and has held cabinet posts in the Ontario Legislature including Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Solicitor General, Chair of Management Board/Treasury Board and Minister of Culture. Prior to serving in the Ontario Legislature, Mr. Tsubouchi served as a Councillor for the Town of Markham for two terms.

Mr. Tsubouchi currently sits on the board of directors for OMERS Administration Corporation and Tarion. He has served as the Honorary Consul General for Mongolia (Toronto). He has served on many boards of directors including York University, Seneca College, Trios College, Women’s College Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Hitachi Canada, Lakefront Utilities, Teranet Income Trust, and Ontario Arts Council.

Mr. Tsubouchi has received numerous awards and honors including the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals, North American Association of Asian Professionals 100 Award, The Bruce Bryden Award (York University), The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, The Award of Merit from the Japanese Canadian Community, and the Canadian Horse Racing Industry Award of Recognition.

David Tsubouchi has been an international keynote speaker in many countries including Dubai, Macau, China, Japan, Canada and the United States. He currently lectures on diversity at York University, Department of Equity Studies and Politics and Governance at the Directors College, McMaster University.

His memoir, Gambatte, was nominated for the Speaker’s Book Award and the Heritage Toronto Award. He contributed to Race In-Equity, Intersectionality, Social Determinants of Health, and Human Rights. He has written five sci-fi novels, The Chinese Door series and Zeke. He has also contributed to The Handbook of Board Governance 3 rd Issue.

Trimel Fidely is a Business Centre Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). He first came to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago to complete his Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons.) degree in Finance and Human Resources at the University of New Brunswick. His time in Fredericton and newfound love of the East Coast made it easy to call Canada his new home, where he launched his career in financial services.

Over the past 15 years, he has worked in financial institutions holding various roles in retail banking, insurance and most recently, commercial banking. For the past 11 years at BDC, Trimel has been working with entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of their businesses and helping to solve any challenges they face. He accomplishes this by providing a wide array of financing solutions, including venture capital, as well as a full suite of advisory services. His career at BDC has taken him to many new cities throughout the country including Halifax, NS; Calgary, AB; St. John’s, NL and most recently Toronto, ON where he currently resides with his wife and 3 kids.

As Trend Hunter's Chief Growth Officer, Jonathon Brown is an expert in maximizing the innovation potential of ambitious companies. After hundreds of interviews with global innovation leaders, Jonathon has uncovered methods for sparking creativity and systematic innovation across many industries. He shares these reusable techniques through captivating keynotes and backed by real use case examples. Jonathon started at Trend Hunter in 2012 on the editorial team, where he wrote over 1,000 articles, garnering 6 million views. In 2015, he spearheaded the successful launch of Jeremy Gutsche’s New York Times bestseller Better and Faster. Along with his keynotes, Jonathon doubles as the Emcee at Future Festival, the world's highest-rated innovation conference. Throughout his career, he's served as an innovation keynote speaker for clients such as Cisco and Walmart, as well as events such as The Market Research Event and OmniShopper.

Catherine Chandler-Crichlow, Ph.D. is the Dean at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies (SCS).

Prior to joining U of T SCS, Catherine was the Executive Director of Career Management and Corporate Recruiting at Ivey Business School - Western University. She is a transformational leader and passionate advocate for an inclusive approach to addressing the supply and demand of talent for the Ontario workforce ecosystem. While at Western, she was an active member of Ivey’s EDI Executive Council.

Prior to her leadership positions within universities, Catherine headed 3C Workforce Solutions that conducted human capital research in partnership with organizations such as Mercer International to determine talent needs across major sectors such as transportation, telecommunications and hospitality in Ontario. Such research she deems key to understanding the changing nature of work and tackling under- and unemployment of racialized youth, immigrants, newcomers, and marginalized Francophonie.

With 25+ years as a human capital professional, her career focus has been in the financial services sector with executive roles at TD Bank Financial Group, the Centre of Excellence in Financial Services and the Toronto International Leadership Centre for Financial Sector Supervision. She has consulted to the World Bank and has advised clients in Canada, Europe, Latin America, South-East Asia and the Caribbean.

Catherine has been a human capital advisor to different levels of government such as her membership on the federal Advisory Panel on Canada’s International Education Strategy and as a member of the External Advisory Committee on Inclusion and Diversity of the Ontario Public Service. She is Board Chair of the largest immigrant mentorship network in Canada and in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary, she was selected by The Philanthropist as one of Canada’s leaders in the non-profit sector.

Catherine holds a doctorate in adult education from the University of Toronto, a Master of Education degree from Harvard University, and both a Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the West Indies.

A native of Scarborough, Ontario, Sam Ibrahim’s family immigrated from Egypt to Canada in the 1980s. He is an alumnus of the University of Toronto Scarborough who, at the age of 26, founded the Arrow Group of Companies. The Arrow Group is a collection of more than 20 corporations with a range of interests, including scientific research, diversified finance, temporary labour, health and wellness, sports and recreation and professional basketball. A self-made business magnet, the Arrow Group has grown to become one of Canada’s largest private corporations. It currently employs over 10,000 people and operates on four continents.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Mr. Ibrahim is a father of two boys, an avid basketball fan, and the owner of the largest private collection of basketball facilities in the world. The Playground started off as a passion project and has become Canada’s largest employer in the sport of basketball outside of the Toronto Raptors. Performing arts is another passion for Mr. Ibrahim and he recently converted the East York Masonic Temple into a live theatre and concert venue, and an instructional facility for aspiring actors, singers and dancers.

Sam Ibrahim believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship and its abilities to uplift a community. His recent partnership with the University of Toronto is a testament to these values. The Sam Ibrahim Centre of Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership was established to provide students with world class access to greater opportunities in Scarborough.

His advice for success is to “See where the crowd is moving and go the other way”.

Lee Soda is the Executive Director at Agincourt Community Services Association.  A non-profit, multi-service agency in Scarborough whose core business is addressing the needs and supporting those struggling with systemic poverty.

Lee Soda is committed to addressing the root causes of poverty and marginalization through community work. Her focus is on re-imagining possibilities for the communities ACSA serves, and as an experienced thought leader in the not-for-profit sector, she excels at partnership development, nurturing and fostering collaborative endeavours and driven by the belief that success belongs to all people.

Lee is a strong advocate of inclusive social policies and works toward breaking down systemic barriers through access, equity and the creation of programs and services within communities that promote strong, vibrant, safe and healthy neighbourhoods where people can live, work, play and thrive within.

A graduate of York University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology and an Early Childhood Educator, Lee believes the basics of life are ingrained in the Early Years of our development and practiced throughout our lives.

Lee’s experience includes, leadership building, succession planning, program development and evaluation. Lee is passionate about thought leadership, experiential learning, integrated program delivery models, partnership building, developing community capacity and working alongside community to self determine their needs.

Recognized for her endeavours in Scarborough communities from the Province of Ontario as a Leading Women Champion in 2015. With ongoing efforts to empower girls and women at being the best they can be, and leading by the example that making our communities better, begins with each one of us, and you never leave it to someone else to get the job done. Lee Soda’s professional experience includes coaching and mentoring women and girls in recognizing their potential and capacity to influence and be change makers within their communities. Lee believes that building and nurturing the capacity of others is a privilege and responsibility for the next generation of leaders.

Recognized as a key influencer in generational wealth planning, Michael is renowned for his expertise in navigating complex estate planning matters and transforming them into advantageous solutions.

Over the course of his professional journey, Michael has assisted thousands of families in devising and safeguarding their legacies, thereby cultivating a positive influence on their lineage for generations to follow. He has delivered lectures regarding estate planning, insurance, and philanthropy across Canada, and is frequently interviewed on podcasts focused on financial matters.

Michael is a Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). He is also a member of the Sick Kids Professional Advisors Network, The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Canada, Advocis – The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, FP Canada – Advancing Professional Financial Planning and a sponsor at McMaster’s Incubator Program, The Forge.

Generational Wealth Planning aims to create a positive influence not only on the present generation but also on those to come. Michael has embraced the role of an educator in this realm as a fundamental aspect of his professional mission.