Dr. Walid Hejazi

Academic Director, Executive Programs, and Professor of International Business, Economic Analysis and Policy, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and Summit Co-Chair,

Dr. Walid Hejazi is Academic Director of Executive Programs and Professor of International Business, Economic Analysis and Policy at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Michael Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship, and member of the Board of Directors of the David & Sharon Johnston Centre for Corporate Governance Innovation. His research focuses on the development of strategies which enhance the ability of companies to compete in domestic and global marketplaces. He has overseen many programs at Rotman which focus on helping newcomers navigate the many challenges faced in integrating into the Canadian labour market.  This is also a theme in his coauthored book entitled Everybody's Business: How to Ensure Canadian Prosperity Through the Twenty-First Century. He teaches in Rotman’s MBA and EMBA, and Custom Executive Programs. He travels extensively and has delivered lectures in over 30 countries.

Dean Susan Christoffersen

Dean, Rotman School of Management,  University of Toronto

Dr. Susan Christoffersen is the Dean at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, the William A. Downe BMO Chair, and a Professor of Finance. From 2015 to 2020, Professor Christoffersen served as Rotman’s Vice-Dean, Undergraduate and Specialized programs. In addition to her work as Vice-Dean, she also founded and contributed to the growth of the TD Management Data Analytics Lab, an important hub of activity for advancing the Rotman School’s research and teaching in the field of data analytics. Susan also served as co-academic director of the lab. Her research focuses on mutual funds and the role of financial institutions in capital markets. She has published in top finance journals and cited in The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Bloomberg News Service, and The Wall Street Journal.

Andrea Barrack

Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Impact, RBC, Royal Bank of Canada

Andrea Barrack is Senior Vice President, Sustainability & Impact at RBC, where she leads ESG strategy, performance, reporting, and global Citizenship and D&I initiatives. She also serves as Executive Director of the RBC Foundation, one of Canada’s largest corporate donors. Previously, Andrea held senior roles at TD Bank, Deloitte, and as CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. She is an Executive in Residence at the Rotman School of Management, where she also teaches in the ESG Certification Program. Andrea holds degrees from the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women (WXN, 2016) and ran as a candidate in the 2022 Ontario provincial election.

Dr. Eirene Seiradaki

Director, Research Partnerships, RBC Borealis

Dr. Eirene Seiradaki heads up Research Partnerships across RBC Borealis’s network of labs. In her role, Eirene develops outreach strategies and drives collaborative research initiatives between RBC Borealis and leading academic institutions worldwide. During her tenure here, Eirene has established partnerships with research institutions, such as the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McGill, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Vector Institute, MILA, Amii, MIT, Washington State University, and more. In addition to research collaborations, her portfolio includes strategic initiatives that support programming in diversity and inclusion, AI for social good, development of new AI talent and more. Eirene launched the Let's SOLVE it undergrad mentorship program in AI and partnered with CIFAR to make it part of its NextGen AI Training Programs under the wing of the Pan-Canadian Artificial intelligence Strategy. Since then, Let’s SOLVE it has been supported by a number of academic institutions.

Eirene holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and an M.A. from Princeton University. Prior to joining RBC Borealis, she did research and taught a wide range of courses at both institutions. Eirene is passionate about meaningful exchanges and partnerships between universities and industry, as a means to more efficiently address the challenges that both sides face.

Samar Mudawi

Senior Research Associate, Diversity Institute, Toronto Metropolitan University

Samar Mudawi is a Senior Research Associate at the Diversity Institute of the Toronto Metropolitan University, where she leads research and program evaluations to advance equity in access and outcomes for equity-deserving groups. Her background blends health and social sciences, with over a decade of experience driving social justice and equity initiatives across the Global South. As an immigrant herself, Samar brings both professional expertise and lived experience navigating Canada's settlement and employment systems. Her current work spans public services, healthcare, employment, and education, where she collaborates with government, nonprofit, and private sector companies to dismantle systemic barriers and build more inclusive pathways for equity-deserving groups. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Department of Imaginary Affairs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity by amplifying the voices, perspectives, and stories of newcomers and youth.

Shamira Madhany

Managing Director, Canada and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services (WES)

Shamira Madhany is Managing Director, Canada and Deputy Executive Director, World Education Services (WES). She joined WES in 2018 after more than two decades of public service. She has extensive experience working with licensing bodies, settlement agencies, and higher education and post-secondary sectors in Ontario. She served as the chief architect of several government programs that enable highly skilled immigrants to obtain employment in their fields. Shamira played a key role in the launch of WES Canada in 2000 during her tenure at the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration as Provincial Lead, Access to Professions and Trades.

Shannon Townsend

Associate Director, Development & Strategic Initiatives at Windmill Microlending

Shannon Townsend is the Associate Director, Development & Strategic Initiatives at Windmill Microlending, where she has worked on both community and funding partnerships to expand access for skilled immigrants looking to restart their careers in Canada. Throughout her career, Shannon has held increasingly senior roles in the nonprofit sector and is passionate about harnessing business tools for social good. Shannon has also competed in CrossFit for over a decade, bringing lessons of focus and discipline from the gym to her professional life.

Zayna Khayat

Adjunct Professor, Health Sector Strategy, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Dr. Zayna Khayat is an adjunct faculty member and Executive in Residence at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, where she teaches in healthcare-focused MBA and executive programs. She is also Health Futurist in Residence with Deloitte Canada, advising organizations and governments on emerging trends shaping healthcare and life sciences. Zayna serves on multiple boards, including as Chair of Nourish, and advises tech and healthcare organizations such as Teladoc Health Canada and Quadrivia AI. She previously led the Health System Innovation platform at MaRS Discovery District and co-authored Future of Aging. Zayna holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology of Diabetes from the University of Toronto and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Windsor. Fluent in French and Arabic, she resides in Toronto with her family.

Rania Llewellyn

Former President and CEO, Laurentian Bank

Ms. Rania Llewellyn became the first woman to lead a major chartered bank in Canada when she was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Laurentian Bank. With almost 30 years of banking experience, Ms. Llewellyn is recognized for her transformational leadership, focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to improving customer experience and shareholder value. Under her leadership, Laurentian Bank surpassed its strategic targets, earning her numerous accolades such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Leader of the Year Award (2023) and a spot on Maclean’s 2022 The Power List. A first-generation Canadian from the Middle East, Ms. Llewellyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from Saint Mary’s University and has received honorary doctorates from Ontario Tech University and Saint Mary’s University. She currently serves on a number of boards including Plan International Canada and Cineplex Inc.

Rola Dagher

Former Global Channel Chief, Dell Technologies, Former President & CEO, Cisco Canada

Leadership is not a title it’s a daily choice to act with purpose, conviction, and courage. Rola Dagher lives by this belief. With over two decades of experience in the technology industry, she has led transformational change, built world-class teams, and championed inclusive leadership at every turn. Dagher returned to Dell Technologies in 2020–2023 as Global Channel Chief after a groundbreaking tenure as President and CEO of Cisco Canada. She previously held senior sales leadership roles at Dell and Bell Canada. Her influence on the global channel ecosystem earned her recognition as one of CRN’s 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs Officers Globally, Channel Influencer, and multiple accolades including CRN’s Women of the Year, Power 100, and Top 100 Executives. A passionate advocate for equity and representation, Dagher has made it her mission to elevate diverse voices. She’s been honored as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™, WXN’s Top 25 Women of Influence™, WCT’s Woman of the Year, and LebNet’s Executive of the Year. She was also recognized by RBC as one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants and honored by the Lebanese Embassy as “Lady of the Cedar.” Her extraordinary journey from a childhood in a war-torn country and from a bomb shelter to boardrooms at the helm of global enterprises has earned her four Honorary Doctorates (LL.D.) from McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2023, Dagher was appointed to the Order of Canada and received the prestigious King Charles III coronation Medal and the Horatio Alger International Award. Beyond the boardroom, Dagher co-founded the BlackNorth Initiative and serves on the advisory boards of Catalyst and the 30% Club. She sits on the Board of Trustees for SickKids Hospital, is a Director of the Horatio Alger Association of Canada, and a council member of the University of Waterloo Dean’s Advisory Council. At the heart of her leadership philosophy is a powerful mantra: “Learn it. Earn it. Return it.” Rola Dagher continues to live this mission empowering the next generation to rise, lead, and make lasting impact.

Stephanie Hodnett

Executive Director, Rotman Executive Education, University of Toronto

Stephanie Hodnett is Executive Director, Executive Programs at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Stephanie oversees the design, development and delivery of all executive development programs at Rotman, including the school’s micro-credentials, which are designed to match employers with recently upskilled talent. 

Stephanie serves as a Director on the board of Palette Skills, home of Upskill Canada, which connects innovative Canadian companies with the talent they need to thrive.  

Sonya Goldman

Senior Director, Employment, Skills Development and Corporate Engagement, Woodgreen Community Services

Sonya Goldman is Sr. Director of Employment, Workforce Development, and Corporate Engagement at WoodGreen Community Services in Toronto. She leads innovative, equity-driven programs that connect jobseekers—including newcomer women—with meaningful employment. With deep experience in program transformation, employer engagement, and inclusive service design, she’s currently overseeing large-scale transitions under Ontario’s Integrated Employment Services model and a new approach to technology-enabled employer engagement. A passionate advocate for systemic change, she works to ensure technology is used to empower, not exclude, those facing barriers to work. Sonya joined WoodGreen in 2019. She has worked in the employment space for almost 15 years – in social service and in vocational assessment settings. In her early career, Sonya worked in the tech sector in Washington, DC. in business analysis, project management and non-profit management roles. She holds an undergraduate degree in Business from George Mason University and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. 

Moya MacKinnon

Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and External Relations, ACHEV

Moya MacKinnon is Senior Vice President, External Relations at Achēv, where she leads New Business Development, Strategic and Corporate Partnerships, and Integrated Communications. With over 30 years in employment, training, and settlement, Moya has driven innovative programs at municipal, provincial, and federal levels, supporting newcomer integration and workforce development. A transformational leader and former Achēv client, she serves on advisory committees and community initiatives, including the Halton Newcomer Strategy Group, Rotary Club of Mississauga, and Lions Club Dog Guide Program. Moya’s expertise and strategic leadership advance equitable opportunities for individuals, youth, and women in the workforce.

Salima Tejani

Senior Manager, Municipal Partnerships, WCG

Salima Tejani is a collaborative and strategic leader with deep experience in community integration, municipal partnerships, and systems change across the public and nonprofit sectors. She has led cross-sector initiatives that expand access to employment, strengthen service coordination, and foster inclusive, community-informed approaches that support equity-deserving populations. Recognized nationally for her leadership in refugee resettlement and newcomer inclusion, Salima is known for her ability to navigate complex systems, bring diverse stakeholders together, and drive meaningful change that advances equity and community well-being. In her current role as Senior Manager Partnerships at WCG, she leads initiatives that strengthen relationships between municipalities and communities, foster social cohesion, and create opportunities for people to thrive.

Dayana Tellez

Senior Research and Evaluation Associate, Future Skills Centre

Dayana Tellez is Senior Research and Evaluation Associate at the Future Skills Centre, where she contributes to research and knowledge mobilization on labor markets and skills development in Canada. She was previously Associate Director of Research and Operations at Innovations for Poverty Action, where she managed the Country Research Program in Colombia. Over her career, she has led multi-stakeholder research initiatives, introduced innovative data collection and evaluation methods, and advanced policies and programs on financial inclusion, migrant integration, women’s economic participation, and training for vulnerable and displaced populations. She has worked across the international development, non-profit, and academic sectors, collaborating with governments, multilateral organizations, and research institutions to strengthen evidence-based decision making.

Cara Wallace

Director, Community Outreach and Workforce Development, Humber Polytechnic 

Cara Wallace is a systems-focused community and workforce development leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity in education, and employment. She currently serves as Director of Community Outreach and Workforce Development at Humber Polytechnic, where she leads large-scale, cross-sector initiatives supporting newcomer, Black, and equity-deserving communities. Cara’s work focuses on building inclusive partnerships, securing public investment for community programs, and shaping strategies that close access gaps and strengthen pathways to opportunity for marginalized groups.

Saadia Muzaffar

Founder, Tech Girls Canada 

Saadia Muzaffar is a tech entrepreneur, author, and advocate for responsible innovation, decent work, and the advancement of immigrant talent in STEM. They are the founder of TGC, a national nonprofit supporting women in STEM, and co-founder of Tech Reset Canada, promoting innovation for the public good. Recognized among Canada 150 Women, as a 2023 Immigrant Woman of Influence, and WCT Woman of the Year 2024, Saadia serves on advisory boards including the University of Guelph’s CARE-AI and has represented Canada at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. Based in Tkaranto (Treaty 13), their pronouns are they/she.

Citlalli Rios

President, Hispanotech

Citlalli is a Mexican-Canadian, trilingual professional in social innovation, business strategy and product management. She is passionate about diversity, equity, women's empowerment, and sustainability. In her current role, Citlalli is promoting AI digital transformation for businesses in Ontario through innovation and collaboration. In addition, she enjoys networking, mentoring, and supporting the immigrant community in Canada through Hispanotech as President, and a few other associations.

Amal Haroon

Programs Manager, Settlement Services and IES Services (Employment Ontario), Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services

Amal is Programs Manager for Settlement and Integrated Employment Services at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services, leading teams and innovative programs for newcomers in Canada. Fluent in Arabic, English, and Italian, she has worked as an accredited interpreter for the UN and Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and supported Syrian refugee resettlement. Amal holds master’s degrees in Conference Interpreting and Gender Studies and is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.