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With 30+ years experience working in Startups and small-medium-sized businesses, Graham’s career has spanned both traditional and tech-sector industries in Canada and the US. He has founded, co-founded, and advised several companies, realizing 7-9 figure revenues and raising over $150M in venture and institutional financing. In leading Innovation Island’s Venture Acceleration Program, he has helped client companies to achieve over $100M of financial performance, creating over 300 new tech-based jobs within the region. During the early days of COVID Graham developed one of Canada’s first “technology adoption” programs (DER3) that scaled Province-wide, helping over 1500 businesses to get-more-digital.
Dr. Ken Coates is one of Canada's foremost analysts of the challenges and opportunities facing the country. Raised in Whitehorse, his northern background provides original and creative perspectives on contemporary realities. Ken focuses on the impact of science and technology on society, particularly in the world of work. He has deep insights into the issues facing rural towns in Canada and, conversely, the rise of economically dominant city states. Ken has written extensively on Indigenous rights and economic development, and has worked with Indigenous groups across Canada and internationally. He is a leading commentator on Arctic affairs and northern development. Ken is currently the Chair of the Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance program at Yukon University.
As B.C.’s Attorney General, David got big money out of politics, cracked down on money laundering, took on opioid manufacturers, and reduced car insurance rates. Under his leadership as housing minister, thousands of homes are being built and hundreds of people experience homelessness are now in more secure housing. Prior to politics, David was an award-winning lawyer and legal scholar. He started his career on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, defending the homes of low-income people from developers and speculators. From 2009 to 2013, David ran the B.C. Civil Liberties Association as executive director.
David remains grounded in the values he grew up with. He is a proud husband and father with two children, Ezra and Iva. He loves playing with his kids, practising yoga and hanging out with his wife Cailey, a family doctor in Vancouver.
As B.C.’s 37th premier, David is working hard to build a better, stronger future for everyone.
Susan is a Partner in MNP's Consulting Group and leads the National Insights and Analytics Practice. With more than 20 years of experience conducting economic analysis Susan has a deep understanding of the regional nature of BC's economy and the factors that affect Vancouver Island. She is the lead author of the State of the Island Report and has conducted a number of projects related to economic development on Vancouver Island. Susan is a member of the Canadian Association of Business Economics and is on the board of the Association of Professional Economists of BC.
Dr. Abbott is a Senior Manager in the public sector advisory and consulting practice of MNP, bringing more than 25 years of experience developing and mobilizing research and policy networks as well as building trusted collaborative relationships with Indigenous nations, across government ministries and with agencies, industry, community stakeholders to co-create solutions. Clint is a MediateBC Associate Roster Mediator and has completed specialized training in cultural contexts of mediation. Clint has extensive senior experience working within the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, two Canadian think tanks and with several international governments.
Originally from northern B.C., Mark is trained as both a builder and an architect. His passion is developing and exploring innovative uses for wood. He endeavors to find the critical overlaps between needs, knowledge and technology. He then builds case studies to creates tangible ideas that one can live in, hold on to, or pass around and discuss. Most recently he founded Timber Tiles, an ecological architectural wood wall tile. Timber Tiles are made of hemlock sustainably harvested from forests on Vancouver Island. The tile are produced by an innovative manufacturing process that brings out the full range of hemlock’s beautiful grain patterns and colour tones.
Alissa Assu belongs to the Laksamshu (Fireweed and Owl) Clan from the Witsuwit’en (interchangeably with Wet'suwet'en) First Nation People; the people of the Wa Dzun Kwuh (Bulkley River). Ali's entrepreneurial journey began November 2020, she planted wildflowers and West Coast Wildflowers blossomed out of COVID-19. Following this expansion was the purchase of Bear Essential Oils and now business partners with Valerie, Founder and Creative Director of RavenSong Soap & Candle. Outside of her entrepreneurship journey, she is an active volunteer with BC Transplant, leading patient partner with BRIDGE research project at St. Paul's Hospital and Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council.
Karen A Bannister’s career has included Director of Marketing, then VP of Operations, at Tourism Vancouver Island from 2017 to 2022, as well as positions with the Shaw Festival Theatre and the Canadian Stage Company. She is currently Operations Manager at The Old School House Arts Centre, and Project Manager with Creative Coast - where she advocates for the economic and social benefits of the creative sector, and works to establish a Creative Economic Development Office on Vancouver Island. In her spare time, she has a creative writing practice and has been fortunate to publish essays and poetry on a few occasions.
Alan is the Senior Wildfire Officer – Prevention, BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre. With 25 years in the Wildfire Service, Alan has built a significant amount of technical knowledge and field expertise. Alan’s experiences in wildfire preparedness and response are a key asset for mitigation planning with business, community, and industry partners. The Coastal Fire Centre’s Prevention program is focused on coordinating wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts across the Coastal region, which encompasses approximately 13 million hectares of land and 75% of BC’s population.
Susan is a CEO, founder, lawyer, and international speaker with a deep commitment to uplifting and empowering women. Susan founded Origen Air in 2019 to produce natural air purification systems that incorporate “super plants” genetically enhanced to metabolize volatile organic compounds from the air while removing CO2 and supplying oxygen. Susan believes that access to clean air is a human right. Prior to starting her company, Susan was a lawyer and worked as legal counsel for the province of BC for 14 years. Susan was the 2023 Awardee the 2023 WE Empower United Nations SDG Challenge for the North America and Europe region and is one of two finalists for the Stevie Awards 2023 Thought Leader of the Year.
Erin is a 4th generation Robinson and co-owner of the iconic 94 year old family business located in downtown Victoria. Robinson’s specializes in hiking, adventure travel and fly fishing along with giving exceptional customer service to their community. Erin’s extensive hiking and travel experience fuels her passion when outfitting people for their adventures. She believes the key to Robinson’s success is being a source of knowledge for the community and the relationships she’s developed with her staff and long term customers. Robinson’s gives hiking and travel presentations for their customers along with community film nights focusing on environmental stewardship. Like her mother, before her, she believes their success is only meaningful if it’s shared with their community. Robinson’s is dedicated to supporting Power to Be Adventure Therapy along with other community and environmental organizations.
Aunalee Boyd-Good is a Director, Designer and one of the creative forces behind Ay Lelum The Good House of Design, a second-generation Coast Salish Design House located on the Snuneymuxw First Nation in Nanaimo. Aunalee is the daughter of Snuneymuxw Master Coast Salish Artist, Dr. William Good and Artist Sandra Moorhouse-Good, who had the first ever Coast Salish Clothing line in the 90's called Ay Ay Mut. Aunalee owns and operates Ay Lelum with her sister Sophia, and they work as an artist collective with their family, focussing on Coast Salish art revitalization and documentation through garment design, art, language and music. They feature artwork by their brother, Joel Good.
Joanna is the go-to strategist when companies, organizations, and funders want to weave social purpose and sustainability right into their core. With a passion for turning visionary ideas into impactful realities, Joanna champions innovative solutions that bolster businesses to drive profound social change. At Ideas for Impact Sustainability Agency, she's bridging the seemingly vast expanse between capitalism and true societal impact, and prepares organizations for the new climate realities through sustainability strategy and reporting, ESG planning, and sustainability training. She actively contributes to a tangible future as the Chair of the Scale Institute, Executive in Residence at the University of Victoria Innovation Centre, and advisor to many impact startups.
I have been a coach, recruiter, and facilitator for over 50 different local and international organizations. I have spent more than 20 years as a Human Resource and Program Management generalist with experience in recruitment and selection, terminations, return to work, policy development, and performance management. After completing my Bachelor of Arts at the University of Victoria, I went on to train as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation. I attained two additional designations: Registered Rehabilitation Professional (RRP) and Certified Career Development Practitioner (CCDP).
Francine Z. Carlin is Chair and Interim Executive Director of the Rural Islands Economic Partnership Society, founded in 2020. She has combined her interest in applying a strategic approach to building community economic development, initially on Salt Spring, and subsequently for all of BC’s rural islands – with her belief that ‘no island can be resilient alone’. Francine’s diverse experience includes career tenure as a Public Relations and Marketing Communications Executive; and over two decades as a Family-Business Advisor with Business Harmonizer Group. She holds a Master of Arts in the Humanities; has served as a Board Governor and Associate Faculty, Royal Roads University, Victoria, BC.
Scott Colbourne is one of Canada’s foremost communications professionals. He spent almost 15 years in a variety of roles at The Globe and Mail, ultimately as deputy section editor and new-media columnist. In 2009, he became the culture and celebrations writer for the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, producing the multi-year festival’s digital and print materials. After working as the communications lead for British Columbia’s new Ministry of International Trade, he entered the political sphere as a campaign manager and most recently served as the elected Trustee for the island now called Gabriola, where he now lives as a volunteer firefighter, medical first responder, and avid cyclist.
Shannon founded the Roots to Thrive Society for Psychedelic Therapy, and launched Vancouver Island University's Psychedelic-assisted Therapy Graduate Certificate and the Naut sa Mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research. She's a published author with expertise in nursing, resilience, and psychedelic therapy. With a doctorate in education and a master's in public health, Shannon is a registered nurse who fosters collaboration across disciplines to advance psychedelic medicine research and education. Her current focus is on developing research infrastructure at Vancouver Island University and promoting resilience and reconciliation through cross-cultural collaboration, bridging Western and Indigenous ways of knowing for healing.
As the Executive Director of the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC), Kathleen Darby spearheads a national network of 150+ municipal culture leaders, dedicated to community and economic development within the arts and culture sector. Her tenure at CCNC has involved enhancing the Municipal Culture Statistics Strategy program, providing valuable local insights into arts, culture, and sports GDP and employment figures; launching a nationwide initiative on innovation though the arts during the pandemic; and recently initiating two key programs: one for a municipal event management micro-credential and a toolkit for municipal arts and culture teams focusing on EDI and Truth & Reconciliation.
Kathleen has held senior roles at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and Creative Manitoba.
Alannah is the CEO of her family’s outdoor cannabis farm; Dabble Cannabis Co. in the Cowichan Valley where they cultivate and process sun-grown cannabis into award winning extracts. Their farm Hi Point Guest Ranch has luxury accommodations, private lake and soon, a farm-store. Alannah and her family are leaders in the cannabis tourism space, as one of the only licensed farms to be incorporating tourism into their business model. Her background is in hospitality, operations management, and product commercialization. Hi Point will have the world’s first Hashery; where guests can learn and experience the process from soil to oil.
Pat is a Community Economic Development Practitioner with an abiding belief in partnerships and regional collaboration. He has been an Economic Development Manager for the City of Port Alberni since 2007 and his expertise extends across various sectors, having served in managerial roles at OneStop Business Registry, BC Ministry of Finance, Town of Oliver, and the Uchucklesaht Tribe. Pat holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
Janet Docherty, the visionary and co-owner of Merridale Cidery & Distillery in Cobble Hill, has led Merridale for over two decades, embracing regenerative farming and empowering women in the workforce. Merridale isn't just a destination; it's an educational hub for agricultural tourism, fostering connections to craft beverages, land stewardship, and sustainability. Janet's dedication echoes through Merridale, exemplified by their Biosphere Commitment and alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Her legacy as an entrepreneur transcends the orchard, showcasing a powerful blend of business, sustainability, and education, offering an inspiring west coast experience.
Jill Doucette founded Synergy Enterprises in 2008 to support business and industry shift towards a low carbon future. In 2013, she launched Synergy Foundation, a non profit dedicated to advancing the green economy in BC through community projects in circular economy, green business and urban food systems. Jill can often be found spearheading Synergy Foundation’s expansion projects and working with global leading businesses in sustainability.
Eli Enns is an internationally recognized expert in Indigenous-led conservation. From Tla-o-qui-aht Nation on his father’s side, and of Dutch Mennonite heritage on his mother’s side, Eli promotes holistic solutions for community and ecosystem health and well-being. With a background in political science, Eli is a ‘Nation-builder’ with values and approaches rooted in Indigenous economic theory and practice. In 2017, a decade after co-founding the Ha-uukmin Tribal Park in his own territory, Eli co-chaired the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) for the Pathway to Canada Target 1, which culminated with the groundbreaking 2018 report, We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in the spirit and practice of reconciliation . Nuu-chah-nulth values and concepts that guide Eli’s life and work: • hishuk-nish-tsa-wahk – “Everything is one and everything is interconnected.” • iisaak – “To observe, appreciate, and act accordingly.”
Lauren Evanow (B.Sc., M.A. Leadership) is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, innovator, and investor. Ms. Evanow has been providing business and strategic advice in the fields of health, energy, and AI inspired solutions for over 20 years.
Alison Evans co-founded Gulf Island Seaplanes with her husband Sean Evans in 2014, a floatplane company on the west coast of British Columbia. Through a combined love for travel and adventure, Alison has worked to cultivate a strong reputation for customer service, safety, and attention to detail. As an Indigenous female business owner and mother of four, Alison credits the success of Gulf Island Seaplanes to her strong and incredibly hard working staff. She is Gitxsan from the Hagwilget Village First Nation in northern BC, living the past 17 years in Nanaimo on the beautiful lands of the Snuneymuxw people. Gulf Island Seaplanes’ vision is to grow as a diverse and inclusive airline and provide an unforgettable journey.
Jenny Farkas is the Regional Coordinator for Creative Coast, a collaboration lab of artists and arts organizations working to strengthen the creative sector in the Vancouver Island/Rural Islands area. She is an inclusive creative economic developer, a title that unifies her three decades of placebranding work for cities and regions across Western Canada, and extensive community economic development in equity-denied neighbourhoods including where she now lives in Victoria. Her roots are in policy and planning: including with various BC Ministries such as Women’s Equality and Economic Development. Her current passion project is designing a geolocation platform for the arts sector that integrates creative experiences into everyday life. Jenny is also a maker, fabricating artworks and sculptures out of wood, concrete and seaweed.
A problem solver by nature with an unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit, Amy brings their design-focused leadership to her teams. Since moving to Nanaimo in 2017, Amy's worked tirelessly to create approachable spaces for people to connect, enjoy good food and be curious in. They have a grand vision for the future of the Station.
Amy owns and operates White Rabbit Coffee Co and the sister restaurant, Black Rabbit Kitchen in Nanaimo, BC.
Sheri Gauthier is the Vice President, Human Resources, at Coastal Community, the largest financial organization based on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Sheri’s education and background started in the Hospitality Management industry before moving her career to the Credit Union System where she’s gained over 20 years’ experience at numerous credit unions throughout the province. She joined the Human Resources team at Coastal Community in 2006 and has progressively taken on more responsibility and leadership roles throughout the years. Sheri has her Chartered Professional in Human Resources designation (CPHR) and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and talent to her strategic leadership position.
With over 20 years of international experience in managing engineering businesses and projects, Jason brings leadership, technical and commercial aptitude to the team. His experience spans multiple industries including renewable energy, urban development, environmental consulting, mining, and commercial and infrastructure construction. He has worked with large multinational corporations as well as being involved in several startups. He has acted on several corporate boards in both Canada and Australia.
Jason holds a PHD in Engineering from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
Jolynn’s hands-on experience assisting hundreds of small business from startup to expansion and her rich and diverse work experience combined with lifelong learning has created a business acumen steeped in business and nonprofit sector management. She is an entrepreneur at heart. Jolynn graduated from Royal Roads University in 2005 with a Masters in Leadership and Training.
Jolynn joined the team of Community Futures Central Island (CFCI) in July 2010 as Executive Director. CFCI offers small business finance to entrepreneurs whether a startup, expansion, acquisition or succession. They also provide technical assistance and advisory services for those who are navigating the ins and outs of operating a business in today’s complex world.
Jasica is the Director of Community Impact at United Way BC (UWBC). She is a dedicated community leader with 17 years of experience including a Masters in Community Development. She passionately addresses pressing issues such as social isolation, child and youth initiatives, food security, and regional support. In times of crisis, UWBC organizes a strategic, rapid response to support communities by drawing on an extensive network of volunteers, partners, donors, and supporting agencies. Jasica, along with her team of dedicated staff, support these emergency response efforts, exemplifying unity and resilience in adversity while meeting the unique needs of different communities.
Brodie is the CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust, leading a team that’s investing in island and coastal communities to build a resilient economy that strengthens the wellbeing of all people and the environment. Brodie has served in executive roles with funds investing in Indigenous, rural, and sustainable development across BC for 15 years. Previously, Brodie was CEO of Coast Funds, a $120 million conservation finance and sustainable development fund working for First Nations across the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. He and his partner Jessica are grateful to be raising their children in the beautiful ancestral territory of the Pentlatch people, known today as the Comox Valley.
Aaron has been the Operations Manager with Ts'ubaa-asatx Nation since May 2012. He is from the Hupacasath First Nation and lives with his wife, Melanie Livingstone, and their three children in Lake Cowichan.
Aaron brings over 15 years’ experience working with First Nation’s communities, mainly in upper management roles. He holds a BBA with a specialization in Management from Vancouver Island University.
His responsibilities with Ts'ubaa-asatx are:
Spencer Hawkswell is the president and CEO of TheraPsil, a Canada-wide non-profit organization that educates, trains, researches and advocates for medical Psilocybin and MDMA treatment. Through Lobbying Spencer has helped to expand compassionate access to psilocybin through the special access program for Canadians with treatment-resistant mental illness and end-of-life distress.
Violet is the Executive Director of Island Crisis Care Society. Her focus has been on building the society’s capacity, developing new programs, and increasing their visibility in the community. She came to ICCS with many years of experience working in the social service field.
In July 2021,under Violet’s leadership, the Society has branched out into social enterprise with the purchase of the Nanaimo Bakery and Café. Taking an existing business and transforming it into a social purpose business has brought with it lots of challenges and learning opportunities.
Lisa is a communication designer with two decades of experience working for changemaker clients. At iilo ("ee-low"), we work to amplify world-changing missions with strategic design. With a Bachelor of Communication Design from Emily Carr University, Lisa is committed to continual learning, specifically in the areas of accessibility & sustainable design. She has expertise in branding, web design, publication design and infographics. Lisa loves to collaborate with her 100% remote team and has lived in Nanaimo, on Snuneymuxw & Coast Salish territory, for the last decade.
Lori’s rural roots have propelled her passion and fifteen-year career in regional development. Previously, as the Executive Director, Regional and Rural Development for the Province of BC, Lori led the creation of rural economic development programs, developed strategic partnerships and oversaw the delivery of regional economic advisory services. Lori holds a Master of Science (Earth Sciences) and a Master of Arts (Environment and Management). She and her husband are grateful to raise their family in Victoria, the traditional territory of the Lekwungen peoples
Illana Hester (she/her) is the Executive Director of The Old School House Arts Centre located on the unceeded territories of the Qualicum First Nations, where she moved after over 12 years in the NYC contemporary art market. She is also the co-chair of a lab project that connects the island arts ecosystem creativecoast.ca. She serves as an artist career coach and helps mentor artists to their professional best. She is also a curator, and leads a tiny team to make space for epic arts community education and programming. She is also part of the BCMA’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Panel.
Jenn Houtby-Ferguson is passionate about emergency preparedness and risk communication. A tourism and hospitality professor at Vancouver Island University, Jenn speaks regularly to organizations about crisis communications, reputation risk management and emergency readiness. Jenn’s enthusiasm for the tourism industry and whales is contagious (in a non-communicable way!). Jenn holds a Master’s Degree in Tourism Management and is pursuing a doctoral degree with a focus on disaster risk communications. Jenn lives in Snuneymuxw Territory and is an international delegate with the Canadian Red Cross.
Dan Hurley is a seasoned public affairs, communications, and philanthropy leader with more than 20 years of experience. He has held senior external relations roles at Vancouver Island University, Pearson College UWC (United World College), and the University of Winnipeg. He was also a chief of staff and senior advisor to federal Cabinet ministers and MPs, a broadcast journalist, and a reserve officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Dan is currently Head of Communications, Public Affairs, and Strategy for Navitas North America, an international education leader that partners with public universities around the world, and Principal at the Hurley Martin Group. He is an Accredited Public Relations professional.
Dan is a past chair of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance.
Growing up in a city in Japan, Kiyomi’s journey into agriculture began when she accidentally fell in love with dairy cows during her studies at UBC. Her love of cows took her on a wild tour across Canada and the United States, working as a cow behaviourist and dairy scientist. In 2013, she landed on Vancouver Island, where she expanded her interests, learning to be an organic vegetable grower, free-range egg grader, farm store clerk, and Integrated Pest Management specialist, alongside starting her own microgreens and market garden ventures. In 2022, Kiyomi’s winding journey led her to her role as a Land Matcher for Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
John Alan Jack is the Chief-Councillor for Huu-ay-aht First Nations. As a self-governing, modern-treaty government, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations also has a voting seat on the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, where John has served as its representative since 2012 and Chairperson for the ACRD since late 2016. In his fifth term in government and first term as Chief-Councillor, John is a keen proponent of bringing modern and traditional values together in governance. He brings those skills to the Island Coastal Economic Trust as a board member, and Vancouver Island University as a member of the Board of Governors. His focuses are on concepts of economic reconciliation and relationship-building to enable and maintain competitiveness in a global economy. He lives in the Oceanside area with his loving and patient wife, and three young children.
Fred was raised on Cortes Island which shapes his strong community values. Moving to Nanaimo 20 years ago to open his retail clothing store, Lucid, he’s been living and working in the harbour city’s downtown neighbourhood ever since. For the past year, he has served as the President of the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association. When he’s not running a business, he’s running trails in the mountains or running boards through his table saw in his woodshop.
Pam Jorgenson, RPF has worked in the forestry sector for over 20 years, in central and coastal BC. She has a range of experience from silviculture to operational forestry, has taught forestry courses at VIU and worked with safety and training organizations in the sector. She has been a Land Use Forester with Mosaic Forest Management and TimberWest Forest Corp since 2017, and in that role oversees community relations and outreach, including recreational access programs for the private forest land owner.
Dr. Woo Soo Kim is Professor in the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Scientific Director at B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation. Prior to SFU, he spent two years as a Senior Research Scientist at Xerox Corporation and as a Post-doctoral Associate at MIT. He received the Quadrant Award 2007 and Hanwha Corporation's New Faculty Award in 2016. He's an editorial board member for journals including IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices, IEEE Flexible Electronics, IOP Flexible and Printed Electronics, and Advanced Sensor Research. Dr. Kim is actively engaged in agricultural networks, serving on the steering committee of B.C. Agricultural Climate Adaptation Research Network, and as a member of Surrey’s Agriculture and Food Policy Advisory Committee. His research focuses on the engineering aspect of Advanced 3D printing for diverse sensing applications.
Stephanie King is the CEO of InWater Technologies, a Vancouver Island-based company that provides water quality monitoring solutions to the Aquaculture Industry. With over 15 years of experience in oceanographic science and research, Stephanie has worked on a range of projects, including satellite-based plankton bloom detection, DFO's State of the Ocean reporting, and historical salmon escapement assessments. Her extensive background in fisheries and oceans, coupled with her passion for sustainable food production, motivated her to co-found InWater Technologies in 2019. In just four years, InWater has earned international recognition as a leader in aquaculture technologies. Stephanie holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Victoria and plays an active role in advancing aquaculture as the editor of the American Fisheries Society Fish Culture Section newsletter and as a board member of the BC Salmon Farmers Association.
Brian Kingzett is the Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association. Brian received a Bachelor of Science with Honours from UVIC, a Master of Science from SFU in marine biology and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business. During more than thirty-five years of experience in the environmental and aquaculture field, Brian has amassed a unique blend of local and international professional expertise. He has worked in government, academia, consulting and production before joining the BC Salmon Farmers.
With over 25 years of Infrastructure Construction experience, Tom has led some of the largest Transportation Infrastructure and Roadbuilding Project in B.C.’s recent years. These include the Olympic Sea to Sky Highway, Prince Rupert Fairview Container Terminal, Port Mann / Hwy 1 Expansion and Delta Port Expansion. Currently, he Manages the Mid – Island Division of OK Industries, and serves the Industrial, Commercial, Residential and Ministry clients and needs in the Cowichan Valley. Tom lives on Shawnigan Lake with his wife, 2 daughters and 2 dogs.
Leah Knutson is the Manager of Economic Development and Tourism with the City of Campbell River. Throughout her career she has worked in private, not for profit and municipal recreation but never lost focus on outdoor recreation and the community benefits that trails can have in a region. In her time as the Manager of Recreation and Parks with the Village of Cumberland she built up the recreation department while overseeing the park department during the signing and implementation of the first land access agreement for the Cumberland trail network.
In her position at the City Leah draws upon her experience and drive to create synergies between the island lifestyle, which includes the access to outdoor recreation and trails, and growing the community and industries in Campbell River.
Valerie, founder/co-owner of RavenSong Soap & Candle, hails from Haida Gwaii and takes immense pride in her Haida heritage. Her journey into artisanal craftsmanship began in 2003 with a gifted handmade soap bar, sparking an unwavering passion. Fueled by a relentless creative spirit, she dedicated every free moment to mastering the art.
In 2013, she left the corporate world to make soap full-time. Today, she presides over a thriving soap and candle emporium in Campbell River, complemented by an expanding online presence. Her luxury line of bath and beauty products continues to flourish, with RavenSong Soap + Candle's creations gracing galleries and gift shops throughout the lower mainland.
Passionate about the circular economy and social equity, Georgia is compelled to find tangible solutions for businesses that strive to make a positive impact. Through her work at Synergy Foundation, Georgia works with entrepreneurs, existing businesses, regional government, and community stakeholders to foster the transition to a circular economy in BC. Georgia is also the lead on the annual Project Zero Incubator Program and the Circular Accelerator Program.
Brandon began his career in the Vancouver film industry approximately 10 years ago. After completing the requirements to become an associate member of the Directors Guild of Canada he quickly rose through the ranks to Location Manager. Brandon has working in the Locations Department for Apple, Netflix, BBC, AMC, Disney, Amazon and others. Brandon has worked on Pilots, Series, Feature Films, Hallmarks and MOW’s.
In 2021 Brandon joined the Vancouver Island North Regional Film Commission (INFilm) as the Regional Production Services Manager. Brandon has recently achieved his membership with the International Film Commissioners Association and will eventually achieve his International Film Commissioner Certification.
DJ Levy is the founder and VP of Sales at ALPHA IT, a trailblazing managed service provider (MSP) that recently ranked 47th in Globe and Mail's list of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for 2023. Specializing in outsourced IT services, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies like Microsoft 365, Azure, and Artificial Intelligence, DJ combines technical expertise with business acumen honed at Vancouver Island University. Passionate about driving agility and security in today's digital era, he is an advocate for customer-focused solutions.
Denise Lloyd is the Founder and CEO of Engaged HR, an award-winning, Victoria based human resource consulting firm that provides leading-edge HR services to hundreds of organizations across Canada. Denise is a leader that brings new ideas and innovation to the way HR contributes to an organization and is known for creating great places to work. Denise has over 25 years of HR leadership experience, has a Master of Arts in Leadership, is a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, and also holds the prestigious designation of Fellow Chartered Human Resources Professional (FCPHR). www.EngagedHR.com
Philippe Lucas PhD is an experienced psychedelic researcher, patient advocate, and President of SABI Mind, a clinic group providing access to psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of mental health, pain and substance use disorder. Philippe is Vice-Chair of Psychedelics Canada and was a founding Board member of MAPS Canada and co-founder of the Victoria Association of Psychedelic Studies (VAPS). He has received a number of accolades for his patient research and advocacy, including the Americans for Safe Access Researcher of the Year Award 2021, the Cannabis Council of Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Signy Madden is the Director of Government Relations at United Way BC. Signy has been Executive Director of arts, social enterprise and granting charities. As a consultant, she has driven capital and endowment campaigns for many non-profits. Signy sits on several boards of directors including the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about connecting donors, government funders and businesses to tackle complex problems and fund effective programs. Over the past two years, United Way BC came together as an amalgamation of seven United Ways in the province along with 211 Helpline services. This provincial lens is rooted in local communities with staff, volunteers, business and individual donors and informs innovative ways to address food security, emergency response and programs for seniors, kids and youth.
Dr. Sean Mark is an epidemiologist and data scientist who is leading a major advancement in how artificial intelligence (AI) can perceive emotions in human dialog. He's working with his team to develop a democratically governed safety solution for when AI becomes way smarter than us humans!
Kelly Masson is a Business Advisor with WeBC, where she works with women business owners to help them achieve their entrepreneurship goals. As a business lender, she helps businesses put together their ‘funding puzzle’ to help make business dreams into reality. Previously, Kelly worked in management consulting across a range of industries, including fisheries, agriculture, utilities, and Indigenous Economic Development.
Calum Matthews is the VP of Sustainability and Strategy at 4VI. In his role, he leads a team responsible for the organization’s sustainable development programs and supports a range of clients with strategic planning and engagement.
He grew up in Victoria, British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree and a Master of Arts degree.
Calum has worked for the Island Coastal Economic Trust, as well as tech sector and tourism development. Tourism projects were always his area of interest, and it was one of these projects that led him to joining Tourism Vancouver Island. Matthews loves working with the business owners and community members to help them grow a vibrant and sustainable tourism industry across the region.
Seanna McConnell is Vice President, Indigenous Partnerships, and joined Western in 2016. She leads a small team working to advance new business partnerships and deepen engagement with First Nations across Western's operations. Before joining Western, Seanna worked in Indigenous Relationships for BC Hydro and in treaty negotiations on Vancouver Island on behalf of the federal government.
Regan McGrath is the founding partner and CEO of Metrics Chartered Professional Accounting where she has grown the firm into a national leader in the cryptocurrency space and leads the CFO services business. Regan has over 10 years experience working in financial strategy with small investment funds and high growth companies, ranging from small startups to publicly traded companies. Regan holds her Bachelor of Arts, CPA CA, certification in Fintech and the Future Commerce and Certification in Applied Business Analytics. She is also a published writer and an educator for CPA professional development on topics of blockchain, crypto taxation and the future of work.
As Vice President of Business Development at the Port of Nanaimo, Jason engages and connects stakeholders to support building a more resilient supply chain for the Island and Pacific Region. With 18 years of cargo and supply chain experience, he has received valuable training and guidance from a broad range of leaders.
His expertise spans from terminal and vessel cargo operations to government and regulatory related transportation and trade departments that offer a comprehensive grasp of the Pacific Gateway’s complexities.
He recently completed the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program at Royal Roads University with an Asia Pacific Trade specialization.
Doug Mosher is a Registered Professional Forester, holding a BSc. in Forestry and subsequent MBA and MSc degrees. Alongside these qualifications, he possesses a Certificate in Conflict Resolution. With a career in natural resources spanning over four decades Doug has worked throughout coastal BC, Haida Gwaii, northwest BC, Great Bear Rain Forest, northeast BC, central BC, Vancouver Island, and north and central Ontario and Quebec. He has worked in many capacities in forestry field operations, including as an Operations Manager and Vice-President of Forest Resource Management and Operations.Doug has been a Project Leader or facilitator with First Nations Bands at various capacities with over 100 Bands in BC, Ontario and Quebec. Presently, he his the CEO of ATLI Resources and Atli Chip Limited Partnership, forestry arms of the 'Namgis First Nation on northern Vancouver Island.
Todd Nicklin was born and raised on Vancouver Island and is CEO of Enex Energy Corporation, one of western Canada’s largest wholesale fuels and lubricants distributors. Enex has 180 employees in operations on Vancouver Island, mainland of BC, and throughout northern BC and Alberta. Enex is proudly headquartered on Vancouver Island. The Enex team and products services a broad cross-section of our economy including oil and gas, forestry, mining, transportation, construction, marine and aviation sectors. Mr. Nicklin is also a Director of VMAC Global Technologies Inc., one of Deloitte’s “Canada’s Best Managed Company” award recipients.
Todd is a CA, CPA, and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
As the current Emergency Program Coordinator for the District of Tofino, I blend my University of Victoria education with extensive hands-on experience. I initially delved into emergency management while working with a local ski hill to develop emergency dispatch plans, expanding to encompass search and rescue operations. With a secondary background in behaviour therapy, I am deeply passionate about psychosocial resilience and fostering community strength during crises. Off the clock, you will find me chasing waves along the west coast.
Barry has been the Manager of Economic Development Cowichan (Cowichan Valley Regional District) since 2019. He has a broad base of experience in local government, industry, and non-profit sectors. Barry is passionate about implementing economic development initiatives to respond to and shape the landscape of the Cowichan Valley in a way that promotes healthy and sustainable economic development for current and future generations. He is responsible for the implementation of the Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) Strategic Plan, which includes sector development in Tech, Film, and Agriculture. He also holds the position of vice president of the Vancouver Island Coastal Economic Developers Association (VICEDA) which has partnered with Synergy on the development of the Vancouver Island Circular Economy Accelerator Program.
Since 2018 JP has been growing Homalco First Nation businesses while creating new opportunities combined with language and cultural revitalization. Under his leadership the Nation has seen a turnaround in its tourism business with Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours becoming a leading regenerative tour operator on the Island and recognition as a success story for Indigenous tourism in Canada.
During covid JP also assumed management of The Raven 100.7 - a new Indigenous-owned radio station broadcasting from the Homalco reserve. While taking on established National brands in the listening area during a pandemic, The Raven's New Country format and it's iconic Ayajuthem ""Word of the Day"" has become one of the most listened to stations on the North Island.
JP likes to say that he builds social enterprises, while also finding time as a board member of 4VI and expanding economic opportunities for Homalco.
In 2019, Nancy and cousin Caroline were looking for options to get coffee to go when they forgot their mug. A ""rental"" service seems like the way to go. Their mission is to keep the to-go culture alive in a sustainable way across Vancouver Island.
To deepen her knowledge of climate change, Nancy is enrolled in the Master of Arts in Climate Action Leadership at Royal Roads University, where she also works as a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) framework developer.
Nancy enjoys the West Coast nature and teaches/attends yoga classes as much as she can to keep balance in a busy life.
Lisa Ranken is the Chief Operating Officer at Filament Health. Lisa has spent her career leading operations in rapidly growing industries. Prior to joining Filament, Lisa led the commercialization of a patented extraction technology through acquisition and supported the successful advancement of the first-of-its-kind low carbon biofuel technology. In her role at Filament, Lisa oversees business operations including clinical trial and Special Access supply, partnership development and expansion into new markets. She is a Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (B. Eng) from McGill University and a Master of Engineering (M. Eng) from New South Wales University.
Kristi Rivait is a social entrepreneur who brings 15+ years of executive-level experience. She is the Co-founder and Director of Partnerships and Programs at Scale Collaborative and was BC Business’s Women of the Year, Non-Profits runner-up in 2022. Kristi is an expert at operational transformation, developing partnerships, and diversifying revenue. Kristi understands complex finance and has an innate ability to develop revenue streams that increase impact and scale initiatives and build and grow assets, social enterprise, and investment opportunities. Kristi coaches leaders of organizations and social purpose businesses on transforming internal culture, scaling impact, and designing and integrating sustainable financial growth.
Cathy has been the General Manager of Community Futures Cowichan for 15 years, a non-profit business development organization created to support small and medium-sized enterprises throughout rural BC. During that time, she has overseen a range of Community Economic Development projects and the small business lending program in addition to the day-to-day management of the organization. She has a keen interest in facilitation and the power of conversation and believes the right questions can be more important than the right answer. Cathy is a graduate of BCIT and has continually updated her professional education taking courses in leadership, economic development, and human resources.
Skye Ryan joined CHEK News in 2005, after reporting and anchoring positions in Regina, Prince Albert and Fort St. John, after taking the journalism program at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. She won the Jack Webster Award for Best Breaking News Television Reporting in 2017. Skye has traveled the world extensively and is now enjoying the pace and lifestyle of Vancouver Island as a wife and mother. The unpredictability of being a video journalist with CHEK News has her covering stories up and down Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and she finds huge joy in meeting new people and sharing their stories.
Judith is currently the Co-Chair Director at Large for the Island Corridor Foundation and past Board member of BC Ferries.
Judith practiced law for 18 years and served fourteen years as Chief of the Hupacasath First Nation. As Chief of her First Nation, she was instrumental in several sustainable development projects and put in place mechanisms to help protect the territory. Judith is on the boards of BC Achievement Foundation and BC First Nations Justice Council
Judith received Clean Energy BC’s Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business Hall of Fame and has been the recipient of the Bora Laskin Fellowship on Human Rights, a Finalist for the Buffet award for indigenous leadership and twice awarded the Woman of Distinction from the Alberni Chamber of Commerce. She has received the Silver Award from the Canadian Environmental Association for Climate Change. Judith is a member of the Order of Canada.
Patrick is the CEO of the HFN Group of Businesses, the business arm of the Huuayaht First Nation. He is a seasoned executive with 30 years’ experience in Indigenous Economic and Business Development. During his career, Patrick has been the lead in developing numerous commercial partnerships of varying sizes across an array of industries ranging from Oil and Gas, Transportation and Logistics, Forestry, Hospitality, Real Estate, Fisheries/Aquaculture and Manufacturing.
Paul is one of Canada’s leading experts in the emerging circular economy, providing solutions and engaging leaders who are working at the intersection of business innovation, public policy, economic development, and sustainability. As Managing Director of Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC), Paul is working to connect Canada’s circular economy community and serves as a bridge to similar networks around the world, providing thought leadership, technical expertise, and collaborative platforms for accelerating systems change and the transition to a low carbon, circular economy in Canada. In addition to his role with CELC, Paul currently serves as a Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), supporting the Pact’s efforts on advancing a circular economy for plastic packaging in Canada.
Ian Simpson (Yaatqumtun) is a proud citizen of the Snuneymuxw Nation and is honoured to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of his Nation’s Economic Development corporation (Petroglyph Development Group). Ian is an alumni of Vancouver Island University and completed his MBA in Aboriginal Business & Leadership at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business in 2019. Ian aspires every day to close the socio-economic gaps that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. Ian’s passion for Indigenous Nation building and economic development drive him to lead Snuneymuxw to a place of true sovereignty and self-determination.
Mark is the CEO of the Pacific Seaweed Industry Association. He is a past board member and Chair of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA), where he still chairs the Foreign Trade Zone and Invest Vancouver Island (FTZVI) initiative. In addition, he recently served on the BC Minister of Agriculture's Advisory Group on Regenerative Agriculture and Agritech and currently serves on the Board of Small Business BC.
Adam Speigel and his family relocated to the Comox Valley in 2013 to follow their pursuit of a better outdoor recreation lifestyle. Shortly after moving he began volunteering with local trail builders and the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) to construct new trails and maintain existing ones in the Cumberland trail network. In 2019 Adam was elected as Vice President of UROC where he worked on special projects with the local landowners, municipal governments, economic development agencies, and user groups to build a sustainably managed trail system. Adam Speigel is currently the Senior Account Manager for Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), overseeing business development and growth opportunities in the Comox Valley and Campbell River areas.
James is the CEO of Shift Environmental Technologies a Coastal Science and Technology firm that combines real-time data analytics and IOT enabled autonomous platforms to provide actionable intelligence, bridging the gap between stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making.
During his 20+ years working as a scientist and project manager for top-tier consulting agencies across North America, James knows that good data from trusted stakeholders is what drives informed decision -making. James is a scientist and thought leader who has managed multi-disciplinary technical and business teams throughout North America. James has brokered numerous multi-million dollar deals with First Nation partners and technology providers since incorporation in 2018.
Cindy has worked with government and First Nation organizations for over 30 years. She has supported Vancouver Island First Nation communities since 2006 as a consultant and CEO for band administration and economic development. This followed 10 years with the BC Ministry of Forests as a District Manager for South Island Forest District and Haida Gwaii, and as Regional Executive Director for the Coast. As CEO, Cindy has helped establish numerous FN economic development corporations on Vancouver Island including most recently for Nanoose Economic Development Corp owned by Snaw-Naw-As First Nation. Cindy also sits as an Appointed Board Member of the BC Forest Practices Board. Cindy has also led a pilot project for VIEA on wood recovery and fire reduction in collaboration with VIU since 2019.
Since founding Excel Career College in 1989, Pauline Stevenson has been dedicated to providing people with hands-on training and skills relevant to the current and future job market. The College now operates out of campuses across the province, in Courtenay, Kelowna, Powell River, Surrey, and Victoria, and offers a wide variety of career-focused programs. Pauline has always been dedicated to supporting women in business, having served as past president and founding member of the Comox Valley Women’s Business Network, and being one of the first female members of the Comox Valley Rotary club. She currently serves as a Regional Ambassador of WeBC and President of Excel Career College.
With over 25 years of expertise in the food industry, Darren Stott is a visionary force transforming local food enterprises. A changemaker who honed his skills in the UK’s FMCG sector and later as a Senior Director at SPUD, a pioneering North American food home delivery company. In 2010, he founded Greenchain Consulting to enhance local food enterprises with impactful business planning. Darren champions local food businesses and has had board roles with LOCO BC and Knives and Forks Community Investment Fund. Darren recently competed in an Ironman to raise money for the BC Brain Injury Association.
Denise is a transplant from southern Ontario, moving to Ucluelet with her husband, two daughters and mother 12 years ago. She has been with Tourism Ucluelet for almost 10 years, 7 of them as Executive Director. During this time, she has worked along side her staff, board of directors, tourism businesses and partners to shape Ucluelet into the destination it is today. Looking to the future, finding the balance of growth while preserving the community’s charm, family-oriented feel, and lands/waterways we have the honor of living and playing on daily is the organizations top priority. In her off time, you can find her cooking, as well as walking the beaches and trails of the west coast.
Rod is a passionate adventure-seeker and entrepreneur, specializing in environmental and outdoor safety, with a focus on innovative solutions for Wildfire Control, Hazardous Material Management and Public Security Enhancement. Rod has pioneered innovative products for environmental safety in collaboration with the National Research Council and local educational institutions. Of note is the groundbreaking Wildfire-Urban Interface Fire Suppression sprinkler technology, known as Firebozz ® ~ with clients from fire departments and governmental ministries to resort municipalities, the oil & gas industry, wood processing and estate-wineries of California.
Dogu Taskiran is the Head of Technology at LlamaZOO Interactive Inc. Dogu is an accomplished, enthusiastic, hands-on entrepreneurial technology leader with 22 years of experience in software development, team creation and management, product development and general management. Prior to joining LlamaZOO, Dogu worked in technical leadership roles at various renowned organization from Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Microsoft to several innovative startups he co-founded. An expert software engineer with broad experience in various fields ranging from VR/AR and AI/ML to Blockchain and IoT, Dogu is passionate about combining creativity with the power of disruptive technologies and building products and experiences that bridge the gap between physical and digital realities to help solve world's most pressing problems.
My name is Emese, I am a newcomer to Canada and to entrepreneurship for that matter too, and also a proud mother of two little ones. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship, I have - with my husband - overcome numerous challenges to build a successful business called Freyja - The croissant story. Originally from Hungary, I bring a unique perspective and cultural diversity to my work. With a strong background in business strategy and marketing, I have leveraged my skills and determination to establish a thriving company that serves the local community as well as foodies all over Vancouver Island. Through hard work and perseverance, I have navigated the complexities of starting a business in a new country, hoping to become a role model for other aspiring entrepreneurs. I am passionate about empowering women, immigrants, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
With 30+ years experience working in Startups and small-medium-sized businesses, Graham’s career has spanned both traditional and tech-sector industries in Canada and the US. He has founded, co-founded, and advised several companies, realizing 7-9 figure revenues and raising over $150M in venture and institutional financing. In leading Innovation Island’s Venture Acceleration Program, he has helped client companies to achieve over $100M of financial performance, creating over 300 new tech-based jobs within the region. During the early days of COVID Graham developed one of Canada’s first “technology adoption” programs (DER3) that scaled Province-wide, helping over 1500 businesses to get-more-digital.
Katie Underwood is the owner of Peas n' Carrots Farm. Peas n’ Carrots is an organic, mixed vegetable farm located in Saanich, British Columbia. We are focused on the food staples that keep our family fed and ignite a passion for cooking, culture and cultivating.
Angela is an Indigenous economic development professional with a background in business management, environmental sustainability, project development, and Indigenous geographies. Angela believes the only path to sovereignty for Indigenous communities in today’s world is through economic development. A strategic leader, she is proficient in identifying innovative opportunities in a dynamic economy, and is skilled at guiding and negotiating between Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders to advance meaningful business partnerships. Angela applies an Indigenous perspective to her work and ensures there is a balance between the financial, social, and environmental aspects of all projects and initiatives.
Justin's journey from a hardworking kitchen cleaner in Ontario to a visionary entrepreneur showcases an unyielding commitment to business excellence and personal growth.
But it’s not just about business for Justin; it’s about people. He's a fervent advocate for skill-building and coaching, consistently leveraging each moment as an opportunity to empower those around him, molding them into independent and astute decision-makers.
In 2020, this dedication found a new avenue when Justin, along with a team of fellow visionaries, took the reins of the Scarlet Ibis Pub. While cherishing its deep-rooted community legacy, they infused their own touch. Notably, Justin, being the youngest in this group, never shies away from taking the lead. Whether it's about business strategy or offering hands-on assistance to visitors, he exemplifies commitment.
Peter has a passion for connecting people and ideas to build businesses and communities. He has more than 20 years of experience as strategic advisor, consultant and facilitator specializing in business development, marketing strategy, communications, and economic development. While Peter’s roots are in agriculture, his work and relationships cut across many different sectors that drive Vancouver Island’s economy. Peter is a long-time supporter of the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and serves on the board of the Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation. He lives in Nanoose Bay with his wife, two awesome kids, and a crazy dog named Rex.
David Warburton (김모세) is the Artistic Executive Director of the Port Theatre, a leading community performing arts centre on Vancouver Island. He is the current Board President of the Canadian Dance Assembly, a national arts service organization that provides a voice for dance and supports the development of resources for the dance sector. Previously, he spent nearly a decade at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet serving in various roles and eventually as Managing Director before returning home to BC.
As Principal Owner of Panache Cycling Sports, Jon Watkin has devoted over 30 years to his passion of cycling as a commuter, competitor, volunteer, manager, and event director. He is the co-founder of the Wheelhouse Cycling Society which organizes the Burnt Bridge Classic Gravel Fondo, Agency Grand Prix, Langford Bikefest, and Canadian Cyclocross Championships. He was the event director for the inaugural Belgian Waffle Ride which took place in the Cowichan Valley on May 27. Jon is also the co-founder of the Jordie Lunn Bike Park located in Langford BC.
Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, is one of Vancouver Island's most recognizable faces. As a public figure and former broadcaster, he is known for his integrity, altruism and unique ability to create successful partnerships and collaborations.
Williams is well known for his impeccable communication skills. His in-depth knowledge of economic development and strong connections to leaders and decision makers have made him an effective engagement and development strategist for business, non-profits and First Nations. Williams’ background includes experience as a CEO, as well as diverse roles on senior management teams. He has chaired non-profit boards and spearheaded fund-raising campaigns.
Jason Wilson is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation, which is part of the Kwakwak’awakw peoples from British Columbia. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. Jason has held many middle and senior management roles, mainly with a sales & marketing role, but his experience also includes business and tourism product development.
Since March 2022, Jason has worked as Manager of Economic Development for the We Wai Kai Nation and works with the nation’s leadership to develop a self-sustaining economic sector utilizing existing human, natural and other resources for the benefit of existing and future generations of the We Wai Kai Nation. One of his main roles is to manage economic development projects and resources, directing contractors and other professional service providers. Further his role is to identify economic opportunities that promote and enhance locally owned member and nation businesses.
Denise Withers, MSc ACC has been using stories to make change for 20+ years through her work as an award-winning documentary filmmaker, communication consultant and certified leadership coach. Together, she and her clients have inspired millions to take action on issues from equity to the environment through channels that include Discovery, National Geographic and the CBC. They’ve combined storytelling with behavioural insights, design thinking and foresight to develop strategies, build business models and shift culture. Her work clearly demonstrates the power of art to boost innovation, growth and hope, and she’s deeply invested in advancing the creative economy, for good.
