Bo Simango is a startup cofounder and he is responsible for the execution of the company’s strategy, growth, and commercialization. He has worked on multi-billion dollar capital projects across Canada, with experience in portfolio management, value creation, stakeholder coordination, and project execution.

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He has won a number of national and international awards and was recently named one of Canada’s Clean50 emerging leaders, an award recognizing Canada’s top 50 cleantech leaders. Bo sits on the board of the Sierra Club of Canada, possesses multi-cultural fluency, and holds a B. Engineering and M.Sc.

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Cheryl Sutherland is a Mindfulness Speaker and Founder of PleaseNotes, a for-purpose company of affirmation-filled products that inspire women to step into their power by building confidence, clarity, and creativity.

Cheryl has been able to work with different companies to spread the message of mindset growth and human potential. Some include WeWork, Quicken Loans, Freshbooks, CPA Canada, the Durham District School Board, and more. As a women's empowerment expert, author, and entrepreneur, Cheryl Sutherland and PleaseNotes have been featured in InStyle, Huffington Post, Forbes, Fast Company, and more.

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Cindy is a speech language pathologist, co-founder, co-owner, president, and CEO of the CommuniCare Group of Companies (CommuniCare Therapy, ACT Learning Centre, and Kaymar Rehabilitation). Cindy and her business partners have grown their healthcare businesses to over 285 clinicians and staff.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Western University and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Vermont. She also has a postgraduate certificate in DIR/Floortime and is the only master trainer for the Play Project in Canada.

Cindy is a well-known public speaker who trains and educates clinicians and parents in North America and abroad. She currently serves on the following boards: the Ottawa Community Foundation, Partners in Health (Canadian Board), Ausome, Profectum Foundation and Home Care Ontario. Cindy is one of twenty founding members of the Women for Mental Health campaign for the Royal Ottawa Centre for Mental Health.

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James Muhato is a passionate community leader and currently serving as the COO and Co-founder of Woveo, a community wallet for savings and credit, that seeks to broaden financial inclusion for underrepresented and minority groups in Canada, giving people financial security.

James’s professional journey includes a tenure with the Provincial Government of PEI, managing and overseeing the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and the Skilled Trades Professional Bridging Programs, and currently serves as a board member for the Charlottetown Lions Club and Discover Charlottetown.

Originally from Kenya, James has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of collaborative finance and cooperative movements in elevating communities.

In his role with Woveo, James focuses on customer success underscoring a commitment to ensuring clients and customers realize the full value of Woveo in providing financial security.

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Mo’ is a seasoned technology executive and servant leader with over 10 years of experience leading and facilitating global teams. He is the Founder and CEO at SkillHat - an award-winning tech company launching motivated professionals into dream careers through e-learning and career development. Mo also won the award for the Black Product Innovator of the Year from BPTN & Bank of Montreal (BMO).

Channeling his passion for education, Mo’ has developed globally accredited training courses with PMI, IIBA & Scrum Alliance. He has trained 1000+ Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Business Analysts, and Product Owners, who are now thriving in their mission-driven careers.

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Stephen Dorsey is a Toronto-based senior-level business, brand, and marketing strategist with three decades of international experience and a creative writer, director, and producer of visual content. He is the principal of The Fractional CMO, a strategic consultancy, and of Dorsey Studios, a content production development company.

Stephen Dorsey is the author of the critically acclaimed book Black and White: “An Intimate Multicultural Perspective on “White Advantage” and the Paths to Change. (Nimbus 2022).

Stephen is a sought-after speaker and moderator working with diverse audiences to help bridge the divides of understanding on the important challenges facing organizations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Stephen is a volunteer director on the board of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). His articles, essays, and op-eds have been widely published nationally and internationally, and he is a sought-after on-air commentator and interviewee on Canadian media.

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Tiffany is the Ford Global Group Inc. founder, an award-winning marketing communications specialist, and a serial entrepreneur.

For more than a decade, Tiffany has worked with leading companies, not-for-profits and politicians that are committed to solving some of society’s most significant challenges.

She holds a double Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Communications and Sociology from York University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Fredericton. Tiffany also has a Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) certification from the Corporate Finance Institute. Tiffany served as an elected trustee with the Toronto District School Board from 2014-to 2018 and ran for Toronto City Council in 2018. Tiffany was hired on as the Interim Executive Director of Promoting Education and Community Health Organization (PEACH) and has recently opened the first co-working space in Toronto’s Westend.

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Toks Ayinla is a strategist, speaker, and writer whose mission is to empower individuals and teams to achieve their desired transformations in lives and businesses. She does this by creating strategic solutions and educational content focused on identifying pain points and providing tools for sustainable goal setting. With experience spanning all levels of the private, public, and non-profit sectors, Toks is the top choice when it comes to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, executive coaching, corporate strategy, and culture. Toks is also a member of the Supporting Black Communities Initiative External Reference Group advising the Canadian Government on issues affecting Black Canadians. The primary methodology behind all of her work is the RootWork Strategic Goal Setting Technique . The premise behind RootWork is if you change the root, the fruit will follow— a statement that has shaped both Toks' work and life.

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Mark Harrison is the founder of the MH3 Collective, a group of ventures whose purpose is to connect people & ideas to create social impact. The Collective includes Humanity, a creative agency for the Human Age; Sidekick, a team of purpose-driven strategy consultants; T1, a sponsorship agency that works with impactful brands; and SponsorshipX, a global community of marketing practitioners. In addition, he co-founded the Black Talent Initiative to support the Black community in professional workplaces and Park Street Education, a charity to remove all barriers to children’s education. 

His community involvement also includes being Board Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, a Board Member of the CAMH Foundation, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/The JUNO Awards, Ontario University Athletics, and an advisor to several ventures, including the Crankworx World Tour, and NFL Canada. In addition, Mark sits on the Board of Playmaker Capital, a leading digital sports media company.

Mark is a recipient of the Harry Jerome Award (Business Category), annually presented by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA). In addition, his success in marketing over the last thirty years has led him to be the Association of Canadian Advertisers’ 2022 Gold Medal Award winner. 

Mark is also CBC Metro Morning’s business columnist, where you can hear his regular takes on corporate and societal matters.

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I have been been learning and working in the service of equity and justice for close to 20 years.

My journey began at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto, where I completed a Master's and PhD. During this time, I learned how to "connect the dots" between my lived experience / expertise and the larger social forces that perpetuate inequity. Moreover, through my research and teaching, I was able to help others do the same.

Upon leaving academia, I held leadership positions in education, the public service, and the technology / innovation sector. In each role, equity was the unifying thread.

Since 2020, I have operated the Fictive Kin Equity Lab. Fictive Kin provides learning and development services for equity professionals and advocates. These include 1:1 strategic advisory packages; self- directed capacity-building opportunities; and a private, online community of praxis.

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Ify is an experienced commercial banking professional with over 8 years' experience supporting small to medium sized businesses achieve their dreams. He's currently a Director & Team Lead, managing a team of 5 commercial banking profesionals. ify is also a part-time college professor at Canadore College, where he teaches Performance Management at the Entrepreneurship Academy.

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Richard Madume is a seasoned Business Advisor with over 25 years of invaluable experience in the nancial services sector. His expertise spans various domains, from nancial planning to personal lending and branch administration. With a deep understanding of the industry, Richard is committed to supporting the backbone of our economy—Small Business owners. He takes pride in collaborating with them, leveraging his knowledge and insights to drive their success.

Richard's dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors. He actively engages in community initiatives, contributing his time and expertise to organizations like The Chamber of Commerce and FACS. Through his multifaceted approach, Richard Madume continues to make a positive impact both in the business world and within his community.

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Shari's has always had a passion for DEI, even before it had a name. She has worked at The National Post, Rogers Publishing and has been with The Globe and Mail for over 12 years.

As an HR and DEI Advisor, Shari works on Training and Development and Employee Engagement, all through the lense of DEI.

Shari is also the lead for the first Employee Resource Group for staff who self-identify as Black or biracial, Black Voices at The Globe.

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Catherine Meade is the Vice President, Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility with the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation (OLG). Prior to OLG, she worked with the City of Toronto, overseeing $350 million worth of 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games capital projects.

Catherine holds a Bachelor of Physical Education degree from McMaster University; an M.A. from the University of Alberta; an LL.B., cum laude, from the University of Ottawa; and an M.B.A. from St. Mary’s University (Halifax).

Catherine practiced primarily Labour & Employment Law for seven years in Nova Scotia and in Ontario. Before Law, she worked as an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion professional for eight years.

Catherine is a self-described “purpose-driven person” and has a long history of community service, contributing to local, national and international not-for-profit boards. She was named a 2022 WXN (Women s Executive Network) Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award winner in the Community Impact category.

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Chuks Ofor is a Strategic Sales Systems Architect and Organizational Development Leader with Velos IoT, known for pioneering ICT innovation with a rich history at global multi-billion dollar firms like Vodafone, TE Connectivity, CommScope and TD Synnex. His leadership has driven revenue increases and improved operations worldwide, masterfully balancing the dynamics of start-up ventures and established enterprises.

Chuks strategic development of scalable sales systems and organizational frameworks has significantly enhanced team capabilities, market presence, and industry progress.

Deeply committed to using technology for social betterment, Chuks focuses on empowering individuals and believes in technology's potential to foster a fairer, more innovative world.

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Jenny Okonkwo is a DEI Executive and Chartered Professional Accountant who is passionate about building diverse, equitable and inclusive environments both within and beyond the workplace. In her role at Meridian Credit Union as Director DEI, Belonging and Reconciliation, she partners with all lines of business, corporate functions and Employee Resource Groups to advance workplace inclusion.

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She is the founder and former President of Black Female Accountants Network (BFAN) an award-winning national network with a track record of transforming members' professional lives leading to career advancement and profile building opportunities within the accounting sector.

Jenny's contributions have been recognized by Government representatives and awarding bodies including:

Omar Alghabra - Member of Parliament, Mississauga Centre, The Diversity Advancement Network, WXN Canadian EDI Awards, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, Top 100 Black Women to Watch Canada, RBC Top 75 Canadian Immigrants.

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Julian Franklin is a Canadian Marketing Hall of Fame member, entrepreneur, and business leader with 20+ years experience in consumer-packaged goods and sports industries.

Currently he is Vice President, Partnership Development & Strategy, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment(MLSE) responsible for the corporate partnership portfolio at one of North America’s preeminent Sports & Entertainment organizations. His career is highlighted by senior roles at the Toronto Blue Jays, Weston Foods, Geometry Global, Kraft Heinz and founder Franklin Management Group Inc.

Julian has woven the foundations of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through his volunteer work, currently sitting as President, University of Ottawa Alumni Council(Toronto Chapter), Board of Directors, Golf Ontario and Board of Directors- Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada. He is also a Founding Member of POCAM(People of Colour in Advertising & Marketing), an association that advocates the inclusion and advancement of Black, Indigenous, & People of Colour(BIPOC) within the Canadian Marketing industry.

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Shauna Archibald is Head of Client Delivery & Solutions Oversight for Chase Merchant Services Canada and is a member of the Canadian Senior Leadership Team. Her experience in the payments industry spans over 20 years having served on the merchant acquiring and card issuing sides of the industry. She champions diversity and inclusion at JPMorgan Chase in her role as Founder and Executive Sponsor of the Black Organization Leadership Development (BOLD) resource group in Canada and has won a Women in Payments Award for her work in this space. She is a Certified ScrumMaster® and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto.

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Innovative Executive with Proven Advertising & Marketing Expertise

Suzan Barrett is an accomplished and results-driven executive with an extensive background in marketing communications within highly competitive industries. With a career spanning over two decades, Suzan has consistently delivered exceptional results by fostering collaboration, building relationships, and promoting cooperation across local and global business lines. Her focus on driving positive change and comprehensive business solutions has made her a sought-after leader in the field.

Areas of Expertise:

Suzan currently serves as:

Vice President, Account Management & Client Lead at MiQ Digital (Fort Lauderdale, FL) managing the Zimmerman business in the US by setting the strategic direction, fostering client relationships, and driving growth for MiQ. She is dedicated to future-proofing the business and working with cross-functional teams to uncover growth opportunities.

Previous Roles Include:

• VP of Account Management at MiQ (Toronto, ON)
• VP at IPG (Toronto, ON)

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Ogho Ikhalo (she/her/hers) is an award-winning diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist, currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity,and Inclusion at Hydro One. Settled in Tkaronto, within the Upper Canada Treaty of Turtle Island, Ogho brings over 18 years of experience partnering with local, national, and internal organizations to embed DEI into the iridentities. Her background in DEI, Human Rights, labor, and communications informs her strategic approach to implementing and monitoring policies through an intersectional lens, drawing from her lived experiences.

At Hydro One, Ogho leads eorts to develop, enhance, and execute strategies, roadmaps, and programming to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion while attracting and retaining top talent across the organization.With a track record of providing C-Suite strategic policy advice, delivering communications, and diversity, equity, and belonging training, and oering support in issues management and media relations on complex and contentious matters, Ogho is recognized for her expertise.

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Caroline Gayle is a distinguished leader in Canadian technology financial services, specializing in systems integration and outsourcing. With over two decades of experience, she has led large-scale business and IT transformation projects across diverse industries. Caroline is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, serving on the boards of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), the World Education Services (WES), and the Wealthsimple Foundation. She also contributes to the Black Experience Advisory Council for the Hospital for Sick Kids. Caroline holds a BSc from the University of the West Indies (Mona) and an MBA in Computer Information Systems (CIS) from Golden Gate University. A member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Caroline actively engages with various charities.

In recognition of her exceptional leadership, Caroline received the Catalyst Honors Champion - Business Leader Award in 2023 and the Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Mentorship Award in 2019. She has also been honored with numerous awards at Accenture, including the Toronto Women’s Advocacy Award, the Canadian Inspirational Leader Award, the Canadian Hero / Making a Difference Award, and the North America Career Counselor Award.

As a dedicated mentor, Caroline is passionate about supporting the next generation of women leaders in the technology and communications space. She fosters a culture of mentorship within and outside of Accenture, actively coaching and guiding individuals at all levels to achieve success. Caroline's leadership style emphasizes knowledge sharing, establishing clear expectations, and providing guidance to drive meaningful outcomes. Her commitment to mentoring is integral to her leadership approach, enabling her teams to thrive and excel.

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Masika is an emotionally intelligent founder and CEO of Diversity Nexus with +10 years of progressive leadership experience supporting strategic planning and facilitating change management for global Corporations. Masika is an in uential thought leader who can advise on all human resource management infrastructure areas, including talent acquisition, learning and development, policy development, and compensation planning.

A dedicated advocate for equity and justice, Masika leads with a trauma-informed approach, oering transformative DEI solutions. Drawing from profound lived experiences, she courageously addresses cultural complexities, leaving a lasting mark on diversity, equity, and inclusion and those she engages with.

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David Simmonds is SVP & Global Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Great West Lifeco and Canada Life. A member of the Executive Management Committee, David leads a team responsible for global communications, reputation and brand management, corporate impact, and sustainability. David also provides strategic partnership and advisory guidance to the CEO’s agenda, including corporate citizenship and inclusion.

David has built a reputation as an inspiring leader and change maker. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in driving companies’ strategies around reputation, impact, and brand including diversity, equity and inclusion and corporate social responsibility. He's known for his ability to connect and engage employees, customers and communities through purpose-driven storytelling.

Among his many awards, David has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Black Canadians, and in 2022, David received the Black Business Professional Associations' prestigious Harry Jerome leadership award celebrating excellence within the Black community.

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Alison is the Director of Operational Effectiveness in the Global HR Services Team, ensuring HR business strategies, plans and initiatives are executed and delivered. Alison had been a leader at Scotiabank for 16 years and is passionate about advancing the Bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and developing high-performing future leaders that reflect their customers and employees. Alison is the first Global Co-chair for the Scotiabank Black Employee Network (SBEN); prior to joining SBEN, Alison was an active member of the Bank’s Global Operations DE&I Council and the co-chair of GOWOMEN ERG. Alison consistently drives change and is committed to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and empowers employees.

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Natalie Royer is a belonging consultant, speaker and coach at Saroy Group Inc.

She holds an M.A. from Toronto Metropolitan University and holds a Certificate in Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace from York University and has completed a coaching and mentoring program at the Schulich School of Business. She leverages her compassion, insight, and humanistic approach to facilitate impactful training sessions, workshops, coaching and keynotes on cultivating spaces of belonging. Natalie believes storytelling and design thinking are powerful tools to create spaces that promote both empathy and inclusivity in work culture.

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Aaron T. Francis is a doctoral student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs at the University of Waterloo researching the political economic intersections of China-US-Taiwan relations in Latin America and The Caribbean. Aaron is also a community archivist, curator and the founder of Vintage Black Canada^TM.

Founded in 2019, Vintage Black CanadaTM is a multidisciplinary creative initiative that seeks to document the transnational modern history of the African Diaspora in Canada. Based, in no small part, on the thousands of images inherited from his grandfather Roy, a Jamaican born, Waterloo-based photographer active from 1960 to 1990, images from the archive have resonated across the African diaspora underscoring a shared cultural heritage that transcends not only geographical boundaries but also generations. Video and images from Vintage Black CanadaTM have been exhibited at the Art Gallery of Ontario, University of Waterloo Art Gallery (in collaboration with CAFKA) and in Maclean's magazine.

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Craig Wellington is the Executive Director/CEO of Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), a community-led charitable organization whose mandate is to deploy needs-informed capital, to promote socio-economic empowerment for Canada’s Black communities. BOF is preparing to launch a $50 million Private Equity fund to invest in Black founded businesses, and a similar sized investment vehicle to create pathways to homeownership for Black Canadians.

Wellington was recently named to the 2023 list of Top 100 Canadian Professionals.

Craig is an accomplished diversity, equity & inclusion consultant, who has helped organizations in Canada and U.S. develop and implement impactful strategies to transform their culture. He is a member of the EDI Advisory Council for the One Child, Every Child, child health research initiative led by the University of Calgary, as well as the Black Community Housing Advisory Table (BCHAT). He is a former member of the Toronto Chief of Police's Black Community Consultative Committee.

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Jessey (Phade) Pacho is a renowned graffiti artist & muralist, who has dedicated his life to mural making, aerosol art, and traditional graffiti. Through this, he strives to erase the misconceptions about hip-hop & black culture while simultaneously pushing for representation in the public realm. Jessey has positioned himself as a leader in his industry. He has managed multiple professional artists' teams and delivered high- impact programming across Canada. He has been internationally recognized and published nationally. Jessey also co-founded the event(s) #paintthecityblack and #everyonevsracism. He has partnered with some of Canada's largest organizations, established a foothold in the corporate sector and completed monumental scale murals. Jessey's work celebrates black excellence, builds community and breathes new life into spaces that could use a boost of both color and commerce. Pursuing greater heights in his craft, Jessey remains a student to time and a humble servant of the arts.

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Keosha Love is an award-winning artist, activist and educator who builds spaces for creative and collective liberation. As a poet and writer, Keosha is notable for centering self-actualization, womanism and social constructs throughout her work. Her work also rooted in systemic change and reimagination, Keosha explores Black joy and radical self-care, as a way of rebellion.

In 2016, Keosha founded Our Women's Voices, a Toronto-based non-for-profit focused on empowering the voices of women + girls, and making social change through arts, education and community. Our Women’s Voices has led over 70+ impactful programs, events and initiatives that have prioritized the well-being and leadership of Canadian women and girls. 

With her BA in Psychology and roots in creative arts, Keosha has graced many stages and rooms as an educator, facilitator, and public speaker — exploring themes of mental health, wellness, race and gender advocacy.

Keosha's work can be found in collaboration with Facebook, Nike, Art Gallery of York University, Never Apart Magazine & more. Her poem "A Prayer for Black Women" has been shared nationally and featured in CBC’s Poetic License. In 2021, Keosha debuted her first mental health series titled Black & Vulnerable. Most recently, Keosha was the recipient of the Community Hero Award presented by TFC for her contributions towards her community. Ultimately, Keosha Love is a storyteller and pivotal voice that inspires others to use theirs."

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Kofi Frempong is a Toronto-raised Ghanaian visual artist and Arts Educator with over 20 years of experience. He is dedicated to creating safe spaces that foster love, learning, and laughter. Kofi has collaborated with organizations like Vibe Arts For Children and Youth, TDSB, TCDSB, Children's Aid Society, Toronto Housing, and Toronto Public Library, supporting young artists. He has been recognized as the CBC Arts Canadian Artist of the Month and featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network and Discovery Plus' Profiled: The Black Man. Kofi's artwork has been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the AGO and Art Expo New York, showcasing his unique vision and skill. He also serves as a brand ambassador for The Hustle Never Dies, demonstrating his commitment to creativity and perseverance. With his diverse background and extensive experience, Kofi continues to make a significant impact in the art world community and beyond.

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Nisha Lewis is the Chief Operating Office at NPower Canada and has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Nisha is committed to providing strategic direction and developing clear and consistent communications that foster credibility and influence policy, while engaging and inspiring stakeholders to take action.

She began her career in Marketing & Communications and has worked for the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, Girl Guides of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company as well as Diamond and Schmitt Architects. She has successfully executed multi-year marketing and communications campaigns on local, national and international levels, utilizing traditional and digital marketing, media relations and partnerships to reinforce each brand’s value proposition and meet their strategic priorities.

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I am an Entrepreneur Architect leading a multi-disciplinary architectural and design practice for the last 4 years. My practice is infused, inspired, and informed by my background in visual and performance art. Prior to venturing on my own, I worked for over 15 years at a variety of award-winning architectural studios across Toronto. I work in multiple scales and varieties that span from architectural theoretical concepts and architectural digital art from illustration, animation to AI Design. I specialize in designing bold and unique small- or large-scale residential and commercial spaces from renovations, events, art installations and alterations to new builds. With my activist and utopian free spirit, I dream of helping the world to become a more expressive, creative, colourful, just, and liberated space - where there are no limits to the imagination; all while having fun and being playful as an essential part of the creative process.

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Simone Wright is a Community Image Activist and Cultural Curator. Curiosity and passion are a few ingredients that enable her to be the storyteller that she is in her day job as an insights manager and founder of Parting The Roots which is a grassroots organization focused on the history, significance and politics behind Black hair. Her mission is to educate on the deep rooted history of Black hair, highlight the impact of systemic racism and to normalize Black hair to be represented in any way desired. She has appeared on CBC, Toronto Life and various related podcasts as well as presenting virtual workshops around the world. She is also a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional and a certified PsychoHairapist.

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Tanya is the Founder and President of TiP Brand Co, a bespoke agency offering integrated business solutions at the intersection of social impact, sports, and entertainment.

She is a servant leader, leveraging the power of sport to level the playing field for historically marginalized folks since 1998. With national and global experience in marketing, communications, and philanthropy, Tanya worked for renowned organizations including the Toronto Raptors, Canada Basketball, and Right To Play International, where she spearheaded the DEI & Anti-Racism Committee.

A first generation Black Canadian of Jamaican descent, Tanya is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She is a founding Board of Director at Jamaal Magloire Foundation, improving the lives of underserved youth through sports and the arts since 2016. In 2020, she co-founded Canadian Black Standard, a national networking and advocacy non-profit addressing systemic barriers in employment and inclusion for Black women in marketing across Canada.

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Amy is a multifaceted professional, balancing her role as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor at CBC with her artistic career as a dancer and model. Hailing from France with Senegalese roots, she showcases versatility in Afro-fusion and various urban dance styles, featuring in music videos, movies, and TV shows.

Advocating for the visibility of Black females in the dance industry and on-screen, Amy challenges beauty standards, championing individuals with unique stories.

Amy is also the founder of Brown Sugar Talk, facilitating raw, honest conversations on race and cross-cultural topics to amplify marginalized voices. As a positive and passionate speaker recognized for her relatable stories, she also empowers women and racialized immigrants to overcome obstacles and collectively strive for a brighter future because "No matter where you're from, your dreams are valid." (-Lupita Nyong'o)

As an EDI Advisor, she champions inclusivity, fostering learning, innovation, and brave conversations.

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Mark has over 25 years’ experience in financial services, Mark has executive leadership experiences in banking, insurance, risk management and non-profit leadership.

Mark leads the strategic execution of RBC’s Social Impact portfolios including RBC Future Launch, RBC Tech for Nature and RBC Emerging Artists. Mark also leads stakeholder relations to cultivate and maintain key relationships across Canada including policy makers, partners and stakeholders to advance RBC’s community investment priorities.

Mark previously served as Head, RBC Insurance Advice Centre, responsible for over 500 licensed insurance advisors who provide insurance advice and solutions to 750,000 RBC Insurance clients across Canada and served as Regional Vice President, Retail Banking at RBC with market responsibility for North Mississauga and Scarborough.

He is a vice-chair of the Board of Directors of William Osler Health System. He is also a board member of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and sits on the audit and finance committee. He also serves on the advisory committee of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award.

In 2011, Mark received the City of Toronto Bob Marley Award for his commitment to diversity and City Building. He was also recognized for his work in support of the Canadian Sickle Cell Network. In 2012 he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for community volunteerism.

In 2015, Mark received the Harry Jerome Award for Professional Excellence. In 2016 Mark received the Barbados 50 Independence honors for community service and in 2017, Mark was awarded the African Canadian Achievement Award for Leadership and Management.

Mark holds an MBA in International Business from the University of Bradford and has completed executive programs with Richard Ivey School of Business and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D).

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Keziah Myers is a national force, that has continued to rise to the occasion ,and push for change. Keziah has challenged herself and her peers to be serial optimists, helping them to recognize that we are the future and inclusivity and belonging are intrical to business success. In 2007, Keziah bumped into some music artists who she vowed to support - by providing business needs and services - with the limited knowledge she had. Today Keziah continues to help, support, and advocate for those in the music industry. Currently Keziah leads Canada's first ever music industry organization focused on the cultural diversity of the music industry - ADVANCE. Here, she is committed to building a pipeline of Black excellence into the music industry. Keziah has played a pivotal role in the industry, by bringing senior leaders, c-suite executives and creatives together, to focus on what radical intentionality looks like.

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As the Director of Training and Development for KeepMovingForward.ca, Colin McClean sculpts and forges learners’ minds for success, empowering them to start building the lives they envision. He is the author of “A Funny
Thing Happened On The Way To... My Career — 50 Practical Rules To Get The Job You Want!”

With 25+ years of business experience, Colin has worked in community building, counselling, and recruiting. He designs engaging courses and facilitates workshops for at-risk youth, young adults, and newcomers in a safe learning environment. He’s applied his program management expertise to launch and lead Black focused educational initiatives across North America.

Colin serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors for Roots Community Services and also sits on the Board of Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development.

A passionate leader, Colin’s life purpose is to keep “Challenging You to Grow, Overcome and Achieve!”

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Sharlene Gumbs, MSW RW. is an expert in the clinical field of Social Work and is a Masters level registered clinician. She has 15 + years in the field of Social Work including, community, criminal justice, clinical mental health treatment working with families, groups, and individuals. Sharlene is the founder of Phoenix Recovery & Wellness where she offers both individual and corporate mental health therapeutic services. She enjoys traveling the world, crafting with her 5 year old daughter, swimming and difficult workouts.

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