Global Leadership Program: 2026 Cohort

Kevin is a seasoned, results-oriented business leader with 16+ years of diverse experience driving organizational success through strategic team leadership, dynamic business development, meticulous distributor management, and end-to-end supply chain optimization. Renowned for entrepreneurial prowess, boasting a proven track record of successfully launching and growing brands in a multitude of global markets, including East Africa, West Africa, South Africa, China, the Middle East and Canada. Kevin holds an MBA from London Business School, a bachelor’s in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University, and a major from the University of Nairobi, alongside an ACCA affiliation. Alongside these achievements, I served as a board member of Kimberly-Clark Middle East & Africa and the HOPA Foundation. Top 40 under 40 men 2022 and winner of the 2021 Europe Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Kimberly Clark Apex Award. A strong believer in giving back to the community, Kevin sits on the Support Black Charity Board in Canada and the HOPA Foundation, their family-run foundation back in Kenya.

AK Jiwani is a technology and partnerships leader at Microsoft, where he works with organizations across the Americas to unlock new opportunities through cloud and AI. Over the past 13 years, he has built businesses, developed leaders, and led partner ecosystems that help organizations innovate and grow. Beyond his professional role, AK is passionate about mentorship, career development, and expanding access to opportunity through education and community engagement. He is particularly interested in how emerging technologies can create positive impact beyond the private sector. AK joins the AKFC Global Leadership Program to learn from diverse leaders, broaden his perspective, and explore how technology, pluralism, and community leadership can help address complex societal challenges.

An emerging leader in sustainable investing and finance, Andrea co-founded a sustainable finance and investing consulting firm focused on supporting financial institutions and investors in allocating capital to achieve both financial and sustainability objectives. Prior to starting her firm, Andrea worked at National Bank of Canada where she helped pioneer the country’s first Blue Loan and first Social Loan, mobilizing billions — with advisory work spanning transition finance, carbon and nature-based solutions, governance and product development. Named among Corporate Knights’ Top 30 Under 30 in Sustainability and Valedictorian of Concordia’s John Molson School of Business, she is completing a Master of Science in Global Environment and Sustainability.

Asad is the Founder and President of Furnish Forward Society, a Metro Vancouver non-profit social enterprise that redirects gently used furniture from landfill to families and individuals facing furniture insecurity. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Asad moved to Vancouver to study Sustainable Business at Simon Fraser University, where he also completed a certificate in Sustainable Community Development. His work sits at the intersection of climate action, circular economy, social equity, and community resilience. Asad has led sustainability reporting and climate initiatives in higher education and has worked on community-based projects with Indigenous and non-profit partners. Through Furnish Forward, he is focused on building practical, dignity-centred solutions that reduce waste while helping people create safe and stable homes.

Astara is an intersectional feminist leader, gender justice advocate, and systems-change practitioner working at the intersection of policy, research, community engagement, and social innovation. She is Executive Director of the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), where she leads a cross-sector coalition advancing community-led approaches to gender-based violence prevention, and Co-Founder of Civic Imagination Lab, a platform exploring participatory futures and civic transformation. With experience across 12 countries, Astara brings a global, interdisciplinary perspective to complex social challenges. Her work is grounded in prevention, collaboration across difference, collective care, and the redistribution of decision-making power toward communities most affected by systemic inequities. She is particularly interested in how leadership, strategic foresight, and community knowledge can shape more equitable, just, and caring futures.

Avelia is a strategic HR executive with 20+ years building functions that drive organizational resilience and workforce transformation. She currently leads People, Culture and Equity at the Winnipeg School Division, recruited to build a comprehensive people strategy from the ground up for 6,000 employees supporting 30,000 learners. Her career spans four countries, including Google and GE in the US, and Barclays Capital and Wawanesa in Canada. She has advised boards, led enterprise-wide culture transformations, and built HR infrastructure across sectors from global technology to public education, known for turning organizational risk into strategic opportunity. Avelia is also founder and Executive Director of Student Catalyst Gateway, advancing economic mobility for Indigenous, Black, racialized, and newcomer talent. She produces the HR Speaks Newsletter, has taught at MITT and Red River College Polytechnic, and serves on the board of Jumpstart Refugee Talent. As a Black immigrant woman from Trinidad and Tobago and first in her family to complete post-secondary education, she believes people strategy is the ultimate lever for performance. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Howard University, plus CPHR and SHRM SCP designations.

Brenda Okorogba, C.M., is a Strategic Advisor, Systems Thinker, and Learning Facilitator who helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity, make clearer choices, strengthen institutional capacity, align resources and partnerships with priorities, and translate strategy into sustainable, systemic impact. Appointed to the Order of Canada for advancing equitable access to education and opportunity, Brenda’s work spans Canada, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Belize. She has partnered with leaders, boards, funders, researchers, communities, nonprofits, SMEs, and quasi-governmental organizations to address complex challenges through collaboration, systems thinking, and values-based leadership. Her work spans governance, resource mobilization, workforce development, policy advocacy, gender-responsive programming, and cross-sector partnerships. She has supported access to more than $5 billion in scholarships, fellowships, employment opportunities, and non-dilutive funding and strengthened organizational capacity across initiatives operating in 40+ countries. Her work is grounded in dignity, justice, stewardship, and the flourishing of individuals and communities through transformative systems change.

Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews is a creative industries executive, composer, and scholar dedicated to mobilizing creativity for a better world. She serves as Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation, where she supports the next generation of Canadian music creators, having spearheaded national programs like the TD Creative Entrepreneur Incubator and Equity X Production Program. She is also an Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, mentoring rising creative-industry leaders. Appointed a Legacy Fellow with the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship, she is also an associate composer at the Canadian Music Centre. She holds a PhD in Management, specializing in strategy, innovation and entrepreneurship, and was awarded the Gold Medal for academic and research excellence by the Ted Rogers School of Management. A former Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar and recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and a Billboard Canada Power Player.

Chris is a senior political staffer with six years of experience at the highest levels of the Canadian federal government. He has advised the Ministers of International Trade, Small Business, and Women and Gender Equality across economic development, entrepreneurship, and international trade files. He currently serves as Director of Communications to the federal Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature. The child of Chinese immigrants raised on Prince Edward Island, Chris is committed to inclusive growth and to broadening whose voices are represented in Canadian public life. He is trilingual in English, French, and Mandarin, and a licensed pilot.

Christian is a Policy Advisor, International Engagement and Multilateral Institutions at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada. His work focuses on infrastructure finance, strengthening Canada’s investment readiness for domestic and international capital, including institutional investors and sovereign wealth funds. He supports departmental engagement with the G7, G20, OECD, and World Bank to mobilize public and private investment for sustainable, resilient infrastructure in emerging economies. Before joining the public service, Christian was a Senior Associate in KPMG Canada’s Global Infrastructure Advisory practice, advising on the financial, commercial, and strategic dimensions of infrastructure projects in Canada and internationally. Christian holds board and community leadership roles spanning municipal services, community infrastructure, and public dialogue on geopolitics. He is a technical expert with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), contributing to guidance on public-private partnerships and sustainable development. He is a graduate of the University of Lancashire, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and an MBA.

Claire holds an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies and Environmental Technology, and is currently completing a Masters of Public Administration at the University of Victoria. She has spent the past 10 years working at Global Affairs Canada, developing expertise across international affairs, foreign policy, and international development. She currently works in corporate policy, with a focus on investment planning for Canada’s international assistance budget. Previously, she worked on foreign policy at the Mission of Canada to the European Union, and supported Canada’s defence and international relationships at the Department of National Defence. Across these roles, she has been fortunate to work on a wide range of issues at the intersection of domestic and international policy. She’s excited to be here, learn from others, and contribute to the group.

Dorota is the Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Museum. Dorota brings visionary leadership, great enthusiasm, and a commitment to celebrating our shared humanity to all she does. Having visited the Manitoba Museum as a child refugee, she believes it can meaningfully contribute to inclusivity and community cohesion, leaning into its purpose as a living institution and centre for intercultural dialogue. Bringing communities together, and inspiring visitors to live in harmony with the world that surrounds them, the flora and the fauna, is the work that Dorota most passionately lends her heart and skills to. She has a double major in Business Administration and English. In 2014, selected as an emerging female leader in Canada, Dorota participated in the Canadian Women’s Foundation Leadership Institute at St. Francis Xavier University. In 2019, she completed the Executive Education Program at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.

Farah is a public sector leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing organizational change, service transformation, and policy implementation across the Ontario Public Service. With a background in international development and public and economic policy, she brings a global perspective and systems-thinking approach to complex social challenges. Throughout her career, Farah has applied service design and continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen collaboration, improve outcomes, and deliver meaningful change for individuals and communities. Guided by a deep belief in equity, opportunity, and the power of collective action, she is committed to creating the conditions for people to thrive. Beyond her professional work, Farah volunteers with Aga Khan Foundation Canada and has served as the Chair of Toronto’s World Partnership Walk.

Farahnaaz has a passion for making a positive impact in her community with over 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry. As Director of Marketing and Community Impact in GTR, Farahnaaz leads the strategy and execution of RBC’s donations initiatives, marketing, events, and sponsorships across the region. Building on her 2 years managing the National donations strategy, she brings deep expertise in connecting RBC’s social impact commitments with business and brand value through meaningful partnerships and collaborations. Farahnaaz’s journey started as a volunteer herself at various organizations to make a difference for society. Her ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes, establish mutually beneficial collaborations, and combine strategic vision with tactical execution has made her an invaluable asset to both the corporate and social sectors.

Grace is from beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, and home is the West Coast. She has served as a Canadian diplomat at Global Affairs Canada (GAC) for over 15+ years and is currently posted abroad as the Political and Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Canada in Myanmar. Previously, Grace has been posted in fragile states in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Ghana and did a temporary duty at Canada’s mission to the United Nations in New York advancing foreign policy priorities in human rights, conflict prevention, and media freedom. Grace is an avid marathon runner and tennis player, and started the first gender parity ice hockey team at GAC. She was co-chair of the GAC Women’s Network promoting women in diplomacy and was awarded the Public Service Award of Excellence by the Clerk of the Privy Council.

Dr. Jacob Alhassan is an Assistant Professor in Community Health and Epidemiology at the University of Saskatchewan and Academic Co-Lead of the university’s Global Health Certificate. He has interdisciplinary training in public policy, global health, African studies, and population health from the University of Ghana, Durham University, the University of Oxford, and the University of Saskatchewan. An activist-scholar, Jacob’s work examines how politics, policy, and power shape educational and health inequities, particularly among vulnerable populations. His expertise has informed public policy discussions nationally, including as an invited expert witness before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. His activist engagements have also extended to global forums, including participation in the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva in 2026. Guided by anti-racist and anti-colonial approaches, he advances equity through research, teaching, and community engagement. He is also the Founder and Board Chair of Ad Astra Foundation Ghana.

Jessica serves as Executive Director of the Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region, leading a team providing 24/7 confidential, accessible, and compassionate mental health support to people in crisis. She also serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Fòs Feminista Canada, an international alliance advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for women, girls, and gender-diverse people. Previously Director of Global Health Impact at the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health and Director of Programs at the International Development and Relief Foundation, Jessica has led coalition-building, secured and diversified funding, evaluated health innovations for impact and scale, and influenced health service delivery across Canada and internationally. She holds a Master of Public Health specializing in health promotion and women’s health, as well as post-graduate certifications in humanitarian response, public policy, program management and partnership brokering.

Jessica is a Senior Analyst with over 10 years of experience in federal politics and the public service. She has held a variety of roles, including with the offices of the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Minister of National Revenue, and as Deputy Chief-of-Staff and Director of Policy to the Minister of Fisheries. Jessica is Métis and grew up in Winnipeg, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. She is passionate about policy and public service, and also enjoys travelling, music, and running. One of her proudest accomplishments outside of work was completing the 2023 New York City Marathon, an experience she hopes to repeat with another marathon someday soon.

Joannes is a Pan-African development leader, AI strategist, and social impact entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience advancing youth employment, skills development, and inclusive innovation across Africa. A 2026 Marshall Memorial Fellow and 2025 Millennium Leadership Intensive alumnus, he has led multi-country initiatives funded by the United Nations and international development partners. Through this work, he has helped deploy digital learning and employability platforms reaching more than 4 million young people. Joannes also consults for the United Nations, supporting the design and implementation of scalable innovations that help young people transition successfully from learning to earning. He is the Founder and CEO of Nanaade, an AI-powered job-matching and talent discovery platform incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab. He holds a Mid-Career Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and is committed to building data-driven systems that position Africa’s young people as engines of transformation.

Julia leads the Global Engagement team at the AMR Policy Accelerator, an initiative of the Global Strategy Lab at York University. This team includes both the Policy Translation and Capacity Strengthening units, and works closely with national governments, international agencies, and civil society organizations to understand and respond to their antimicrobial resistance (AMR) policy concerns and needs. Julia builds partnerships with policymakers and global health stakeholders and has represented the Accelerator at ministerial meetings, the UN General Assembly, the World Health Assembly, and other high-level events. Julia has over 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector in Canada and sub-Saharan Africa, including more than a decade living in South Africa. She holds a JD from Queen’s University and an LLM from the University of Cape Town.

Karim has been with the Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) since 2002. He is currently Director General of the International Relations Branch. In this capacity, Karim leads the IRCC team responsible for advancing Canada’s international migration relationships, policy issues, and facilitating and coordinating global engagements activities. Karim has previously served in the foreign service and leadership roles including Citizenship Policy, the Afghanistan Sector, and most recently as Director General of International Crisis Response. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University and University College London and attended the Graduate Program at the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. Throughout his career, Karim has actively contributed to initiatives aimed at increasing inclusion in the workplace and Canadian society.

Producer and founder of The 525 Art Pop-Ups, a contemporary arts nonprofit producing exhibitions across four Canadian cities and emerging international corridors in Mexico City and Bangkok. His work centres on place-making, siting contemporary art in the imagination of unused and nontraditional spaces, specifically exhibition spaces as gathering spaces for youth-driven changemakers. He treats the arts as a platform for innovation and pluralism, a place where cultural difference gets worked out in public, which is what led him to join a national cohort building AI capacity in the nonprofit sector. He has represented Canadian civil society at the IFACCA World Summit in Seoul. Closer to home, he has served on the City of Saskatoon’s Public Art Advisory Committee and the board of Saskatoon’s Nuit Blanche festival, work grounded in the conviction that public art drives civic participation.

Khaleel Meghji is the Founder and CEO of Veraqua Technologies, a climate AI platform translating uncertainty into actionable intelligence. Recognizing freshwater as civilization’s foundation, Veraqua provides insight into the economic, social, and political changes facing our planet. With 20+ years of leadership across natural resources, technology, and capital markets, Khaleel has represented Veraqua at the UN, NATO CCASCOE, and the Vector Institute’s Fastlane accelerator. A lifelong volunteer, he continues to give his time to community organizations, including the Ismaili Council.

Matt, MBA, is a social impact and innovation leader whose work sits at the intersection of social enterprise, community development, and public systems change. As Director of Social Development for the Town of Cochrane, he leads work across housing, transit, inclusion, family and community support, and social planning. Matt brings more than a decade of experience helping organizations move from complex social challenges to practical, coordinated action. His work has included building cross-sector partnerships, facilitating intercultural and leadership training, advancing social innovation, and supporting inclusive public systems across nonprofit, provincial, municipal, and community settings. With an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Calgary, Matt applies business tools in service of public good, with a focus on inclusion, implementation, and sustainable social impact.

Melanie Thomas is Vice President at Community Foundations of Canada, where she leads national partnerships and initiatives that strengthen communities across the country. Her career has intentionally spanned business, law, philanthropy, media, banking, and international human rights, reflecting her belief that today’s most complex challenges require collaboration across sectors and disciplines. Melanie previously served as Vice Chair of TRIBE Network and continues to mentor emerging leaders in law, business, and social innovation. She is known for bringing together diverse partners to turn ambitious ideas into practical action.

Nabeel is a senior Canadian leader passionate about creating opportunities for people, building inclusive communities and helping others reach their potential. He brings more than a decade of experience across strategy, consulting, growth and leadership, and currently serves in a senior leadership role at FCC. Beyond his professional work, Nabeel is deeply committed to equity and community leadership. He served as a Director of the Alberta Soccer Association, where he has championed opportunities for young people and worked to create stronger pathways for girls and women in sport. His leadership is grounded in a belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Nabeel is passionate about bringing people and perspectives together, learning from others and using leadership as a force for positive change. He is particularly interested in how we can build more inclusive systems that create meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

Born and raised in Ukraine, Nataliia came to Ottawa in 2010 to pursue a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa, where she later earned her PhD in Political Science. She subsequently held the Petro Jacyk Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Manitoba, during which she completed the manuscript for her book, Lives Altered by War, published by McGill-Queen’s University Press. Nataliia currently serves as a Senior Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada, working on refugee protection, human rights, and asylum policy. Alongside her public service and academic work, she is actively engaged in community initiatives supporting Ukrainians affected by war. Her enduring connection to Ukraine continues to shape her scholarship and community engagement.

Neil is Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Witless Bay, located in Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing experience across municipal administration, strategic marketing, customer experience, and service delivery. He is passionate about local government because it’s where people experience public service most directly, in their streets, programs, and everyday interactions with their community. Neil’s vision is to build a strategic operating model for Witless Bay that could be replicated by other small Newfoundland municipalities facing similar resource constraints. A father of three young boys, he is deeply committed to helping build communities where families feel welcome, supported, and able to see a future for themselves. His leadership is grounded in clear communication, practical service, and the belief that strong communities are built when people of different backgrounds and perspectives feel respected and able to contribute.

Nilufar is a communications leader at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Her work focuses on strategic communications, STEM engagement, public storytelling, and live broadcasts connected to NASA’s major exploration initiatives, including the Artemis missions and the Moon to Mars campaign. Throughout her career at NASA, Nilufar has contributed to projects related to the International Space Station, commercial lunar missions, and NASA’s efforts to engage global audiences in the future of space exploration. Her work helps connect scientific discovery with public understanding by translating complex scientific initiatives into accessible and engaging experiences for audiences around the world. Nilufar’s professional journey reflects the many pathways that exist within STEM and space exploration beyond engineering and astronautics alone. With a background in political science and communications, her work demonstrates the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, leadership, storytelling, and collaboration in shaping the future of scientific innovation and discovery.

Previously, Oshone served as Chief Operating Officer of ThriveAgric, following his progression from Vice President of Operations. He provided executive leadership for ThriveAgric’s multi-country agricultural business, operating across five African countries, leading large teams, scaling operations, mobilizing partnerships and institutional financing, and working with governments, financial institutions, development organizations, and private-sector partners. His career has given him a distinctive perspective on the intersection of business, development, markets, and public policy. A Canadian permanent resident with an international career, Oshone is interested in how leaders can bridge sectors, cultures, and geographies to turn ideas into institutions and systems that create lasting impact, and in the role Canada can play globally.

Payam serves as the Director, Office of the Dean at the Rotman School of Management. Prior to this, he was the Director, Office of the Vice Principal, Research & Innovation at University of Toronto Mississauga. Before returning to U of T, he was the Director, Strategic Planning and Operations at the School of Biomedical Engineering at University of British Columbia. Payam is a three-time graduate of U of T, completing a BASc in Biomedical Engineering, and an MSc and PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He has deep experience working collaboratively in a university setting with academics as well as strong managerial experience overseeing and implementing a broad range of strategic initiatives. Payam has also contributed to the broader university community through service on the University Affairs Board and the UTM Campus Affairs Committee.

Sahar is an entrepreneur, growth coach, and angel investor, passionate about women’s health and economic empowerment. Her East African and Indian heritage has inspired her to spend the last 15 years focused on empowering women across these regions. As founder of Maziwa, Sahar is dedicated to equipping and empowering African mothers to balance breastfeeding and work. Beyond her company, Sahar’s growth coaching and investing are also geared towards female leaders. Sahar is a Meaningful Business 100 honoree, Global Good Fellow, Acumen Fellow, and TEDxNairobi speaker. In her former life, Sahar held brand management roles at Johnson & Johnson and Reckitt Benckiser in Canada and the UK, winning a Bronze Lion for her creative work at Cannes. Sahar is originally from Vancouver and holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and a BCOM and BA from Queen’s University.

Shadab is a business leader, educator, and entrepreneur with experience spanning media, technology, financial services, and e-commerce. Currently at The Globe and Mail, he leads strategic partnerships across major government and corporate accounts, while also teaching entrepreneurship. A former varsity athlete and active community leader, Shadab is passionate about building solutions that create meaningful, lasting impact. He brings a global perspective shaped by experiences across Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Canada, with a strong commitment to leadership, service, and community.

Shitangshu is a Bengali-Canadian residing in Halifax NS, and with an interest in exploring how global systems can be created that are just, sustainable and equitable to all. Holding a BA + MA in philosophy, alongside an MBA, this interest has seen Shitangshu jump across fields of academia, sports, education, technology and the environment, with him finding particular joy in creating spaces for community to come together to create positive social and environmental impact. In this cause, Shitangshu helped to co-found multiple award-winning non-profits and social enterprises like Halifax PLAYS, KAYR, the OATHE Project and One4Earth that have grown to reach 12K+ people (alongside some failed enterprises as well!), and served as an AKFC fellow and later consultant, supporting green enterprise and technology development across Central and South Asia. And today, he serves as Executive Director of the Youth Impact Challenge, supporting youth-led ventures with funding, mentorship, education and more.

Sultan Ali Sadat is a dedicated leader, community advocate, author, and seasoned professional with over 35 years of experience in the business and nonprofit sectors. He holds a Commerce degree, specialized training in Human Resources, and an MBA in Leadership focused on Community Economic Development. For the past decade, Sultan has served as Director of Human Resources at Saskatoon Open Door Society. With more than 20 years of negotiation experience in both union and management roles, he brings a balanced approach to labour relations, workplace inclusion, and employee engagement. Previously, as a Cultural Bridging Facilitator, Sultan promoted cross-cultural understanding throughout Saskatchewan. He has also served for over 20 years on boards, including TCU, Ramia Modern, and Habitat for Humanity, contributing expertise in governance, finance, and audit. Sultan is also the author of the memoir The Treasures of Pain, reflecting his commitment to resilience, leadership, and community.

Talia is an experienced social development practitioner committed to fostering human well-being, social equity, and community resilience. She brings over a decade of experience advancing social development solutions to create equitable and thriving communities in Canada and South Asia. Combining research with community-based approaches, Talia bridges the gap between policy and local needs to address systemic issues like poverty and marginalization. Recognized for transforming service design through building consensus and organizational capacity to deliver results reflective of the most marginalized. Her portfolio highlights include the development of critical social infrastructure and program interventions for urban centres impacted by homelessness and addictions. She also launched large-scale community engagement and strategic planning initiatives to develop community safety and well-being frameworks to enhance urban livability. Currently, as Director of Development at Métis Nation BC, Talia oversees the delivery of culturally responsive infrastructure and programming for children and families across BC.

Dr. Tanya (Toni) De Mello is a human rights lawyer, mediator, educator and coach. She is currently the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion at Toronto Metropolitan University. Her career has focused on advancing human rights,, civic engagement, democratic participation, conflict resolution and belonging in Canada and internationally. At TMU, Toni leads initiatives that strengthen community inclusion, including conflict resolution and mediation programs that equip students and staff to navigate disagreement constructively. She wants us to be able to disagree better. She leads the university’s Community Building Working Group, which responds to global conflict and polarization, and advances initiatives to increase healthy dialogue and connection across differences. Toni previously worked with the United Nations in Geneva, Senegal and Colombia and has co-founded two nonprofits focused on civic engagement and international social entrepreneurship. Her academic research translates human rights, conflict resolution and belonging into practical approaches that strengthen communities and building a more democratic and inclusive society.

Vanessa is Executive Director of the University of New Brunswick’s Pond-Deshpande Centre, a social innovation and entrepreneurship hub working to accelerate lasting, place-based prosperity in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. She is a PCC-credentialed coach with the International Coaching Federation, a certified teacher, and a trained facilitator. Vanessa also co-chairs New Brunswick’s Non-Profit Advisory Council, working to advance the community sector and social economy across the province. She is committed to bridging inner transformation and systems change, believing that healthy institutions, meaningful lives, and resilient economies are built through integrity, connection, and abundance.

Ziana is an economist with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of economic policy, international development, and multilateral cooperation. She currently works in the Finance Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington, DC, where she helps mobilize financing for low-income and vulnerable countries. Prior to joining the IMF, Ziana served as Advisor to Canada’s Executive Director at the IMF and held several roles at Canada’s Department of Finance, including Assistant Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister of Finance. Her work has spanned macroeconomic policy, development finance, and social policy, including supporting Canada’s COVID-19 response measures for businesses. She is a proud 2024-25 Action Canada Fellow and holds a MA in Economics from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McMaster University.