Danielle Smith is a proud Albertan. As Leader of the governing United Conservative Party, she was sworn in as the 19th Premier of Alberta on October 11, 2022. She represents the riding of Brooks-Medicine Hat in the Legislative Assembly. Ms. Smith has had a lifelong interest in Alberta public policy and finding the right balance between free enterprise and individual freedom, and the role of government. She was previously MLA for Highwood and leader of the Official Opposition. Before re-entering politics, Ms. Smith worked extensively in the media and in business, most recently as President of the Alberta Enterprise Group. Before that she was a radio host with Corus Entertainment for 6 years. Danielle Smith holds degrees in both Economics and English from the University of Calgary. She is married to David and proud stepmom to his son. They live in High River with their dog, Caine.

Jyoti Gondek was sworn in as Calgary's 37th mayor and the first woman to be elected to this role on October 25, 2021. Prior to being elected as mayor, she served as city councillor for Ward 3 from 2017 to 2021. She holds a Ph.D. focused on urban sociology, and an M.A. specializing in organizational sociology. Throughout her career, Mayor Gondek has taken a big picture approach to pressing challenges. Often, she has found processes and policies exist simply because they have never been questioned. She has come to understand that by probing and chipping away at issues, we move forward with improvements that have meaning in our everyday lives. Many challenges face Calgarians including the economic recovery, climate crisis, lack of affordable housing, truth and reconciliation, and women’s participation in the labour force. Mayor Gondek believes that solutions to these issues must be bold, and rooted in economic, social, and environmental resilience. Mayor Gondek’s professional background includes leading the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business where she examined the challenges facing Calgary’s commercial sector as property values in the core plummeted. She knew then that this issue would be a big one for Calgary. She also ran a successful consulting practice for 12 years helping clients in the energy and city-building sectors evolve their business models to fit a changing regulatory and economic environment. Throughout her career, Mayor Gondek has been known to be a driven community builder and diversity champion who understands the power of cross-sector partnerships where business, social organizations, and educational institutions are connected to local governments to better serve the people. She is honoured to serve Calgarians as Mayor.

Carolyn is the President & CEO of EVENTS USA is a visionary corporate event planning professional with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. Carolyn has been the creative energy behind more than 2,600 successful events from seminars, summits, conferences, and training meetings to formal receptions, galas, client appreciation experiences, and award shows. Carolyn’s vast experience in event production and management, decades of public speaking, make her the engaging, warm, witty, and wonderful emcee of choice. Carolyn E. Howell is the Executive Producer of OUR TV Network, CFN, PopUp TV, for Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, USA.

Sarah Benken Foushee is a powerhouse entrepreneur, renowned for her role as the founder and CEO of KNOW Women, a global media company and community that empowers ambitious female leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. She is also the founder of KNOW Cares, a non-profit organization committed to providing education, leadership opportunities, and support to women and youth. Through this initiative, Sarah actively works to uplift and empower the next generation of leaders.

As an award-winning serial entrepreneur, Sarah has demonstrated her exceptional business acumen by scaling two brands internationally and achieving five profitable exits. Her expertise lies in bootstrapping and scaling businesses, and she is well-versed in building 7-figure brands. Sarah's entrepreneurial journey has not only paved the way for her own success but has also positioned her as a mentor and role model for aspiring female leaders.

Sarah's remarkable achievements have garnered prestigious accolades, including the Outstanding Women in Business Award by the Phoenix Business Journal, the Forty Under 40 Award, and the 50 Best Places to Work by the Triangle Business Journal. She has also been honored with the Enterprising Women of the Year Award by Enterprising Women. Her notable success has earned her and her companies featured spots in over 50 print magazines and media outlets, including Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, MSN, and Yahoo.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah cherishes her role as a mother to her two children, Sidnee (16) and Brandon (26), and as a supportive wife to her attorney husband, Michael. Her dedication to both her family and her career is a testament to her resilience and ability to balance multiple roles successfully.

A media professional and academic, Félix Zogning is a full professor in the Department of Accounting Sciences at the University of Sherbrooke. His research focuses on various aspects, including the performance of listed companies, mergers and acquisitions, governance mechanisms of private and public organizations and their impact on performance, as well as supporting the internationalization of SMEs. He has been involved for several years in the implementation of entrepreneurship programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and in the upgrading of SMEs to improve their competitiveness.

Currently is the President and CEO of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce in Southwest Georgia, CEO and Managing Partner of her boutique consulting firm Batchelor & Bradley Insights Group, national Board Chair of Black Executive and Student Program. She is a strategic alignment expert, connecting organizations with the resources that catapult them to achieve their next great opportunity has worked with clients like Oracle, Freddie Mac, Microsoft, Leidos, Bechtel, and Georgetown Cupcake. She’s been featured in Bloomberg Magazine, on BET, iHeart Radio, and others. She is the Region 8 Director of the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executive (GACCE) and a Board Member of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). She has been the CEO and Managing Partner of Batchelor & Bradley Insights Group for over 12 years, where performance excellence for businesses, governments, and nonprofits is a key priority. Amber Batchelor is a veteran CEO, strategic alignment expert, and a Saint Augustine University alumna. She’s had the pleasure of working in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and Florida. During the pandemic she was on the economic first line working with the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), managing, and administering grants to help business owners stay afloat during the troubling time.

Meaghan Pelton is the Deputy Director of the Global Affairs Canada Regional Office for Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Over the last 20 years, she has held positions in the federal and provincial public service. From 2018-2020, she was the Director of Stakeholder Relations for the Government of Alberta’s Department of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. Prior to that, as a Foreign Service Officer at Global Affairs Canada, Meaghan completed a wide range of assignments in Canada and abroad. At headquarters in Ottawa, Meaghan held positions in Latin American relations, international Indigenous affairs, human rights (focusing in ending child marriage), and trade policy (working on the renegotiation of the NAFTA and implementation of the CETA). She was posted at the Embassy of Canada in Santiago, Chile from 2009-2012. Meaghan speaks fluent Spanish and French.

Denise Smith is a beacon of visionary leadership, with a career that spans significant collaboration with C-suite executives since 2002, expertly blending this experience with a steadfast commitment to family and community. Her distinguished journey through significant positions such as COO and CTO, coupled with her impactful tenure at EY, has been characterized by her relentless pursuit to set new standards in strategic innovation and operational excellence. Denise's legacy, however, is deeply rooted in her aspiration to sow seeds for a future she might never directly benefit from, focusing on nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in the business world. As Board President and a passionate advocate for change, Denise champions that true leadership lies in creating lasting foundations for generations to come, dedicating herself to a future where her visionary thinking continues to inspire long after her direct influence has been felt.

Shane Jaffer is currently with Calgary Economic Development as Director, International and Intergovernmental Relations where his focus is building strong relationships with key stakeholders both internationally and domestically. Prior to joining Calgary Economic Development, Shane had been with the Alberta Government for over twenty-three years. In his last role with the Alberta Government, he was the Director of Strategic Engagement at the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Innovation where he led a team that engages with key stakeholders who are impacted by, interested in or have influence over initiatives and policies for the ministry. The goal of engaging with Albertans was to pursue policies and practices in a productive manner that is acceptable to all.

Before taking on that role, Shane was the Senior Advisor Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) where he was leading the development of an integrated ESG strategy for Alberta that would help gain and maintain the confidence of investors.

Some of Shane’s previous responsibilities included being the Managing Director of the Alberta Southeast Asia and Oceania Office based at the Canadian High Commission in Singapore, which focused on attracting investment into Alberta, encouraging trade relationships between Alberta and Southeast Asia and Oceania, and providing advocacy in the region on issues relevant to Alberta and Canada.

Prior to moving to Singapore, Shane as the Senior Director for Africa, Alberta International Development Office (AIDO) and International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, and others. Shane was also part of the World Bank Group and Inter-American Development Bank’s Private Sector Liaison Officer (PSLO) Network.

In addition to his current work at Calgary Economic Development, Shane is a sessional lecturer at Mount Royal University at the Bissett School of Business where he teaches Emerging Markets and Global Business Environment.

Shane has a Master of International Trade from the University of Saskatchewan and other degrees from the University of Alberta including from the Alberta School of Business.

As EDC’s National Lead for Black and Racialized exporters, Myriam drives EDC’s mission to understand and address the specific needs and challenges of the Inclusive Trade exporter communities. She spearheads the development and implementation of long-term strategies and solutions aimed at serving these markets and propelling them towards global success. Passionate about levelling the playing field in our economic landscape, Myriam envisions an equitable economic system where all businesspeople, regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender, will have a seat at the table and benefit from the same opportunities and support. She is committed to reshaping the narrative and creating pathways to generational wealth and economic empowerment through capacity-building, unbiased access to capital and fostering awareness around equity. With a rich background as a former entrepreneur and exporter spanning three continents, Myriam brings firsthand experience and a deep-seated passion to her role at EDC. Her journey as an international lawyer by training, coupled with over 18 years of expertise in the field of international trade within both private and public organizations, has equipped her to navigate diverse portfolios and lead impactful projects focused on trade, business development and innovation- with a keen focus on championing BIPOC businesses.

Dr Yvonne Kangong, MD is an entrepreneur ( Doctorpreneur ), a Family and Obesity Medicine dr (certified with the American Board of obesity Medicine) in Calgary. She holds a master’s degree in public health and a Culinary Coaching Certificate from the Harvard CHEF Program. She is also a transformational and lifestyle coach. She is the founder of Breakers Health, a medical consultancy, weight management and public speaking company, Co-owner of KFS Rx meals ( diabetic and weight loss friendly and overall healthy spices and meals to come). She was the past board member /associate and Medical director of the Mosaic Primary Care Network for total of 7 yrs. She is on the CEFIE ( center for intellectual excellence board). She is a co- author of a bestselling anthology ‘The Warrior Women Project’ A sisterhood of immigrant women and author of ‘What’s Obesity Got To Do With It’? 30 tips to a Healthier you. She is a wife and mother of 3. She loves to inspire others everywhere she goes. She is a keynote Speaker, mentor, advocate and community builder. She is a clinical lecturer with the Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary and received a teaching award in 2019, an award from the Alberta Legislative assembly for community service in 2020, PIA award for community service, Alberta Women entrepreneur nominee 2021, RBC Women of influence Nominee 2021, 2022 and others.

Barbara is an international leader in the development of SME enterprises, who has helped tens of thousands of businesses over the past 36 years, with a special emphasis on women. She created the Uniquely Programs that assisted over 12,000 entrepreneurs access increased markets, created & owned a national magazine, a retail store, & an e-commerce site supporting small businesses. Her work has assisted entrepreneurs globally and facilitated trade throughout Canada, South-East Asia, USA, South America, Europe, Afghanistan, India and Africa. She continues to be passionate about fostering the economic growth of women all over the world, by providing women practical solutions such as having their own informal Board of Directors, through GroYourBizTM, creating MyBusinessMyBoardsTM for women. Barbara also created and produces the EXCELerate conferences, which initiated the WE Empower UN SDG Challenge, where GroYourBizTM is a lead sponsor.

Andrea Bailey Brown is a former teacher turned award-winning entrepreneur who was born in Jamaica and raised in Canada. Andrea is a multi-unit franchise owner with Jiffy Lube who has generated over $30 million in revenue since ownership. She is also the founder and CEO of both Bailey Brown Business Consulting and Bailey Brown The Franchise Agency, where she uses her business knowledge and love of franchising to transform the lives of her clients. Her mission is to help entrepreneurs build wealth through franchise and business ownership. Holding an MBA from Royal Roads University in British Columbia where she was honoured with the Entrepreneur in Residence Award, Andrea's educational journey complements her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2022, she was also awarded the prestigious Entrepreneur of The Year award. As a woman of color excelling in a predominantly male industry, Andrea's journey is a testament to her resilience and expertise. She's reshaping the narrative, solidifying her role as both a franchise consultant and dynamic speaker, inspiring entrepreneurs worldwide to chase their dreams.

Guarantor of Business Perpetuity and Longevity

As the President of CC4 Solutions, Carla Casséus embodies the visionary essence of the company, a woman of exceptional credibility whose convictions guide every step of her journey.

With over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, including over 10 years specializing in the implementation of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, Carla founded CC4 Solutions in 2019. Her goal is to democratize access to technological tools, thereby consolidating her role as a pillar of digital sustainability. Her career has been marked by notable contributions to renowned organizations such as CGI, Bombardier Aerospace, with assignments in analysis, among others, at Sodexo, VIA Rail, Loto-Québec, Innergex, and Bell.

Ms. Casséus has demonstrated her ability to implement complex systems, receiving official recognition as an Auditor 4.0 from the Quebec Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) and as a digital advisor for the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP). At the heart of her personal mission lies the desire to democratize CRM usage while giving back to her community.

As an expert, Carla is regularly sought after as a panelist in Canada and abroad, leading masterclasses on digital transformation. As a natural communicator, she explains the multiple advantages of digital tools in a clear manner.

Nadine and Derek Nicholson show their clients how to create ‘Impossible Freedom’ – where they make more time for what they love (both inside and outside of business) while simultaneously leading their business to even more financial growth. On average, Nadine and Derek’s clients free up 10 hours every week and double their business revenue in 12 months.

Nadine and Derek speak on Time MasteryTM, breaking through the ‘Middle Zone’ of Success, and overcoming the trap of the Say/Do GapTM – inspiring entrepreneurs all over the world to create fierce integrity between what they value and how they actually spend their time. They bring their collective 60+ years of expertise in business, leadership, sales, operations, change management, communications, psychology, and PR to help their clients lead their business to its next (best) chapter — and their life to its (next) best decade.

Nadine and Derek work with a handful of clients so they have plenty of time to spend with their son while they hike, bike, camp and paddleboard on their many adventures. Learn more at: ascendleadership.com.

Founder of Ellie Bianca, an all natural, environmentally sustainable, and socially conscious skincare line. Named after her daughter, the brand was inspired by Evelyne’s deep desire to bring change to the women of the world. She has over fifteen years experience working globally in Environment and Social Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement.

Jerome Morgan is an innovations expert and change agent, shaping social, creative, entrepreneurial, and economic change.  Jerome has founded multiple businesses along his entrepreneurial journey, currently he is the Associate Director for the Social Innovation Hub, with Innovate Calgary at the University of Calgary. Supporting innovators and start ups solving social problems to launch and scale. We believe entrepreneurial thinking and social innovation can be used to get to better outcomes as well foster inclusive economic development.

Jerome possesses a profound understanding of business strategy, honed through diverse experiences in various industries. His expertise includes strategy, market analysis, and organizational development. Known for his analytical acumen, he excels in identifying opportunities and developing tailored strategies that drive profitability, impact and competitiveness. Beyond the boardroom, Jerome is actively involved in community initiatives. He believes in giving back and has championed various philanthropic endeavors, for youth, seniors and low-income families. Thus, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the business realm.

Jerome holds a Bachelor of Arts: Psychology from Toronto Metropolitan University with a minor in Business Communications and a Masters of Environmental Studies: Sustainable Development and Community Health from York University in Toronto, ON. In 2018 he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in social innovation, strategy and leadership from the Banff Centre and the University of Waterloo. In 2021, Jerome completed a Community Economic Development postgraduate certificate from Mont Royal University in Calgary. Alberta. Growth and innovation is hard. Jerome aims to support leaders through the design process so they can solve problems and deliver on impact for their communities.

Born in Douala, Cameroon, Edith did not stay there for long. She flew to Paris for her secondary and higher education. With a degree in economics, she shifted gears towards her true passion: Art, a medium that connects her with her roots. Initiated into African tribal art by Marc Léo Félix, founder of the "Congo Basin Art History Research Center" in Brussels, Mbella specialized in Ancient Art of Central Africa and managed several galleries: From 1998 to 2010: Oba African Art Gallery in Barcelona. In 2010, she founded Edith Mbella Gallery in Madrid. In addition to her work as an art dealer, she also became an exhibition curator and collaborator with various cultural entities. For several years, she conducted conferences in Spain as an expert in Ritual Art. She authored six books published by OBA editions. Edith also served as the curator for noteworthy exhibitions by the "Fundacion Mujeres Por Africa": "Mira Africa" (Colegio de los Arquitectos) and "El Universo Femenino" (Caixa Fórum). Passionate about identity issues, her research focuses on the concept of cultural belonging as a source of enrichment rather than division. Returning to her homeland in 2016, she founded Bolo L'Espace Art & Culture. This space hosts exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and research on new urban artistic practices. Promoting art and contemporary artists is a necessary mission for Edith in a complex context. At Bolo, special attention is given to female artists and emerging young talents. The motto here is "ART FOR ALL." Through the ambition of democratizing culture, Edith Mbella aims to raise awareness among all social strata about the positive impact of art as a vehicle for knowledge and creation. She believes that a commitment to sustainable social cultural action is essential for development and that cultural industries must be taken seriously as they are a source of currency inflows.

Les Jang is a Certified Management Consultant and was a client partner at BDC Advisory Services for 10 years, where he helped small and medium business owners grow their businesses. He currently provides business consulting in strategic planning and business coaching at his new company, Management MXL Ltd. He is taking his Executive MBA, which focuses on Leadership and Entrepreneurial strategy. Before joining the BDC, he was the owner and President of a mid-sized pet food and supplies business with Warehouses in Western Canada and the United States.

Leading the charge of championing business relationships and economic growth of the Canadian supply chain through the inclusion of Indigenous and racialized suppliers, Cassandra Dorrington has expanded the CAMSC brand, both nationally, internationally, and globally. This has resulted in significant growth and impact in the Canadian marketplace and beyond for both our CAMSC certified suppliers and our corporate and government members.

Known for her business and community environment involvement, Cassandra has been named one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s 2021 25 Most Powerful Women, and has received one of Canadian Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CDEI) Corporate Directors’ Award in 2023. She sits on the Supplier Advisory Council for Public Services Procurement Canada for the Government of Canada, the 50 – 30 Challenge Advisory Board, and Dalhousie University Board of Governors.

With, approximately 500 certified suppliers, 170 corporate members and billions of dollars in diverse spend, CAMSC is a proud member of both Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC), single voice for supplier in Canada and Global Supplier Diversity Alliance (GSDA), promoting supplier diversity globally with councils in Australia, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, and board member for the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (CCSBE).

Michele Lance is a dynamic leader dedicated to empowering women to achieve their leadership potential. With a career spanning from entry-level roles to executive leadership at a Fortune 20 company, Michele has developed deep expertise in employee engagement, mentorship, and leadership development. As the Founder and CEO of MC Career Solutions, Michele offers tailored coaching packages designed to empower, elevate, and excel. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes authenticity, encouraging women to lead with their true voice.

Michele’s career is marked by her success in creating impactful employee engagement programs and mentoring emerging women leaders. Her proven track record showcases her ability to guide women in navigating their career paths with confidence and clarity. Michele is a skilled and engaging speaker, known for her ability to connect with diverse audiences. She shares her insights and knowledge with enthusiasm, inspiring others to take action. Her stage presence is engaging, and she fosters meaningful conversations with her blend of expertise and approachable demeanor.

Michele is focused on scaling MC Career Solutions by developing online programs and courses accessible through her website. Her vision is to expand her coaching services globally, training women leaders in corporations worldwide. Outside of her professional endeavors, Michele is passionate about traveling, dining at great restaurants, and spending quality time with her family. She is deeply committed to women’s rights, technology that enhances lives, and authenticity in leadership. Michele is also devoted to giving back to the communities she lives in, seeking ways to contribute and make a positive impact.

Hakeem Lawal is a distinguished entrepreneur, community advocate, and a devoted father. As the executive director and co-founder of Fari Hara, a premier custom tailoring company based in Alberta and Ontario, Hakeem has elevated the brand to international acclaim. Fari Hara is celebrated for its presence at prestigious events such as the GRAMMYS and for dressing notable figures on major TV networks, solidifying its status in the fashion industry across North America.

In alignment with this year's "SMART GROWTH INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS EXPO" theme, Hakeem's expertise in fostering international partnerships and business growth is exceptionally relevant. His work extends beyond fashion; he is a founding executive of the Young African Professionals (YAP) in Calgary, which bridges professional networks for Black professionals, emphasizing community and economic empowerment.

With a robust background in leadership roles at AT&T and experience in the Oil & Gas sector with Cenevus Energy, Hakeem brings a wealth of knowledge in corporate strategy and international business relations. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Windsor and is an alumnus of SAIT, further highlighting his deep roots and commitment to Alberta's business community. Hakeem is passionately dedicated to mentoring entrepreneurs, guiding them to invest confidently in their ventures and pursue global opportunities.

Caroll Bakang is the Head of Multilateral Relations at African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA). She maintains a cordial relationship 35 African countries as well as partners and has great experience in developing programs on rural and agriculture development for financial institutions in Africa. She has trained various financial institutions in Africa to improve the Agricultural Value Chain Finance lending strategy. She has contributed in strengthening economic empowerment of Women entrepreneurs in Africa. She has actively worked in supporting the African continent in developing strategies for financial institutions to finance fisheries and aquaculture. She is involved in policy advocacy and capacity building of financial institutions across Africa.

Having served the African continent in Rural and Agricultural Finance for more 14 years, Ms. Bakang has gained a lot of knowledge and experience in working with NGOs and other international partners. She is a part time translator and interpreter from English and an entrepreneur. Ms. Bakang is a lawyer by profession she holds a postgraduate diploma in Law and an Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Investment Planning. She is currently completing another MBA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management.

Infoplace Canada is a top-notch virtual Canadian Consulting firm based in Regina, Saskatchewan dedicated to facilitating the immigration process for international students and immigrants through various programs, as well as working with employers to hire foreign workers.

Founded in 2017 by Florence Akpan, a Chartered Professional Accountant, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, and Business Strategist, InfoPlace Canada has transformed from a one-woman operation into a thriving organization with nearly 20 dedicated employees, serving over 5,000 clients across 40 countries in the last 6 years. Infoplace Canada's commitment extends to providing authentic and verifiable news and updates, making it a trusted source in the Canadian immigration field, and reaching a broad audience of over 100,000 individuals through various social platforms. Her professional service includes study permit, work permit, visiting visa, LMIA, school admission, and permanent residence

Her goal is to offer quality unmatched customer experience and honest and professional representation on Canadian Education & Immigration applications.

IG account: @infoplacecanada

Jibs Abitoye is a distinguished Nigerian-Canadian politician, celebrated entrepreneur, and accomplished cybersecurity analyst, currently serving her second term as a Councillor for the City of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta. Breaking barriers as the first black woman elected to council in the province of Alberta since the 1970s, Jibs has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to diversity, innovation, and community service.

Jibs is the founder of the Fort Black Society, an organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within Fort Saskatchewan and other municipalities. Through this platform, she has initiated various community programs that celebrate cultural diversity and provide support to marginalized groups. Her leadership has made significant strides towards creating a more inclusive and cohesive community.

Jibs' professional accomplishments are as diverse as they are impressive. As an award-winning entrepreneur, she has successfully navigated multiple industries, showcasing her versatility and business acumen. Trained as an economist, Jibs leverages her analytical skills to drive economic initiatives and policies that benefit her community. Additionally, she has established herself as a talented fashion designer, with her designs reflecting her rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit. Her designs have graced the New York Fashion Week stages and are sold in Paris and Milan.

Adding to her multifaceted career, Jibs is a thriving realtor and cybersecurity analyst. Jibs helps clients navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes with confidence. Her expertise, combined with her genuine passion for real estate, ensures that each client receives personalized and effective solutions tailored to their unique needs. As a trusted advisor and skilled negotiator, Jibs consistently delivers successful outcomes, making her a valuable asset in the real estate community.

Deimira Baidoo is the founder and President of Melcom Homes. He has led the organization to unparalleled success through exceptional leadership and industry expertise. He founded and assumed the role of President of Melcom Homes Canada in 2021. Deimira migrated to Canada 24 years ago from Ghana and has firsthand experience of the challenges newcomers face as they try and settle into their new home. Deimira obtained his bachelor's program in business administration, specializing in Marketing, at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, Deimira Baidoo has emerged as a visionary entrepreneur, making significant strides as the President of Melcom Homes and Melcom Group LTD. His strategic acumen and innovative approach have not only transformed the real estate and marketing sectors but have also set new benchmarks for sustainable living and client-focused business practices. As president of Melcom Homes, Deimira has pioneered a revolution in eco-friendly living spaces. His leadership has propelled the company to the forefront of the real estate industry by championing net-zero and environmentally conscious homes.

Julia Mah is the Senior Trade Officer for North Asia in the Trade and Export Expansion Branch at the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade (JET). With over 2 decades of international business experience in industries such as building products, aviation, life sciences and cleantech, she plays a crucial role in managing trade portfolios focused on the markets of North Asia, including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

Her main responsibilities include supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, helping them access new export markets, and connecting them with new customers through international trade missions. Julia also builds strategic partnerships, facilitates business introductions, and provides market intelligence to aid Alberta’s businesses in their export ventures.

Laurel has 10 years of experience in investment management and 10 years in community development and impact investing. Her interdisciplinary career includes a human-centric approach to partnership development, impact measurement frameworks, investment readiness capacity building, and due diligence. Her work has mobilized $20 Million in communities on behalf of impact investors (family offices, foundations, corporations). She is also a social entrepreneur and has worked with governments, non-profits, and corporations in Jamaica, Canada, Ghana, and Kenya.

Deryck Greer is an Executive Technology, Cybersecurity and Operations Leader at Protexxa. He was a former Secret and Top Secret cleared Senior Cybersecurity and Intelligence Leader with over eighteen years of professional practice across multiple domains including but not limited to; Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Financial Investigations, Fraud and Law enforcement. He has a wealth of hands on applied professional and operational practice and provides thought leadership to executives, governments, politically exposed and High Net Worth individuals with a specific focus on security posture, risk mitigation, operational security, breach readiness, containment and future threats.

Dr. Jennifer Njenga, CEO and Founder of Engage Global Healthcare (EGH), received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal Award in December 2022 for her contributions to Alberta's healthcare. Appointed Co-Chair of the International Panel of Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS), she advises on healthcare improvements. As CEO of Canada Homecare Group (CHG), she provided innovative primary care services in Alberta. Dr. Njenga collaborates with various organizations to serve vulnerable populations. Born in Uganda, she pursued medicine in South Africa and New Zealand, obtaining a Doctor of Public Health in Australia. She prioritizes equity and access in healthcare, critiquing one-size-fits-all approaches. Grateful for her family's support, she balances work with hobbies like dancing and reading. Dr. Njenga is dedicated to realizing inclusive healthcare systems.

Rehana Malik-Mbanga is a visionary social entrepreneur with a unique background in science and psychology that fuel her passion for sustainable development and empowering women of African descent. Originally educated at Griffith University in Australia and the University of Cape Town in South Africa, Rehana brings a diverse perspective to her work.

As the CEO of Stimbok Corporation, a leading sustainable development company, Rehana leads efforts to create a platform for strategic partners to invest in initiatives aimed at empowering Women of African descent. With a focus on renewable energy and agriculture projects, Stimbok Corporation is at the forefront of driving positive social and environmental change.

In addition to her work with Stimbok Corporation, Rehana is the founder of When African Women Talk, a pioneering organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting Black Canadian Women, including those of African and Caribbean descent. Based in Alberta, When African Women Talk is now positioned to expand its reach across the country, under Rehana's inspiring leadership.

Noteworthy for her advocacy for gender equity and diversity inclusion, Rehana firmly believes in the power of collaboration to build stronger, more vibrant communities. Through her unwavering commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusivity, Rehana Malik-Mbanga is making a lasting impact on society.

Gelila, a seasoned banking professional with over 22 years of experience in the industry. She currently serves as the Regional Manager Black Community, Business Development for Western Canada. In her pivotal role, she acts as a trusted liaison, fostering strong connections between the bank and the Black community.

With a profound understanding of both finance and the unique needs of the Black community, Gelila is committed to provide elevated advice and banking solutions around investing, personal financing, and business financing to meet the financial goals for customers. Her passion for Black Community is evident and drives her to build robust relationships within the community, ensuring continuous support for customers and community organizations. In her spare time Gelila serves on the Board of Canadian Association Urban financial and works closely with number of community organizations.