Next Step Conference 2015
Alumni Ambassadors
Samia Afzal
Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Samia received her BSc and PhD degrees in Immunology at the University of Toronto.
She‟s currently pursuing postdoctoral studies at the University of Toronto where she is working
on identifying predictive biomarkers for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Besides scientific
research, she has always enjoyed teaching and giving back to the community. She looks
forward to meeting students and answering their queries about careers in academic research.
Neha Ahmed
Title: Epidemiologist, Regional Municipality of York
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Neha is a public health professional with a background in epidemiology and global health.
She has a broad range of interests in the social determinants of health, health policy and social
justice.
Sohnee Ahmed
Title: Genetic Counsellor, The Hospital for Sick Children
Michelle Allick
Title: Social Worker
Joan Andersen
Title: retired - formerly AVP, Human Resources and Administration, retired from Honda Canada
Bio: I have been working in the human resources and human resource development field for
over 25 years. I have extensive background in general merchandise retailing and food retailing
and wholesaling. I have also taught at the University of Toronto. I have a Masters degree from
the University of Toronto and am a Certified Human Resources Professional at the Human
Resources Leader level. I also hold an advanced certification from the Ontario Society for
Training and Development and a certificate in Labour Relations from Queen's Unviersity. My
specific area of expertise is in designing programs and processes aimed at providing developing
high performance and resilient corporations, business teams and individual employees. I have
been with Honda Canada Inc‟s head office sales and marketing group, which is located in
Markham since 1999. Prior to that, I spent 20 years with the Oshawa Group Limited (now part
of the Sobeys organisation) in all areas of human resources management. My last assignment
was Senior Director, Human Resources, responsible directly for all national departments. I
have also been the Canadian representative on the Cornell University International Distance
Education Advisory Board and past chair of the Canadian wing of this Board which was located
at Humber College. I have been a frequent speaker at numerous Human Resources, Training
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symposia and professional organisations. In June 2013, I retired from my position as Assistant
Vice President, Human Resources & Administration. I enjoy scuba diving, underwater
photography, and pursuing my passion for creating learning experiences for others by teaching
management and supervisory courses at Humber College.
Oksana Andreiuk
Title: Digital Engagement Associate, GSK
LinedIn Profile
Bio: Oksana received her Honours BSc from the University of Toronto in 2013, where she
completed a double-major in Genes, Genetics, & Biotechnology and Book & Media Studies. As
part of her undergraduate degree, Oksana explored her interest in the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industries by volunteering in the healthcare and health policy sectors, as well as
conducting an independent research project on international biologic and biosimilar drug
development. Her passion for healthcare innovation led Oksana to pursue a Master of
Biotechnology degree from U of T‟s Institute for Management and Innovation. Oksana has been
employed at GSK since January 2014, beginning in a Medical Operations role within the
Medical Strategy and Implementation team and joining the Digital Marketing team as a Digital
Engagement Associate in December 2014. In her current role, Oksana supports the digital
strategy across the pharma portfolio to engage customers, enable patient empowerment, and
activate the GSK Brand across the Canadian enterprise.
Jennifer Argiropoulos
Title: Compliance Officer, Empire Life Investments Inc
LinkedIn Profile
Shaheen Bagha
Title: Research Assistant, University of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Denisa Balla
Title: Director, Paid Search, Reprise Media
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Moved to Canada in 2005 to start my studies at University of Toronto, Victoria College as
an international student. Graduated with an HBA in Economics, Political Science and
Environmental Policy in 2009. During her studies, she was involved with the Political Science
Association of U of T and SAC office. Additionally, she has spent two summers in Italy, France
and Central Europe through the Summer Abroad Program at U of T, an experience she founded
very valuable to her education and personal growth. Denisa started her career in Marketing as
an Online Marketing Specialist . Within one year she transition into an Account Manager and
two years after that to the head of the Digital Marketing Team of Kanetix Ltd. Denisa is
currently working as a Director of Paid Search for Reprise Media, leading the Air Canada
account.
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Robert Beghian
Title: Software Consultant, Kobo
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Robert runs a software consulting company. He's had contracts to build devices, phone
apps, websites and desktop applications. Robert completed his BSc in 2008 with
specializations in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. After graduating, he built and
pitched a startup to YCombinator, in San Francisco. When that didn't work out, he joined
another startup of about 15 people - Kobo. This is where he continues to spend most of his time
consulting and building e-readers, while creating mobile apps for his other clients. He's
previously also held positions at Marsh Canada and IBM.
Anthony Blair
Title: Chief, Pay and Pensions p, Public Works and Government Services Canada
Bio: Anthony graduated from the University of Toronto in June 1992 with a BSc; majors in
Psychology and Criminology and a minor in Sociology. He is currently employed by Public
Works and Government Services Canada as the Chief, Pay and Pensions. During his tenure
with the federal government he worked for two departments; Canada Revenue Agency and his
current department. Anthony has also occupied various positions such as Regional Business
Manager, Supply Team Leader, Training Officer and Collections Contact Officer. Anthony is
currently a mentor at the University of Toronto and has also volunteered with the Peel District
School Board as Chair of the Parent Involvement Committee. Volunteerism has been a major
part of his life and that is one of the reasons he volunteered for four years as a Probation and
Parole Officer. He believes in consistent learning and believes that everyday is a learning
experience. He also says that one should not let the problems of yesterday or the thoughts of
tomorrow prevent one from achieving the goals one set for oneself.
Shelley Bloovol
Title: Dental Hygienist
Bio: Shelley received her undergraduate degree in Zoology and Genetics from the University of
Toronto, and worked in a research lab during that time. Following the completion of her degree
she applied and was accepted to both Teachers‟ College and into the Dental Hygiene program
at Seneca College. She opted to pursue Dental Hygiene and is currently self-employed and is
based in a Dental practice in North York. She works part-time and enjoys the flexibility her
career has provided her.
Thomas Bordere
Title: Bilingual Pension Analyst, Deloitte Canada
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: A bilingual human resources generalist with experience in areas that includes pension,
benefits, payroll, absence management, severance and labour legislation, spanning through a
number of cross functional activities. Currently, a pensions analyst at Deloitte responsible for
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the administration of the plans as well as building strong relationships with his business
partners.
Milena Braticevic
Title: CFO, Datazen Software Inc.
Bio: Milena is an entrepreneur and owner of Datazen Software, a company specializing in
business intelligence solutions, based in downtown Toronto. Milena possesses a Bachelor of
Commerce degree, and an MBA in Financial and Strategic Management, and has over 12 years
of experience working in sales and executive roles in the technology industry. Believer in lifelong education, healthy lifestyle, and the importance of an entrepreneurial spirit, Milena has a
unique perspective on creating a fulfilling career path.
Maria Luisa Bustamante
Title: IT Consultant, self-employed
Bio: In 1980, my family of orientation and I immigrated in Canada from the Philippines. From
1981 through 1984, I attended the Faculty of Arts and Science at University of Toronto. Shortly
after my graduation in 1984, I left for Sydney, NSW, Australia where I farther my studies in
science and technology, and later landed a job with the state government of NSW. I returned
in Canada in late 1989. In 1990, I joined Dun & Bradstreet Canada as Intermediate
Programmer Analyst. My career in Information Technology skyrocketed from there. After D&B,
I held various IT job positions in finance and banking industries. In 2006, I established my own
business as independent IT contractor.
Kristle Calisto-Tavares
Title: Founder & Chief Innovator, KRISTLE CT (self-employed)
www.linkedin.com/in/kristlect
Bio: Kristle Calisto-Tavares is an Entrepreneur, Innovation Coach and Social Venture
Specialist. She is also the Founder & Chief Innovator of KRISTLE CT, a social-purpose
business that specializes in enlightened risk-taking for profitable change-making by creating
strategies and tools for conscientious companies and enterprising organizations to grow
sustainably. On a mission to build empires for social good across the globe, over the last 4
years, Kristle has worked with 200 budding innovators from 40 countries and trained 200 others
in New York, Washington, DC, Toronto and Dubai. During her time at the University of Toronto,
Kristle was engaged in the Environmental Studies, Law and Aboriginal Studies programs. In her
second year of university, at the age of 19, she established the University of Toronto
Environmental Resource Network (UTERN) for which an annual award was named in her
honour. Since then she has gone on to study and work in the fields of environmental health,
human resources and social innovation. Kristle is currently Mentor-in-Residence at Futurpreneur
Canada where she acts as an in-house expert and thought leader on mentorship delivering
learning, support and resource development to mentors and young entrepreneurs across the
country.
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Dan Camposano
Title: Financial Advisor, Primerica Financial
Dianne Canzius Moura
Title: Senior Business Consultant, Ontario Government
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Dianne Canzius Moura is a Senior Business Consultant at the Government of Ontario. She
started her public policy career at the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, leading
policy work on student aid funding and multi-million dollar scholarship programs and has moved
progressively through the OPS in a variety of roles from policy, issues-communications, to
leading teams and advising senior executives on a range of complex public policy files. Dianne
majored in both political science and history at the St. George Campus of the University of
Toronto and was a member of the Women‟s Varsity Field Hockey Team. After her undergrad at
UofT, Dianne completed a Masters in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario
and a Masters in Public Administration from Queen‟s University.
Rainbow Chan
Title: Food Processing Specialist Inspector, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Bio: Rainbow Chan has finished her Honour Bachelor of Science degree at University of
Toronto back in 2010. Right after graduation, she went for a second fast-track degree at
Ryerson University, specializing in Occupational Health and Safety. Currently she is working as
a Food Processing Specialist Inspector under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Louis M Chan
Title: Associate Director, Financial Services, Rotman School of Management, Univ of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: I am currently the Associate Director at the Rotman School of Management. I am
responsible of the full Accounting Cycle within the School. I help create a sustainable 5-year
plan for the School, and provide relevant financial reports for decision making. Prior to this role,
I was the Faculty Financial and Reporting Analyst at the Faculty of Medicine, where I analyzed
the financial implications from future business decisions by the Faculty. In merging my CPACGA designation, my certificate in Project Management, and my studies in Statistics and
Economics; I am able to effectively coordinate and complete projects that requires the
cooperation of many internal and external stakeholders. Prior to coming back to the University
of Toronto as a staff member, I was the Director of Finance at St. Paul‟s L‟Amoreaux Centre,
the Finance Manager at Canadian Diabetes Association, the Financial Analyst at Ryerson
University, and the International Accountant at KPMG. My studies in Statistics and Economics
were not a hindrance in my career, but were the base in order to achieve my career growth. In
addition to my CGA designation, I have a Master‟s in Business Administration, and pursuing my
PMP designation.
Gabriel Chang
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Title: VP, Strategy, Great-West Life
LinkedIn Profile
Derong Chen
Title: Sessional Lecturerer, UTM
Bio: Derong Chen holds Phds in both Chinese and Western Philosophy and has taught at U of
T, Scarborough, Wuhan University and is currently a Sessional Lecturer at UTM. Dr. Chen is the
author of numerous publications including books, book sections and conference papers. His
current projects include Metaphorical Metaphysical Methods in Chinese Philosphy: Illustrated
with Feng Youlan‟s Negative Metaphysical Methods, Comparative Philosophy: History, Theories
and Methods and Comparative Philosophy: A Reader. The results will be books on all three
topics.
April Cheng-Hoy
Title: Inbound Exchange Officer, University of Toronto
Steven (Yun Sik) Choi
Title: Director, Performance Engineering, Tulkita Technologies
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Steven is the Director of Performance Engineering at Tulkita. In this role, Steven is
responsible for delivering and growing Tulkita‟s Performance Engineering practice. He oversees
Tulkita‟s team of specialists responsible for such services as: Performance Test Practice
Modernization, Performance Optimization, System Monitoring and Capacity Planning. Prior to
joining Tulkita, Steven held senior IT Performance Engineering positions across various market
segments including: financial services, automotive, entertainment and retail sectors. His
innovation and achievements in the areas of Test Automation and Performance have won him
accolades and awards globally. Recently, Steven and his team have focused on launching
several new and innovative service offerings for our small/ mid-sized customers: Tulkita's
„Performance, Simplified‟ as well as conducting advanced research in Performance Modeling
and Infrastructure Planning.
Eileen Choi
Title: Manager Financial Governance, Personal and Commercial Banking Finance, BMO
Bio: I graduated with a BCom in OT7. I was hired in my 4th undergrad year by KPMG to start in
the Fall of 2008 in the Consumer Markets Audit practice. I worked at KPMG until the Fall of
2011 (after working as a Senior for a full Audit year), taking a short break before starting at BMO
as a senior financial analyst in the Technology & Operations Finance group. I worked in that role
for 3 years before getting promoted to a managerial role in the Financial Governance group
(Personal and Commercial Banking pillar) in early 2014.
Grace Choi
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Title: Teacher, Toronto District School Board
Bio: I have been a high school teacher for the past 6 years. In this time, I have taught at 5
different schools across the city, ranging from tech schools of over 1500 students to small
schools hosting the IB program to under 400 students. I have qualifications to teach
mathematics, social sciences, special education courses, and provide services as teacherlibrarian. Prior to my employment in education (and shortly after I graduated with my first
degree), I worked at a human resources company. I returned to OISE and was hired by the
TDSB in March of 2009, just before I graduated from the B.Ed. program. I volunteer for
organizations that assist teens, including Pathways to Education and the Corsage Project, and
have joined the Student Support and Numeracy committees at every school I worked in.
Nola Crewe
Title: Reverend
Luki Danukarjanto
Title: Senior Manager, Deloitte
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Luki is part of Deloitte's Technology Consulting practice. He is currently a leader of the
Sourcing and Procurement Technology practice in Canada as a trusted advisor to clients for
business process and technology transformations. He is a leader for Deloitte Canada's
undergrad campus recruiting program along with various other Talent initiatives.
Michelle DeIrish
Title: Project Lead, Campus Mental Health Partnerships, Centennial College
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Michelle DeIrish MEd, CCC is the Centennial College Lead for a project funded through the
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities‟ Mental Health Innovation Fund which seeks to
improve access to high quality services and supports for postsecondary students with mental
health & addictions issues. Michelle has worked as a mental health clinician, practice leader and
consultant for the past eight years. She was the mental health advisor on The Next Day, a
TVO/National Film Board of Canada online interactive documentary and graphic novella on
suicide that was selected for The New York Times Summer Reading List Comics Roundup.
Joana Dida
Title: Medical student
Rosemary Evans
Title: Principal, UTS
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Rosemary Evans is the principal of University of Toronto Schools, a secondary school for
high achieving students affiliated with the University of Toronto. She received her BA in history
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from the University of Western Ontario and her MA, BEd, and MBA from the University of
Toronto. She served as a teacher, department head, and subject coordinator for the Peel Board
of Education, and later as a vice-principal in the former East York Board of Education. During
her time as an instructor in the Initial Teacher Education Program at OISE, Rosemary was the
recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award. She later accepted the role of Academic Head at
Branksome Hall, where she oversaw the implementation of the International Baccalaureate
Programs from junior kindergarten to grade twelve. Rosemary is the author of a number of
history textbooks, and has given presentations locally and internationally on topics such as
assessment and evaluation, critical thinking and inquiry based learning, and global education.
Marco Falco
Title: Lawyer, Torkin Manes LLP
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: As a research lawyer and Director of Legal Research at Torkin Manes, Marco provides
legal opinions and analyses on a range of topics in the civil litigation and corporate/commercial
context. He has drafted legal memoranda, facta and materials for all levels of court, with a
particular emphasis on appellate cases. While his practice engages the full spectrum of legal
services offered at Torkin Manes, his areas of focus include administrative law, commercial
litigation, professional discipline, labour and employment law, corporate law, and insolvency.
Marco is also responsible for Knowledge Management at Torkin Manes, conducting legal
education seminars for lawyers, law clerks and students. He chairs the firm‟s Law Clerks‟
Education Programme, and is actively engaged in the firm's Articling Student Program, for which
he provides training and mentorship. Marco has published many articles on a host of legal
issues and is Chief Editor of Torkin Manes LegalWatch.
Robert Freeman
Title: Senior Program Advisor, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Bio: Born and raised in former Peel County (now Mississauga) Attended U of T (1980-84),
worked in private sector in consulting (1986-89); non-profit sector (1989-2000); Municipal Gov't
(Peel) 2001-05; Provincial Government (2005-present)
Svitlana Frunchak
Title: Exchange Officer, Partnerships, Assessment, and Special Initiatives, Centre for
International Experience, UofT
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Svitlana Frunchak is a higher education professional and a scholar who has been with
University of Toronto for more than 10 years. Before joining the Centre for International
Experience as an Exchange Officer in 2014, she has worked at the Munk School of Global
Affairs and the History Department in a number of different roles. Her professional experience
highlights include program development, project management, research, teaching, and
counseling. Before she joined UofT to begin her doctoral studies as an international student,
Svitlana lived, studied, and worked in Ukraine, Russia (Siberia), Hungary, and the US.
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Alessia Gagliardi
Title: Assistant Pharmacy Technician, Vaughan Medical Pharmacy
Bio: Alessia Gagliardi [BSc (Hons) Chemical & Physical Sciences, 2013] is a Assistant
Pharmacy Technician, currently working in Vaughan, ON. Alessia went on to study
Pharmaceutical Regilatory Affairs and has subsequently worked in a variety of roles in the GTA.
Julia Gallo
Title: Team Lead, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Bio: Julia Gallo has been working in the Ontario Public Service for over 10 years. She began
her career in the Ontario Public Service working for the O.P.P. and the Fraud Unit at the
Ministry of Health. Julia is currently the Manager of Social Finance at the Ministry of Economic
Development, Employment and Infrastructure (MEDEI). Social finance is a new field which
focuses on using traditional financial tools to make a social impact/create a social good. Prior
to her position at MEDEI, Julia has held various positions at the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care, and the Toronto Police Service. She holds a Master of Arts
(Criminology) from the University of Toronto and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and
Law from York University.
John Gilinsky
Title: Independent Scholar
LinkedIn Profile
Ainsley Gilkinson
Title: Manager, Media Relations, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Ainsley graduated from the University of Toronto, St. Michael‟s College with an Honours
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Aboriginal Studies, and Book & Media Studies in 2009. While at
St. Mike‟s, Ainsley founded the “Thank God‟s Saturday Afternoon Club”• served as VicePresident of the St. Michael‟s College Student Union, and played in net for UofT‟s Women‟s
Varsity Lacrosse Team. Following graduation, Ainsley was hired by Sony Music Canada‟s
Media Relations department where she has worked for the past 5 years developing national
publicity strategies for artists such as Britney Spears, Hilary Duff, Shakira, and T.I. In her spare
time, she volunteers as a Wish Granter for Make-A-Wish® Canada and supports other charities
close to her heart including The Canadian Cancer Society and Brain Injury Society of Toronto.
Walter Gitow Jr
Title: Founder & Managing Director, The Gitow Group, Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Ricardo Gomez-Insausti
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Title: VP, Research & Respondent Contact Centre, Numeris
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Ricardo Gomez-Insausti is the Vice President of Research & Respondent Contact Centres
at Numeris. He oversees the Research Department, the Respondent Contact Centres and the
Market Research Division of Numeris subsidiary nLogic. Also, he chairs the Humber College
Research Analyst Post-Graduate Program‟s Advisory Board, and serves on the Ryerson
University Department of Geography‟s Advisory Council. Before his current job, he held
academic positions at Ryerson University, York University, Syracuse University and the
University of Toronto and was a consultant to retail and service corporations, and policy advisor
to government agencies. Ricardo holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and has
published numerous articles in academic and professional journals.
Andrew Gooden
Title: Financial Advisor, Freedom 55 Financial
LinkedIn Profile
Leyland Gordon
Title: VP Business Development, CQI Capital GMP Securities
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Mr. Gordon leads business development for the Manager and for the CQI Funds. Prior to
joining the Manager, Mr. Gordon was Vice-President and National Sales Manager at Galileo
Global Equity Advisors for four years. Prior to joining Galileo he was a Wealth Advisor at Scotia
McLeod. Prior to this, Mr. Gordon was Vice-President and Alternative Strategies Consultant at
Front Street Capital as well as business development manager at Synergy Mutual Funds. He
began his career at Fidelity Investments in 2000. Mr. Gordon is fluently bilingual and holds an
Honours Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, The University of Toronto. 14 years experience.
Greg Grainger
Title: Stagehand, Grip, Freelance
Bio: 1976 - Hons BA, Brock - 1976-1985 - Too many to count theatres and performing
companies in Canada and Australia. - 1985-1989 - Film and television work. - 1989-1999 Theatre work - 1986 - became Special Student, U of T - 1997 - granted MA, English, U of T 2000 - present - mixture of Film, twlevision and live performance work in and around Toronto
Neil Guthrie
Title: Director, Professional Development, Bennett Jones LLP
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Neil Guthrie is a lawyer and writer. He was educated at the universities of Toronto (BA in
English, LLB) and Oxford (DPhil, English). Before joining Bennett Jones LLP as Director of
Professional Development, he was a research lawyer. His book, The Material Culture of the
Jacobites, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2014. He was elected a Fellow of
the Society of Antiquaries in 2015.
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Xin Hang
Title: Consultant, Foster Rosenblatt
Bio: Xin received his Honours BSc from the University of Toronto in 2011, where she completed
a double-specialists in Genes, Genetics, & Biotechnology and Cell & Molecular Biology. He also
received his Master of Biotechnology from the University of Toronto in 2013. Xin is current
employed at a life sciences management consultancy (Foster Rosenblatt) as a Consultant in the
Forecasting & Valuation department; his areas of focus include asset valuation, portfolio
strategy and competitive intelligence. In the past, he have also held various analytical and
consulting roles at a large pharmaceutical company (Sanofi Pasteur), a pharmaceutical
branding consultancy (Brand Institute) and a non-profit organization (Endeavour Consulting for
Non-Profits).
Ifhtia Haque
Title: Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity GTA
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Ifhtia graduated from the University of Toronto in 2013 with a Bachelors in Human
Geography and Sociology. With her driving passion for social justice and human rights she
worked for several non-profits, and government organizations including the Peel HIV/AIDS
Network, and the City of Mississauga during her undergrad. These positions lead her to her
current role as the Coordinator of the group volunteering program at Habitat for Humanity GTA.
Ifhtia works closely with corporate, school, community and faith groups to organize build days.
Asia Hasan
Title: Senior Auditor, Deloitte LLP
LinkedIn Profile
Jaclyn Hodsdon
Title: Publicist, Dundurn Press
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Jaclyn Hodsdon graduated from U of T in 2013 with an English specialist and double minor
in Cinema Studies and Writing & Rhetoric. Following her studies, she completed Humber
College's Creative Book Publishing Program and has been working as a Publicist for Dundurn
Press since September, 2013.
Neil Hrab
Title: Manager, Public Relations, OMERS
Bio: Neil's professional experience includes: working as a National Post editorial writer (19992001; 2002-2003), speechwriter at two crown corporations (2006-2007; 2008-2011); and
speechwriter/media relations advisor to two federal ministers (2007-2008). He was a fellow at
two Washington, DC think-tanks (2001; 2003-2004) and also worked as a subeditor at the
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Dubai-based Gulf News (2004-2005). Since 2011, he has worked in communications for a
Toronto-based pension fund.
Roy Hrab
Title: Policy Advisor, Ontario Energy Board
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Roy Hrab is Policy Advisor, Strategic Policy at the Ontario Energy Board. He joined the
OEB in 2005. Recently, he has worked on policy initiatives related to smart grid, distributed
renewable generation, smart meter deployment, and time-of-use pricing. Prior to joining the
OEB, he was engaged in public policy and economic research projects at the Institute for
Competitiveness and Prosperity and the Government of Ontario‟s Panel on the Role of
Government.
Jiayi Hu
Title: Plastic Surgery Resident, McMaster University
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Jiayi received his BHSc in life sciences (2009) and MD (2013) from the University of
Toronto. He is currently a Plastic Surgery resident at McMaster University. Outside of surgery,
Jiayi is very passionate about cutting-edge medical research, and was involved in projects from
several labs which were affiliated with multiple universities. In addition, Jiayi has a strong
aptitude for career counseling, especially for undergraduate life science and medical students.
He works as a co-founder at My Degree Consultants Inc. (MDConsultants.ca) and has ongoing
collaboration with the Office of Health Professionals and Student Affairs (Faculty of Medicine,
UofT) for student career development projects.
Tara Irwin
Title: Dispute Resolution Officer, AMAPCEO
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Tara is a graduate of the University of Toronto, Masters of Industrial Relations & Human
Resources (2005) and she also holds a Certificate of Human Resource Management from
Woodsworth College (2003). Tara currently works as a Dispute Resolution Officer at
AMAPCEO - a bargaining agent representing 12,000 professional public servants employed in
the Ontario Public Service (OPS) or Broader Public Service (BPS). Members of AMAPCEO
include senior policy advisors, economists, communications officers and intergovernmental
affairs specialists. Tara primarily assists members through all stages of the dispute resolution
(ie. grievance) process to resolve conflicts with management or negotiate alternative
settlements and sits on union-management labour relations committees. Throughout her tenure
at AMAPCEO, Tara has also participated in collective bargaining for some of the BPS units that
AMAPCEO represents, worked on a collaborative job evaluation initiative with the OPS and
designed and delivered training to AMAPCEO activists located across the Province. Prior to her
work at AMAPCEO, Tara also gained some employer-side labour relations experience in the
education and automotive sectors. Tara also has had a long-standing interest in labour issues
at a global level. Soon after graduating from the MIRHR program at UofT, she interned at the
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International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland where she was a contributing author
for the 2007 Global Report „Time for Equality at Work: Tackling the Challenge‟. Her work in this
report focused on discrimination in relation to corporate social responsibility initiatives, free trade
agreements, collective bargaining and unionization.
Paola Jani
Title: Project Coordinator, Liberian Learning Center
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Paola has previously been a project coordinator on various local, national and international
projects. Bringing 15 years-experience to her work she has coordinated small and large scale
projects including the Girl Empower Project, the Girls for Safer Communities Project and
Financial Literacy Projects with non -profits in Canada. Paola has lived in India, Kenya, Taiwan,
the Hague working with NGOs and international development agencies and also interned on
heritage related projects in St. Petersburg and London. Paola has a Master‟s degree in World
Heritage Studies from the Brandenburg Technical University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts
degree in Political Science, History and South Asian Studies from the Munk School of Global
Affairs, the University of Toronto. She is currently pursuing her post graduate diploma in Public
Management with the School for Oriental and African Studies at the University of London.
Oliver Jerschow
Title: Executive Coordinator, Cabinet Office, Government of Ontario
Bio: Executive Coordinator, Cabinet Office, Government of Ontario Oliver Jerschow joined the
Ontario Public Service in 2006 and currently serves as the Executive Coordinator for Justice,
Resource and Environmental Policy in the Cabinet Office. In that role he works with the
Premier‟s Office, and reviews policy proposals from a portfolio of nearly a dozen provincial
ministries. Previously, he was a manager at the Ministry of Infrastructure where he negotiated
and implemented federal-provincial infrastructure funding programs worth more than $9 billion.
Before joining the provincial government Oliver worked as a planner for one of Canada‟s leading
urban planning and design consulting firms, serving public and private sector clients in both
Canada and the United States. He has also worked for a municipal government in California,
and for The Urban Land Institute, a real estate and land use policy think tank based in
Washington D.C.
Sinthuja Jeyabalasingam
Title: Business Analyst, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
LinkedIn Profile
Shannon Jin
Title: Financial Analyst, Grand Challenges Canada
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Shannon Jin is a Financial Analyst at Grand Challenges Canada. Ms. Jin is primarily
responsible for reviewing, analyzing and managing the financial accounts of the organization.
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Prior to joining Grand Challenges Canada, Ms. Jin worked as a Property Accountant with a
Toronto based property management company, and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of
Toronto. She has a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in accounting from the University of
Toronto and is in the process of attaining her Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation.
Ms. Jin has a strong interest in current issues in business and technology, and their impact on
the global community.
Andrea Johnston
Title: CEO, Johnston Research Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Andrea L.K. Johnston, CEO of Johnston Research Inc., has worked in the field of
Indigenous evaluation full-time for 20 years. A band member of Cape Croker First Nation, and a
B.A. Sociology graduate of the University of Toronto, Johnston is an Indigenous Credentialed
Evaluator who is internationally recognized and followed. Through her work at Johnston
Research Inc., Johnston has worked on over 30 policy research and evaluation projects
targeting cultural safety and integrated health services. In these works, Johnston has worked to
investigate the existence of cultural safety structures and mechanisms in health care systems,
which work to address the wholistic social determinants of health needs of Aboriginal peoples.
What we have found is that the health care system itself cannot intersect with community to
achieve integration; rather a building of Indigenous informed care needs to work within a circle
of decision makers who have mastered the art of both health care systems. True cultural safety
and integration in health care has yet to be reached.
Deepa Kanal
Title: Policy Analyst, Ministry of Education Ontario Public Service
Bio: Deepa Kanal, Policy Analyst, Ministry of Education A graduate of University College, and
former member of the Literary and Athletic Society, Deepa has an Honours BA in Spanish and
Ibero-American Studies. After earning her degree, she spent several years working in the areas
of arts and media. Drawing on her transferable skills, she joined the Ontario Public Service in
2008. In her current role as a Policy Analyst with the Ministry of Education‟s Special Education
Policy and Programs Branch, she supports elementary and secondary students with various
exceptionalities through policy and resource development. For her work on Connections for
Students with the Autism Spectrum Disorders team, Deepa received awards of recognition,
within the ministry and broader public service, including Pinnacle, Realm and Amethyst awards
in the area of partnership.
Antonia Katsinos
Title: Vice-Principal, Secondary School, Toronto District School Board
Bio: Antonia Katsinos brings 20 years of education experience to her current role as VicePrincipal at Sir Robert L. Borden BTI of the Toronto District School Board. She began her
education career in 1993 with teaching roles in a number of secondary schools with the Upper
Grand District School Board including experiences with French Immersion and rural schools. In
1999, Antonia began her career at the Toronto District School Board, where she established
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one of the top ranking International Baccalaureate programs in Mathematics. Since then, she
has held a number of progressively leadership positions within the TDSB including Curriculum
Leader of Mathematics at two secondary schools and Instructional Leader of Mathematics for
the NorthEast Quadrant of TDSB. In addition, Antonia takes any opportunity to engage with
other professionals, which has driven her to a wide a variety of PD events. Her most valuable
and cherished experience was completing a Master‟s Degree in Mathematics Education, where
she developed a much deeper perspective for meeting the needs and curiosities of students at
all levels.
Pedram Kaya
Title: Managing Director, Bank of Montreal
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Pedram is a managing director of the asset based lending group of Bank of Montreal‟s
corporate finance division. He manages the client relationships for a $200 million senior secured
debt portfolio, financing moderately to highly levered companies, experiencing high growth,
undergoing a change in ownership, having high capital intensity, or inconsistent but explainable
financial performance. Before earning his MBA, Pedram was a risk manager at BMO, after 5
years practicing as a risk management and management consulting professional at Deloitte
where he obtained his CA designation after graduating from UofT. Pedram believes in giving
back. He has been a long-time volunteer for Junior Achievement, and has mentored more than
200 young entrepreneurs since 2007. He is the founder the JA Alumni Network Ontario, and has
had the honour of speaking at the Financial Literacy Conference of Ontario, and was a delegate
at the Ontario Economic Summit. Pedram also represents young Ontario chartered professional
accountants as a board member of the Young CPA Advisory Council.
Rachel Kellogg
Title: Student, Centennial College
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: After four years in the insurance industry, Rachel chose to go back to school to pursue a
graduate certificate in public relations and corporate communications at Centennial College.
While at Centennial, Rachel has begun to build her career as a freelance film publicist and
social media manager. Founder of the Young Professionals Project (youngprosproject.com),
Rachel has interviewed several young professionals from Canada and the U.S. about their
professional aspirations and personal dreams. Rachel is a firm believer of meaningful work and
she is an advocate for millennial voices and female professionals.
Anne Kerubo
Title: Associate, GoodLife Fitness
Bio: I'm a passionate fitness and health promoter who aspires to live lead by example through
participation in physical activities, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, as well as working with
children, youth and adults to help improve lives. I'm also involved as a volunteer at UofT and in
community engagement activities that promote education and community development.
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Ritika Khanna
Title: Coordinator/ Property Manager, Homestarts Inc.
Mahwish Khawaja
Title: Accounting Manager, Praxair Canada Inc.
Bio: I received my B.Comm degree in 2005 from UTM. I began my career at Accenture, and
received my CMA designation in 2007. I progressed to supervisor at Accenture with in 5 years,
then moved into an Accounting Manger role at Universal Music. I was there for 2 years, then
moved into a similar role at Praxair Canada and have been here 2 years. I have worked on
system implementations/migrations, project accounting and outsourcing projects throughout my
career thus far.
Zain Khurshid
Title: Student, Humber College
Bio: Post-Graduate Student, Supply Chain Management Diploma, Humber College I am an
HBA 2013 graduate in Human Geography with minors in History and South Asian Studies.
Currently, and a post-grad student in the Supply Chain Management Diploma course at Humber
College. I am 25 years old and have traveled to many places. My interest is to secure a position
in Supply Chain Management.
Miran kim
Title: Registered Nurse, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Ella Korets-Smith
Title: Principal Consultant, EKS Business Development
http://www.eksbizdev.com
Peter Laframboise
Title: Investigator, CNO
Bernard Lam
Title: Senior Research Scientist, Norgen Biotek Corp
LinkedIn Profile
Annie Langan
Title: Consultant, Investors Group
Bio: Annie currently works as a consultant at Investors Group, specializing in financial planning
for individuals. She currently serves over 160 families and growing. Annie received Pillar Award
in 2014 for being one of the highest performing consultants her tenure, and Platinum Award for
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excellency in comprehensive Personal Financial Planning. She met her husband while they
were both students at the University of Toronto and they are expecting their first little one.
Michael Lebenbaum
Title: Epidemiologist, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Michael (HBSc. University of Toronto 2010, MSc. Epidemiology Western 2013) works as a
research epidemiologist and has experience in the analysis of population surveys and
administrative databases. He currently works on the Mental Health and Addictions Scorecard
and Evaluation Framework Research team at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences on
projects related to involuntary admissions, socio-demographic factors (e.g. immigration) and
mental health and health care outcomes, and the development of mental health care indicators.
Previously he worked as an epidemiologist for 2 years with Laura Rosella at Public Health
Ontario on projects related to developing risk prediction models, disease forecasting, knowledge
translation and identifying risk factors for obesity and diabetes.
Jennifer Lee
Title: Student, International Student Ambassador, University of Sussex, Law School
Bio: Law School Student in UK, University of Sussex
Gerry Lewis
Title: President/Owner, Gerry Lewis Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Gerry Lewis is the founder and CEO of Gerry Lewis Inc., a results-oriented internal
communications organization that has been at the forefront of innovation for over three
decades. Gerry Lewis Inc. has facilitated training workshops, conferences and employee events
in over 40 countries worldwide. Gerry has more than 30 years‟ experience as a communications
specialist with a focus on change management and employee engagement. He is a resultsoriented change management practitioner trained and certified in the internationally recognized
Prosci program. Gerry is also an author. His new book, SHINE. Stand Out. Get Noticed. Be
Brilliant, documents what he has learned and what others have shared with him about
communicating, about connecting with people, and about how we can experience „15 minutes of
fame‟ every day. SHINE has multiple target audiences including college/university graduates,
young adults starting their careers, established careers in transition, career changers, human
resource leaders, recruiters, career/life coaches.
Kathy Li
Title: Legal Counsel, Children's Aid Society of Toronto
Burton Lim
Title: Assistant Curator, Royal Ontario Museum
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Bio: After completing my B.Sc. in Zoology from U of T, I began working at the Royal Ontario
Museum as assistant curator of mammals. While continuing to work at the ROM, I returned to
do my M.Sc. in Biology from York University and then Ph.D. in EEB at U of T. With an interest
in bridging the gap between science and the general public, I completed the Certificate Program
in Global Journalism at the Munk School of Global Affairs, U of T. My research interests are in
the evolution and biodiversity of mammals with a particular focus on bats. This has involved
fieldwork to over 20 countries primarily in tropical regions where the species diversity is highest
and which form a natural laboratory of speciation. In addition to authoring about 100 scientific
papers, I have also written popular articles on science and nature for newspapers such as the
National Post.
Jeremy Link
Title: Senior Communications Advisor, Public Works & Government Services Canada
Jonathan Liu
Title: Business Strategy Analyst, Scotiabank
Bio: Jonathan is a Business Strategy Analyst in Scotiabank‟s Group Treasury department. Prior
to his current role, Jonathan completed internships in finance, operations, and risk management
at ING Direct Canada (now Tangerine Bank). He also worked in the private security industry as
a team lead and close protection specialist during his undergraduate studies, eventually serving
as interim Regional Manager for Source Security & Investigations. Notable projects and
assignments include the G20 protests, 2012 Juno Awards, and 2014 MMVAs. Jonathan
specialized in philosophy with an English minor at Trinity College in the University of Toronto
and received his B.A. (Hons) at the November 2014 convocation ceremonies. He directed the
Hart House Investment Fund and played goalkeeper for the Trinity College soccer team.
Ylona Long
Title: Recruiter, IPEX
LinkedIn Profile
Rhain Louis
Title: Animal Ethics and Compliance Manager, University of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Rhain Louis is the Animal Ethics and Compliance Manager in the Research Oversight and
Compliance Office at the University of Toronto. For the past decade, he has been responsible
for managing the animal ethics and compliance program, providing administrative leadership to
the institutional animal care committees and facilitating ethical animal research. Rhain
completed both his BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Toronto, and enjoys scuba diving,
cycling and running in his spare time.
Kristine Maitland
Title: Admissions Officer, University of Toronto Schools
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LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Kristine Maitland have been working in private school admissions for over 13 years and
enjoys the work that she does. Along with the day job she have been a private scholar,
freelance journalist, a dancer and dance instructor, an activist, booker, event planner,
performer and puppeteer. A graduate of UC in 9T3, Ms. Maitland is still causing trouble by
speaking her truth.
Judith Majonis
Title: Interaction Designer, Nurun
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Judith studied Information Systems & Design at the iSchool from 2010 - 2012, where the
courses she took in Information Architecture and Knowledge Media made her fall in love with
user-centered design. She is currently an Interaction Designer at Nurun, a global digital agency,
and does UX design for the e-commerce website of a major Canadian retailer.
Shruti Maken
Title: Economist, Ontario Government
Donald McCaw
Title: President, PlusOne Inc.
Bio: Donald McCaw began his career as a senior operations manager at Purolator Courier from
1987 to 1995. He had responsibility for over 300 employees working in a high-urgency
environment. While there, he developed an award winning quality enhancement program. In
1995, he co-founded Inplex Inc. with a fellow MBA student at U of T‟s Rotman school. The
company provided facility logistics services based on proprietary technology. Inplex rapidly
expanded from its base in Toronto to include locations in Chicago, Boston and Houston. In
2002, McCaw left Inplex to start PlusOne Inc. The company‟s unique business model helps
corporations in large office towers save money by sharing operational resources. McCaw
currently serves as President, where he leads a group of 100 employees working from seven
locations in downtown Toronto.
Melissa McEnroe
Title: Associate Development Manager, Toronto Community Housing Corporation
Tiffany McKenzie
Title: Student, SUNY BUffalo
Bio: I am an Immigration Lawyer who is licensed in Ontario. I went to school in Canada, the
UK, and I am currently pursuing my Master's in the United States. I am a Corporate Immigration
Lawyer, and have represented universities, Fortune 500 companies, etc.
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Kim McLaren
Title: School Principal, TDSB
Christian Mueller
Title: Marketing Research Professional (retired), self-employed
Bio: I have a doctorate in psychology from the University of Toronto and pre-doctoral degrees
from the University of California at Berkeley with distinction and San Francisco State University.
From 1984 to 2014 I pursued a marketing research career with a number of small, medium, and
large research supplier companies in Canada. I finally retired in 2015.
Pam Murray
Title: Prospect Researcher, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: As a Prospect Researcher, I provide insight and analysis on high net worth individuals in
support of the foundation's major gift fundraising goals. What this really means is that I spend
my day diving deep into the lives and finances of people and corporations to paint a picture of
who they are, how much they might be willing to donate to our foundation, and how best to
approach them for a gift. It's a lesser-known job in a field that has lots of opportunity and room
for growth. I've been in the role for about 16 months since graduating with a Master of
Information degree from UofT in 2013. Prior to this I worked for the federal government in
program administration. If you want to learn more about prospect research, business
librarianship, fundraising, or just chat about professional and career development in general, I‟m
your girl!
Elena Napolitano
Title: Instructor, University of Guelph
Bio: Elena Napolitano is currently a researcher, writer, and university instructor and instructional
assistant at the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto. After finishing her PhD in Art
History at the University of Toronto, she received a postdoctoral fellowship at the Max Planck
Institute for Art History, Bibliotheca Hertziana. There she was a member of the Minerva
Research Group, a German/Italian multidisciplinary collaborative project sponsored by the Max
Planck Society. In addition to her role as a scholar, she also served as an English-speaking
liaison, writer, and editor, working directly with the Project Director to increase the team‟s public
profile and establish new relationships across research institutions. In addition to numerous
awards and conference presentations, her research appears in several international and peerreviewed publications including an upcoming two-volume study published by the Ecole
Fransaise in Rome. She also maintains her connection to the contemporary art world by
volunteering, most recently serving as a jury assistant for the 2015 Toronto Outdoor Art
Exhibition.
Milena Nazaruk
Title: Sr. Manager, Strategic Insights, Cadillac Fairview Corporation Ltd.
Page 20 of 30
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Milena Nazaruk pursued an hon. BSc. in Mathematics at the University of Toronto, and
later on an MBA at the DeGroote School of Business. She has experience in both the corporate,
the small business, and the consulting environment holding roles in Financial Services,
Consulting, and most recently in Retail Real Estate within the Shopping Centre industry.
Dina Nikitina
Title: Research Coordinator, Womens College Hospital
Audrey Ooi
Title: Marketing Specialist / Chief Eating Officer, Bell Mobility / Tasty Tours
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Audrey obtained her B.A. in Economics (minors in Political Science and East Asian
Studies) from Victoria College in the University of Toronto. By day, she is a marketing specialist
at Bell Mobility, strategizing and executing a variety of campaigns to improve customer loyalty.
By night (and weekends), she is also the founder and CEO (Chief Eating Officer) at Tasty
Tours, Toronto's only sweets tour.
Erik Orava
Title: Director, Investment Sourcing, DW Healthcare Partners
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: After graduation in June of 2013, I joined Bloom Burton & Co., a pharmaceutical/biotech
focused investment banking group as an intern followed by a position as a Scientific Consultant.
There, I conducted market research, analyzed competitive therapeutic landscapes, built
regulatory and clinical trial proposals. Their scientific advisory services aimed to help design,
develop and implement future projects in various therapeutic fields for Canadian pharmaceutical
companies. In June of 2014, I transitioned into the role of Director of Investment Sourcing at
DW Healthcare Partners, a Healthcare focused Private Equity group in Toronto. My main
responsibilities are to develop and maintain relationships with healthcare business owners and
medical professionals in North America and source potential investment opportunities in the
Pharmaceutical, Medical device, Services and Specialty Hospital industries.
Valerie Osei
Title: Bilingual Client Care Rep., Law Assist Canada Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Rena Parsan
Title: Committee Secretary of the UTSC Campus Council, UofT
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Rena started her career at the University of Toronto in 2010 in the Faculty of Medicine as a
Program Assistant in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She then moved on
to the Office of the Governing Council as an Administrative Assistant. In her current role as the
Committee Secretary of the UTSC Campus Council she provides Secretariat support to the
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governance bodies at UTSC. Rena has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban,
Economic, and Social Geography from the University of Toronto and a Graduate Certificate in
Human Resources Management from George Brown College. Rena's favourite place on
campus is the Knox College courtyard where faculty, staff and students can enjoy peaceful
moments during hectic times.
Shamus Pikk
Title: Team Lead, RBC Financial Group
Lucila Portoraro
Title: Assistant Vice President, Manager Business Development, Sotheby‟s Canada
Sarvnaz Tara Raissi
Title: Lawyer, Kostyniuk & Greenside
Bio: Tara Raissi obtained her Bachelors in Political Science and Criminology from the
University of Toronto in 2007. She then attended Osgoode Hall Law School where she received
her Juris Doctor in 2010 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011. Tara practiced in the areas
of civil and criminal litigation before joining Kostyiuk & Greenside. The focus of Tara's current
practice involves both accident benefits and tort litigation. Her memberships include the Law
Society of Upper Canada, the Ontario Bar Association, the Toronto Lawyers Association and
the Canadian Defence Lawyers.
Thiru Ratnapalan
Title: Business Analyst, Objectifi
Nicola RAYNOR
Title: Jewelry Designer, Ola Finesse & Associates
Lisa Robles
Title: Sr. Training Officer Hydro-Thermal-Corporate, Ontario Power Generation
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Born in Toronto, Ontario, Lisa is a first-generation Canadian born to Ecuadorian parents.
As a child and still to this day Lisa is keenly observant, inquisitive and enjoys problem solving.
Lisa‟s interest in prehistoric topics and fascination with different cultures naturally led her to
study and graduate from the University of Toronto majoring in Archaeological Science and
Environmental Studies. With many similarities to archaeology, Lisa embarked on a second
degree in Forensic Science that was later postponed to start a family. During this time, Lisa
worked in the security field building work related skills and travelled, where she maintained her
interest in archaeology. In 2001, Lisa was hired as a contract security officer at the OPG
Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. This developed into a permanent corporate security
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officer position based out of OPG‟s Head Office in Toronto in 2003. In 2007, Lisa later took a
position as a Nuclear Security Officer for the Pickering Generating Station. In 2010, Lisa
completed training as a Training Evaluator and also accepted a rotational assignment as a
Security Support Advisor. Assignments include administrative work, leading security
presentations, managing site tours and special events such as Take Our Kids to Work Day, and
hosting Field Placement students from Durham College‟s Law and Security programme. Lisa
discovered an interest in the training department and decided to career path into this field. She
took opportunities at the Nuclear facilities as a Training Technician, Training Coordinator and
most recently as a Sr. Training Officer for the Hydro-Thermal-Corporate side of the business.
In her spare time, Lisa volunteers in the community and is an avid traveller. Lisa has visit over
20 countries, has one continent left to travel to, trekked 2 of the 7 summits, and just recently got
back from Iceland with her son. “Twenty years from now you will remember the things you
didn‟t do instead of the things you did do.” ~ Mark Twain
Jose Rodriguez
Title: Manager Business Development, Mylan ULC
Bio: Jose Rodriguez has 21 years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
He has extensive sales experience in international markets ranging from Europe to Latin
American and Caribbean as well as domestic experience in the Canadian generic field.
Jesse Emmanuel Rosario
Title: User Experience Specialist, Analytical Engine Interactive, Inc.
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Jem is a User Experience (UX) Designer who specializes in building insightful, creative,
and usable digital media experiences. A graduate of the University of Toronto‟s New Media
Studies program, Jem has worked with companies such as the Regional Geriatric Program of
Toronto, Owlkids Canada, and most recently the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in
identifying key user experience challenges and solutions for their digital presences. As a new
entrant into the digital media industry, Jem sits at the trenches of what it is like to be
professionally 'young' and be on the lookout for a good job opportunity. He strongly believes that
today's postsecondary students live in very extraordinary times; but with the right attitude and
proactive approach towards the next big opportunity, Jem thinks that next job is just within
reach.
Rene Samulewitsch
Title: Account Director, High Road
LinkedIn Profile
Adil Sardar
Title: Lead Developer, WaveDNA
LinkedIn Profile
Page 23 of 30
Bio: Adil Sardar is the lead developer at a music software company called WaveDNA.
Unfortunately not being a musician, Adil is purely excited by the amazing pattern technology
and other shiny things in the WaveDNA Labs. He received a BSc in Computer Science with a
specialty in Software Engineer from the University of Toronto in 2002. Adil in the past has
worked at IBM‟s Toronto lab for 8+ year, developing key technologies in the DB2 LUW Kernal
team. Over those years has worked in enhancing the DB2 Bufferpool services, Load, Sort,
Import, Export and Redistribute utilities. Adil also teaches Disciplined Agile Workshops and is
an informal agile coach for his current and past teams.
Jennifer Schumacher
Title: Social Worker, Humber River Hospital
Charudutt Shah
Title: Director of Business Development, Spartan Bioscience
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Charudutt Shah is the Director of Business Development at Spartan Bioscience Inc. in
Canada. Prior to that he was Global Marketing Product Manager for Infectious Diseases at
Luminex Corporation where he was responsible for molecular diagnostics products including the
flagship Respiratory Viral Panel assay. Before that, Charudutt has spent several years at
Toxikon and Life Technologies in United States. He also is co-founder of Simply Diagnostics, a
startup molecular diagnostics company funded by the Ontario Centers of Excellence to
commercialize point-of-care diagnostics using novel biosensor technology. Charudutt is a
graduate of the University of Toronto and holds both a Bachelors of Applied Science and
Engineering degree as well as a Masters of Biotechnology and Management degree. He is an
active member of the Association for Molecular Pathology, European Society for Clinical
Virology and a Young Scientist member of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and
Infectious Diseases.
Saul Ship
Title: Ship & Associates Inc
Cindy R Sinclair
Title: Executive Assistant and Technology and Communications Coordinator, University of
Toronto
Bio: Cindy Sinclair, Executive Assistant and Communications & Technology Coordinator
Cindy Sinclair joined the Department of Social Justice Education, OISE, UT, in November 2008
as Academic Executive Assistant to the Chair. Prior to joining OISE, Cindy held non-academic
positions in the Faculty of Medicine postgraduate residency education and human resources, as
well as at the Rotman‟s School of Business (formerly Faculty of Management) Executive MBA
program. Cindy has been the leader in organizing Professional Development/Career and
Networking events, Alumni Spring Reunions, International Graduate Study Abroad course
(University of Verona, Italy) and fundraising activities. She presents an annual workshop on
Informal Learning at the Faculty of Arts & Science Annual TCDSB Gifted High School
Page 24 of 30
Conference. She serves as Board of Director on the Woodsworth College Alumni Association.
She completed a BA degree in History and Fine Art History (2005), a MEd degree in Sociology
and Equity Studies in Education (2009) and is currently a PhD candidate, all at the U of T.
Cindy received the Ontario Scholar‟s Press award (2002) and the OISE Muriel Fung Student
Extra-curricular Achievement award (2013).
Robert Sinclair
Title: Manager Procurement Operations, Independent Electricity System Operator
Bio: As the Manager of Procurement Operations at the Independent Electricity System
Operator, Rob is responsible for the operation of the IESO‟s standard offer generation
procurements. Rob is also involved in developing new renewable energy programs and
negotiating energy contracts on behalf of the IESO. Formerly, as a Power System Planner at
the IESO, Rob and his team developed electricity system plans in northern Ontario, including
the plan to connect 21 remote First Nations communities. Prior to working at the IESO, Rob
assisted the role out of the province‟s Feed In Tariff program while working at the Ministry of
Energy. Rob has also held roles in finance and corporate strategy in the banking and retail
sectors. Rob has a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA from the Rotman School of
Management.
Hugh snyder
Title: President, Hugh Snyder Associates, Retired
Bio: Graduate B.Sc (Eng, Mining Geology) 1958 U of Witwatersrand, P.M.D. Harvard Business
School 1969; Pres and CEO of major and junior mining companies in Namibia and Canada;
participated in listing 7 companies on TSX
Rabea Soofi
Title: Sexual and Gender Based Violence Officer, UNHCR
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Rabea has worked with NGOs, the government and international organizations in various
capacities. Most recently, she was selected to take part in the competitive International
Development & Diplomacy Internship Programme for young Canadian professionals offered by
the United Nations Association in Canada. Rabea was trained as a Sexual and Gender-Based
Violence officer with the UNHCR in New Delhi, India. Her contributions to the mission include:
writing an SGBV policy document targeting the urban refugee population in India, advocacy with
local NGOs and governmental organizations, designing content and delivering trainings to the
communities on mental and physical health, sexual violence, legal rights, and facilitating conflict
resolution within and among refugee communities. Her long-standing interest in conflict
resolution; human rights and health policy, has led her to choose a career in international
development. Rabea has a Specialist in Political Science and a Minor in French Language from
the University of Toronto.
Edward Sum
Title: French Immersion Teacher, York Region District School Board
Page 25 of 30
Stephen Szeto
Title: Master's of Science Student, University of Toronto and Keenan Research Centre - St.
Michael's Hospital
Amaris Timbol
Title: Human Resources Coordinator, RHB Group LP
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Amaris Timbol is the Human Resources Coordinator at RHB Group LP, Canada's leading
school uniform company, where she is responsible for a variety of HR functions including,
recruitment and selection, health and safety, and employee relations. She has worked for RHB
Group LP since 2008. She was initially hired as a seasonal Retail Sales Associate and was
offered the full time Human Resources Coordinator position when she completed her Honours
Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto in 2014. She is currently working towards
the CHRP designation.
John Toffoli
Title: Science Teacher, St. Michael's College School
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: I teach senior level biology courses in the science department of St. Michael's College
School. Commencing in 2015 - 16 I will be bringing a new robotics course to the school, which
will serve to expand our existing program of STEM education. I will soon be commencing an
MEd at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. When not
teaching I enjoy running, and have recently completed my PADI open water diver certification.
Mirkamal Tolend
Title: Graduate Student, The Hospital for Sick Children
Bio: Kamal recently completed his undergraduate studies in laboratory medicine and
pathobiology (LMP) and healthcare ethics at the university. He is continuing his education as a
masters student at UofT's Institute of Medical Science (IMS), conducting projects in diagnostic
imaging. Throughout his studies, Kamal worked as a research student with numerous clinicians
and gained experience in a variety of research methodologies, including case series,
observational cohort, case-control, literature review, meta-analysis, qualitative methods, and
consensus forming. His research accomplishments include presentations at two international
scientific conferences, first- and co-authorship publications in peer-reviewed journals and a
medical textbook, as well as major research grants. As a graduate student, he is interested in
studying and implementing novel methodological strategies to improve clinical studies. Outside
research, he serves as an executive member of the IMS Student's Association and as a
journalist-editor for the IMS Magazine. He also continues to be involved in many extra-curricular
volunteering, peer tutoring, and mentorship initiatives.
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Julienne Torres
Title: Director of Operations (GTA), Appletree Medical Group
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Julienne Torres graduated from the University of Toronto in 2011 with an Honours B.Sc.
double major in Human Biology: Genes, Genetics, and Biotechnology and Cell and Molecular
Biology. During her undergraduate career, she was actively involved in a number of student
groups, including New College Orientation and the Winterfest Planning Committee. Her
interest in healthcare led her to begin working for Appletree Medical Group as Medical Assistant
shortly after graduating. Since then, Julienne has gained vast experience in leadership
development and familiarity with the business aspects of medicine. She is now the Director of
Operations for the GTA division of what is now the largest practice management group in
Canada.
Jiyin Tu
Title: Pensions and Benefits Specialist, Labatt Breweries of Canada
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Jiyin is a University of Toronto graduate with a double major in political science and
philosophy. Prior to starting an exciting life in human resources, Jiyin worked as a university
research assistant, youth coordinator, and presenter. She currently works at Labatt as a
Pensions and Benefits Specialist, and has held previous roles in HR doing campus recruitment,
interviews, and employee onboarding.
Michael Tu
Title: Inland Enforcement Officer (CBSA) and Captain (DND), Canada Border Services Agency
(CBSA) and Canadian Army (DND)
Bio: Captain Michael Tu began his career in the federal public service by joining the army
reserves as a private in 1999. While still serving with the forces, he graduated from Innis
College of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and minors in
Political Science and Sociology. Shortly after graduation, he was commissioned to become an
officer in the Canadian Forces in 2005. Throughout his military career, he has served as the 32
Canadian Brigade Group Communications Advisor (G6 Branch) and the Toronto Detachment
Commander of 2 Area Support Unit Signals. He is still currently serving part-time as the
Commander of Toronto Squadron of 32 Signal Regiment, Canadian Army. Captain Tu was
awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration in 2011 for his service. At the same time, in 2008,
Michael Tu became an Inland Enforcement Officer with the Canada Border Services Agency,
Enforcement and Intelligence Operations Division. He is currently serving on the Investigations
Unit, whose primary duty is to apprehend persons wanted on Canada-Wide arrest warrants.
This includes persons featured on CBSA‟s Most Wanted List who are serious criminals,
fugitives, security cases, war criminals, and other people deemed inadmissible to Canada under
the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. He has worked with the RCMP, Toronto Police
Fugitive Squad, INTERPOL, US Customs and Border Protection, the Royal Netherlands
Marechaussee and numerous other police forces. He is also part of a multiagency human
trafficking task force, most recently participating in "Project Smooth", an RCMP led operation
that dismantled a nationwide organized crime human trafficking ring. Michael has also travelled
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to places such as China, El Salvador, Israel, Kosovo, Ethiopia, throughout Europe, and the
Caribbean escorting high-risk persons on deportation. As a side note, Michael has also
previously worked at a night club and for a television show on CTV.
Norman Valdez
Title: Digital Media and Communications Manager, CERIC
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Norman (normanvaldez.com) is the Project Director of Vivid Design. He brings over a
decade of experience as a Web Designer, Graphic Designer and Online Community Manager.
He has a Masters in Information Systems and an Honors Bachelors Degree with a
specialization in Digital Enterprise Management, both from the University of Toronto and he has
taught at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College in the Communication Culture and
Information Technology program. Norman has also worked at the Canadian Education and
Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC) as the Digital Media and Communications Manager
overseeing the websites, social media strategy and IT infrastructure. He is an avid blogger and
is passionate about a range of topics like technology, social media, politics, health, psychology
and philosophy. Norman is the editor of newmediawarrior.net.
Andrea Vargas
Title: M.Sc. Candidate, University of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Galia Vikhrova
Title: Senior Portfolio Analyst, RBC
Benjamin Wan
Title: IT Business Analyst, Contractor - Current Client: D+H
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Benjamin Wan is an IT Business Analyst in the world of custom IT solutions. After
graduating in the turbulent aftermath of the dotcom crisis in 2002, Benjamin finally got his start
as the Lead Web Designer at TakingITGlobal, a youth-led non-profit organization. A hop and a
skip later found Benjamin at Navantis, where he worked through multiple IT roles including Web
Developer, Web Designer, and Project Manager. Displeased with the way his client‟s needs was
captured and feeling he could do better, he requested a move to the Business Analyst role. A
move he would credit as the turning point in his career. In 2008, Benjamin would move on to
Deloitte Consulting. He claims that anyone surviving the crucible of Deloitte‟s brand of
consulting is ready for anything in the world. And so in 2010, he struck off into the world of
contracting as a Business Analyst. His clients and projects since then include a startup in the
Healthcare space, large Media organizations, and Financials.
Nicholas Wei
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Title: Team Leader, TD Insurance
Andrew Wilson
Title: Senior Consultant, Wilcompute Systems Group
LinkedIn Profile
Peter Wong
Title: Senior Auditor, University of Toronto
LinkedIn Profile
Johnny Wu
Title: Marketing Specialist, American Lawyer Media - Insight Information
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Johnny Wu is an award winning, two time nominee, marketing and events guru. Johnny
has worked at University of Toronto, MarketVision, Oliver & Bonacini Events, Adecco Canada
and is now a marketing coordinator at American Lawyer Media - Insight Information. Since
graduating in 2011, Johnny has worked in varies roles and industries. In the last four years he
has held over five vastly different positions in different sectors. Today he manages over a
quarter million dollar marketing budget and is an events marketing expert in the HR and legal
vertical for senior executives. Besides his career accomplishments, Johnny is involved with
InBoundTO, and is the founder of AJ Sauce the blog.
Tony Yiu
Title: Senior Programmer Analyst, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan
LinkedIn Profile
Bio: Tony graduated in 2008 from the University of Toronto with a BSc with a double major in
Computer science and mathematics. He has been working at the Ontario Teachers‟ Pension
Plan since graduation under the Trade Efficiencies team. His main tasks as a senior developer
of Trade Efficiencies includes leading a development team, defining new standards and best
practice, overseeing and reviewing solutions of external resourcing, evaluating vendors and
mentoring junior developers.
Sean Xiao Zhao
Title: Project Application Programmer Analyst, U of T Libraries, Information Technology
Services
Bio: I'm a U of T graduate, finishing in 2012 with an undergrad degree in both CS and Math. My
past employers include charity and non-profit organizations, and my current employer is U of
T/UT Libraries. My passion is to help a variety of people through my job, to assist people to
acquire knowledge and abilities in the most efficient, cheap and accessible ways.
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Minnie Zheng
Title: Accounting Services Representative, Board of Governors of Exhibition Place
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