Dr. Hilda Fankah-Arthur is a visionary leader, policy strategist, educator, and global advocate dedicated to advancing equity, education, and inclusive economic development. As Founder and President of the Centre for Intellectual Excellence (CeFIE) Canada and President of the Global Economic Diversification (GED) Council, she is recognized internationally for her unique ability to translate research, lived experience, and strategic insight into transformative action. Her work has consistently created spaces that present solutions, uplift communities and inspire systemic change.
Peter Mousaferiadis is the CEO of cultural enterprise Cultural Infusion, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and founded in 2002. He has had an extensive career in the cultural & creative industries as a conductor, creative director & producer, and thought leader in culture as a driver of progress, social cohesion and innovation. Cultural Infusion builds global harmony through intercultural action in education, the arts and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), with programs delivered to more than 350,000 students annually. Its holistic data and equity SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) tool Diversity Atlas was launched in 2019 and has clients including multinationals and think tanks from around the world.
DK Bartley is a pioneering voice in corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion, whose career spans the intersections of media, technology, and organizational transformation. Currently serving as Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at WPP’s Hill and Knowlton, one of the world's leading public relations firms, Bartley brings over two decades of experience in helping organizations leverage diversity as a competitive advantage. Beginning his career as a researcher at ABC News and on-air reporter for Long Island News Tonight in the 1990s, Bartley developed a keen understanding of how to communicate complex issues to diverse audiences. This foundation in journalism would later prove invaluable in helping organizations navigate sensitive conversations about inclusion and change.
Sherry Grote is the creator of The Harmony Hero™ Framework, empowering leaders to rise from murmur to maestro by aligning emotional intelligence with strategic influence. With 25+ years in high-growth SaaS and tech, she helps teams lead with clarity, collaboration, and purpose. A proud Atlanta native, Sherry inspires audiences globally to conduct harmony in chaos and turn quiet leadership into bold, lasting impact.
Francisco Javier Hernández Mendoza is a technology consultant and founder of AIPE (AI-Powered Individualized Health Platform), with 19 years of experience in process reengineering and digital transformation. Specializing in CRM and enterprise management systems, he has implemented over 150 optimization projects for small and medium enterprises.
In 2025, Francisco underwent an extraordinary medical transformation, scientifically documenting his cardiorenal recovery using generative artificial intelligence as a personalized medical assistant. His innovative methodology integrates conventional medicine with accessible AI technologies, achieving results that exceed traditional medical expectations.
His case represents the first documented protocol of AI-assisted personalized medicine, demonstrating how technology can democratize access to quality healthcare in populations with limited resources. Francisco presents his experience as a scalable model for global health systems, particularly relevant in the era of automation and AI in healthcare.
With over 15 years of dedicated service in the fields of mental health, and behavioral
health care, Dr. Laurine LeBlanc-White stands as a powerful force for healing,
transformation, and generational restoration. Her clinical expertise spans work with
adoptive families, veterans, children, and diverse populations navigating trauma,
identity, and recovery.
A nationally recognized Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Dr. LeBlanc-
White specializes in trauma-informed therapy, integrative mental health, and culturally
responsive care. Her approach blends evidence-based modalities with compassionate,
faith-rooted guidance, empowering clients to move from survival to sustainable success.
Ivette is a keynote speaker, sales trainer, certified leadership coach with the International Coaching Federation, and a dedicated Positive Intelligence Coach for individuals and sales teams. She specializes in cultivating unwavering resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and excelling in lead generation, empowering you to increase sales by 30%.
Lawyer and Management, Human Rights & Equity Expert
Fabi Fugazza Anzam LLB
Lawyer and Management, Human Rights & Equity Expert
Fabi Fugazza ANZAM LLB BBusComm MMgmt GDLP is a management expert, best-selling author, international academic and lawyer with extensive experience in equity initiatives, human/civil rights and organisational management. She is the author of the best-selling Born to be (Unconsciously) Biased: Strategies to Unbias Your Business Decision Making and the forthcoming Banishing Bias: How to Make Better Business Decisions; part of Bite-Sized Books’ business series. Fabi owns unconscious bias consulting and training business jObjective and is a multi-award-winning academic, having taught unconscious bias, law, business, and social sciences in undergraduate and graduate programs across three continents.
Sean Knudsen transforms leaders who've lost their voice in the noise of modern business. A 23-year Army veteran and former Federal SWAT commander, Sean discovered that the same courage required in high-stakes tactical situations is what leaders need to speak their truth in boardrooms, with their teams, and in their communities.
After building multiple 7-figure businesses and training thousands of soldiers and civilians, Sean recognized a pattern: the most successful leaders weren't the loudest—they were the most authentic. This insight led him to develop his "Voiceprint Leadership" methodology, helping business owners and executives grow from the inside out by aligning their authentic voice with their mission, message, and impact.
Janet Stickmon, founder and CEO of Janet Stickmon Consulting LLC, is an author and wellness consultant who has been an educator for over 26 years. Stickmon is a professor of Ethnic Studies at Napa Valley College where she has been teaching for 19 years. She is also the founding Program Coordinator of the Humanities, Ethnic Studies, and Philosophy Departments and the founding Program Coordinator of The Cultural Center at Napa Valley College. Stickmon is the author of Crushing Soft Rubies—A Memoir, Midnight Peaches, Two O’clock Patience—A Collection of Essays, Poems, and Short Stories on Womanhood and the Spirit, and To Black Parents Visiting Earth: Raising Black Children in the 21st Century. She is also known for her article, “Blackapina,” on life as a biracial woman of African American and Filipino American descent. Stickmon’s essays have appeared in The Huffington Post, Mutha Magazine, The Sage Encyclopedia of Filipina/x/o American Studies, Read to Write Stories, Positively Filipino, and Red and Yellow, Black and Brown: Decentering Whiteness in Mixed Race Studies. She also has over 26 years experience practicing meditation and integrating mindfulness practices throughout all her courses. Janet Stickmon is the founder of CenterJoyPWR®: Strategies for Healing Racial Battle Fatigue—an online experience for professionals of color who want to heal their racial battle fatigue and center joy in their lives.
Deketa Tranae is the Founder and CEO of Pure Necessity By Deketa Tranae® - a lifestyle service that specializes in teaching others how to define and build a legacy both personally and professionally.
Deketa Tranae is a faith shifter who dares professionals to tap into their values, skills, and network to be positioned for a career building breakthrough. As an extension of her human resources background and as a certified John Maxwell speaker and consultant, she also leverages some of these same elements to mentor, coach, and consult company and organization leaders (and their support teams) to their highest potential.
ElDon White is a faith-driven husband to Dr. Laurine LeBlanc-White and proud father of eight, whose life exemplifies unwavering commitment to leadership, legacy, and impact. Now based in Hawai‘i, ElDon brings over two decades of elite leadership experience from the frontlines of U.S. Army Special Operations to the stages of corporate boardrooms and educational institutions.
As one of the most sought-after Transformational Leadership Speakers and Executive Coaches in the nation, ElDon delivers high-impact coaching, motivational keynotes, and leadership development programs that inspire bold vision, accelerate performance, and drive meaningful transformation. His mission: to ignite purpose, develop resilient leaders, and guide individuals and organizations into their fullest potential.
Dr. Will Moreland is a world-renowned leadership expert, civility ambassador, and motivational speaker, inspiring individuals and organizations globally to achieve excellence. With over 50 authored books, including 35 bestsellers, and recognition as one of the Top 10 Motivational Speakers in the World, Dr. Moreland has dedicated his life to fostering positive change and growth. A two-time combat military veteran and Business Hall of Fame inductee, he is the founder of Moreland Training and Associates, where he delivers executive coaching, leadership development, and innovative training programs. Dr. Will’s influence extends to over 125 nations, and he is a sought-after speaker on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Residing in Phoenix, Arizona, he is a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather who loves old-school hip-hop, sneakers, jazz music, and tropical vacations.
Trailblazer in modern entrepreneurship, Kari Enns is a six-time founder, AI & automation consultant, and public speaker redefining how founders grow and lead in a tech-driven world.
With strong roots in marketing and operations, Kari’s work challenges outdated business models built on hustle and inefficiency. Instead, she helps founders use technology to transform how they market, sell, lead, and scale - without losing the heart that makes a business worth building.
Nora Rahimian is an anticapitalist business coach who has helped creatives and entrepreneurs around the world build sustainable, values-aligned businesses while also using their platforms for social impact. She is also founder and CEO of #CultureFix, a global network of creatives who use their platforms for social change, and she produces Den Music Fest, an annual hip hop festival dedicated to giving independent musicians a meaningful platform. Her work is based in the belief that our communities have everything they need to succeed, that art & culture can spark the paradigm shifts to make the world a better place, and that the radical change we imagine is both possible and necessary. In addition to speaking at conferences, universities, and organizations around the world, Nora has been named one of iStandard's Women Who Run The Music Industry, is a UN Alliance of Civilizations Fellow, and was recognized as a Trailblazer by VoyageLA.
As Director of DEI at The George Hull Centre for Children and Families in Etobicoke, Ontario, I am honoured to serve by equipping others with tools that foster awareness and inclusion. I believe that courageous conversations help to create a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Inclusion begins when we choose courage and connection.
Dr. Genene Duran grew up in northeast Denver in the Montbello community and is an alumna of Montbello High School. She holds a Doctorate in Human Services, Master’s in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. In addition, she is also a certified Mediator and has certifications in Public Relations and Public Health. Dr. Duran has subject matter expertise in the fields of healthcare policy, managing federally qualified health centers, human services, community outreach and engagement, health systems change and cultural competence in health care which includes social determinants of health, health disparities and health equity. Dr. Duran is an Affiliate Professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Metropolitan State University working with the Masters of Social Work students to complete their final Capstone thesis projects. In addition, she is the Founder/CEO of her own nonprofit organization Ducks in a Row Human Services Inc.
InvestigatorAma Agyapong, also known as 'That Inclusion Lady,' is theCEO of Inclusion Enterprises. She is a Speaker, MasterFacilitator, certified EEOC investigator, and talented senior-level consultant with 15 years of progressive leadershipexperience in human resources, strategic planning, programdevelopment, employee engagement, and culture changemanagement experience. With an MBA in Global Management,she has implemented functional, inclusive workplace strategiesin partnership with key stakeholders focused on representation,retention, and engagement.
Anne-Marie Pham is a nationally recognized leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), with over 25 years of experience working with diverse communities and workplaces across Canada. Based in Calgary, she currently serves as the Vice-President of Engagement at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), where she mobilizes research, education, and strategic partnerships to drive systemic change.
Anne-Marie holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a BA in Sociology, along with senior HR certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She is a certified administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory and has led many equity and inclusion initiatives for organizations such as Spectra Energy, the City of Calgary, and the Government of Canada.
Irma Goosen is a TEDx speaker, leadership coach, and bestselling author who transforms lived experience into leadership. With a background in engineering and the resilience of building a life across three continents, she brings clarity and heart to spaces where diverse voices often feel unheard or underestimated.
Irma created the CONNECT framework to help emerging leaders—especially youth and professionals navigating cross-cultural environments—communicate with purpose, collaborate across differences, and lead with presence. Her coaching blends real-world structure with the kind of soul-centred insight that drives change from the inside out.
Jared is an established Data and AI Ethicist professionally trained in the field of Information Ethics.
He has written, published, and edited extensively in the field and has collaborated and advised on ethics best practices in technology, information and data use for over a decade. Jared has managed international teams on the creation of AI ethics standards and methodologies.
Jared currently holds the Data & Analytics Ethics Advisor role for the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Funky Banjoko is a trailblazing Councilwoman for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), Fort McMurray, and a seasoned supply chain professional with over three decades of experience. Originally from Nigeria, she earned her degree from the University of Jos and completed her MCIPS certification in England. Funky relocated to Fort McMurray to work as a Senior Buyer for Nexen Energy but quickly became embedded in the community through volunteerism. Inspired by the need for inclusive representation, she boldly ran for Council in 2021, ultimately making history as the first Black elected official in the region—receiving the highest votes among 24 candidates. Since then, she has championed numerous initiatives, including the return of the RESIDE program, the expansion of Highway 63, and the establishment of inclusive services and committees that promote economic and social equity.
Funky’s influence extends beyond politics—she is a faith-driven, single mother of two, an advocate for education, and a dedicated community builder. She actively serves on various boards including United Way Fort McMurray and Ruth House Calgary, and recently launched the Funky Girls Foundation to support education for girls and women in Nigeria. Her leadership has earned her accolades such as the Trailblazer Award and the Remarkable Mother’s Award. As an unapologetic Christian, she led the initiative proclaiming December as Christian Heritage Month in RMWB. Funky’s legacy is one of courage, faith, and impact—empowering youth, single mothers, and people of color to embrace leadership with the belief that “there is a Funky in every child.”
Stacey Saunders is a Leadership Strategist & Business Coach who helps entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners stop drowning in busyness and start leading with clarity, ease, and real results. With over two decades of experience across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Stacey is known for her sharp approach to purposeful productivity, strategic partnerships, and systems that actually breathe.
Through one-on-one coaching, team facilitation, and performance strategy, Stacey empowers high-achievers to feel more productive, accomplished, and calm—without sacrificing their humanity. Her work centers on helping professionals align their leadership with how they truly work best, building efficiency and impact from the inside out.
A dedicated advocate for women and girls, Stacey is an active community builder and volunteer with organizations like 2nd Story, Women Belong, and the Center for Changing Lives. She played a key leadership role in the merger of the Lesbian Community Care Project and Howard Brown Health, advancing LGBTQ+ health equity in Chicago.
Margarita Pinhas is a TEDx speaker, coach, and the founder of the BRIDGE™ Framework, a groundbreaking model designed to help individuals and organizations align skills, leadership, and adaptability for long-term success. With two decades of experience spanning tech, wellness, and leadership development, Margarita brings a unique blend of analytical expertise and heart-centered coaching to her work. She has guided countless professionals and leaders in building resilience, enhancing communication, and embracing innovation in rapidly changing environments. As an internationally recognized expert, she empowers audiences to not only upskill for the future but also to bridge the gap between technical ability and human-centered leadership—unlocking confidence, connection, and workforce success.
Shafana is an engaging community builder, facilitator, and executive leader with extensive public sector and senior leadership experience. A pioneer in advancing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB), she became the first Director of Diversity and Inclusion in the Alberta Public Service. With a CPA, an MBA in Strategic EDIB, and the rare CCIP designation, she blends business acumen with human-centred leadership to help organizations embed inclusive strategies.
Shafana is the Founder and Principal of aKollage Consulting Inc where she brings together a community of consultants with their own niche focus areas and support EDIB, employee engagement and strategy in the workplace. Her portfolio spans public sector, professional associations, oil and gas, and non-profits across Canada, where she is recognized for building cultures of belonging, equity, and organizational success.
Jenna brings over 15 years of experience and education in human services, non-profits, and mental health education.
For more than a decade, they have been a facilitator of impactful learning experiences, guiding teams through complex conversations around equity, inclusion, and well-being. Jenna’s work is grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience as a queer and neurodivergent person. Through trauma-informed facilitation, authentic storytelling, and relationships, Jenna cultivates supportive spaces that promote belonging, resilience, and meaningful change.
Professional Social Worker, Accredited Family Mediator, Clinical Supervisor, School Board Commissioner, Trainer
Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB)
Association de Médiation Familiale du Quebec
Greater Montreal Metropolitan Area
