Kim holds a Master’s in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po Paris, with concentrations in Stakeholder Engagement and Public Sector Innovation. She is particularly interested in how human rights frameworks can contribute to decolonizing design and create a more inclusive social impact. Her professional experience includes conducting research focused on empowering womxn, curating art exhibits and community-building events, being an advocate for francophone communities across Canada, as well as creating partnerships within civil society. Kim is excited to bring her passion for inclusive innovation to the Supplier Diversity program, which intersects perfectly with her interests and experience. 

Outside of the office, she is most likely catching flights and/or waves. She also enjoys painting, writing, and tattooing. 

Andréa Pallotto (BFA, GCFP, SE) is a Somatic practitioner specializing in Feldenkrais and Somatic Experiencing. Their approach combines touch, awareness and trauma-based somatic processing. With a background in queer, feminist and anti-colonial thinking, Andréa offers a unique perspective on somatic health and strives to create an inclusive environment for all genders and bodies.

After graduating from Concordia’s Women’s Studies program, Andréa pursued accredited training in the Feldenkrais Method in Boston. Their journey into Feldenkrais began as a personal quest to overcome dissociation and reclaim a sense of empowerment and embodiment. Andréa has run a private practice in Montreal for ten years, teaching weekly classes and private lessons. They teach somatic health workshops to community organizations and workplace health initiatives. Andréa organizes the yearly Montreal Somatic Festival and teaches at the Feldenkrais LGBTQIA Festival. Their commitment to creating a more inclusive and body-positive world shines through in their work, making them a valuable asset to the wellness community.

Darrell Schuurman is an advocate of effecting social change through the economic empowerment of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs. He is the co-founder and CEO of the CGLCC, Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, a national not-for-profit organization with a mission to expand the opportunities and advancement of the 2SLGBTQI+ business community in Canada. He has been committed to CGLCC’s mission since 2003. He is a Former Managing Partner at DNA Marketing Group and the Co-Founder of Travel Gay Canada.  

Originally from Ottawa, Melika has a Ba. In Social sciences with Honors in International Studies and Modern Languages from Ottawa University. While in school she worked for Crown Corporations attached to the tourism industry but later found her calling in the not-for-profit sector. First by empowering francophone youth with leadership skills, and later supporting 2SLGBTQI+QIA+ Newcomers and asylum seekers with their integration process and helping them face various social, institutional, and systemic barriers while in the Greater Toronto Area. Fitness and sweets are her favorite ways to relieve stress. So this, and her love for different cultures lead her to get certified as a Zumba Fitness instructor. 

She is now based in the Maritimes where she is studying Africentric Social Work at Dalhousie University in hopes of continuing her work in systemic change. Melika feels that her work with multiple vulnerable communities will enrich her work as grant manager with the CGLCC. 

Gabrielle Huppé charts her course with a clear mission: to reconcile economic prosperity with respect for the environment. Her passion for sustainable development and entrepreneurship, as well as her experience in finance, led her, in 2020, to co-create Next Chance with her partner Maude Girard.

Next Chance offers reusable gift wrapping and decorations, made in Quebec from rescued fabrics. A pioneer in the textile circular economy, the company reduces textile waste. In three years, Next Chance has salvaged 27,000 meters of fabric and is carving out a place for itself with major chains such as Simons, Uniprix and Proxim.

Gabrielle’s vision has led her to distinguish herself in Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and she is currently a finalist for the Prix femmes d’affaires du Québec 2024 in the Femmes en movement category.

Kiki (they/she) is a queer Jamaican/Black American person and the co-founder and CEO of Auntie Dee’s Kitchen, where they are constantly championing Jamaican food traditions. Passionate about community impact, they are dedicated to celebrating and sharing their culinary heritage while working on future projects aimed at broadening the reach of Jamaican cuisine in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal.  

Domenic Calcara est le PDG  de Recrute Action Inc., une entreprise de recrutement en plein essor, basée à Montréal, avec une expansion récente aux États-Unis via Recruit Action dans le Delaware.  Il est accompagné de Kristyn Oleskewycz également actionnaire.  Avec plus de 25 années d’expérience dans le domaine des ressources humaines et du recrutement, Domenic s’engage à fournir des solutions de recrutement innovantes et personnalisées à ses clients, tout en veillant à offrir des opportunités uniques aux candidats. 

Domenic se distingue par sa capacité à identifier et à répondre aux besoins du marché du travail en constante évolution, que ce soit au niveau local ou international. Sa passion pour le développement des talents et l’accompagnement des entreprises l’a mené à des collaborations fructueuses avec de nombreux partenaires à travers le Canada et les États-Unis. 

En dehors de son rôle de chef d’entreprise, Domenic pratique la.course et un père engagé, vivant à Montréal avec son mari Dom et leur fils de 14 ans. Il adore aussi passer du temps en plein air avec leurs  chien, un Shiba Inu de 2 ans. 

Avec une vision résolument tournée vers l’avenir, Domenic continue d’explorer de nouvelles avenues de croissance pour Recrute Action, tout en restant fidèle à ses valeurs d’authenticité, d’inclusion et d’excellence. 

Clément Roy est un jeune entrepreneur d’origine française, ayant grandi à Montréal. Fondateur et CEO de Nucléus Stratégie, il est profondément passionné par la technologie et s’efforce de guider les entreprises à travers leurs défis numériques, tant au Québec qu’en Nouvelle-Écosse. Son parcours lui a permis de développer une expertise unique en gestion de projets et en optimisation des processus, des compétences qu’il applique avec pragmatisme pour aider ses clients à s’adapter et à prospérer dans un environnement technologique en constante évolution. Sous sa direction, Nucléus Stratégie joue un rôle central dans la transformation numérique des entreprises, en proposant des solutions adaptées qui répondent aux besoins spécifiques de chaque client.

En plus de son engagement professionnel, Clément Roy est un jeune philanthrope passionné, profondément impliqué dans le secteur culturel. En tant que co-président du Cercle des Jeunes Philanthropes du Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, il œuvre activement pour soutenir des initiatives culturelles qui lui tiennent à cœur. Ce rôle lui permet de concilier sa passion pour la culture avec son engagement social, tout en contribuant à l’épanouissement de la communauté artistique locale. Clément croit fermement en l’importance d’équilibrer créativité et fonctionnalité, tant dans ses activités professionnelles que dans ses engagements philanthropiques. Son parcours est marqué par une volonté constante de dépasser les attentes, d’innover et de contribuer positivement à l’évolution des entreprises et des organisations avec lesquelles il collabore, en alliant vision stratégique et approche humaine.

Naoufel started his career in the non-profit sector as General Manager for AIESEC in Morocco, which provides young people with leadership development and cross-cultural global internships. He later transferred to the AIESEC United States in New York City and managed the expansion to Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE through a US government grant of over $1 million. He then took on the interim COO’s role and managed a team of 10 people with a budget of $4 million. 

Naoufel joined Microsoft Middle East and Africa as a Regional Program Coordinator, managing the Microsoft Software Donation Program for Internet safety and security. He also managed relationships with crucial Microsoft partners in the region, like the World Bank and the United States Agency for International Development. After two years at Microsoft, Naoufel moved to Montreal to join tech startups. He started at TandemLaunch Technologies, where he built relationships with university tech transfer offices worldwide. Naoufel was Head of Business Development at Local Logic, his last company.  

Today, Naoufel is the Co-Founder and CEO of QueerTech. This organization aims to Queer the Tech Ecosystem by breaking down barriers, creating spaces, and connecting communities to support and empower 2SLGBTQIA+ people to thrive. 

Eustacio (Andy) Saldaña is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of QueerTech, a Canadian non-profit focused on empowering, connecting, and increasing the visibility of 2SLGBTQ+ technologists and entrepreneurs. The organization is dedicated to the mission of queering the tech ecosystem. 

Previously, he served as the Executive Director of the NY Tech Alliance, a non-profit organization that runs the world’s largest Meetup group, the NY Tech Meetup (NYTM). With over 60,000 members and a mission to build a more sustainable, diverse, and equitable technology industry for all New Yorkers, the organization is a central figure in the NY Tech ecosystem. 

A fervent advocate for diversity, access, and inclusion in technology, Andy excels in building relationships and fostering dialogues that drive change. 

His efforts have been recognized with several accolades, including a spot on Crain’s New York Business 2020 Notable LGBTQ Leaders and Executives list, and inclusion in the 2019 Tech Power 50 by City & State, a leading media company covering New York’s government and politics. 

Named an ‘Inclusion warrior’ by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix while pursuing a double degree in Sustainability and International Development, Connor is a leader in breaking down gender binaries through their passion for 2SLGBTQI+ community engagement. 

Connor is excited to translate his experience into concrete policies, education, and support for workplaces that are ready to create stronger, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ customers and employees. 

Greg Barker (he/him) is Chief Legal Officer and Senior Vice President, Corporate Governance for Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation that has developed some of the most sought-after communities in Canada while serving as the innovative steward of some of Canada’s most iconic attractions, including the CN Tower, Downsview Park, the Montréal Science Centre and the Old Port of Montréal. 

Greg advises CLC’s Board and senior management team on corporate governance matters; is responsible for all legal and regulatory affairs pertaining to the Company’s real estate, attractions, and corporate/shared services divisions; and is responsible for ESG performance and integration throughout the Company. He is an Executive Sponsor of CLC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Committee; Founder & Chair of the Company’s Rainbow Connection (employee resource group for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies); and a member of Legal Leaders for Diversity and Inclusion. He also co-led the development of CLC’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) strategy, and is the co-lead for the Company’s ESG priorities of Indigenous Peoples Collaboration and EDI. 

Greg holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree from Queen’s University and a Law degree from the University of Toronto. 

EN: Lynn Blouin holds a Bachelor’s degree in School and Professional Information from the Université de Sherbrooke (1994). Ms. Blouin has a wide range of experience, particularly in public relations, politics, events and paramunicipal public administration. Since 2013, she has been working for Destination Sherbrooke as Director of Promotion, Business and Sport Tourism. She was also part of the Sherbrooke Canada Games in 2013 as Assistant General Manager, Communications and Human Resources. Ms. Blouin has held a number of senior positions in provincial policy sectors in various ministries as Chief of Staff, including the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Finance. Ms. Blouin has diverse experience in communications, marketing, organization, politics, government relations and tourism, public administration and the organization of national and international events. She has also served on a number of local, provincial and national boards, and has an extensive network of contacts across the country.

FR: Mme Blouin détient un baccalauréat en information scolaire et professionnelle de l’Université de Sherbrooke (1994). Mme Blouin cumule un large éventail d’expérience particulièrement en relations publiques, en politique, en événementiel et en administration publique paramunicipale. Depuis 2013, elle travaille au sein de Destination Sherbrooke à titre de Directrice promotion, tourisme d’affaires et sportif. Elle a également fait partie des Jeux du Canada de Sherbrooke en 2013 à titre de Directrice générale adjointe, communications et ressources humaines. Madame Blouin a occupé plusieurs postes de direction dans les secteurs de la politique provinciale dans divers ministères à titre de Directrice de cabinet, notamment au ministère du Tourisme et au ministère des Finances. Mme Blouin cumule des expériences diversifiées dans les domaines suivants : communications, marketing, organisation, politique, relations gouvernementales et tourisme, de l’administration publique et de l’organisation d’événements nationaux et internationaux. Elle a également siégé sur plusieurs conseils d’administration tant locaux, provinciaux que nationaux et possède d’un large réseau de contacts partout au pays. 

An expert in talent management in the marketing and communication industry, Jean-François has held key roles in talent acquisition and operations. Evolving in a complex and constantly transforming environment, his career has led him to develop an approach focused on equity, workplace well-being, and talent development. 

Committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), he has led tangible initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive work environments. His leadership and ability to build trusted partnerships make him an active agent in the evolution of organizational culture within creative agencies. 

Merve, pronunciation Mervé (mervei-lleux; Mervay) was born into a Turkish household, raised in Germany and chose Montreal as her new home in 2019. With a vibrant background, she has actively contributed to the non-profit community. In Germany, she co-founded an organization providing space for 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants and served as a board member and support services volunteer for a local non-profit in Montreal serving 2SLGBTQI+ immigrants and refugees. Now she is active as a volunteer and provides legal aid for queer Turkish refugees coming to Canada. 

Her journey has taken her to various parts of the world, including Sao Paulo, Lisbon and Vancouver, reflecting her love for travel and connecting with different cultures. 

In her free time, Merve enjoys going for runs, cooking Turkish meals and relishes board game nights at home with her partner and her cat. Her passion for intersectional identities and her zest for life shine through in her various roles and experiences. 

Maricarmen Ubeda is a Strategic Advisor originally from Mexico who immigrated to Canada, bringing with her a Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA) in Marketing and she has furthered her expertise with studies in sustainability. With over 15 years of experience spanning multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, technology, and finance, she has successfully led initiatives that combine business growth with environmental responsibility. Her diverse background and international perspective make her a valuable asset in business strategy and sustainable practices. Passionate about social impact, she actively participates in projects aimed at making a positive difference in communities, blending her multiple skills with her commitment to creating meaningful change.

Mr. Gonzalez-Cortes holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration (finance option), a certificate in real estate and a Specialized Graduate Diploma (DESS) in finance. He has been with Desjardins since 2010. As a personal finance advisor in the plateau and culture caisses for 4 years. Subsequently, as an account manager with Desjardins Entreprises – Montréal in the real estate market, and since 2018 in the industrial and commercial market.

Florence Gagnon cumule les années d’expériences en entreprenariat queer et guide de nombreuses entreprises à créer des milieux plus inclusifs. À la tête du magazine lstw, elle remporte le Publisher Grand Prix aux Canadian Magazine Awards en 2021.  En 2022, elle se voit décernée la médaille de l’Assemblée nationale du Québec. En 2023, lstw magazine remporte le prix du Meilleur Magazine au Canada. 

Geneviève Bergeron, cofondatrice et directrice de création au Club Sexu, a étudié la littérature avant d’être diplômée en design graphique à l’École de design de l’UQAM. En quête de sens dans son travail en communication, elle s’est impliquée dans des organismes atypiques, comme Thèsez-vous et Molotov, qui ont influencé et forgé sa vision de l’économie sociale et de l’inclusion. En 2019, elle fonde le Club Sexu avec l’ambition de bâtir un média et un studio créatif spécialisé en sexualité qui se démarque par une approche innovante, décomplexée et inclusive. Elle dirige maintenant depuis 5 ans l’organisme à but non lucratif en orchestrant le développement des affaires et l’ensemble des projets créatifs. 

Entrepreneur-Artist Murielle Bien-Aimé is the founder of La Maison Komando Inc (LMK), overseeing both the creative and business sides of the brand. Born in Brooklyn to Haitian parents and raised in Montreal, Murielle uses her skills in writing, drawing, directing, and photography to create inspiring content and products that reflect her passion for women’s empowerment, diversity, and creativity. She’s also a recipient of the RBC Emerging Black Entrepreneur 18-39 powered by Futurpreneur.  

Ayant développé une expertise solide à l’intersection de l’art et de la technologie, Coppélia a suivi des études en musique numérique, en Internet des Objets, en Intelligence Artificielle et en gestion d’organismes culturels au HEC Montréal. Forte de ces compétences en gestion, elle co-dirige depuis 9 ans le Festival Filministes, un événement qui met en lumière des documentaires, courts-métrages et films de fiction autour des enjeux féministes et queer contemporains. 

En tant que co-directrice, elle supervise avec ses collègues la programmation, la direction artistique, la production, et la coordination d’équipe, démontrant ainsi sa capacité à mener des projets complexes à terme. Parallèlement à son rôle de gestionnaire culturelle, Coppélia est une développeuse fullstack et artiste sonore. 

Ses compétences en gestion se reflètent également dans son expérience en coaching, ayant dirigé des équipes de basketball pendant 10 ans. Cette expérience lui a permis de développer un leadership affirmé, une gestion d’équipe efficace, et une vision stratégique, des atouts qu’elle applique dans chacune de ses fonctions. 

Paige Glabb is a passionate Human Resources Business Partner and a dedicated lead of the 2SLGBTQI+Employee Resource Group at Business Development Bank of Canada. Throughout her career at BDC, Paige has supported the development of a learning journey to increase awareness around the specific barriers that 2SLGBTQI+entrepreneurs face. She is passionate about fostering an environment of belonging within the BDC community so as to support the BDC community to better serve the needs of 2SLGBTQI+entrepreneurs.