Adnan Sarwar
Adnan Sarwar is an Investment Banker from London, U.K., who is now a Full Time Term Faculty at University Canada West and also an AI and FinTech Entrepreneur mentoring many StartUp CEO’s in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Adina Gray
Adina Gray is an educator, speaker, and founder of PurpleOwl AI, a training and consulting firm that helps educators and business professionals harness the power of generative AI. She also serves as AI Initiatives Lead at Thompson Rivers University’s Bob Gaglardi School of Business and Economics and Advisor for AI & Digital Strategy with the […]
Ernesto Peña
A designer, educator, and researcher, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to exploring how information, language, and design influence human understanding. With a Master’s in Information Design and a PhD in Language and Literacy Education from the University of British Columbia, he bridges creativity and analytical rigor. Currently an Associate Teaching Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator […]
Tony Botelho
Tony Botelho is the Managing Director of the UBC Career Centre, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in post-secondary career development. Under his guidance, teams have earned national recognition for innovation and service excellence. Tony is a respected voice in the Canadian career development community and has received multiple awards for his contributions, including […]
Alexa Blain
Alexa Blain is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Deetken Impact, a Canadian impact asset manager focused on climate finance, women’s empowerment, and impact-driven enterprises across Latin America and the Caribbean. She leads finance, operations, and strategic growth initiatives, working with a multicultural, gender-balanced team that provides both capital and technical assistance to strengthen business […]
Jill Earthy
A purpose-driven business leader, she is dedicated to building inclusive and innovation-driven economies. With extensive experience in strategic investment, program management, and sustainable business growth, she champions initiatives that bridge entrepreneurship, technology, and community impact. Her leadership integrates financial strategy with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring measurable value across all sectors she serves. Recognized for […]
Rochelle Grayson (Moderator)
Digital strategist with 30+ years in business, tech, finance, and education. Expert in AI, digital business models, monetization, and analytics. Teaches at UBC Sauder, advises at Sustainable Media Center. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, she is dedicated to advancing responsible AI and empowering digital leaders.
Pati Silva (Moderator)
Pati is a Certified Professional Coach and the founder of Aquasenda, where she empowers individuals to unlock their fullest potential, gain clarity in their purpose, and pursue meaningful growth. With a belief that a better world begins with people becoming their best selves, she partners with clients to navigate personal and professional transitions, cultivate confidence, […]
Jenny Perez
Jenny Pérez is a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to protecting childhood in the digital age. After learning about the Wait Until 8th movement in the United States, she founded Unplugged Canada to raise awareness about the impact of early smartphone use on children’s development. With 15 years of experience engaging with youth and having […]
Eliana Torregroza
Eliana Torregroza is a Colombian Canadian leader and Partner at Hook & Ladder Digital, where she oversees People and Operations across teams in Latin America and Canada. With more than 13 years of experience in leadership, communication, and digital strategy, Eliana is passionate about building strengths-based, engagement-focused and performance-oriented workplaces. She leads with a human-centred […]
