Mentor Directory
Consultant at IG Wealth Management
About: Experienced in financial services, business growth, employee engagement, and driving sales performance through a variety of roles including General Manager, Area Sales Manager, Group Risk Manager and most recently self-employed as a financial Consultant. Skilled in Retirement Planning, Investments, Operations Management, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Employee Engagement, Risk Management, and Revenue & Profit Growth. Strong sales professional with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) focused in Marketing from Mount Allison University.
Professor & Coordinator at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
About: Web developer and designer, with a passion for learning new technologies and love for the open web. I enjoy making attractive, user-friendly, standard-based websites with a solid backend.
Founder of The Box Of Life
About: I'm the founder of The Box Of Life and a climate advocate like many of you reading this. I was anxious, frustrated, and saddened by the lack of action of our communities towards fighting climate change, so I decided to do something about it.
I created The Box of Life because I believe that the humble composting earthworm can reshape our relationship with food and rekindle our love for nature in the urban world
Alan Shayanpour
Retired from JDS Uniphase
About: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineer, I have worked through many levels as a manufacturing engineer, research and development, Design engineer, (Northern Telecom, Bell Northern Research, Nortel) and transitioned to the management side and took on roles as Engineering manager, director of Engineering and then VP Manufacturing at JDS Uniphase. After retirement, I had a consulting firm and helped companies in their development efforts to better understand their product design cycles. I along with some very interesting people I met through my consulting work started a company in the field of DNA analysis, Spartan Bioscience Inc. I am presently involved with a small engineering firm, Raven Telemetry Inc., as a design engineer. Raven is involved in Data mining for operational efficiency improvements in any and all manufacturing areas.
Difference Maker - Community Builder - Game Changer
About: I believe that people across all lines of difference deserve to be treated with dignity and have a chance to reach their full potential. That is why I am passionate about creating sustainable change across communities by leveraging tech for community building and development purposes.
Educational Consultant
About: Alison has a PhD, Education (UofO). My areas of expertise are spatial reasoning and mathematical development in young children. Spatial reasoning skills are critical to mathematical learning.
I am an experienced educator in Montessori and I used current research methods to understand the strengths of Montessori's educational insights. These are more relevant today than ever. I use my experiences in the classroom and as a previous head of school as well as my education to support individuals, schools, and institutions in the development of their mathematical learning environments and in their use of spatial reasoning. I focus on the importance of movement in spatial development.
President, Kettlemans Bagel
About: A results-driven and team-oriented Director, focused on cost controls, guest services and exceeding revenue targets. With strong leadership, recruiting and training skills.
Specialties: Multi-Unit Management, Talent Acquisition, Team Development, Business Development and Growth, Cost Control and Budget Driven.
Climate Change Consultant (PMP, EIT) at WSP Canada
About: Anna is a Consultant with WSP Canada's Climate Change, Resilience, and Sustainability Team and holds a Bachelor of Applied Science, Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University. Through her leadership of Net Zero and Carbon Portfolio Roadmapping Strategies, Anna works closely with her clients to set goals and develop plans to achieve these targets. Recent projects include the Sustainable Development and Environmental Strategy Implementation Plan for RPS (Real Property Services, Canada) as well as a National Portfolio Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan for PSPC (Public Services and Procurement Canada).
Project Coordinator - Youth and Innovation Heifer International
About: I am a social enterprise enthusiast, a creative thinker, innovator, business analyst, an optimist, and a proven business builder.
I have more than 12 years work experience and have served as a team member, volunteer, with ENACTUS NIGERIA building the capacity of over 2000 undergraduates across university campuses in Nigeria in the areas of Leadership, Project management, Community development, and Entrepreneurship.
Digital Imaging Pioneer /From Startup to Scale/ Strategic Advisor / EIR, Mentor
About: Bob is recognized in the Internet world as a pioneer of digital image transformation. His creation, Cold North Wind enabled the first use of historical microfilm of newspapers to be made searchable in their original published image form. This pioneering effort helped transform and make available community histories previously locked away in geographical disparate collections. Bob was named to the “100 Influential Canadians in Baseball” as chosen by Baseball Hall of Fame sportswriter, Bob Elliot. In 2008, Google, in Mountainview, California, acquired the company.
Brad Morley
Retired from Morley Hoppner
About: 20 years CEO of Morley Hoppner which is a contractor and land developer.
VP of Engineering at Azavea
About: I'm a startup veteran with 20+ years of experience building successful engineering teams and learning with them. I believe in mission-driven technologies and I'm constantly finding ways to make a positive impact.
K-12 Experiential Learning Consultant
About: Taught in Sapporo, Japan (2001-2002); Extensive travel experience; Teaching experience (Gr. 3-8); Summer Art Camp (Kids Camp & Teen Studio).
High Impact Firms, BDC
About: Helping entrepreneurs prepare for the next level of growth with tailored business advice, CEO leadership development and strengthening of management capabilities. Delivering the Optimization for Growth Program (OGP) and the Growth Driver Program (GDP).
CEO and Founder, National Children's Botanical Garden
About: Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Executive Development, Career Development, HR Consulting, Performance Measurement and Social Enterprise Management.
Most Recently VP, Global Sales Operations at Kinaxis
About: I understand the challenges faced by growing companies. Regardless of size or years in business, the demands in sales, operations, client success management and business development are similar, just scaled differently.
My passion lies in improving and scaling organizations. I have done it repeatedly with quantifiable results delivered to CXOs and Boards. I bring extensive experience, strategy know-how, and leadership to deliver organizational goals and objectives. I have developed and implemented the strategy, operational plans, business processes and scaling to produce company results both for my employer and for customers and have a personal stake in driving bottom line results.
Senior IM Analyst
About: 20 years in the Information Management field. Roles as IM Architect, Project Manager, Implementation Manager, Business Analyst, and Trainer
Founder, GemTraining
About: Diane is the founder of GemTraining, a communication training firm that delivers virtual and in-person programs that leave a lasting impact. Diane offers coaching that is entertaining, engaging, and skill-building. She works with corporate and community leaders to help them speak clearly, concisely, and confidently. Her teachings are immediately applicable and will sharpen your team’s ability to communicate effectively in meetings, pitches, and presentations.
Diane offers a wide range of purpose-driven workshops, personalized coaching, and support designed to help people realize their full potential in the workplace, and in their personal lives.
Executive| Marketo Fearless 50| GTM strategist
About: Results-oriented marketing and product marketing executive with two decades of experience driving commercial growth strategies and scalable revenue engines in B2B and D2C. Expertise in crafting compelling value propositions that establish reputations, generate new leads, and expand existing customer bases. Developed management skills across diverse organizations, ranging from billion-dollar public global IT consultancies to private equity-backed start-ups.
Chief Financial Officer at FreeBalance
About: Don has 35+ years of business/finance experience. Professional Accountant. Currently CFO of global software company.
Director, Matansar & Certified Integral Professional Coach
About: Certified Integral Professional Coach and results-oriented experienced management consultant with extensive experience in strategic partnership and business development, sales and program management, in the public and private sectors.
#CxO |#Transformation | #Technology | #Innovation
About: Bilingual energetic C-Level executive Result-driven , with excellent interpersonal skills, experienced in leading operational teams in multicultural environments mainly in emerging market. Focused on time-to-market and quality. Passionate about strategy, Tech , customer experience, financial services , change management ( mainly digital transformation) and start up raising.
Strategy Consultant
About: I am an ambitious optimist who believes in the art of the possible. My strengths are strategic thinking, creativity and communication. I have 22 years of experience designing projects, mobilizing resources and leading their execution. I have worked in public, private and non-profit sectors, from line cook and trades helper, to government manager and CEO. I have developed strategies, managed projects, designed programs, built teams, taught courses and delivered hundreds of presentations. At every turn, I have pursued excellence, in the dish pit, in government, in leadership, in citizenship and in business. In the next chapter of my career, I am eager to ignite opportunities that shape the future of business, communities and Canada.
Fay Boubidi
FinTech Consulting | Customer Success , Strategic Partnership, P&L Growth & Expansion
About: Inspired and wining spirit person with more than 15 years of experience in Telecom/ Fintech, Customer Success and 4 years in Product Management, I acquired a good background in analytical and strategic thinking, business development, analyzing KPI and forecasts; I also got a good background in the development of marketing communication strategies, and sales to reach target audiences. I believe I am ready today to discover other sectors and raise new challenges.
-knowledge of: New Technologies and trends Digital & Fintech, Telecom, Business and strategic Analysis (Dashboard+Kpi’s), Data Presentation, Customer Insights, Sales, Advertising strategy, Innovation, Project Management, Product Lifecycle, Strategic Negotiations, Assess business opportunities, Teamwork.
-Mentor, Trainer, Speaker, Coach at: Startup Weekend, TEDx, GEW, T.start, webdays, Algeria 2.0.
Fernanda Correa
Business Consultant and Entrepreneur
About: Passionate about innovation and business trends, Fernanda has worked as a business consultant for more than 15 years helping big companies make their strategic planning and small entrepreneurs create their business models.
Group Benefits Consultant at Mosley Group Benefits
About: After graduating with a degree in finance at the University of Western Ontario in 2005, Gavin's employee benefits career began as an Account Executive with Great-West Life, one of Canada’s leading group insurance carriers. In 2011, he joined the consulting community to develop a specialization in alternate financial arrangements. His passion is designing innovative benefits plans to help organizations attract and retain key talent, enabling them to build a better workplace. Since no one solution is a perfect fit for every organization, Gavin has trained extensively in insured and self-funded programming combined with the latest benefits technology to help his clients provide robust, yet easy-to-understand plans for staff.
Employee Benefits Specialist, Financial Security Advisor and Partner
About: While I've always loved business, it's also always been important to me to stay grounded to what's really important. Regardless of where we are in our lives, whether we're planning our estate or starting a family, purchasing a home or planning for retirement, a plan helps us get the best of what matters to us the most. That's why our clients count on us to support them in creating and acting on plans that meet them where they are in life.
Retired - Formerly Sr VP IP Services, TechInsights
About: Career spent in high-tech in a variety of sales/business development roles. The last 18 years were with a highly specialized technical services company that provided deep technical understanding of semi-conductors and electronics. For the last 8 years I was the Senior VP in charge of IP (Intellectual Property) Services. My responsibility was global with extensive travel and customer interaction in Europe, Asia and the US. I was involved with the strategic planning, development and execution of the services we provided.
Social Entrepreneur, Health Care Aide & Owner of KAMBI Cleaning Solutions
About: Ifeoma Okonji is a Social entrepreneur, Health Care Aide and owner of KAMBI Cleaning Solutions. She is also a Customer experience Professional with over twelve years’ experience in both the profit and non-profit sector. She is an astute young lady who has a passion to empower young women, and a knack for smart work, dedication and teamwork. Ifeoma is the founder of Women Economic and Leadership Transformation Initiative (WELTI) a non-profit that advocates for equality for young women in leadership, technology, health and education and also co-founder of the NPO hub a community of non-profit individuals and organizations who come together to share ideas, leverage opportunities and partner for sustainable social impact. She serves as a Mozilla Open leader and mentor, an associate member of Women in Management, business and public service (WIMBIZ), an open knowledge thought leader/advocate and a member of the Open heroines Community .
Ifeoma has a propensity to travel, sustain useful acquaintances and loves music and dancing.
5X Award Winning Leader | Make your Life Make Meaning with Me!
About: Let’s Keep it Simple, I’m not your Average Joe & not one to fit the Mould! What I do is not something you’ll find listed in a résumé or CV. I take challenging ideas and turn it into Award-Winning Scalable Projects by challenging the Status-Quo. I am a multifaceted award-winning human leader who‘s not afraid to push institutional & organizational boundaries and deliver notable & recognition-worthy success.
Don’t just take my word for it, See Below 👇🏼:
Met Prince William & Duchess Kate at GCMS discussing Relativity & the Future of the Internet & Social Media for Youth.
Worked with the representative of the President of Kazakhstan, spearheading as Head Educator, the UNICEF funded CoVenture program with Social Orphans.
Surpassed KPI expectation by 1000 % with Paint the Town Green (PTTG), a greening sustainability event bringing it to 9 Countries & 15 Cities; & in the process receiving a Letter of Recognition from PM Justin Trudeau & 2x President Spirit Award.
Brought the first ever TEDx to the first college in Ontario, Canada; where Najwa Zebian & Melissa Grelo were some of the notable speakers, plus receiving my 3rd President Spirit Award.
3rd Place Documentary Film Award on Syrian Refugee kids Episode in Beirut, Lebanon; My Hero International Film Festival.
Published Academic & Children’s Book Author, No Parrots in Space! Oh & not to mention The Honorable viceregal representative of the King in Right of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell honoured the Book Launch.
ODSB Inspirational Speaker on Financial Literacy to Immigrant & Refugee Youth.
Shortlisted for Outstanding Leadership in Education Award, Dubai.
& now, I am working on scaling School of Ikigai in a Silicon Valley-based & Forbes Featured Accelerator Program & pitching to Dragon’s Den! Psst! I told you my multifaceted-ness (if that’s even a word) is not something you fit onto a résumé.
Professor, School of Business - Algonquin College
About: Jay is an empowering and dynamic leader with a passion for lifelong learning who inspires those around him through his speaking, teaching and thought leadership.
An authentic and engaged educator, Jay is an advocate for entrepreneurship and sustainability. With an optimistic and positive attitude, and the belief people can achieve the impossible, he challenges all to learn and grow.
Jay earned his Masters from St. Francis Xavier University in 2017, and now passionately applies his knowledge about adult education and community development to his work. Since 2010, he has served Algonquin College where he teaches people to stand with their convictions, take risks, and change their futures.
Professor, School of Business - Algonquin College
About: Jaswinder has over 20 years of industry experience in global business development, sales and marketing, and strategic operations in both the private and public-sector organizations. She is currently Professor of Business, Management & Entrepreneurship at the School of Business, Algonquin College.
Owner REWILD Landscapes | Horticulturist & Landscape Designer
About: Jeff Collins, owner of REWILD Landscapes, is a horticulturist and landscape designer focused on restoring habitats and ensuring food security. With a lifetime of experience, Jeff uses his knowledge and skills to create spaces for people and the ecosystem surrounding them. Jeff's designs include native plants and non-invasive, edible species. He believes that it shouldn't just be the local wildlife and pollinators enjoying the landscape but the homeowner and community as well.
Completing Doctor of Education (EdD)
About: A champion of learner-centric organizational design in post-secondary education, I am on a mission to transform innovative thinking into practical applications that lead to family- and community-supporting careers for all who seek one.
Jeremy has taught in the School of Business at Algonquin College for 5 years, has owned and operated small businesses in the past; and was the Business Administration Coordinator at Algonquin College. He coached award-winning teams for the Ontario College Marketing Competition; has experience working with Junior Achievement; and is familiar with the Ontario Business Curriculum. He holds a small business management diploma, an MBA and is completing a Doctor of Education.
Business Developer, UofW
About: Jideofor, based in Ottawa, serves as a business developer for the University of Waterloo East team. In this role, he facilitates co-op placements for University of Waterloo students and employers in the National Capital Region. Hailing from Nigeria, Jideofor has a rich background in investment promotions and international trade facilitation in China. There, he collaborated with both public and private sectors in East and West Africa, preparing Special Economic Zones for potential Chinese Investors. He also supported independent businesses and e-commerce merchants on platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay to navigate the complexities of Chinese manufacturing and supply chains. Fluent in English, Chinese, and his native language Ibo, Jideofor has also embarked on learning French since his arrival in Canada.
Academic Chair, Business Administration at Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
About: I am the Chair (Department Head) of Business Administration at Algonquin College, which includes the Entrepreneurship diploma program. I frequently engage with Ottawa area entrepreneurs and organizations that support entrepreneurs, as well as other on-campus resources (e.g., the DARE Makerspace, Social Innovation Lab). I have been a judge at various bootcamps and hackathons.
Director of Sustainability and Purpose Driven Marketing, Enterprise Canada and Creative Currency,
About: Katie works at Enterprise Canada and Creative Currency, a Canadian strategic communications firm and ad agency, in a dual role as Director of Sustainability and Purpose Driven Marketing. Her new role is building a brand new sustainability practice to help companies develop sustainability strategies, create communications and storytelling campaigns, and help businesses build social impact and EDI programs in an authentic and meaningful way. Prior to Enterprise, Katie was Head of Social Entrepreneurship at Shopify. There she built a department dedicated to supporting social enterprises around the world. Prior to Shopify, Katie worked for the Prime Minister and other federal ministers in policy and communications.
International Management | Entrepreneurship | Black Diplomacy
About: How it started ~ One day when I was in grade 2, I gathered some of my old toys and sold them on the playground at recess. My “business” got shut down the next day by the lunch monitor. This was my introduction to entrepreneurship!
How it's going ~ I hold a diploma in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Algonquin College. I am currently pursing my Bachelor of Commerce in International Management at the University of Ottawa (to continue selling on a global scale this time).
What's up next ~ As an aspiring entrepreneur and a global citizen, I strive to solve real business problems in an international organization that sustainably connects people, planet and profit.
Owner Snark
About: I am the owner of Snark, a small-batch, Arnprior based coffee roaster with a caffeine-fueled passion for bringing out the very best of each coffee growing region’s flavours. Teacher, Principal 15 years, Entrepreneur 14 years (6 years incorporated, 6 years sole proprietor)
Kim Lacelle
Coordinator SEP & Elementary Student Success, OCSB
About: Kim has overall responsibility for the OCSB SEP.
Technology Consultant DSP | SerDes | Wireless | Server Architecture | CXL | Memory | Storage
About: Highly motivated executive and technologist inspired by challenges and having more than 20 years of working experience in the fields of Software Development, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analysis, System Architecture, DSP design, ASIC/FPGA architecture and development.
Mother of two | CEO & Founder at Ways Education
About: I am a founder and CEO from an Edtech since 2019. I developed a passion for the entrepreneurship environment during my tenure at my first start-up in 2018. I am an enthusiastic and motivated entrepreneur with an innovative mindset for agile and efficient decision making.
DATA, Digital Transformation, Customer Experience
About: I lead customer experience and digital transformation projects for clients across various industries and sectors. I leverage my expertise in machine learning, big data analytics, and CRM to deliver innovative and impactful solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and retention.
Chair and Executive Coach, TEC Canada
About: Entrepreneurship has cursed me into thinking big, being creative and taking chances. I love building and improving businesses by finding great people and teaching them how to avoid the many mistakes I've made over the years. My "job" has always been to inject energy, vision and unity into our team's day-to-day interactions and remind them of the amazing people they are and can be.
Over the years I've also enjoyed innovating the status quo for IT by mashing up the fun nerdy culture and technological complexity in terms and results that make real impacts in our clients' businesses and employees' lives. My development background and love for the future has also given me a passion for automation and getting the greatest result for the least amount of money and work.
My overall goal is one of balance. To be as creative as I am organized, healthy as I am fun, happy as I am helpful, wise as I am stupid and as much a father as I am entrepreneur.
Investment & Retirement Planner, RBC
About: I am an accredited Financial Planner specialising in helping clients take action toward their goals. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to any aspect of financial planning. As such, I strive to help my clients make a clear and concise plan to ensure they can have the financial future they strive for.
Innovation and Change Advisor, CMHC
About: Supporting organizations across their Strategy & Transformation journey. Holding +11 years of significant experience in consulting, I managed several large scale projects for public & private sectors as well as international organizations across their functional, business and digital transformation.
Annual Giving Officer, Ronald McDonald House Charities Ottawa
About: Providing businesses and professionals with the ability to give back to the community.
Small Business Owner
About: Natasha owns and operates a small business as an Ontario licensed real estate agent.
Project Development Manager at Yaraa.io
About: Peter is experienced in a broad spectrum of business activities. He has had 6+ years in project management, project planning, business development and operations, managing people, timelines and building connections to drive value..
President/Président, P-Y Public Safety Management Inc.
About: Experienced President with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in Law Enforcement, Public Speaking, Government, Strategic Planning, and Public Policy. Strong business development professional with a Master's Degree focused in Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
Founder Matansar, Mentor Champion OCSB & TheBigReset - Social Entrepreneurs Program
About: Richard is a serial CEO & entrepreneur with more than fourty years of experience in semiconductors & software (Mitel, NovAtel, Extreme Packet Devices, Kivuto, etc) within telephony, security & education verticals.
VP of Marketing and Customer Engagement at Hapara
About: I love the impact of learning.
I’m a K12 Educational Technology entrepreneur who has been leveraging technology in learning since 1985 during my first year teaching. I lead organizations in the development and delivery of innovative, engaging, sustainable products and solutions for learning. I am known for deep management and commercialization experience in the K12 edtech industry.
Combining my experience and knowledge in education, technology, business acumen, executive strategy, and management skills, I’ve been honored to assist local, national, and international organizations with their transition to being mission centered, impactful, and sustainable.
Co-Founder at Proxi.id
About: I develop new and transformational business ideas and turn them into amazing products. Cloud-first, privacy-focused and mission-driven, I have a passion for technology with fifteen years of executive leadership experience in education and SaaS.
Learning and Development Specialist | Adult Education | I design transformative learning experiences |
About: An experienced Learning Professional with 12+ years of adult education, career coaching & academic advising, and learning program administration experience. A technolgoy enthusiast who has leveraged learning technology and Learning Management Systems to enhance the learning and development initiatives.
Founder Stellar Eats
About: Stella is a Holistic Nutritionist (CNP), Recipe Developer and Writer behind the popular wellness blog Stellar Health and founder of Stellar Eats. Prior to entering the wellness world, she struggled with disordered eating for many years. Now, the driving force between all of her entrepreneurial endeavours is to help people cultivate a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
Business/Community Leader
About: Known as a mentor and ambassador for many organizations, I have a proven track record of success in hospitality, fundraising ,volunteer work and in attaining personal goals.
Director of Sales & Business Development & Partner, Lightenco
About: Highly motivated, entrepreneurial, international professional with demonstrated success in sales, new business development, strategic partnerships and program design & management.
Business Finance, Digital Strategy and Operations Consultant | Social Entrepreneur
About: My professional focus is on technological solutions for community development and social entrepreneurship enablement. With 10+ years of experience in finance, operations and more recent 4+ years of startup consulting, I support organizations with business analysis, strategic planning, financial modeling and creating a fluent tech environment. I love it when data is easily integrated into a comprehensive picture of performance every month.
Retired from IBM
About: I am a semi-retired Chartered Professional Accountant with a combination of Public Sector and Private Sector experience. I worked 13 years at the City of Ottawa and held various positions including management over the years in Internal Audit, Customer Service, Finance, Human Resources and Administration. For 19 years I worked with IBM Canada as a sales executive selling technology solutions into the Public Sector. I retired from IBM in 2016 and now work part time for H&R Block preparing tax returns for individuals and corporations.
Chief Technical Officer - Blockchain on Supply Chain
About: Experienced Board Director, CEO and Senior Executive with a successful track record of leadership and accomplishment within the technology and training industries.
William (Bill) Olders co-founded DataKinetics in 1977. The company became a leader in business information systems optimization, with many world-class Fortune 500 customers, whose complex, mission-critical applications are the most valuable assets of their day-to-day business.
Bill is veteran of more than 30 years of experience in business management, technology introduction, software product design and computer language instruction. He has been a catalyst for business transformation in both turnaround and growth situations, and has driven focused and creative solutions for customers most fundamental business challenges.
Today Bill sits on the boards of DataKinetics, OmNovos and Xalgorithms Foundation, and divides the rest of his time between publishing papers and articles, speaking in the field of taxation automation and his hobby, auto racing. He graduated from The University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
Specialties: Business and technology solutions, enterprise-level IT problem solving, open systems, blockchain business implementation, rules-based applications development, systems performance improvement, omni-channel customer engagement techniques.