Didi A. Chuk holds a Master’s in International Business Management and Finance from Edinburgh Business School. Recognized as a distinguished scholar, he was honored as the Best Graduating Student for his outstanding academic achievements. Throughout his career, Didi has collaborated with numerous government and public organizations, where his innovative strategies and customer-centric approach earned him the Top Performer accolade. His tenure at Scotiabank’s business banking division further showcased his expertise and commitment to excellence. Beyond his corporate roles, Didi has sat on the board of a charity endowment fund, ardently pushing for female economic empowerment. He’s also a staunch advocate for the rights of black and neurodivergent individuals, reflecting his deep-rooted passion for inclusivity and justice. Outside of work, Didi’s interests are diverse, from exploring culinary arts as a chef to the discipline of powerlifting. As he joins CGLCC, Didi brings a rich tapestry of experiences, achievements, and a genuine desire to foster an inclusive business landscape.

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 2S2SLGBTQI+QA+ 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.

Taylor is an experienced nonprofit professional dedicated to advocating for queer liberation and disability justice in Nova Scotia. With a background that combines academia, business engagement, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQI+ and disability communities, Taylor brings a multifaceted perspective to her work as the Project Lead of Tourism & Accreditation Programs (Atlantic Canada) at CGLCC.

With an MA in critical disability studies and a BA in sociology, Taylor’s career has been marked by a commitment to disability and queer inclusion within Atlantic Canadian businesses and organizations. Taylor advocates for prioritizing lived experience perspectives and leadership of the most marginalized among us. In 2023, Taylor co-founded a community peer support network, Neuroinclusive Support Network, and is on the Board of Directors for 211 Nova Scotia.

When she’s not working, you can find her crocheting garments, taking dance classes, or hiking through Nova Scotia.

Irene is a visionary entrepreneur and consultant dedicated to empowering women and driving digital transformation. As a co-founder of Fem Entity, Irene is pioneering a platform that connects women with wellness practitioners, offering expert-driven support focused on women specific health and wellness initiatives. Her work ensures that women have access to personalized care and holistic well-being.In addition to Fem Entity, Irene leads DigitalFlow Consultancy, where she partners with startups and small businesses to accelerate their digital success. Specializing in sales enablement and technology integration, Irene provides clients with the strategies and tools they need to thrive in a competitive market. Her passion for innovation and commitment to empowering both individuals and businesses set her apart as a leader in the wellness and tech industries.

Former paramedic B Adair (they/he) is a queer, neurodivergent, transmasc human with disabilities who leverages their sense of humour and passion for person-centred inclusivity in their work as an equity & inclusion specialist. B is a Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional (CCIP™) and runs their own company, Just B Consulting. B works with teams across the country to create more inclusive and accessible spaces in many industries, from emergency rooms to ball diamonds to boardrooms.

In their spare time, B loves getting crafty, beachcombing, rockhounding, camping, and anything else in the fresh air. B is happily married to their partner Alix and lives in rural southwest Nova Scotia with their menagerie of rescued creatures.

Tori Yeomans (she/they) is a Métis nonbinary entrepreneur and master esthetician who owns Pride Beauty Lounge in Lower Sackville. Since its 2021 opening, the salon has earned Gold for Best New Business in the Halifax Best Of 2022, and Bronze and Silver for Best Manicure and Pedicure in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Tori’s impact extends beyond the salon with features in QuickBooks commercials, billboards, and media outlets like CTV, Global News, and Virgin Radio. As a certified mental health counselor and board member of the Sackville Business Association, Tori integrates beauty expertise with a strong commitment to community well-being and inclusivity. 

Nailah Tataa (She/They/We) is a MAD writer, community worker and artist active in Mi’kma’ki. They are the founder of With Intentions, a mindful candle and incense company that aims to merge community support and business through their Distributing Funds Program. They enjoy collaboratively finding ways to make business more ethical and connected to the needs of the communities that surround them. She is from the Didinga Hills, South Sudan but lives and dreams in Ponamukjatijk, Mi’kma’ki

Laura is a CERTFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and Chartered Investment Manager® professional with over a decade of experience in finance. Since founding Inclusive Financial Planning in 2022 she has worked to make high quality financial advice more welcoming and accessible for all of us. With experience in personal and business banking, wealth management, portfolio management, and financial planning she brings a breadth of experience to each of her clients while delivering her unique brand of personalized financial advice. Laura is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in rural Nova Scotia.

Meet Courtnay Malcolm: more than just a certified coach with over a decade of experience, she is an intuitive, visionary, educator and speaker, who holds a B.Ed. and B.Sc. from St. Francis Xavier University. As a former teacher, rugby coach, and mental health support worker, Courtnay possesses an expansive and profound understanding of human nature and the barriers we experience with personal growth, managing wellness and living authentically. 

Her core belief is that everyone has natural character strengths that make them powerfully unique. Her mission is to help you uncover and embrace these gifts of character, align them with your values, and  leverage them to build the confidence and resilience to achieve your goals.During her personal experience as a millennial bi-woman and her long mental health journey with anxiety, depression, OCPD,  ADHD, and imposter syndrome, she discovered that we all have the potential to change our sense of self, life satisfaction, and fulfillment through the reflection and study of our own brain and behaviour with the science of Neuropsychology. Using concepts she studied at the Centre for Applied Neuroscience (Neuropsychoidiology, Neuroplasticity, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, and Acceptance based practices) and her background in teaching and mental health, she acts as a mindset mentor to guide others through the process of self-awareness/acceptance, overcoming barriers, developing natural strengths, and living well with intention and alignment.  

Courtnay is not just about achieving goals, she is all about nurturing personal transformation. Her coaching and mentorship has empowered countless youth, elite-athletes, perfectionists, and burnt out professionals to break free of self-doubt and limiting beliefs to finally live out their values, walk confidently into fears, and reach their personal and professional goals.Since embarking on her entrepreneurial journey 10 years ago, she has delivered inspiration through speaking at High School Wellness Conferences, Provincial Teachers Conferences, Sports Halls of Fame, and professional interviews about stress management, overcoming mental health barriers, holistic wellness practices, and leadership development. If you’re craving a life lived with more balance, intention, and authenticity, Courtnay is the ally you’ve been looking for. Join her to make the impact you want to create in your own world and beyond. 

Dalene’s journey began in her parents’ handcraft shop, “The Killick Gift Shop,” where she learned about entrepreneurship from a young age. Raised in Glen Margaret on the road to Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, she honed her leadership skills as the eldest of seven daughters. Her mother reminded her daily, “Set an example, you have six younger sisters.” 

Through hard work and strategic networking, Dalene grew her first business working with Mary Kay Cosmetics to $5 million in annual sales, focusing on referral-based growth. She even earned a Pink Cadillac and a total of 16 cars. When she sold her business back to Mary Kay Cosmetics nine years ago, her total earnings exceeded $4 million. Her sales team spanned over 5,000 people in 5 countries. 

 After selling her business, Dalene sought a new challenge and decided to purchase a BNI Franchise with her husband. BNI is the world’s largest and most successful business referral networking organization. 

 Realizing that many people fear networking and are unsure how to build a dream team of referral partners that generates revenue, Dalene started a new business – Networking Naturally. She is dedicated to sharing what works and what doesn’t, as she genuinely believes that one’s network is their net worth. She aims to help others experience networking in a natural way, allowing them to thrive in business and beyond. 

 Focusing on building genuine connections and trust within professional networks, Dalene specializes in cultivating high-quality referral partners that ensure faster client acquisition, longer retention, and increased revenue. Reach out to Dalene to create your dream team of referral partners. 

Will Yang is the CEO of Differo Marketing (differo.ca), a dynamic agency specializing in digital marketing and brand storytelling. With a strong focus on inclusive marketing and short-form video content, Will has led successful campaigns for clients such as Digital Nova Scotia, Tourism Nova Scotia, Halifax Shopping Centre, and Discover Halifax. At the upcoming CGLCC event, “Branding and Storytelling for Business Success,” Will will share his expertise in crafting compelling brand narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and drive business growth.

Lana Larder’s journey has been marked by awards and entrepreneurial success. Her commitment to client triumphs has led to astounding growth. As the founder of Larder Marketing Group, Lana combines adaptability, innovation, and a personalized approach to drive excellence.With a proven blueprint for success and a dedication to fostering growth, Lana Larder continues to redefine the landscape of marketing and business. 

Since the launch of Larder Marketing Group, business has thrived, driven by a commitment to client success. Notable achievements include clients reporting remarkable growth, with some experiencing a 250 percent increase in sales, while others have seen sales surge by an astounding 500 percent, all attributed to the services provided by Lana.Furthermore, Larder Marketing Group’s dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by Lana being recognized as one of the World’s Rising Leaders to Watch in 2024 and Best Growth Marketing Agency in 2024 along with many other awards. 

She derives her greatest satisfaction from assisting companies in redefining their strategies and effecting substantial sales increases and awareness, leading to a wealthier community, heightened innovation, and a thriving economy. She firmly believes that these endeavors will contribute to making the world a better place. 

Manjeet began his journey with Public Services and Procurement Canada in July 2021, where he currently serves as a Policy Analyst for Procurement Assistance Canada. Before entering the federal public service, Manjeet gained valuable experience working with the Government of New Brunswick. His diverse background also spans the non-profit and private sectors, where he excelled in various roles, contributing his expertise in stakeholder engagement and community development. 

Manjeet holds undergraduate degrees in Business Administration (BBA Mgmt.) and Economics (BA Econ), as well as a Master’s Degree in Public Administration 

Jonathan Hebert is wrapping up his micro-assignment as the first Atlantic Region Lead with the Public Service Pride Network (PSPN), a vast pan-Canadian employee network in the Government of Canada. Jonathan lives and grew up in the Halifax area where he works substantively as an Outreach Officer with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) – Atlantic region, helping to diversify Canada’s supply chain on the Procurement Assistance Canada team. He is also the Chair of the region’s Positive Space Initiative (PSI). His 20-year career in government has included roles in Ottawa, Halifax, and France where he has worked with the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Coast Guard, and now PSPC. He graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree in 2008. Jonathan lives with his husband and partner of 13 years Devon, a public servant as well with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and their cat Germaine. They keep active travelling, hiking, playing music, golfing and enjoying their most recent passion, curling as proud members of Halifax’s 2SLGBTQIA+ curling league.