Dr. Hanan Bassyouni
MD, FRCPC

Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, Associate Director of the SAWH (Student Advocacy and Wellness Hub), Cumming School of Medicine,
University of Calgary

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Dr. Bassyouni was born in Calgary, then moved to Egypt and returned to Calgary to complete university studies and medical school. She works at the Foothills and Peter Lougheed hospitals to provide general endocrinology and diabetes in pregnancy care as well as provide outreach clinics at non-profit organizations. She is heavily involved in medical education at the Undergraduate, Post graduate and continuing medical education levels, as well as multiple community, volunteer and patient advocacy activities and initiatives.

Hilda Broomfield Letemplier

President,
Pressure Pipe Procurement & Management Services

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Hilda Broomfield Letemplier leads an Inuit/Indigenous Women-owned business servicing natural resource projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. Hilda has been honoured with the 2023 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award by the CCIB, the 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneur’s Leadership Award and was an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist and winner of Special Citation for Community Builder in 2023. Her work promotes diversity and inclusiveness, reflecting her unique perspective as a rural Indigenous entrepreneur in the mining industry.

Fatoumata Camara
CPHR

Founder,
JAMYAM;
Senior HR Manager,
IGM Financial

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Fatou is a passionate leader dedicated to inclusion, equity and belonging. She collaborates with Canadian organizations to address unconscious bias and promote social justice. As the founder of JAMYAM, she empowers Black youth in building the athlete mindset. She serves on multiple boards, bringing an intersectional perspective to connect and empower underrepresented communities. Her initiatives include establishing a bursary program supporting Black Concordia University students from single-parent households. Her impactful work has earned her recognitions, including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women in 2022.

Agapi Gessesse

Executive Director,
CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Agapi Gessesse is a transformative leader and strategist dedicated to driving social impact, fostering leadership excellence, and championing innovation. Raised by her single mother and inspired by her refugee parents’ resilience, Agapi is committed to creating sustainable solutions and nurturing future leaders across diverse sectors. As the Executive Director of the CEE Centre and the Founder of Lehizibu Strategy and Consulting Group, Agapi has advanced opportunities for marginalized communities. Her strategic insights and innovative approaches have empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.

Nour Hachem

President and Founder,
Build a Dream

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Nour Hachem is the President and Founder of Build A Dream, a leading advocate for diversity in male-dominated and STEAM fields. Recognized as one of Canada’s top speakers on attracting, retaining and harnessing the power of a diverse workforce, she has over 20 years of workplace development experience. Nour has empowered industries and governments to adopt diversity-driven recruitment tactics. Under her leadership, Build A Dream has grown, raised over $15 million in funding, and continues to expand globally.

Dr. Shela Hirani
PhD, MScN, BScN, RN, IBCLC

Associate Professor,
University of Regina

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Dr. Shela Hirani is a world-renowned, multiaward-winning PhD-prepared nursing professional, lactation consultant. With 20-plus years of academic experience, she advocates for breastfeeding, sparking a global baby-friendly movement in hospitals, disaster zones, educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces. With over 50 honours, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, she was recognized by the World Health Organization as one of 100 outstanding women nurse leaders in 2020. She serves on multiple boards of professional organizations and reputable journals.

Laurabel Mba

Owner and Founder,
Laurabel Mba Consulting;
TV Host,
Rogers TV's Out of the Fog

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Laurabel Mba, winner of the Women in Communication and Technology 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, is a dedicated advocate for DEIB-AR and a public speaker amplifying marginalized voices. She founded Laurabel Mba Consulting, offering expert DEIB-AR strategies, and hosts Out of the Fog, showcasing positive impact makers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nominated for the 2022 NL Human Rights Award, Laurabel’s seven years in marketing and communications drive progress in DEIB-AR initiatives.

Dr. Salima Meherali
PhD, RN

Associate Professor,
University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Dr. Meherali is a distinguished Registered Nurse whose international recognition stems from her pivotal work in identifying interventions that enhance reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health, particularly within immigrant, visible minority populations and disadvantaged settings. As a principal investigator, she has been actively involved in community-based participatory action research projects to engage with adolescents/youth in her research. Her efforts have significantly advanced public health knowledge and influenced health policies and guidelines.

Sarah Midanik
MBA

President & CEO,
The Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Sarah Midanik, a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, is the President and CEO of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, where she drives reconciliation efforts between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. A committed advocate, Sarah serves on multiple boards, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business. Her passion lies in advancing opportunities for Indigenous people and communities.

Meaghan Stovel McKnight
MBA, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer,
Make-A-Wish Canada

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Meaghan Stovel McKnight leads the mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she transformed the organization with her “North Star” methodology, driving significant growth in fundraising and wishes. Meaghan’s unwavering commitment to improving Canadians’ health stems from her belief that healthy families build strong communities and a stronger Canada. Meaghan challenges conventions and fosters inclusive workplace environments, driving innovation and empowering teams to thrive.

Dr. Annette Trimbee

President and Vice-Chancellor,
MacEwan University

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Dr. Annette Trimbee is the sixth president and vice-chancellor of MacEwan University. Prior to joining MacEwan, Dr Trimbee served as president of the University of Winnipeg. Her professional journey has taken her from the water’s edge to the city’s core, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge as a leader in both post-secondary and public sectors. Under her leadership, MacEwan is implementing Teaching Greatness — a bold, creative strategic vision building on MacEwan’s strengths as an exceptional urban undergraduate university.

Joyce Tshiamala

Manager, Voice of the Customer,
Hyundai Auto Canada

Canadian Tire Community Impact

Joyce Tshiamala is a customer experience professional with expertise in the Automotive, Travel, and Retail sectors. Currently, she serves as the Manager, Voice of the Customer at Hyundai Auto Canada, optimizing consumer touch points to enhance satisfaction and loyalty. Previously, Joyce was a District Manager, improving customer experience processes and after-sales programs through data-driven insights. She is also a founding member of Accelerate Auto, promoting career opportunities for Black talent in the automotive industry.

Carrie Cussons
CPA

President & CEO,
Events East

Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia

Carrie Cussons has the accountability for leadership of the Halifax Convention Centre in the heart of downtown Halifax, and the Scotiabank Centre, the premier multipurpose facility in Atlantic Canada. Carrie brings a diverse business background, including over two decades of executive management experience with a concentration in financial and operational leadership. She has held leadership roles in a variety of public and private sector organizations including the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, the CCL Group, and Ernst and Young.

Lindsay Glassco

President & CEO,
Plan International Canada

Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia

Lindsay Glassco’s career reflects an uncompromising commitment to equality and justice. As CEO of one of Canada’s largest charities, she has fostered an award-winning culture of inclusivity and innovation. Her leadership has led to significant sustainable growth, driving the mission to advance children’s rights and equality for girls globally. Lindsay’s contributions to society have earned her the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, McGill’s Distinguished Leader Award, and the Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tina Lee

CEO,
T&T Supermarkets
Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs, presented by Postmedia

Tina has led T&T, Canada’s largest Asian specialty grocery chain, through its fastest-growing years, including its latest expansion into the U.S. Tina was recently inducted into the Grocery Business Hall of Fame and received the Grand Prix Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award by the Retail Council of Canada. She has served as Co-Chair of the Covid-19 Business Recovery Leadership Council for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and on the Canada/ United States Council for the Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.

Alison “Ali” Hernández
BA, PMP

Chief Operating Officer,
Staff Shop Inc.

Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives

Alison “Ali” Hernández, COO of Staff Shop since its inception, spearheads the scalable operational practices that have led the company to five times its revenue in as many years. Her expert implementation of lean practices has sustained profitability and success without external capital, supporting the organization’s expansion to five successful service lines and its growth from regional to national firm with cross-border reach. Outside the office, Ali is passionate about NFP board and advisory work, volunteerism and political activism.

Lili Ibarra

VP Products, Rewards and New Product Development,
American Express Canada

Nominated as
Chief Financial Officer,
American Express Canada

Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives

For 26 years, Lili has been a noteworthy leader. She started her career in 1997 in Mexico, then USA in 2004 and moved to Canada in 2008 to continue her journey. In 2016, she became CFO of Amex Bank of Canada and member of the Canadian Executive Team, where she drove the financial oversight and investment decisions for the organization. She is Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and Executive Co-sponsor of the Women’s Interest Network.

Dr. Nancy Nazer
Ph.D.

Chief Human Resources Officer,
OMERS

Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives

Dr. Nancy Nazer transforms HR teams into strategic consultants and builds people-first, purpose-driven cultures that empower employees to make an impact. She leads HR for OMERS global team — one of Canada’s largest pension plans, proudly serving 600,000-plus members. Partnering with leaders and using data to create the resources and opportunities for people to thrive. She sits on OMERS Executive Leadership Team, advises its Purpose@Work Committee and Co-Chairs the I&D Council. A certified coach, Nancy’s dedicated to accelerating women’s careers.

Jennifer Quinn
CPA

Chief Strategy and Development Officer,
Nieuport Aviation

Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives

Jennifer Quinn is an accomplished executive who brings a wealth of public and private sector experience in infrastructure, and real estate development. She has a demonstrated ability to move from strategy development to execution, leveraging her business acumen and stakeholder management skills to effectively deliver results. In addition to her experience at Nieuport, Jennifer held senior roles with Deloitte and Infrastructure Ontario. In 2024, she was awarded the ROB Best Executive Award from the Globe and Mail for her impact to Nieuport’s business.

Salma Salman

SVP,
TD Bank Group;

Chief Financial Officer,
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank

Dean Davidson C-Suite Executives

Salma joined TD Bank Group in August 2018 as CFO of TD’s Wealth Management business, and later served as TD Bank Group’s Controller and Chief Accountant. She assumed her current role in December 2023. Prior to TD, Salma was a partner at KPMG, serving a diverse base of clients in assurance and advisory areas of expertise. Salma leads the Finance Women at TD committee and is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario.

Major Catherine Cabot
PMP

Senior Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General of Canada,
Canadian Armed Forces

Amex Emerging Leaders

Major Catherine Cabot, an Aerospace Engineer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, specializes in CP188 and CF140 aircraft maintenance. She deployed on NATO missions in Afghanistan and Romania and is currently the Senior Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General of Canada. A gender-equity advocate, she co-chaired the local Defence Women Advisory Organization, served as Gender Advisor, and actively participates in mentorship programs. She studied Software Engineering, holds a Master of Public Administration, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Project Management.

Yasmien Fadl
BID, MCR

AVP, North American Design & Experience,
TD Bank

Amex Emerging Leaders

Yasmien Fadl manages TD’s global design, execution and experience strategy in physical environments across TD’s real estate portfolio. She is a thought-provoking authority on dynamic strategies, and a passionate advocate for DEI — centreing equity and inclusion in her work to drive performance, presence, productivity and belonging. External to TD, she chairs JennAir’s Disrupting Design advisory board, focused on creating access and opportunities for Black, Indigenous and racialized talent.

Dr. Kirsten Fiest
PhD

Scientific Director,
O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Kirsten Fiest plays a critical role in leading and supporting research, education, mentorship and community engagement. Dr. Fiest is also an internationally recognized scientist. She has also made great efforts in knowledge mobilization, sharing her research and expertise with the public through numerous media engagements.

Amanda Gallant

Director, Performance Enablement and Innovation,
RBC Royal Bank

Amex Emerging Leaders

Amanda is an experienced thought leader, innovator and passionate mentor at Canada’s largest financial institution. Backed with executive education from the top business schools in the world, Amanda creates innovation solutions to unlock the true potential of employees. She is strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace and our communities, creating lasting impact through many community initiatives. Amanda has very unique personal and professional experiences and loves to connect and share her knowledge with others.

Dr. Sapna Khosla
MD

Physician Lead: Newborn Assessment Team,
Trillium Health Partners

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Sapna Khosla is the Physician Lead of the Newborn Assessment Team at Trillium Health Partners, a program that has re-defined primary care in hospitals. She has been a leader at the frontlines of health-care crises and a trailblazer setting up award-winning, large-scale, sustainable health-care programs in response. Known for her commitment to diversity and inclusivity through her gender-affirming care, Dr. Khosla’s leadership journey continues to be impactful as Ontario welcomes its first Women’s and Children Hospital.

Dr. Melanie Lalonde
PhD

Wawatay Program Development Specialist,
University of Manitoba

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Melanie Lalonde is a recent PhD graduate, and a proud Red River Métis woman serving as Treasurer of Seven Oaks Métis Council. She has authored 20 publications and discovered a new butterfly species, but has temporarily stepped back from research to support the next generation of Indigenous scientists through Wawatay. This initiative offers research experience, experiential learning and community support, fostering cultural understanding and personal growth alongside academic achievement.

Dr. Leigh McClarty
MSc, PhD.

Assistant Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences and Institute for Global Public Health, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences,
University of Manitoba

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Leigh McClarty is motivated by a desire to reduce global health inequities. Leigh leads work to address persistent inequities in programming and outcomes for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among marginalized populations in Manitoba, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ukraine. Born and raised in Winnipeg, in her free time Leigh enjoys spreading benign propaganda about the beauty and hidden treasures in and around her beloved hometown to anyone who will listen.

Katherine Mior
CHRP

Manager, HR & DEI,
Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.;

Co-Founder,
Empowering Auto

Amex Emerging Leaders

Katherine Mior has over 14 years of HR experience, eight with Hyundai Canada. As the manager of DEI, Katherine develops training, awareness and career development opportunities for under-represented groups. She spearheads partnerships, recruitment strategies and on-going conversations, building a stronger, more diverse auto industry. Katherine is part of the HR team at Hyundai Auto Canada, which has earned recognition for having the most awarded corporate culture among automakers in Canada. Katherine is also Co-Founder and Co-Director of Empowering Auto.

Dr. Neelam Punjani
PhD

Assistant Professor,
University of Alberta

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Punjani’s research focuses on empowering children and adolescents through comprehensive sexuality education by working with multidisciplinary teams. She is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable sexual health care to all populations. Her goal is global research excellence in children’s sexual health through quality dissemination of knowledge and resources. Her research provides key insights to guide health care providers, researchers, and policy makers to improve practices and approaches pertaining to sexual health promotion using digital health technologies and knowledge translation activities.

Ashley Salazar

Head, Industry Initiatives & Partnerships,
BMO Commercial Bank, Canada

Amex Emerging Leaders

With over 15 years of financial experience, Ashley is known as a “complexity slayer” at BMO and is frequently brought in to lead programs during times of change or challenge. Most recently, Ashley led the development of a policy and framework to ensure Indigenous access to capital, and her leadership during the pandemic was key to develop and deliver much-needed financial relief programs to Canadian businesses. Ashley was the Co-Chair of both Future Sinai and Bridgepoint Emerging Leaders foundations.

Hayley Woodin Hastings

Editor-in-Chief,
Business in Vancouver, Western Investor, and The Orca

Amex Emerging Leaders

Hayley Woodin Hastings is an award-winning journalist serving as Editor-in-Chief of Business in Vancouver—the largest business news platform in British Columbia—and Editor-in-Chief of Western Investor and The Orca. She is a Pulitzer Travelling Fellow, and a recent Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar and Pulitzer Center Reporting Fellow. In 2022, Hayley graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism as valedictorian. She is a board director of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation and Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland.

Dr. Fareen Zaver
MD FRCPC, ABEM, MSc (Med Ed)

Associate Dean, Office of Faculty Development and Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine,
University of Calgary

Amex Emerging Leaders

Dr. Fareen Zaver is an emergency physician and visionary leader dedicated to advancing medical education through collaboration and innovation. In her decade-long career at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, she has held multiple leadership roles, recently as the Associate Dean for Faculty Development. She believes that by creating environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered, we can create more inclusive and effective learning environments for future generations of health-care professionals.

Amanda Alvaro

Founder and President,
Pomp & Circumstance PR

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Amanda is President and CEO of award-winning and sought-after creative agencies Pomp & Circumstance PR and Bonus Track. She is also one of Canada’s most well-known political commentators for CBC’s Power and Politics and co-host of the popular Beyond a Ballot Podcast, engaging women in political discourse. Amanda is a frequent speaker on women’s issues and active contributor to several Canadian charities, including the Chair of Rethink Breast Cancer. Her best role is mom to the three loves of her life.

Alyssa Barry
CPIR

President,
Alliance Advisors Investor Relations

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Alyssa Barry is a seasoned expert in capital markets and communications, specializing in investor relations, shareholder engagement and corporate governance. She co-founded irlabs in 2021, which was acquired by Alliance Advisors in 2024, where she now leads the global investor relations strategy. Previously, she was Head of Strategy at Artis REIT and VP of Capital Markets and Communications at Sandpiper Group. Alyssa is Vice-Chair of ALS Canada, advises Women Get On Board and Women Funding Women, and serves on LIFT Impact Partner’s Board.

Carleen Dehaney
CPA, CMA, CGMA, ACMA(UK)

Founder and CEO,
FXO Consulting Inc.

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Carleen Dehaney is the visionary Founder of FXO Consulting, on a mission to humanize financial literacy for service and non-profit organizations. With 20-plus years of experience spanning Canadian and international markets, Carleen is passionate about elevating entrepreneurs and executives to achieve their financial goals. She is a published author, a sought-after speaker and proudly serves on the Board of Startup Canada, re-shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Carleen regularly shares her thoughts and perspectives on LinkedIn.

Marie-Josée Gagnon
ICD.D, Fellow CPRS

CEO and Founder,
Casacom;

Founder,
Brave

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Marie-Josée Gagnon is a leading Canadian business strategist, public relations and governance expert. She founded Casacom, an innovative PR, communications and sustainability firm, in 2001. With a political science degree from Université de Montréal and advanced education from Harvard and ICD-Rotman, she helps her team and clients make history. Marie-Josée launched Brave in 2017, a series of interviews with courageous women. She is deeply involved in her community and has received numerous awards for her leadership.

Jennifer Harper

CEO and Founder,
Cheekbone Beauty

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

In January of 2015, Jenn Harper had the most vivid dream of little Indigenous girls covered in colourful lip glosses, and that dream became Cheekbone Beauty, one of the first Indigenous-owned and founded cosmetics companies. After reconnecting with her Indigenous roots, Jenn set off to build Cheekbone Beauty and to create a space in the beauty industry where everyone, including Indigenous people, feel represented and seen.

Alexandra Kapelos-Peters
BA, MBA, MSC, PMP, CSM

Founder and CEO,
Cansulta

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Fuelled by a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, Alexandra is a visionary leader with 25-plus years of experience across health care, technology and education. As CEO of Cansulta — the award-winning online platform — her mission is to modernize, democratize and revolutionize the consulting industry with a global community of 180-plus vetted experts, accessible to all. Alexandra also contributes her expertise as an advisor to numerous startups and educational institutions, actively giving back to the community.

Sabrina Liak

Co-Founder,
KITS Eyecare Ltd.;

CEO,
Aloi Capital

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Sabrina Liak is Co-Founder of KITS Eyecare and CEO of Aloi Capital, an investment firm founded to invest in and build exceptional, high-growth enterprises. KITS is one such investment and was founded following a 14-year investment career at Goldman Sachs in New York, where Sabrina was a founding member of Goldman’s growth equity business andsupported dozens of entrepreneurs through periods of rapid growth and scaling. She received an HBA from The Ivey School of Business.

Nicole Neuman
P.Eng.

President and CEO,
Synergy Engineering Ltd.

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

As President and CEO of Synergy Engineering and a subject matter expert in MV electric drive systems, Nicole Neuman leads a diverse international team of world-class engineers and designers to deliver multi-million-dollar high-profile projects to the industrial materials handling sector with a heavy focus on mine expansions. Through innovative solutions, Synergy is well-known worldwide. She volunteers with various engineering societies, conferences, and mentorship programs, and authors and presents papers to further influence the next successful leaders and promote technological advancement.

Jackie Rhind

CEO,
Ovry

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Jackie Rhind wants to redefine reproductive health products in Canada. In 2020, Rhind launched Ovry to offer an alternative to traditional pregnancy tests. Ovry is a brand of pregnancy and ovulation test strips that are as accurate as leading brands, are tiny, discreet, more affordable and use 90 per cent less single-use plastic. In addition to winning Small Business BC’s Best Youth Entrepreneur award in 2023, Jackie was recently featured on CBC’s popular TV show Dragons’ Den.

Rory Richards
MGC

CEO,
NUQO Modular

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Rory Richards' work at NUQO blends her community-first, values-led mindset with modular construction methods to tackle one of society’s biggest challenges: affordable Indigenous housing. Rory’s history of heart-led work is long. The outstanding, female-led construction team she’s built at NUQO reflects Rory’s integrity, passion for social justice, and fierce advocacy for quality, culturally appropriate Indigenous housing. A mother of three, Rory has worked alongside respected child care advocates for many years to increase access to quality, affordable, public child care.

Ellie Rubin
BA

In Memoriam

Serial Entrepreneur, best-selling Author, President and Co-Founder,
The Bulldog Group

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Ellie Rubin spent her career creating engaging content that builds international audiences on and offline. She was a technology founder, an international video producer/host and bestselling author. Ellie developed acceleration programs for Verizon, Swisscom, Citrix, MDEC, RWE and C100. As a Stanford University lecturer, she provided entrepreneurial strategies to business leaders and careerists alike, always with a focus on optimizing digital media and distribution. Ellie began her entrepreneurial journey as the president and co-founder of Bulldog Software, a global digital media asset management platform.

Jiordana Saade
B. Psych, CNP, C.Ht

CEO and Founder,
The Mind-Full Clinic Inc.;

Clinical Nutritionist

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Jiordana is an international TedX speaker and clinical nutritionist with a degree in behavioural psychology. She runs a global practice that revolutionizes obesity medicine to focus on psychological components to eating behaviours and our relationship to food. Jiordana firmly believes in the power of food psychology to address emotional and physiological barriers to weight-related disorders and empowers women to take back their power in developing a loving relationship to themselves and their bodies.

Reece Tomlinson
MBA, CPA

Founder and CEO,
RWT Growth Inc.

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Reece has extensive experience in corporate finance, M&A, investment banking and strategic planning. She utilizes her experience to assist companies and leaders working to make this planet better and/or reducing inequalities. As a transwoman, her objective is to bring awareness to issues being faced by under-represented founders and the LGBTQ+ and transgender community. She speaks to the challenges women face in the workplace and how we can create more equality.

Marilyne Vallières
CPA

President,
Signalisation de Ville and Signalisation STP

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Marilyne Vallières has created a successful construction company recognized as one of the best in-road signage. As a human being, she has demonstrated that happiness in the workplace can go hand in hand with productivity. A natural and audacious leader, she has brilliantly risen to the challenges of growth. In January 2024, her team of 250 employees moved into the brand-new head office in Terrebonne, a $15 million project that will create 45 new jobs by 2027.

Kathy Zhang
BA, MBA

CEO and President,
Mainbridge Development Ltd.;

CEO,
Nosso Silverlife Inc and Social Impact Hack

Compass Rose Entrepreneurs

Kathy Zhang is the visionary leader behind Mainbridge Development Ltd., a global trading company revolutionizing the import and export landscape. Supported by the expertise from her mentors, parents and professors, Kathy has developed robust consultative approaches and stringent quality control processes, making the Mainbridge brand synonymous with excellence, efficiency and competitive pricing. Mainbridge has successfully completed numerous prestigious projects across North America. Kathy’s dedication extends beyond business as she passionately champions initiatives in social impact, health care and e-commerce innovations.

Hanna Abdel Hamid
MBA

Head,
Sigma Software Canada, Sigma Software Group

Executive Leaders

Hanna is an accomplished Managing Director with extensive experience in leading cross-functional teams, driving business development, and spearheading market expansions. As the Head of Sigma Software Canada, she manages operations in Canada and oversees PR and Marketing for North America. Active in community initiatives and non-profit boards, Hanna is a dedicated advocate for DEI. Recognized among the Strong Women in IT 2023, she mentors women at the early stages of their careers, promoting their professional growth and success.

Wendy Andrushko
B.Com

President,
DuPont Canada;

Global Customer Experience Director - Electronics and Industrial,
DuPont

Executive Leaders

Wendy Andrushko oversees innovation, growth and sustainability goals across DuPont in Canada, and leads the global customer experience team for the DuPont Electronics & Industrial business. A collaborative leader, she is committed to the success of DuPont’s customers and her team. She has 30-plus years of experience in business leadership, sales, marketing and supply chain, and serves on the boards of the Business Council of Canada, the Chemistry Association of Canada, and Dare to Be Youth Charity.

Shilpa Arora

General Manager, Canada,
DoorDash Technologies

Executive Leaders

Shilpa Arora oversees DoorDash Canada business strategy, growth and operations. Her international career spans two decades and several industries, including architecture, M&A, strategy and digital transformation. Shilpa has held leadership roles at CIBC and Loblaw Companies Limited within corporate development and business optimization. Shilpa holds an MBA from the Indian School of Business, is a trained architect and CBV. Shilpa is an avid advocate for intersectional representation in the workplace and mentoring.

Celine Chiovitti
CEBS

Chief Pension Officer,
Nominated as
Executive Vice President and Head of Pensions,
OMERS

Executive Leaders

Celine Chiovitti leads a team of more than 400 employees delivering exceptional services, innovative tools and prudent pension administration to over 600,000 members. Under her leadership, the team is committed to delivering a world-class pension plan in a complex stakeholder environment with more than 1,000 employers and 30 unions and associations. Celine has been spearheading a conversation about what “retirement” means today, in a world where we are “greying” and living longer.

Marie-Chantal Côté

Senior Vice-President, Group Benefits,
Sun Life

Executive Leaders

Marie-Chantal is accountable for all aspects of Sun Life’s Group Benefits business in Canada, which covers millions of Canadians and their families. Nearly 74 million claims are paid each year. She also oversees Sun Life’s administration of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, a Government of Canada program providing dental care for up to nine million Canadians. Marie-Chantal is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion and mental health in the workplace.

Dr. Andrea Edginton
PhD

Hallman Director, School of Pharmacy,
University of Waterloo;

Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer,
MAPflow

Executive Leaders

Dr. Andrea Edginton is the Hallman Director at the School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo. She is an award-winning researcher and a highly accomplished leader who emphasizes collaborative community building, driving innovation in education and equity in health initiatives. Dr. Edginton passionately pursues improved access to education for Indigenous peoples, empowers women as leaders, and advocates for pharmacists to become strategic partners to improve access to health care in rural and remote Ontario.

Alanna Fonseca

Vice-President, Marketing and Innovation, North America,
Cronos Group

Executive Leaders

Alanna Fonseca oversees Cronos’s marketing, innovation and project management teams to bring cutting-edge products to the Canadian cannabis market. Before joining Cronos, Alanna served at Aurora Cannabis and MedReleaf, where she worked on developing products for the newly legal cannabis market in Canada. In 2023, she was the recipient of the Women of Inspiration Award from the Universal Womens Network, and the Marketer of the Year (Canada) Award from ADCANN.

Supriya James

Senior Vice-President, Human Resources,
Canadian Western Bank

Executive Leaders

A seasoned human resources executive, Supriya’s expertise is in future-proofing global organizations through the power of people by delivering inclusive, best-in-class employee experiences. She has worked in four countries, delivering human capital strategy in multiple industries. Supriya has chaired the board of YWCA Edmonton, currently chairs the HR Committee for NorQuest College and is on the advisory board for the City of Edmonton. She is passionate about advocating for the empowerment of racialized talent & new Canadians.

Laurie Kepron

Sr. Vice-President Integrated Marketing,
National Hockey League (NHL)

Executive Leaders

A 2022 Sports Business Journal Game Changer award winner, Laurie Kepron focuses on the management of NA business partners including revenue management, contract negotiation, social, digital, advertising and marketing campaign management, content creation, event and hospitality management. She sits on the board for the NHL Foundation, the NHL compliance/governance committee, and is President of WISE Canada (Women in Sports and Events). Yet her most important role is as mom to her daughter Trinity.

Jaimie Lickers
BAH, LLB

Senior Vice-President, Indigenous Markets, Commercial Banking,
CIBC

Executive Leaders

Jaimie leads the bank’s Indigenous Trust Services and Lending teams, and advises on retail and business banking for Indigenous clients. She is cochair of the Bank’s Reconciliation Committee and a member of the Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council. Previously, Jaimie was a partner at a major Canadian law firm and an award-winning expert in the practice of Indigenous law. Jaimie is Onondaga from Six Nations of the Grand River.

M. Teresa Palandra
BSc, FSA, FCIA

President,
Mercer (Canada) Limited

Executive Leaders

M. Teresa Palandra leads a team of professionals with an unwavering commitment to helping Canadians achieve healthier, more financially secure and professionally rewarding futures. She is a strong advocate for gender equality and racial diversity, serving as the global co-executive sponsor for Women@ Mercer and a member of the US & Canada diversity council. She supports her community, volunteering on various boards, including the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and the Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation.

Pamela Snively

VP - Chief Data and Trust Officer,
TELUS

Executive Leaders

Pamela Snively leads the team responsible for privacy governance and data ethics, including TELUS’s award-winning, world-leading responsible AI program. Pam is a lawyer who has dedicated her career to developing and operationalizing trustworthy data practices that foster trust in TELUS and the digital world. Under Pam’s leadership, TELUS has significantly transformed its approach to transparency about its data-handling practices and became the first organization worldwide to achieve ISO Privacy by Design certification.

Esther Speck
MRM, MBA

Senior Vice-President, Sustainable Business and Impact,
lululemon athletica

Executive Leaders

Esther Speck has extensive experience as a strategist, enabler and integrator of change and innovation. Esther has worked within brands and in consultancy, in apparel and other industries, and led global supply chain, product and corporate social and environmental sustainability strategy and implementation. Esther taught as an associate professor at Simon Fraser University and sits on various boards with a commitment to furthering direct and systemic sustainable change.

Sarah Tuite
BA, MA

Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications and Public Relations,
Four Seasons

Executive Leaders

Sarah Tuite leads the global public relations, social media, corporate and crisis communications strategy for the iconic luxury hospitality brand. Since 2001, Sarah has volunteered with and served on the executive committee of The Corsage Project, which partners with the Children’s Aid Foundation to provide free prom attire to economically disadvantaged students. In 2023, PR News named her one of North American’s Top Women in PR.

Chef Stephanie Baryluk

Red Seal Sous Chef,
Chartwells Canada

Food Industry Award, presented by Skip

Chef Steph Baryluk is Teetl’it Gwich’in from Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson) Treaty 11 Territory in the Northwest Territories. Currently the Sous Chef with Chartwells Canada, she grew up hunting, fishing and travelling the Arctic Tundra. She draws inspiration from her Gwich’in way of life, telling our Indigenous stories through food, one dish at a time. Steph is creator of ‘Rooted’, an Indigenous Food Program with Simon Fraser University, and leads Indigenous receptions/dinners, cooking classes, speaking engagements and training sessions globally.

Dawn Chapman
Honours BA

Owner and CEO,
Lazy Daisy’s Café

Food Industry Award, presented by Skip

In 2011, Dawn Chapman founded Lazy Daisy’s Café, based on growing up on her family farm in Midhurst, Ontario. Since then, the café has won multiple awards and garnered national media attention. Dawn and her team passionately raise funds and support community projects. In 2021, she threw the opening pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays as a representative of small business. In 2023, she created a wholesale line of buttermilk biscuits, which can now be found in over 70 retail stores provincewide.

Karissa Pazdor
BSc

Owner and Operator,
Little Caesars Pizza

Food Industry Award, presented by Skip

Born in Winnipeg, Karissa Pazdor is a Canadian Little Caesars franchisee who specializes in making delicious hot-n-ready pizzas. She kicked off her career at Tim Hortons, climbing the ladder one coffee at a time. Karissa is a sports junkie who loves ringette, running, softball and golf. She is known for her unique sense of humour, quirky personality and outstanding Little Caesars spirit. She earned the Little Caesars Global "Brighten Your Day" Award in 2021.

Chef Nuit Regular

Co-Owner and Executive Chef,
PAI;

Co-Owner and Executive Chef,
Kiin

Food Industry Award, presented by Skip

Nuit Regular is the Executive Chef and Co-Owner of PAI, Kiin, Chaiyo, Sukhothai, and By Chef Nuit Events & Catering. The first Thai SELECT Ambassador for Canada, her restaurants are Thai SELECT Signature certified by the Royal Thai Government, while PAI and Kiin are MICHELIN Guide recommended. She is the recipient of the 2022 WXN Top 100 BMO Entrepreneurs Award and the 2022 American Express Award for Business Leadership. Her cookbook, Kiin, won a 2021 IACP Cookbook Award and a Taste Canada Gold Award.

Dr. Rachel Ollivier
PhD, NP(F), MSCP

Nurse Practitioner and Clinician Scientist,
BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre;

Adjunct Professor, School of Nursing,
University of British Columbia

RBC Future Launch Future Leaders

Dr. Rachel Ollivier is an accomplished clinician scientist, community leader and advocate for women’s and maternal health. Her various activities in education, research, policy and program development, community service and clinical practice have made a profound and tangible impact on health outcomes in Canada and abroad. She is also a dedicated volunteer, serving on several boards and committees in addition to volunteering as a workshop speaker, helping to bridge the gap in sexual and reproductive health.

Rochelle Prasad

Founder and Executive Director,
SPARK Foundation

RBC Future Launch Future Leaders

Rochelle Prasad, an educator turned global activist, channels her classroom insights into advocating for a fairer education system. Through initiatives like SPARK Foundation and her own advocacy work, she has impacted over half a million young people globally, offering free educational resources to ages 15-25. Recognized by institutions like the United Nations and The Royal Family, she was named Young Leader of the Year by the World Federation of UN Associations in 2023/24. She is Youth Ambassador for TheirWorld and the Higher Education for Good Foundation.

Dr. Aditi Sivakumar
MD

Founder,
My Empowerment Platform;

Board Vice-Chair,
Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH),
hosted by World Health Organization (WHO)

RBC Future Launch Future Leaders

Aditi Sivakumar is a physician, philanthropist and women’s rights advocate. She founded My Empowerment Platform, a national organization that aims to end gender-based violence and improve the health of underserved populations. Dr. Sivakumar is the youngest individual in the world to be appointed Board Vice-Chair to the Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health hosted by the World Health Organization. Through her role, she co-led the Global Forum for Adolescents and the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign.

Ampai Thammachack
BSc, MA

Founder and Co-Executive Director,
Step Above Stigma;

Co-Founder,
The Glass Slipper Organization;

Manager,
The King's Trust Canada

RBC Future Launch Future Leaders

Ampai Thammachack is the Founder of Step Above Stigma, a registered Canadian mental health charity empowering more than 100,000 people by 2030. A seasoned public speaker, she has inspired audiences nationwide. Ampai has received 20-plus prestigious accolades including the International Princess Diana Award, Top 22 Under 22 Most Inspiring College Women in the World, Top 30 Under 30 Innovators, Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, and L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth. Thammachack is also a professional dancer.

Meena Waseem

Trustee,
Waterloo Region District School Board

RBC Future Launch Future Leaders

Meena is an advocate for health equity, accessible education and civic engagement. She drove data collection on youth well-being to raise $105 million in funding for technology-driven health and education projects in Waterloo Region, worked with a team to enhance business school policies for underrepresented groups, and was the youngest and first Muslim elected official in Waterloo Region in 2022. She has received numerous local and national awards, and her work has been recognized in the House of Commons.

Dr. Hope Anderson
BSc (Hon.), PhD

Vice-Dean Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies, Professor, College of Pharmacy,
Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba

Professionals

With 15-plus years in academic governance, Dr. Hope Anderson, a cardiovascular disease researcher, is a purpose-driven leader known for building strong relationships and unleashing the potential of others. Dr. Anderson specializes in graduate education and research scholarship, driving initiatives toward lasting impact by enhancing education for future generations, promoting professional development, and empowering women in academia.

Dr. Rebecca Auer
MD, MSc, FRCSC

CEO and Scientific Director,
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI);

Executive Vice-President Research and Innovation,
The Ottawa Hospital

Professionals

Dr. Rebecca Auer is an international leader in perioperative cancer immunotherapies, with more than 100 publications, $30 million in grant funding, and leading six clinical trials based on discoveries from her laboratory. She believes that research IS care and is dedicated to ensuring all patients can participate in research.

Sara Gelgor
BA, LLB, LLM (Cantab.), MBA, ICDD, GCBD, Grad. Dipl.SRS

Senior Director, Reconciliation and Human Rights, RBC Origins,
Royal Bank of Canada

Public Director and Governance Committee Chair,
The Financial Advisors Association of Canada (ADVOCIS)

Chair,
City of Toronto Compliance Audit Committee

Chair, Advisory Committee,
University of Toronto (University of St. Michael's College)
Graduate Diploma in Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Professionals

Sara is an accomplished governance, sustainability, risk and legal professional with extensive board experience that includes chairing governance, audit and human resources-related board committees. At RBC she leads the Bank’s enterprise human rights program. She has held senior positions in risk and regulatory compliance at other global organizations. Sara was selected as a Diversity 50 Candidate by the Canadian Board Diversity Council, and is a passionate mentor and community volunteer.

Lilian Lau
CPA, MBA, PMP, BCom

Vice-President of Marketing,
Dialogue

Professionals

As VP of Marketing at Canada’s leading virtual care provider, Lilian Lau impacts the health and well-being of millions by ensuring organizations are equipped to make decisions about their employee benefits that help their workforce live healthier lives. Lilian pursued her CPA and worked in corporate finance before shifting her focus to marketing. She also earned her MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and is a Project Management Professional.

Janice Madon
FCPA, MBA

President and CEO,
Brookfield Annuity;

Corporate Director,
Foresters Financial, Trisura Group Ltd, Forum Real Estate Income and Impact Fund, Appleby College

Professionals

Janice Madon leads Brookfield Annuity, a life insurance company primarily focused on providing group annuity solutions to pension plans to facilitate retirement savings for their members. Throughout her 25-plus-year career in global financial services, she has led professional women’s networks, transformed access to education for Indigenous communities, built new professional frameworks for talent development and sponsored countless professionals in their own careers. She serves on several boards and has been honoured as a CPA Fellow.

Atoussa Mahmoudpour
LLB, JD

Canadian National Chair, Life Sciences and Technologies,
Cozen O'Connor LLP

Professionals

Atoussa Mahmoudpour’s main focuses are mergers and acquisitions, and is involved in complex transactions across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Atoussa is a three-time winner of WXN’s Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award. She has also been recognized in Legal 500 International and Chambers and Partners and has been awarded the Western Canada General Counsel Tomorrow's Leader Award. She is fluent in English, French, and Farsi.

Shilpa Mishra
CPA, MBA

Partner and Managing Director,
BDO Canada

Professionals

Shilpa Mishra is a seasoned leader in Corporate Finance, with extensive global experience in leadership roles accountable for leveraged finance, syndication and distressed debt. Her career has been marked by a commitment to advancing gender diversity and advocating for marginalized groups. Shilpa has launched several podcasts focused on women in leadership and built a substantial following through her engagement on social media. Her insights on capital markets have earned her profile in the media, underscoring her influence in financial services.

Dr. Dianne Mosher
MD, FRCPC

Professor of Medicine Associate Dean of Indigenous, Local and Global Health, Cumming School of Medicine,
University of Calgary

Professionals

Dr. Dianne Mosher was the first female president of the Canadian Rheumatology Association, head of the division of rheumatology, and co-chair and president of the Arthritis Alliance of Canada. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 and authored Living Well with Arthritis. She has over 35 years of experience as a Rheumatologist in Nova Scotia, Alberta and in a rural Indigenous community.

Dr. Danielle Paes
BSc., BSc (Pharm). PharmD

Chief Pharmacist Officer,
Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPHA)

Professionals

Dr. Danielle Paes is driving strategic efforts to support and optimize care through Canada’s healthcare system. A dynamic, forward-thinking pharmacist who has practiced in community, hospital, industry and academic settings, Dr. Paes brings her passion, warmth and authenticity to everything she does. She holds Bachelor and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the University of Waterloo. Her greatest joys come from her loving family, incredible spouse and two amazing children.

Dr. Amanda Selk
MD, MSc, MHA, FRCSC

Obstetrician Gynecologist,
Women's College Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital;

Associate Professor,
University of Toronto

Professionals

Dr. Amanda Selk is an internationally recognized expert in vulvar dermatology and colposcopy. Dr. Selk has served as President of both the Society of Canadian Colposcopists and the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease – North American Branch. She created "The Vulva Diaries" podcast, has authored numerous publications, and actively advocates for HPV primary screening in Canada.

Melissa Turzanski
RN, MHSc, BScN

Program Director, Care Innovation and Transformation,
Baycrest

Professionals

With over 18 years in aging services, Melissa Turzanski started as a Registered Nurse and now drives Baycrest’s transformative dementia care initiatives and supports global aging care initiatives in Thailand. An advocate for senior safety, Melissa actively engages in policy reform and is driven daily by the need to challenge the status quo in seniors care.

Stephanie Vaccari
LLM/JD

Partner, Head of Toronto IPTech Group,
Baker McKenzie LLP

Professionals

After 25 years in the legal profession advising global clients on intellectual property-related matters, Stephanie became the first female Canadian Managing Partner for one of the largest international law firms, Baker McKenzie, and successfully led her office during the pandemic. Currently she leads its Canadian IP Tech Practice Group. Stephanie is also one of the first women to sit on the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Board. Stephanie is most proud of her family, husband Rick and daughters, Morgan and Brooke.

Pamela Vitale

Chief Operating Officer,
Diagnostics Biochem Canada

Professionals

Pamela Vitale is celebrated for her visionary leadership and commitment to inclusivity. Her strategic approach transforms the workplace into a "constellation of stars", where diversity ignites innovation and drives operational excellence. Her servant leadership style not only empowers her team but also advocates for broader community well-being, extending her influence beyond the corporate realm. Her approach exemplifies resilience and a relentless pursuit of progress.

Dr. Julie Wilson
MD, CCFP

CEO, Medical Director, and Family Physician,
Terra Nova Medical Clinics

Medicine Clinical Instructor,
UBC

Professionals

Dr. Julie Wilson, founder and CEO of Terra Nova Medical Clinics, has been honoured for the second time as one of WXN Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Recognized for her visionary leadership and innovative contributions to health care, Dr. Wilson has transformed Terra Nova into British Columbia’s largest integrated primary care group, serving over 60,000 patients. Her commitment to excellence, community service and mentorship continues to set new standards in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Nicole Anderson
PhD, CPsych

Interim Executive Director of Academic and Scientific Affairs and Senior Scientist, Director, Katz Interprofessional Research Program in Geriatric and Dementia Care,
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education;

Associate Scientific Director, Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health and Wellness,
Baycrest Academy for Research and Education;

Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry,
University of Toronto

BMO STEM

Dr. Anderson’s research focuses on cognition in healthy and pathological aging, and spans basic neurocognitive research to applied personalized intervention research to help older adults maintain brain health. Her research has been cited more than 26,000 times, she has given hundreds of community talks, wrote two books for people living with mild cognitive impairment, and she has contributed to the 5th Canadian Consensus Conferences on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Dementia and the Alzheimer Society of Canada’s Landmark study.

Aminka Belvitt
BA

Founder and President,
The ForUsGirls Foundation;

Founder and CEO,
Wofemtech Solutions Inc.

BMO STEM

Aminka Belvitt is an international award-winning social and tech entrepreneur, advocate, keynote speaker and UN Women Champion of Change. She is the Founder of Wofemtech Solutions Inc. and leads The ForUsGirls Foundation, an international Canadian social purpose organization empowering Black young women and girls with innovative skills to design solutions for the UN 17 Global Goals across Canada, the United States, and Jamaica.

Dr. Charlene Chu
RN, GNC(c), PhD

Assistant Professor,
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto;

Affiliate Scientist,
KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network

BMO STEM

Dr. Chu specializes in technology-enabled interventions for older adults and their caregivers. Her research emphasizes inclusion and user-centered design, ensuring technology meets the needs of older adults and supports aging-at-home. An internationally recognized early career researcher, she has published over 80 manuscripts, holds two patents, and oversees more than $3 million in funding. Dr. Chu has received multiple leadership and research awards.

Dr. Kristine Cowley
BSc (Hon), PhD

Associate Professor,
University of Manitoba;

Director,
Spinal Cord Research Centre, Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Spinal Cord Function, and Health after Spinal Cord Injury

BMO STEM

Dr. Kristine Cowley is an international research leader recognized for wide-ranging discoveries in biomedical neurosciences, clinical spinal cord injury (SCI) research, and community-based knowledge translation and application that improves health and function after SCI.

Dr. Azadeh Dastmalchi
PhD

CEO and Co-Founder,
VitalTracer Ltd.

BMO STEM

Azadeh Dastmalchi’s VitalTracer is a medical startup focused on smart wearable devices for vital sign monitoring. With 12-plus years in biomedical engineering, she excels in bridging technology and health care. Azadeh has raised $2M in non-dilutive grants, earned multiple awards, and built a talented team. Recognized as one of Canada’s top 25 women of influence, she is committed to enhancing health outcomes and improving lives through innovative solutions.

Dr. Hadis Karimipour
PhD

Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor,
University of Calgary

BMO STEM

Dr. Hadis Karimipour is an internationally recognized and award-winning expert in Artificial Intelligence-aided security analysis of critical infrastructures. Her work catalyzed a major shift toward using system-level properties for operational technology attack analysis — a critical development embraced globally. Dr. Karimipour’s research is aligned with Canada's Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan to reduce blackouts and mitigate damage to critical infrastructures.

Dr. Deborah Kurrasch
PhD

Professor of Medical Genetics,
University of Calgary;

CEO and Co-Founder,
Stream Neuroscience

BMO STEM

Dr. Deborah Kurrasch specializes in brain development and drug discovery. Over the course of her career, she has secured more than $60M in funding, published 73 papers and given 125 invited talks. Dr. Kurrasch is the Co-Founder/CEO of Stream Neuroscience, raising over $8M in grants and private equity to develop therapies for pediatric epilepsies. She received her PhD from Purdue University and conducted postdoctoral fellowships at UCSF and UT Southwestern.

Claudia Martinez
BCompSc

Vice-President, Pharmacy Solutions and Technology,
Loblaw Companies Limited

BMO STEM

Claudia Martinez's innovation and dedication have led to outstanding achievements in the field. Born in Mexico, she successfully transitioned from finance to pharmacy, making significant contributions in both sectors. Claudia has scaled technology solutions across 2,400-plus pharmacies in Canada and is passionate about using technology to enhance patient care. She actively advocates for women in STEM and mentors newcomers to Canada through various programs.

Dr. Atty Mashatan
B. Math Honours, M. Math, PhD, CISSP, SOA Certified Architect

Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair,
Toronto Metropolitan University;

Founder and Director,
Cybersecurity Research Lab;

Resident Fellow,
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst

BMO STEM

Collaborating with her national and international industry and academic partners, Dr. Atty Mashatan investigates challenges and opportunities with emerging technologies and how they change the threat landscape of cybersecurity. She has received numerous recognitions for her work in cybersecurity, advocacy for women in STEM, and efforts towards collaborations among academia, industry and regulators.

Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee
PhD

Professor,
University of Manitoba

BMO STEM

Dr. Neeloffer Mookherjee is internationally recognized for research on immunity-related functions of antimicrobial peptides, and peptide-based therapeutics for chronic inflammatory disease. She is the co-lead of AirSAFE, a multi-disciplinary facility in Canada, dedicated to research on the impacts of air pollution on health, and a tireless advocate for women in academic leadership. As the Founder and Chair of WISDOM (Women In Science: Development, Outreach, Mentorship) Manitoba, she leads initiatives for mentoring and professional development for women in science.

Dr. Heidi-Lynn Ploeg
PhD, P.Eng, FASME, FORS

Professor, Mechanical and Materials Engineering,
Smith Engineering, Queen's University;

Chair,
Women in Engineering

BMO STEM

With over 30 years of industry and academic experience, Dr. Heidi-Lynn Ploeg is recognized internationally as a leader in orthopaedic biomechanics. Her testing and modelling of live bone in culture is unique, made possible through a bioreactor and loading system. Through her industrial and clinical partners Dr. Ploeg’s research impacts product design, orthopaedic surgery and therapy.

Dr. Allison Sekuler
PhD, FSEP, FPsyS, FAPS

President and Chief Scientist,
Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, and Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation;

Sandra A. Rotman Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience,
Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest & University of Toronto;

Professor,
University of Toronto;

Professor,
McMaster University

BMO STEM

Dr. Allison Sekuler leads research, education and innovation, advancing predictive neuroscience for precision aging; and accelerates novel solutions for prevention, detection, treatment and care of dementia and other age-related neurodegeneration.

Melissa Alexander

5th Year Floor Covering Installer Apprentice,
Carpenters Union Local 27

Regional Project Coordinator,
Ontario for Carpenters Regional Council, Apprenticeship Integration Development Program (AID)

Accountability Coach,
Building Up

Peer support worker (Community PEERS),
City of Toronto Youth Equity & Violence Prevention Youth Development Unit

Mentor and Ambassador,
TCBN

Activist and Member,
Walls to Bridges Ontario Collective

Member,
CSA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in Apprenticeship Programs (Z301) Technical Committee

CPKC Skilled Trades

At Building Up, Melissa Alexander’s role is Accountability Coach. She works with compassion and commitment. Melissa is a collective member for Walls to Bridges, a program of University of Laurier to help incarcerated people receive a post-secondary education. She is also a Peer Support worker through the City of Toronto Youth Equity Unit, developing meaningful relationships with the young women and men she serves. She is a Community Benefits Ambassador, who promotes skilled trades.

Madison Devries

Transportation Manager,
CN Rail

CPKC Skilled Trades

Madison moved from a Train Conductor role in August 2021 to her management role in April 2023. She has exceeded expectations, driving safety and efficiency within her terminal. Renowned for her zero-incident safety record, Madison is committed to enhancing workplace safety. She excels in operational decisions, using her in-depth knowledge of operations and customers to boost performance. Madison also promotes women in the workforce and mentors female trainees.

Tessa Ferzli
RSE

Operations Manager,
Integrity Masonry Inc.;

Co-Founder & Director of Finance,
Women On Site Inc.

CPKC Skilled Trades

Tessa Ferzli, a first-generation Canadian of Portuguese and Lebanese descent, discovered her passion for construction through her family's values of hard work. She became Canada’s youngest female Red Seal Mason at 21 and rose from summer labourer to Operations Manager at Integrity Masonry. Defying cultural and industry odds, Tessa co-founded Women on Site to champion inclusion and support for women in construction. Her advocacy for underrepresented groups highlights her unwavering dedication, resilience and leadership.

Jessica Loney
RSE, CME, SCO, NCSO, GSC, P.GSC, ABC, GSI

Senior Site Supervisor, Construction Safety Practitioner,
Grand West Electric Ltd.;

Director and Co-Founder,
DiversiTrade Resource and Connection Centre;

Chairperson,
Pride In Construction

CPKC Skilled Trades

Jessica is a woman with Transgender experiences and lives her life as an out and proud Trans Woman. When she isn't running worksites, she is advocating for the underrepresented communities in the skilled trades (Women, ESL, BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+), helping them find meaningful employment while empowering employers to be inclusive and increasing retention rates.

Shannon Tymosko

Electrical Apprentice,
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers;

Skilled Trades Advocate,
aka Lady.Voltz

CPKC Skilled Trades

Shannon Tymosko is an Electrical Apprentice, Skilled Trades Ambassador, Speaker and Advocate for Mental Health. She completed a Child and Youth Work diploma where she found compassion, empathy, hope and a better understanding of people. She uses her voice, story and platform to encourage, motivate and inspire change in the industry and the minds of all.

Jennifer Flanagan
BSc. MM, DSc (Honoris Causa)

President and CEO,
Actua

WXN Hall of Fame

Jennifer Flanagan has been a leading force in STEM for 25 years. As Co-Founder and CEO of Actua, she leads a national network of 40 universities and colleges, engaging 375,000 youth annually. Jennifer is redefining the future of Canada’s workforce by focusing Actua’s work on engaging tens of thousands of equity-deserving youth. She is a sought-after thought leader in equity, education innovation, technology advancement and social entrepreneurship. Among many accolades, she is most proud to be a girls’ hockey coach.

Lisa LaFlamme
OC and O.Ont (Officer Order of Canada & Order of Ontario)

HONORARY
Journalist

WXN Hall of Fame

An Officer of the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario, LaFlamme is the recipient of 14 Canadian Screen Awards, including the Gordon Sinclair Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism and RTDNA Lifetime Achievement Award. She has received seven Honorary Doctorates and is a longtime ambassador for Journalists For Human Rights.