Honoured Guests, Speakers and Panelists
Official Opening
Honorary Speakers
Special Guest
The Honourable Edith Dumont
30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
The Honourable Edith Dumont is the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, appointed following a long and distinguished career in education. She is the first Francophone to hold the office. Madame Dumont has always promoted diversity as a strength for every community, women as indispensable contributors to decision-making tables, collaboration as the foundation of high-performing teams, and la francophonie as a source of pride in all aspects of society.
Official Languages Address
Celestin Abedi
Commissioner of Official Languages for Canada, Ontario Region
Célestin Abedi has been the representative of Canada's Commissioner of Official Languages in the Ontario region since August 2018. A manager of various health programs in the Ottawa region, he has sat on several boards of directors and is involved in many causes in the community.
Partner
Gabrielle Lemieux
President, Franco-Ontarian Teachers' Association (AEFO)
Originally from Northern Ontario, Gabrielle Lemieux is a passionate educator and committed leader with over 16 years' experience in teaching and unionism. In addition to her work as a high school French teacher, she has held the positions of shop steward and president of AEFO's Unit 57 - Northwest Public. She has also been involved with the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF-FCE), the Fédération de la jeunesse franco-ontarienne (FESFO) and the Ontario Teachers' Federation (OTF), which recently named her a member emeritus. A member of the AEFO Board of Directors since 2010, Gabrielle Lemieux served three terms as vice-president before being elected president in 2024. Since then, she has dedicated herself to enhancing the value of her members' profession, improving their working conditions and defending francophone public services.
Partner
Ruth Nyaamine
Founder and CEO of Ladder 2 Rise
Assistant Vice-President, Diversity, Inclusion, Ontario Tech University
Ruth Nyaamine is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate for marginalized youth, serving as the founder of Ladder 2 Rise, an organization committed to empowering underserved and marginalized young people. With over 20 years of leadership experience spanning various industries, Ruth has distinguished herself as a transformative change agent and community builder. Throughout her career, Ruth has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive positive change and foster inclusive environments. She served as the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at TELUS, where she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that significantly advanced the company’s commitment to equity and inclusion. Currently, as the Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Ontario Tech University, Ruth continues to champion diversity and create opportunities for all. Under Ruth's leadership, Ladder 2 Rise has become a beacon of hope and support for countless young individuals, providing them with the tools, resources, mentorship and access needed to succeed and thrive. Her unwavering dedication to social justice and equality has made a profound impact on the communities served by Ladder 2 Rise, reinforcing her role as a leader who not only envisions a better future but actively works to make it a reality for our youth, and for all.
Keynote Speaker
Lekan Olawoye
Founder and CEO, Black Professionals in Tech Network Inc.
Lekan Olawoye is the founder and CEO of Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN), North America's largest Black tech and business community. Lekan was named one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 in 2021 for his indelible mark as a global Black tech ecosystem thought leader. With a mandate to disrupt the network gap facing Black professionals, Lekan created the BFUTR Global Tech Summit, North America's largest Black professional summit. In February 2022, Lekan and his team also launched Obsidi ® , an all-in-one networking platform for Black professionals to access more opportunities and level up their careers. As an experienced executive in the private, public, and non-profit spaces, Lekan's thought leadership and work are focused on critical business guidance and fostering meaningful diversity, changing the future of work for Black tech professionals across the globe
Artists & Master of Ceremony
Master of Ceremony
Raynald Leroy
Diversity and Inclusion Specialist, Presenter and Content Creator
Ray Leroy, is a federal public servant. Apart from his role, he’s the creative force behind RayPresents, a YouTube channel he hosts, dedicated to celebrating diversity and sparking inspiration for the next generation. Through thought-provoking conversations with accomplished individuals from various sectors, Ray amplifies the importance of diversity. Beyond his professional achievements, he finds fulfillment as a proud father of three children.
Anthem Interpretation
Liberty Silver
Singer & Songwriter
Three-time Juno Awards and Grammy Award Singer, Song Writer Liberty Silver is an internationally acclaimed artist. Starting off by opening for Bob Marley at Madison Square Garden. With her 6-1/2 octave, this internationally acclaimed artist with the smooth sound of Jazz, Soul, R & B and Reggae, continues to captivate audiences around the world. The legendary Liberty Silver was the first Black woman in Canada to receive a Juno Award. She took the Canadian music scene by storm when she received three coveted Juno Awards for Best R&B Single and Best Reggae Calypso Recording. She was nominated for Most Promising Female Vocalist and collaborated on a Jazz Album nominated for a Juno Award, thus making history as the only multiple Juno Award Winner and Nominee besides Bryan Adams. The Canadian-born diva alongside David Foster collaborated with various musical artists such as A. Geldof, Mikhail Gorbachev, B.B. King, Sheryl Lynn, Maya Angelou, Desmond Tutu, Celine Dion, The Temptations, Harry Belafonte, Brian McKnight, Taylor Dayne, The Jets, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Cameo, Jeffery Osborne, J.T. Taylor, SOS Band and Oscar Peterson. On the international stage, Liberty has opened for: U.S. President Barack Obama, Bob Marley, Sir Bob A. Geldof, Mikhail Gorbachev, B.B. King, Sheryl Lynn, Maya Angelou, Desmond Tutu, Celine Dion, The Temptations, Harry Belafonte, Brian McKnight, Taylor Dayne, The Jets, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Cameo, Jeffery Osborne, J.T. Taylor, SOS Band and Oscar Peterson. This multi-faceted talent, also co-hosted the World Basketball Championship ceremony with TV Star Allan Thicke, hosted her own TV series “Centre Stage Chronicles”, and co-wrote and performed the official Olympic theme for the 1996 Atlanta, Georgia, and 2004 Athens, Greece Olympic games.
Ancestral Territorial Address
Michael Cheena
Indigenous Knowledge Keeper and Reconciliation Facilitator for the Circles for Reconciliation
Michael is proud to be First Nation with Cree ancestry from James Bay and he moved to Toronto in 1975. He has held several leading roles in the native community of Toronto that consisted of being Vice-President of AKEC (First Nations School of Toronto) and President of Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre Board of Directors. He has been a research consultant for (NAN) First Nations Band Offices and sat on the Ontario Joint Aboriginal Anti-Racism Committee. He is the former President and Indigenous Representative of the Aboriginal Urban Alliance of Ontario. As a survivor of two residential schools, he has travelled to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Statement Gatherings and hearings to share his residential school experience with non-Indigenous Canadians. Michael received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of voluntary service in 1993. Michael has worked at Na-Me-Res providing direct relief to persons in crisis. He served as Union Steward and President of Local 3950 while employed at Temple Wire Products Ltd. He is currently a Peer Advocacy Worker for IRSS at the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. Michael’s studies at Humber College and George Brown College have assisted him on his journey of healing and throughout his many tasks.
Traditional Passages and Rituals
Ginelle Skerritt
Chief Executive Officer at York Region Children's Aid Society, Traditional Passage and Awards Winner
Ginelle Skerritt is an initiate, teacher and learner in the Akan Rites of Passage tradition, a published author on the topic of traditional savings and credit associations, a banker-lady, and co-owner of Adinkrafarm, Ginelle leads programming for healing and cultural reclamation for children, youth and adults. As an accomplished non profit leader, she has many firsts, most notably the first Black CEO of a Children’s Aid Society in Ontario and the first Black Regional Director of UNICEF Ontario, and is the recipient of numerous awards for Community Service, including the Afroglobal Leadership award, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, the Daniel Hill Community Award and she is featured on the 25th anniversary edition of the Official Black History Month Poster.
Griot
Eric Sarah
Multidisciplinary Artist
A graduate of the University of Ottawa in Political Science, Business Administration and International Development, Wandara Topzo is a multidisciplinary artist, a native of the Central African Republic, storyteller, actor, musician, percussionist, singer, master of ceremonies, great communicator, motivator and community development agent. He plays the ngoni, kalimba, guitar and balaphon, as well as traditional dance. He offers performances and workshops in percussion, dance and storytelling.
Special Speakers
Special Speaker
Hosni Zaouali
CEO of ConnectED-Labs and PDG de Voila Learning - Founder of VC-BootCamp in Silicon Valley - Toronto - Paris - Johannesburg
Hosni Zaouali, known as Hoss, is an African entrepreneur and educator who rose from an impoverished neighborhood in Africa and France to teach at Stanford University in Silicon Valley. Overcoming a childhood marked by violence and discrimination, he found his way through education, earning degrees in engineering, business and international development. He founded AdaptiKa, Voilà Learning, ConnectED-Labs, companies that develop digital educational solutions and innovate with virtual campuses and incubators in the Metaverse in countries such as France, the USA, Canada, as well as Somalia, Haiti and Tunisia. He has since sold AdaptiKa and founded the Silicon Valley VC-BOOTCAMP: a consortium of venture capitalists. Hosni has also played a vital role in the Canadian community, providing over 1,200 French-speaking newcomers with their first work experience as tutors. Today, he continues to influence global education, notably as a lecturer at Stanford University on artificial intelligence and metaverses.
Special Speaker
Iliana Oris Valiente
Managing Director and Canada Innovation Lead
at Accenture (Canada)
Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, is an accomplished corporate executive, innovation and emerging tech pioneer, startup investor, respected board member, published author, and sought-after global public speaker. She’s making waves with her Digital Twin, Laila, who’s helping her with productivity by reducing monotonous tasks and increasing output. Iliana is currently the Managing Director and Innovation Lead at Accenture Canada, working with senior executives and boards to support their strategic transformation journeys. She leads multi-disciplinary teams across design, data, and technology, focusing on emergent areas such as metaverse/blockchain/web3, sustainability, AI, and cross-industry initiatives. A CBP (Certified Bitcoin Professional), Iliana is widely recognized for her trailblazing contributions to the blockchain industry. She helps audiences understand The Human Side of Innovation & Tech Trends: Creating a Future Humans Want to Live In. She aims to leave audiences optimistic and better prepared for what comes next. As a published author and frequent speaker at global conferences, Iliana has been featured in various media outlets. She’s an active board member at Sunnybrook Hospital, CPA Ontario, and DIACC and mentors startups through incubators such as CDL.
Special Speaker
Sylvain Boyer
Managing Partner and CEO at Nuvollo
Sylvain Boyer, CEO of Nuvollo Corp, is a visionary leader transforming cloud ERP, cybersecurity, and managed IT services. His commitment to innovation and excellence empowers businesses to thrive through secure solutions, making Nuvollo a trusted industry partner.
Special Speaker
Alex Ihama
Global Strategist, Executive Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Bestselling Author, Executive Director Canadian Congress
Alex Ihama is a distinguished global leadership speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author. He has travelled to about 40 countries worldwide to deliver his transformative insights on nation-building strategies, transformational leadership, and social justice topics. Alex serves as the Executive Director of the Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity & Workplace Equity and holds the prestigious role of President at the International School of Greatness. His expertise has been sought after by major news outlets around the world and notable institutions like the federal parliament and senate of Canada.
Inspiring Panel with Visionary Experts
Theme
The role that emerging technologies can play in combating racism and creating a better future for underserved communities (Black and racialized, Francophone, women).
Moderator
Andrew Bromfield
Founder and President
Formative Innovations Inc.
Proficient in Business and Technology
Andrew’s mission is to help organizations and people grow and he achieves this by aligning Information Technology with business strategy and professional development. It is through this commitment that he founded Formative Innovations Inc. in 2005 - a Toronto based creative + technology firm that specializes in the design, development, and management of technology solutions that power business and workforce competitiveness. As Formative’s President, Andrew's primary responsibilities include the creation and management of strategic initiatives and the realization of the company's long-term vision. In addition, Andrew plays a key role in the design and development of all product and service offerings as the Chief Technology Officer. Over the past 19 years, Andrew and his team has developed and deployed several highly effective custom software solutions that span multiple industries, including healthcare and financial services. More than a decade ago, Andrew realized the disruption that we imminent due to advances in IT automation and artificial intelligence (AI). This led him to begin development on a next-generation talent development platform called My 5 Mentors. Its evidenced-based approach adds structure and accountability to mentorship, while enabling a deeper exchange of knowledge and know-how. The identification and development of high performing talent is critical for any organization that wants to thrive in today’s highly competitive business environment. It’s why My 5 Mentors was created and available today. Prior to founding Formative Innovations Inc., Andrew acquired his diverse skillset by earning a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management from Ryerson University, where he majored in systems development and implementation. He immediately applied that knowledge with meaningful tenures at DoubleClick (now a Google company) and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Panelist
Dorian Spears
Equity and Inclusion Practitioner,
Generator, Visionary and
Social Impact Leader
Dorian Spears believes that the brilliance to solve community challenges exists within residents who live there every day. As Director of Partnerships & Strategy with the Gender Equality in Tech (GET) Cities initiative, Dorian leveraged relationships to encourage better outcomes for marginalized genders in the Black, brown, and Indigenous communities who currently work or desire a career in the technology sector.
Panelist
Andrew Forde
Global Leader
Founder of Tech
Partner of KPMG Canada
Andrew is a partner at KPMG in the Management Consulting, Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation practice with a special focus on digital healthcare. He has a 16-year track record building teams that deliver solutions to complex business problems using a variety of technological and management methods. Andrew has a demonstrated history of guiding numerous organizations in the development and validation of data programs, steering business-focused technology strategies, and deploying advanced analytics and technology solutions. He possesses a specialization in applied AI, data and analytics strategy, engineering ontologies, unsupervised learning, preprocessing, and algorithm development. Known for his strategic foresight, Andrew excels in championing business transformations, seamlessly integrating technology, data, and AI to revolutionize operations and facilitate superior outcomes. Andrew’s approach revolves around generating business value, optimizing organizational priorities, and ensuring robust governance and risk management.
Panelist
Nancy Mitchell
Director, Research - Special Projects, Diversity Institute
Nancy Mitchell's professional background is in gender equality and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She previously worked as a consultant with UN Women supporting numerous initiatives including gender equality in the workplace and women entrepreneurs. At the Diversity Institute, Nancy works with stakeholders across the public sector, private sector and civil society to develop research and strategies to embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within organizational processes.
Panelist
Carl-Edwin Michel
Creator and Executive Producer at Canadian Game Awards; Executive Television Producer; Radio and Television Host
Carl-Edwin Michel is a passionate tech and video game enthusiast. As the creator and executive producer of the Canadian Game Awards, he has been a driving force in recognizing excellence in the video game industry. Since 2009, Carl-Edwin has built a distinguished career as a freelance journalist, lecturer, and media personality, covering the latest developments in technology and gaming across radio, television, and various platforms.
Funders Panel
Theme
How emerging technologies can help funders better accomplish their mission and support underserved communities.
This panel will examine how these innovations can enable more ethical and inclusive investments, while maximizing their social impact.
Moderator
Vinod Rajasekaran
CEO & Editor-in-Chief
Future of Good
An award-winning innovator, Vinod Rajasekaran is CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Future of Good, a fast-growing media and learning organization equipping changemakers with essential news, insights and knowledge on transformations and innovations shaping the social purpose world. Tens of thousands of changemakers subscribe to Future of Good everyday to fuel their learning, development and decision-making. Future of Good's groundbreaking summits on Black Leadership in Social Impact, Dismantling Digital Barriers and Social Finance Forum have convened more than 5000 changemakers to learn, gain knowledge and make a bigger difference at work and on the causes they care about. Vinod is also the author of Future of Good's annual Trends in Social Impact Report, a widely referenced annual essential briefing for leads and teams on signals to watch. In addition to leading Future of Good, Vinod teaches a Master's level course on the trends and debates shaping the future of philanthropy at Carleton University. Prior to launching Future of Good, Vinod oversaw strategy and business model development as the founding Managing Director of Rideau Hall Foundation, chaired by former Governor General David Johnston. He was Co-founder and Executive Director of Impact Hub Ottawa, the largest multi-sector coworking environment in Canada's capital. Vinod also launched Canada's social R&D network as a Fellow with SiG and McConnell Foundation working to strengthen R&D capacity in Canada's non-profits. His ground-breaking work in social R&D is referenced around the world. Vinod has also worked abroad with various international development organizations. Vinod is on the Advisory Board to the Equality Fund. He was designated as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, a winner of the prestigious Lewis Perinbam Award for social innovation, is a member of the Banff Forum and NEXUS communities, and is a recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contribution to Canada. Vinod is a regular commentator in the media, an invited speaker and moderator to conferences around the world on emerging trends in social impact, shifting narratives, social finance, social innovation, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility.
Panelist
Kemba Byam
Manager, Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit
City of Toronto
Kemba is the manager of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR) Unit with the City of Toronto. She joined the Unit in January 2021 as a Training and Development Consultant. She has leadership experience in governmental, private and community sectors. She is committed to using and sharing equity tools with a focus on anti-Black racism and gender analysis. Kemba has a degree in Law and Society and Sociology. She also holds a certificate in Community Healing and Peacebuilding. While pursuing her certificate, she focused on indigenous education, alternative and anti-psychiatry models, and constructions of race and gender in places of work. Kemba began her work with the City as a lead facilitator, leading Community Conversations across the city in preparation for the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism.
Panelist
Nation Cheong
Vice President, Community Impact and Mobilization - United Way Greater Toronto
For 25 years, Nation has been deeply committed to community development, dedicating his professional career and personal efforts to fostering caring, safe and culturally vibrant communities. His journey began at the grassroots level, starting at Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Center, where he led children and youth programs and supported adults with mental health and substance use challenges, laying a strong foundation for his dedication to community upliftment. Progressing to leadership roles, including Director of the Youth Challenge Fund and United Way’s Youth Success Strategy, Nation championed the positive development of Black, Indigenous, and racialized youth across the Greater Toronto Area, driving initiatives aimed at their empowerment and success. In his role as Vice President of Community Opportunities and Mobilization, Nation led United Way’s Research and Public Policy, Public Affairs, and Strategic Initiatives. He was instrumental in developing United Way’s Reconciliation and Equity Action Plan and the Indigenous Partnership Council, demonstrating his commitment to reconciliation and equitable community impact. Currently, as the Vice President of Community Impact and Mobilization, Nation leads a dynamic team that drives United Way’s community service investments and systems solutions. Together, they collaborate with partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to deliver equitable neighbourhood-level outcomes.