Our Speaker

Panelists, Moderators & Pitch Competition Judges

Meet Our Speakers

Meet the Expert Speakers Shaping the Future

Meet the incredible experts and thought leaders who will be sharing their insights, experiences, and expertise at the 2025 BeaCon Conference. Our speakers represent a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all attendees.

Jeff Polovick

Founder & Board Member of The Driving Force

Jeff Polovick

Founder & Board Member of The Driving Force

Jeff Polovick is the Founder of TDF Group Inc., which operates DRIVING FORCE, one of Canada’s largest independent vehicle rentals, sales, leasing and fleet management companies. Jeff started the business in 1978 in Spruce Grove, Alberta and 47 years later, he has grown the business to an international company with more than 600 employees at 35 locations. Sales in 2024 exceeded 600 Million. Jeff is a “Driving Force” in business and community leadership, lending his time and expertise to a wide range of causes. Jeff is a past president of the Mayfield Rotary Club, the Edmonton Motor Dealers Association, and the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club. He is currently on the Board of Governors of Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta and has previously served on their board for over 13years including a term as Chairman. Jeff has been personally recognized for his community involvement and business accomplishments on a number of levels. He is a recipient of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Small Business Owner of the Year, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and was honored with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee as well as the Queen’s Golden Anniversary Medal in recognition of his volunteerism. He was also inducted into the Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame in May of 2015. Under Jeff’s leadership, TDFI Group Inc. has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for nine consecutive years and was recognized as one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures and Canada’s Top 100 Employers. He stepped down as the President and CEO of Driving Force in 2016 and as a minority shareholder hold a position on the Board of Directors. He spends his time managing his investments and helping his children with their businesses and torturing his wife of 50 years every chance he gets.

Craig Elias

Technology Development Advisor Alberta Innovates

Craig Elias

Technology Development Advisor Alberta Innovates

Brandy Old and Craig Elias share a passion for helping people become first-time founders and a common goal of growing the start-up community and tech sector across Canada. They are two of Canada’s most prolific ecosystem builders. In the last nine years, they have helped hundreds of aspiring, early-stage, first-time, underrepresented, rural, and student entrepreneurs embark on the entrepreneurship journey while avoiding the common mistakes that new founders typically make. Brandy and Craig have worked with global thought leaders like Ash Maurya and David Bland to level up the entrepreneurial ecosystem. They train entrepreneurs and mentors on the Lean Canvas and coach them on how to test their riskiest assumptions. They are the dynamic duo behind Founder Fridays, the Traction Canvas, a free three-year financial projections spreadsheet downloaded almost 6,000 times by entrepreneurs around the globe, and a series of engaging online training sessions that often attract hundreds of registrants. They also run online startup camps that challenge entrepreneurs to validate their business ideas and use a specialized board game called Playing Lean to help people learn how to launch products and start companies without draining their bank accounts, bruising their egos, or damaging their reputations. You will often find them pitch coaching at global accelerators and pitch competitions, and sharing their unique perspectives at start-up events across Canada, the US, Australia, and Europe.

Brandy Old

Technology Development Advisor Alberta Innovates

Brandy Old

Technology Development Advisor Alberta Innovates

Jean Jacques MITAKARO

CEO & Principal Consultant Profit & Impact Builders Canada Inc.

Jean Jacques MITAKARO

CEO & Principal Consultant Profit & Impact Builders Canada Inc.

Jean-Jacques is a trusted consultant and advisor with vast experience at both local and international levels. With a strong background in launching and managing organizations across sectors - including for-profits, nonprofits (NGOs), charities, cooperatives, religious institutions, and social enterprises - he brings a wealth of insight to every project he undertakes. Bilingual in English and French, Jean-Jacques is a certified community translator and interpreter, as well as a dynamic public speaker and facilitator. He frequently leads training sessions, moderates panels, and provides coaching and mentoring to individuals and teams, earning a reputation as a trusted guide for growth and transformation. In addition to his advisory work, he serves as a Government of Alberta appointed civil Marriage Commissioner, which grants him the authority to officiate non-religious marriage ceremonies and create personalized, meaningful experiences for couples. Jean-Jacques is a proud Rotarian, Volunteer Enthusiast, and Networking Geel-Nerd. He is driven by his passion for connecting people - to each other, to ideas, and to resources and opportunities. His dedication and commitment to empowering youth, advancing inclusive leadership, and strengthening marginalized communities through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and citizenship engagement has earned him notable honors, including the Paul Harris Fellow designation from The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world. In 2025, Diversity Magazine Alberta named him African-Canadian Community Man of the Year, a testament to his exceptional service and impact on local and international communities.

Dr Leanne Hedberg

Associate Prof and Director of MacEwan Institute of Innovation

Dr Leanne Hedberg

Associate Prof and Director of MacEwan Institute of Innovation

Dr. Leanne Hedberg holds an MBA in Ethical Leadership from Viterbo University and a PhD in Strategic Management and Organizations from the Dr. Leanne Hedberg holds an MBA in Ethical Leadership from Viterbo University and a PhD in Strategic Management and Organizations from the University of Alberta and was recently awarded a Canada Research Chair on inclusive entrepreneurship. She has numerous years of leadership in social-mission organizations and cross-sector collaborations and has published on alternative forms of organizing. Dr. Hedberg is an Associate Professor within the department of Management and Organizations in MacEwan’s school of business and the Director of the Social Innovation Institute. She is on the lead research team of a $3.2 million grant at the University of Alberta to research entrepreneurship related to gender and sexual diversity and has convened government and non-profits for the past year and a half with the vision of transforming Edmonton’s entrepreneurial ecosystems to be more inclusive.

Aaron Poirier

Trade Officer at the Government of Alberta

Aaron Poirier

Trade Officer at the Government of Alberta

Aaron with for the Government of Alberta, helping Alberta business expand into the international market, with a focus on Africa and the Middle East markets. He focuses on helping companies in the Energy, Clean Technology, Aerospace, Information Communication Technology, and Life Science sectors, but is happy to help companies from any industry.

Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey

Global Speaker, CVP

Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey

Global Speaker, CVP

Bob is known as Canada’s Idea Man whose innovative ideas have enabled him to travel to 80 countries, on 6 continents, so far. He has presented in 31 of them. He shares use-it-now, practical career, business and leadership success ideas with his audiences. He is a prolific author of thirty plus books on Idea-rich leadership and business leadership including ‘Speaking for Success’ and ‘Legacy of Leadership’. He loves to engage with his audiences and challenge them to move out of the comfort zone into their winner’s zone. He was the 48th person in Toastmasters International to achieve their coveted professional level accredited Speakers designation He has been a leader in Toastmasters for much of his 34-year journey. Professionally, Bob partners with serious leaders and their teams to equip and inspire them to productive and profitable growth. (www.ideaman.net)

Deepak Chopra

Broker/Owner, Save Max Edge & Director, E4 Business Brokers Ltd

Deepak Chopra

Broker/Owner, Save Max Edge & Director, E4 Business Brokers Ltd

Deepak Chopra is a seasoned real estate professional and Broker/Owner of Save Max Edge, leading a team of 22 agents in Edmonton. With a decade of experience, he has successfully guided clients in residential, commercial, business, and investment real estate, earning a strong reputation for his client-first approach and market expertise. As the Director of E4 Business Brokers Ltd., Deepak helps entrepreneurs and investors with business buying & selling, franchise network establishment, expansion consulting, marketing & branding, business valuation & financing, and exit strategy planning. His strategic insights drive business growth and success. Beyond real estate and business, Deepak is committed to community service, organizing webinars and in-person sessions on real estate, business, entrepreneurship, and health to educate and empower individuals. With a focus on professionalism, integrity, and growth, Deepak continues to make a significant impact in both real estate and business brokerage.

April Massie

Entrepreneur & Innovator | Devoted Mother | Passionate Change Maker

April Massie

Entrepreneur & Innovator | Devoted Mother | Passionate Change Maker

April Massie is a proud Métis leader, entrepreneur, and economic development professional with over 20 years of experience in business leadership, governance, and community engagement. Committed to advancing Indigenous Economic Reconciliation, she empowers entrepreneurs, fosters cross-sector partnerships, and promotes cultural awareness. Known for her collaborative approach, April has coached and mentored hundreds of entrepreneurs and delivered workshops and trainings that drive business growth. With a passion for inspiring others, she brings valuable insights to every speaking engagement, encouraging diversity, collaboration, and sustainable development.

Yoyin Familusi

Leader | Entrepreneur | Facilitator| Customer Experience Professional | Business Development Strategist

Yoyin Familusi

Leader | Entrepreneur | Facilitator| Customer Experience Professional | Business Development Strategist

Yoyin Familusi is a business strategist, facilitator, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience helping small businesses and entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable, profitable ventures. Through her consulting practice, FLCG Services, Yoyin partners with organizations and entrepreneurs to design and deliver business education programs, strategy sessions, coaching, and mentoring — locally and globally. She has worked with organizations like The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), Business Link Alberta, the City of Airdrie, and FATE Foundation. She is also the founder of Sewa Skincare Co., a handcrafted skincare brand inspired by the beauty, wisdom, and intelligence of African heritage. As founder, she wears many hats — from strategy and product development to customer experience and sales. Passionate about creativity, collaboration, and the power of small business, Yoyin loves working alongside entrepreneurs to help them dream boldly and build confidently — bringing empathy, understanding, and practical solutions from her own firsthand experience as a business owner. When she’s not working, she’s a wife, mom, and book lover who’s always up for a good story.

Troy Deck

Business Consultant, Advisor and Coach - MA, CMC, CPHR, PROSCI -

Troy Deck

Business Consultant, Advisor and Coach - MA, CMC, CPHR, PROSCI -

With over 19 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, Troy has dedicated his career to helping businesses start, scale, and succeed. His journey began at the Calgary Business Information Centre/Business Link, where he guided entrepreneurs in launching and managing businesses across Alberta. As a Senior Manager with MNP’s Consulting Team in Calgary, Troy spent over a decade working in and managing the Alberta Government Self-Employment Program. He led a team that delivered more than 30 training classes and provided a year of coaching and support to over 75 entrepreneurs each year. Troy brings extensive consulting, training and HR experience working with small businesses, industry leaders, and First Nations, offering expert guidance and coaching tailored to their business needs. His ability to design and implement customized initiatives has helped hundreds of businesses and leaders achieve sustainable success. A resourceful, results-driven leader, Troy is known for his strong communication skills and ability to manage complex projects. He ensures clients receive practical, actionable strategies to drive business growth, operational efficiency, and long-term resilience.

Debra Kasowski

Life, Leadership & Executive Coach | LEADS Certified Coach & Facilitator

Debra Kasowski

Life, Leadership & Executive Coach | LEADS Certified Coach & Facilitator

Debra Kasowski is a 3X bestselling author, 2X TEDx speaker, and high-performance coach passionate about unlocking the secrets to success from the inside out. She’s also the vibrant host of The Millionaire Woman Show podcast, where she inspires global audiences to lead with purpose, master their mindset, and turn possibilities into reality. A former healthcare leader who boldly walked away from the security of her corporate role, Debra knows what it means to bet on yourself. Diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, she transformed adversity into fuel, choosing growth over limitation and showing others that true success is not about circumstances, but choices. Debra is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Executive and Organizational Coaching through Royal Roads University, deepening her expertise to better serve leaders, change-makers, and entrepreneurs who are ready to rise. With a powerful blend of real-world strategy, storytelling, and heart, Debra helps individuals and organizations break through fear, build confidence, and take decisive action toward their goals. Her signature message? Success leaves clues—and it begins with how you think, act, and show up each day. Whether she's training for a triathlon or her next challenge, coaching leaders, or speaking on stages across North America, Debra brings contagious energy, authentic presence, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible.

Matthew Kleywegt

Speaker | Facilitator | Community Leader | Indigenous Youth Advocate

Matthew Kleywegt

Speaker | Facilitator | Community Leader | Indigenous Youth Advocate

A passionate advocate for Indigenous youth and inclusive community building, Matthew brings a dynamic voice and deep commitment to every room he enters. Of Cree and Dutch heritage, he proudly traces his roots to Moosonee, Ontario and Kingston, Ontario. Currently serving as the Indigenous Student Recruiter at MacEwan University, he works across Alberta and beyond to support Indigenous learners on their journey into post-secondary education. With nearly a decade of experience as an Indigenous High School Graduation Coach in both Edmonton Catholic and Edmonton Public Schools, Matthew has mentored hundreds of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students—helping them thrive academically and culturally. His expertise in creating empowering, youth-centered spaces has made him a sought-after facilitator and MC. He was a lead facilitator for the 2021 Edmonton Municipal Election Online Candidate Forums (Ward O'Daymin, Ward Métis, and the Mayoral race), and most recently served as Master of Ceremonies for MacEwan’s Indigenous Youth Rising Conference, which brought together over 300 youth from across the country. A proud resident of Alberta Avenue, he lives with his wife and two young sons, Clay and Cole. Whether in schools, community halls, or conference stages, Matthew is dedicated to building bridges through story, education, and connection.

Marie-Laure Polydore

Entrepreneurship, connector, CED

Marie-Laure Polydore

Entrepreneurship, connector, CED

Marie-Laure est une professionnelle chevronnée du développement des affaires qui a rejoint l’équipe albertaine de Futurpreneur. Elle est passionnée par l'entrepreneuriat et l’environnement. Marie-Laure a acquis et perfectionné ses compétences et son expérience dans divers secteurs, allant de l’habillement, des télécommunications, de la fabrication de papier jusqu’au milieu des organismes sans but lucratif. Bilingue, elle s’est donné pour mission de soutenir le plus grand nombre possible d’entrepreneurs, et elle est idéalement positionnée pour le faire avec Futurpreneur Canada

Carine Ouedraogo

Conseillère régionale en entrepreneuriat – Médiatrice – Leader communautaire

Carine Ouedraogo

Conseillère régionale en entrepreneuriat – Médiatrice – Leader communautaire

Carine Ouedraogo est titulaire d’un Master en gestion de projet et d’un certificat en médiation et gestion des conflits. Passionnée par le développement social et la justice communautaire, elle est la fondatrice de l'organisme Action pour une Population en Santé, actif au Canada et au Burkina Faso, œuvrant pour le bien-être, l'intégration et la santé des communautés africaines. Implantée en Alberta, Carine est également vice-présidente de la Coalition des femmes de l’Alberta, où elle travaille activement à la promotion du leadership féminin, à l’inclusion sociale et à la défense des droits des femmes issues de l’immigration. Femme dynamique et engagée, Carine Ouedraogo est reconnue pour son sens de l’initiative, son dévouement envers les causes communautaires, et sa capacité à créer des ponts entre les cultures.

Dr. Charlie Mballa

Professeur-adjoint, Campus Saint-Jean, Université of Alberta

Dr. Charlie Mballa

Professeur-adjoint, Campus Saint-Jean, Université of Alberta

Professeur-adjoint au Campus Saint-Jean (CSJ) de l’Université de l’Alberta, où il enseigne depuis 2017, Charlie Mballa est titulaire d'un doctorat de Science politique de l'Université Panthéon – Assas - Paris II. Il a auparavant œuvré au sein de l'École Nationale d’administration publique du Québec, à titre de stagiaire postdoctoral (en administration de la politique étrangère), chargé de cours et de professionnel de recherche. Il est également titulaire d'une licence de droit public, obtenue à l'Université de Yaoundé. Membre du Centre d'études sur l'intégration et la mondialisation de l'Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), il y dirige le Centre d'analyse et de prospective sur les Afriques (Cap-Afriques), un observatoire de veille comparative. Co-directeur du Groupe de recherche sur les Afriques et l’Amérique latine (GRAAL) du CSJ, ses recherches portent sur le Sud global / Afrique francophone. Les centres d'intérêt suivants ont contribué à l'enrichissement des connaissances dans son champ disciplinaire : (i) Théorie démocratique et mécanismes innovants de légitimité politique; (ii) Paradiplomatie; (iii) techniques de négociation en contexte de diplomatie climatique multilatérale; (iv) politique étrangère canadienne et l'Afrique ; (v) processus d'intégration régionale en Afrique. Coauteur de Nouvelle politique étrangère (PUQ, 2016) et de La politique étrangère en bons termes. Guide lexical (PUQ, 2016), il dirige le collectif L’État dans les Afriques. État des lieux et est l’éditeur de VigieAfriques, une chronique d’analyse comparative.

Andre L Routhier

Gestionnaire de Programmes & Co-fondateur, Help One Another

Andre L Routhier

Gestionnaire de Programmes & Co-fondateur, Help One Another

Né au Québec, j’ai grandi entre le Québec et le Nouveau-Brunswick, où j’ai appris l’anglais. Mes parents y géraient une entreprise touristique, ce qui m’a permis d’être initié très tôt au monde des affaires. Titulaire d’un baccalauréat en relations internationales de l’Université Laval, j’ai également complété des études en études stratégiques à l’Université d’Ottawa, avec une spécialisation en commerce international. J’ai amorcé ma carrière au ministère des Affaires étrangères et du Commerce international (aujourd’hui Affaires mondiales Canada), à Ottawa, où j’ai contribué à la mise en œuvre du premier Accord de libre-échange (ALE) et participé aux premières étapes de l’Accord de libre-échange nord-américain (ALENA). De retour au Québec, j’ai fondé une firme de consultation spécialisée dans l’accompagnement des PME dans leurs démarches d’internationalisation. Par la suite, j’ai occupé divers postes, notamment à titre de consultant en affaires publiques, d’agent de développement économique, ou de directeur général d’organismes œuvrant en développement économique et communautaire, tant aux échelons local, régional que provincial, au Québec et ailleurs au Canada. Mon parcours m’a également amené à participer à la création et à la gestion de parcs industriels et d’incubateurs d’entreprises, tant au niveau national qu’international. J’ai ensuite travaillé dans le Nord canadien comme directeur général, chargé de la mise en place et de la gestion d’un organisme de développement économique — une initiative comparable à l’EEDC d’Edmonton. J’y ai aussi enseigné un cours en entrepreneuriat et en communication d’affaires dans un collège local. Par la suite, j’ai rejoint Edmonton pour appuyer une nouvelle initiative (VISTA), en partenariat avec Business Link, axée sur le développement d’incubateurs d’entreprises. Depuis, je poursuis mes activités comme consultant à temps partiel, en planification stratégique, développement économique, exportation et communication. Toujours passionné par les affaires internationales, j’ai saisi l’occasion de m’impliquer bénévolement en cofondant, aux côtés de JJ et d’autres partenaires, l’organisme Dufashanye (S’entraider). Je demeure pleinement engagé à contribuer à son développement et à son rayonnement.

Dennis Agbegha

Regional Manager, Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Dennis Agbegha

Regional Manager, Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Dennis Agbegha currently works as Regional Manager Partnership for the Prairies at BDC. His career started with BDC in March 2021 when he joined as a Commercial Accounts Manager with BDC. Dennis joined BDC from ATB where he worked as a Business Banking Advisor and until most recently Senior Manager, Entrepreneurship. Prior to his banking career, Dennis was a Geoscientist with Exxonmobil, and before that he was a Production Geologist with Shell Upstream International in Nigeria. As a community builder and connector, Dennis enjoys volunteering for different organizations and being part of his community. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Mining from the University of Jos, Nigeria as well as a Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience from Imperial College London, UK. Dennis embodies a vibrant and magnetic energy that draws people in. His colorful glasses are more than just an accessory; they symbolize his approach to life and business—bold and unapologetic. As a business leader, he prioritizes empathy and connection, believing that success is built on relationships. Dennis inspires those around him to be authentic and to lead with their hearts, creating an environment where innovation thrives.

Celestin Mani

Operations Manager at Mani Consulting Inc

Celestin Mani

Operations Manager at Mani Consulting Inc

Mani Consulting Inc. has been built by the owner and director Celestin Mani. Celestin has been in the coating, sandblasting, and inspection industry for several decades.
Sandblasting revives oilfield investments and assets that have corroded or will be exposed to industrial elements. Mani Consulting Inc. creates solutions for metal and concrete surfaces. We tackle large jobs and small jobs in the field and at our shop in Red Deer, AB.

Janis Brooks

Founder, Salishan Solutions

Janis Brooks

Founder, Salishan Solutions

Janis Brooks is a mixed-heritage Indigenous (Stó:lō) entrepreneur, systems strategist, and facilitator reshaping what leadership and reconciliation look like in business today. As the founder of Salishan Solutions, she brings nearly 20 years of experience guiding governments, corporations, and community organizations to move beyond performative gestures into meaningful, values-aligned action. This has allowed her to work alongside and learn from over 200 Indigenous Nations across Canada, as well as in Australia, Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru. An entrepreneur herself, Janis is deeply committed to building a future where economic inclusion, cultural safety, and decolonization are embedded into the way we do business, not just talked about. Her work spans grassroots changemakers to senior leadership tables, supporting policy reform, leadership coaching, Indigenous inclusion strategies, and the decolonization of procurement, hiring, and engagement practices. Her sessions are known for blending sharp strategy with heart and lived wisdom, challenging and inspiring people to lead with courage, clarity, and connection.

Alphonse Ndem Ahola

Executive Director of la FRAP

Alphonse Ndem Ahola

Executive Director of la FRAP

Alphonse Ndem Ahola is Executive Director of la FRAP, the primary Francophone settlement agency in Edmonton, Fort McMurray, and Red Deer. Since arriving in Canada, Alphonse has been resolutely committed to volunteering for the improvement of living conditions and the inclusion of Francophone immigrants in Alberta. This community commitment led Alphonse successively to the position of VP external for the Graduate Students Association at the University of Alberta, Chair of the Board of Directors of La FRAP, and Chair of the Francophone Immigration Network of Alberta. After a brief career with the Government of Alberta as the Francophone Field Services Analyst for the Ministry of Education, Alphonse returned to his community engagement as Executive Director of FRAP. Alphonse is a member of the National Advisory Committee for Francophone settlement (CCNEF), a member of the MD application review group as well as an executive Board member of the Canadian Council for refugees. His commitment to the good of communities was recognized in December 2017 by the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and by ACFA, which awarded him the Dulari Priti Paul Award.

Cliff Turner

Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist

Cliff Turner

Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist

Cliff Turner is an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist at ATB Financial, where he's dedicated to helping businesses navigate the ups and downs of their journey. He has founded and operated two business ventures (and is currently launching a third), helped design and operate a medical supply mission effort in eastern Europe and worked with a national small business advocacy group to support Canadian small business owners. Cliff brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a strategic mindset to his role. He's a true thinking partner for entrepreneurs, offering guidance, connections, and creative solutions to help them tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Mark Guest

Alberta Team Lead for Futurpreneur

Mark Guest

Alberta Team Lead for Futurpreneur

Mark Guest has spent his career helping build some of Alberta, and Canada’s most successful startups. He was a part of the pre-revenue leadership team at Granify (sold for $75 million) and Neo Financial (Canada’s fastest ever billion dollar valuation), and built out the sales function at AbsorbLMS (sold for $500 million). As a certified executive coach, he’s worked with entrepreneurs across North America and the UK, helping people launch their first business or side hustle. A graduate of MacEwan University, he also holds his professional coaching certification form iPec and loves working with people to help them realize their potential. With a strong focus on taking action, removing roadblocks and being the worlds most supportive cheerleader, Mark is passionate about growing entrepreneurship in Alberta. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring the rocky mountains, eating at Calgary’s best restaurants and watching basketball.

Dr. Carrie Smith

Vice Provost (Access Comm &Be), PROV EquityDiversity&Inclusion

Dr. Carrie Smith

Vice Provost (Access Comm &Be), PROV EquityDiversity&Inclusion

Dr. Carrie Smith (she/her) is the inaugural Vice-Provost for Access, Community, and Belonging at the University of Alberta. She has previously served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts and as Department Chair of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. She is a Professor of German Studies with research spanning topics in critical university studies, collaborative leadership practices, and digital feminism and activism. She is currently serving as President of German Studies Canada.

Maria Gafiuk

Entrepreneur Strategist at ATB Financial

Maria Gafiuk

Entrepreneur Strategist at ATB Financial

Maria Gafiuk is an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist at the ATB Edmonton Centre. She serves as a primary contact for Alberta entrepreneurs and the Alberta ecosystem partners to “Make it possible” for her clients. Prior to this role, she helped over 2500 businesses start and grow by providing imperative business planning guidance. An entrepreneur herself, Maria operated her own management consultant company and worked with a brokerage company valuing and selling businesses. This gave her in depth exposure to various business types including print shops, food manufacturing facilities, banks, bars, cleaning companies, naturopath companies, organic groceries and many more. Maria emphasizes her dedication to clients, stating, "I am a personable and hardworking person and, most importantly I SHOW UP and give my all for my clients every day. With my background and experience, I can relate to what they are going through, and I know I can help motivate them to success.

Gaelle Mbom

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Advisor

Gaelle Mbom

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship Advisor

Passionnée par la communication et la prise de parole en public, j’ai animé divers événements professionnels et associatifs en tant que maître de cérémonie. Avec plus de 5 ans d’expérience comme auditeure interne chez SODECOTON, j’ai développé une expertise solide en contrôle interne. Actuellement, conseillère en développement économique et entrepreneuriat, j’accompagne les entreprises dans leur croissance. En 2019, j’ai participé au programme YALI, renforçant mes compétences en leadership et en entrepreneuriat. J’ai également organisé le premier TEDx à Garoua en 2021 et fondé le Saré Toastmasters Club en 2020. Si vous recherchez une professionnelle engagée pour accompagner vos projets vers le succès, n’hésitez pas à me contacter. Ensemble, nous atteindrons l’excellence opérationnelle et assurerons la réussite durable de votre entreprise ! Passionnée par la communication et la prise de parole en public, j’ai animé divers événements professionnels et associatifs en tant que maître de cérémonie. Avec plus de 5 ans d’expérience comme auditeure interne chez SODECOTON, j’ai développé une expertise solide en contrôle interne. Actuellement, conseillère en développement économique et entrepreneuriat, j’accompagne les entreprises dans leur croissance. En 2019, j’ai participé au programme YALI, renforçant mes compétences en leadership et en entrepreneuriat. J’ai également organisé le premier TEDx à Garoua en 2021 et fondé le Saré Toastmasters Club en 2020. Si vous recherchez une professionnelle engagée pour accompagner vos projets vers le succès, n’hésitez pas à me contacter. Ensemble, nous atteindrons l’excellence opérationnelle et assurerons la réussite durable de votre entreprise !

The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.

Steve Jobs

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Our Speaker

Panelists, Moderators & Pitch Competition Judges

Meet Our Speakers

Meet the Expert Speakers Shaping the Future

Jeff Polovick

Craig Elias

Brandy Old

Jean Jacques MITAKARO

Dr Leanne Hedberg

Aaron Poirier

Bob ‘Idea Man’ Hooey

Deepak Chopra

April Massie

Yoyin Familusi

Troy Deck

Debra Kasowski

Matthew Kleywegt

Marie-Laure Polydore

Carine Ouedraogo

Dr. Charlie Mballa

Andre L Routhier

Dennis Agbegha

Celestin Mani

Janis Brooks

Alphonse Ndem Ahola

Cliff Turner

Mark Guest

Dr. Carrie Smith

Maria Gafiuk

Gaelle Mbom

The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller. The storyteller sets the vision, values, and agenda of an entire generation that is to come.

Steve Jobs

Connect with Leading Event Experts - Get Started Today!

Want to Be a Speaker? Let’s Connect!

Register to the beacon conference Today

Don't Miss Out - Seize the Opportunity and Get Your Tickets Now!

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