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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Founder and CEO of My Med Choices | My Smile Choices, Inc. a global dental, medical and wellness marketplace. Founding CEO of GUAVA healthcare, taking public in less than 5 years. Published author Women Economic Empowerment and Success and 2024 Medical, Dental & Wellness Tourism, Post Pandemic. Appointed to the Harvard University, Kennedy School, Women's Leadership Board, international Global professional speaker. She was featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, US News & World Report, INC magazine, and the Women's Journal. 2020 Champion and 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year award, 2022 awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Office of the President of the United States and 2023 was awarded the 100 most influential women by KNOW Summit & JP Morgan Chase and The COURAGE pillar by Women Elevating Women (WEW).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.