Daniel Tisch is a business, public policy, and community leader, having held executive roles in government and the corporate sector, and senior governance roles at public institutions and non-profit associations. He is known globally as an expert in corporate communications, public policy, community engagement, crisis and reputation management.

From 2003 to 2023, Daniel was the driving force in building Argyle Communications (now Changemakers) into Canada’s largest management-owned engagement, communication and reputation advisory firm growing to $40M in revenue, 175 employees and ten North American offices by 2023. Earlier in his career, Daniel held senior communications roles in the Canadian government, including serving as Senior Policy Advisor and Acting Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the latter role, he was a member of the Canadian delegation to the G7 Economic Summit

Daniel has spoken to business audiences on every continent, lectured at Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business since 1996, and contributed to leading public relations and marketing textbooks. He appears regularly in print and broadcast media, including weekly commentary on CBC Radio and Global News during the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections. In 2021, Daniel was named one of the world’s “top 100” social media influencers on public relations.

Born in Spain to a Latin American family and raised in Toronto, Daniel speaks English, French and Spanish. He holds two degrees from Queen’s University — a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Master of Business Administration. He is also a certified corporate director, with an ICD.D designation in corporate governance from the University of Toronto. Daniel has served as vice chair of the Queen’s University Board of Trustees, a leader in the international Scouting movement and a board member of Social Venture Partners International.

In 2025, Daniel was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his contributions to his community, the province and the country.

Dr. Wendy Cukier is one of Canada’s leading experts in disruptive technologies, innovation processes, and diversity and inclusion and coauthor of the best seller Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership From Java to Jurassic Park. Her early career included technology market research and forecasting projects with the Institute for the Future in Menlo Park California and the International Data Corporation. Formerly the Vice President of Research and Innovation, she has extensive expertise in developing and implementing supports for incubation and acceleration and has helped create and scale several successful startups and social ventures including Flybits, 7D Surgical, Think2Thing,  nPower, Magnet, Growing North (now Green Iglu), the Lifelong Leadership Institute, Magnet and more and serves on many boards.

With 80 full time research staff, 10 hubs across the country, and 300 partners, the Diversity Institute undertakes research to advance growth, sustainability, innovation and inclusion. Recent research includes examining the AI Paradox, AI adoption in SMEs and developing an AI competency framework based on the premise all Canadians now need basic AI literacy.

In addition to serving as the Academic Research Director for the Future Skills Centre, Wendy leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and the Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Network and is a coinvestigator on a new project, led by the University of Toronto, on responsible AI. Wendy received many academic, industry and community awards for her work including  a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the International Women’s Forum Global Women Who Make a Difference Award, the inaugural Mary Kilfoil Award for Entrepreneurship, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance Sara Kirke Award, and two Harry Jerome Awards among others. She was awarded a Meritorious Service Cross, one of Canada's highest civilian honours and was named among 100 alumni who shaped the century by the University of Toronto.

She has an MA, MBA (Toronto), a PhD in Information Systems (Schulich York) and two honorary doctorates (Concordia, Laval).

Noel Baldwin has been the Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC) since June, 2024. He brings nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development in postsecondary education, adult learning and skills development.

Since joining FSC in 2019 as Director of Government and Public Affairs, Noel has provided leadership in navigating the complex skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. FSC has successfully forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors.

Prior to joining FSC, Noel was the Coordinator of Postsecondary Education and Adult Learning at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

Mark Patterson is the Executive Director of Magnet, a centre of innovation focused on the future of work at Toronto Metropolitan University. Under his leadership, Magnet built a platform that connects millions across talent, industry, education, and training, helping Canadians develop the skills needed for a rapidly evolving job market. One of Canada’s top thought leaders in workforce innovation and technology integration, Mark offers valuable insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping skills and employment. His leadership continues to influence how individuals and organizations adapt to these changes.

As Vice President of SME Programs, Louie is responsible for developing and implementing Ontario Chamber of Commerce initiatives that strengthen Ontario’s business climate and support our members by providing them with access to resources. During his career with the Ontario government, Louie held a number of senior positions in policy, planning, and direct operations with several ministries, including the Ministry of the Solicitor General and Correctional Services, the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, and the Ministry of Health Promotion.

In his spare time, Louie supports youth development through his efforts as a soccer coach in his local community, an activity he has been involved in for 25 years.

Lisa serves as the AI Skills Director at Microsoft Elevate, where she leads a comprehensive pan-Canadian generative AI skilling plan. Her focus is on equipping individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in a digital, AI-enabled economy, ensuring that people and communities remain at the heart of this transformation. Microsoft Elevate is dedicated to empowering social impact organizations and educational institutions everywhere with the capabilities of AI.

With nearly a decade of experience at Microsoft, Lisa has played a pivotal role in advancing the company's commitment to equitable digital and AI skilling opportunities for all. Her leadership has spanned several transformative programs, including YouthSpark and Skills for Jobs, reflecting an ongoing evolution in Microsoft's approach to digital skills development. Lisa has also led impactful partnerships and initiatives, such as the Canadian Tech Talent Accelerator project in collaboration with NPower Canada and DIGITAL. Since 2021, this project has successfully supported over 9,000 diverse jobseekers across Canada by providing them with in-demand digital skills and job placement assistance.

Lisa's tenure at Microsoft began as a Community Affairs Manager, a position she held for nearly five years. She then transitioned to the role of Microsoft Philanthropies Lead before assuming her current position overseeing the national AI Skills portfolio.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Lisa gained extensive experience in marketing, communications, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). She managed digital go-to-market campaigns, developed cause-marketing strategies, and fostered CSR partnerships across industries such as retail and sports and entertainment.

Shauna Feth has served as the President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) since June 2022. With a career rooted in business leadership and community engagement, Shauna brings extensive experience supporting entrepreneurs, business families, and rural economic development.

Before leading ACC, Shauna spent over 14 years as Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute at the University of Alberta School of Business. A designated Family Enterprise Advisor™ and a third-generation business owner, she has long been an advocate for entrepreneurial growth and the sustainability of family enterprises. As Project Manager for the Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families Initiative, she led outreach programs benefiting over 8,000 rural business owners and communities across Alberta.

In addition to her business expertise, Shauna and her husband Ken have built and successfully sold two oilfield/pipeline consulting, maintenance and construction companies. Their newest family enterprise is an apiary, where they proudly and passionately serve as stewards of a large brood of honeybees.

Shauna’s leadership extends to a variety of influential committees and task forces that shape Alberta’s economic landscape. She serves on several provincial and national advisory boards, including the Provincial Foreign Credential Advisory Committee, Provincial Career Education Task Force, and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Western Executive Council, among others.

A dedicated community volunteer, Shauna is the Past Chair of both the Alberta and Camrose Chambers of Commerce, a former Board Director for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and a Past Advisory Board Member for the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise. Her leadership and service continue to shape policies that support Alberta businesses, enhance workforce development, and strengthen communities across the province.

Rob Henderson is President and CEO of BioTalent Canada, where he’s led the organization’s growth into a national leader in bioscience talent development. With over 30 years of executive experience, Rob has helped connect thousands of Canadians to careers, championed workplace diversity, and advised governments on HR strategy. He’s a bilingual Quebec native, a biology graduate, and a passionate advocate for inclusion and the life sciences.

Sal Guatieri is a Senior Economist and Director at BMO Capital Markets, with three decades experience as a macro economist. With BMO since 1994, his main responsibilities include analyzing and forecasting the U.S. economy, Canadian and U.S. housing markets and commercial real estate markets. He is responsible for the Department’s economic forecasts prepared for regulatory and stress testing requirements and oversees analysis of financial services markets. He is a regular commentator in the media. Prior to joining BMO, Sal worked at the Bank of Canada, contributing to its quarterly economic projection and analyzing foreign exchange markets. Sal received his master’s degree in Economics from Queen’s University in 1990.

Jeff Melanson is known for his inventive approach to meeting disruptive innovation with bold strategy and practical vision. Lauded internationally for his creative entrepreneurship approach to leadership, Jeff has proven methods for finding hidden talent and opportunity within an organization, from out-of-the-box strategic and financial growth opportunities for organizations to finding the dynamic growth potential that traditional business practice overlooks.

He is proud to serve as Strategic Partner for Unity Technologies, Partner of Leaf (a top-tier media and entertainment company), and an Advisor at Lansberg Gersick Advisors (an advisory and educational partner to the world's leading family enterprises). In his executive life, Jeff served as President and CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, President of The Banff Centre, Dean of The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Community School in Toronto and Executive Director of Canada’s National Ballet School.

Jeff holds an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. He is also a frequent strategist, guest panellist and lecturer on disruptive innovation, design thinking, creative economies, city building, and creative entrepreneurship across North America and around the world. Jeff is also the creative columnist for innovation and business strategy for HuffPost. He was the first arts leader to be appointed one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2009, and in 2010, Jeff was named Wilfrid Laurier University’s MBA Alumnus of the Year. In November 2010, he was appointed special advisor on arts and culture to the Mayor of Toronto. He is a recipient of a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

As Program Director for Food and Beverage Ontario's CareersNOW!, Isabel Dopta leads a high performing workforce development initiative for the Ontario food and beverage processing sector. Since its 2021 launch, CareersNOW! has significantly increased awareness of rewarding careers with a province-wide omnichannel marketing campaign and built an ecosystem with over 500 employers and 9,000+ jobseekers. Under Isabel’s guidance, the CareersNOW! team has delivered exceptional results: 1500 individuals trained, hundreds coached, successful virtual and in-person job fairs, and more than 3500 individuals securing employment.

Raf is a strategic leader in workforce development, training, and advanced manufacturing technologies. With over 25 years of experience navigating complex, multi-stakeholder projects, he blends policy acumen, talent strategy, and innovative program development to drive impactful change.

In his current role as Director of Manufacturing Initiatives at the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, Raf leads major national initiatives focusing on strengthening Canada's manufacturing sector and enhancing workforce preparedness.

He oversees a national team of project managers and training developers, managing strategic industry partnerships, government-funded programs, and employer engagement in critical areas such as skilled trades, inclusive workforce practices, and the adoption of advanced technology.

Previously, Raf held leadership roles at NAV CANADA, Canada Post, and national marketing/communications agencies, where he honed his expertise in talent acquisition, recruitment marketing strategy, workforce planning, change management, and employer branding.

Ashley Dunlop is the Director of Talent & Workforce Development at Economic Development Winnipeg, where she leads innovative strategies to enhance the province’s workforce and global competitiveness. Under her leadership, EDW’s talent program earned the inaugural Technology Trailblazer MAPLE (Magnet Awards for Pioneering Leadership in the Ecosystem) Award from Magnet/Toronto Metropolitan University in 2024 for its impact in connecting employers with skilled job seekers through WorkinManitoba.ca. 

Ashley has more than a decade of leadership experience at The University of Winnipeg within the international education, immigration and student services sectors,  and as a board member for the Manitoba Council for International Education.  Ashley’s approach to talent attraction rooted in data, driven by experience, and fueled by a deep belief in community and a passion for connecting people to opportunity.

Drew Lindsay is the Co-Founder of GuruLink, an AI-enabled recruitment firm that has been connecting exceptional talent with innovative companies since 2002. A systems thinker with a Life Sciences degree from Queen’s University, Drew has spent over two decades helping organizations—from early-stage startups to global brands—rethink how they hire and grow.

An active mentor and angel investor in the Canadian tech ecosystem, Drew is passionate about leveraging technology to make hiring both smarter and more human. His latest venture, PathPilot.ai, uses AI to empower job seekers and employers with better career insights, matching, and upskilling opportunities.

When he’s not building the future of talent acquisition, Drew can be found chasing his energetic twin children, experimenting with AI tools late into the night, or exploring new corners of the globe—having visited more than 70 countries and counting.

Jennifer grew up working in her family’s farm equipment dealership and helping on the farm in southwestern Ontario. She has worked in the field of human resource research and development for more than twenty years. Jennifer has worked with several industries, including agriculture, leading initiatives related to inclusion and diversity, attraction and retention, work integrated learning, labour market research, skills development, training and education. In addition to her work experience, she holds a Masters of Business Administration from Royal Roads University. Jennifer worked with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council as a consultant for more than ten years before joining the staff in 2019 and is currently serving as the Executive Director.