Beyond the Future of the Workforce.

Where he leads and collaborates with a team of outstanding lawyers providing strategic consulting, legal counsel, and representation in complex disputes. He has appeared before all levels of Canadian courts—including the Tax Court of Canada, the Federal Court, and the Supreme Court of Canada—as well as the London Court of International Arbitration.

With over 15 years of experience leading strategic management and change initiatives across corporate, non-profit, and government sectors, I specialize in helping organizations turn ideas into clear, actionable plans. My work focuses on facilitating strategic and business planning, aligning diverse stakeholders around shared goals, and developing time-bound roadmaps supported by accountable, collaborative processes.

Patrick MacKenzie, CEO of the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, has devoted his career to the intersection of people and the economy. For him, immigration is more than a policy area—it’s a pathway to creating a more vibrant, inclusive economy where people and communities flourish. Patrick believes that when individuals succeed, so does society, and he has championed this vision across his work in public service from coast to coast.

Alexa Blain is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Deetken Impact, a Canadian impact asset manager focused on climate finance, women’s empowerment, and impact-driven enterprises across Latin America and the Caribbean. She leads finance, operations, and strategic growth initiatives, working with a multicultural, gender-balanced team that provides both capital and technical assistance to strengthen business models, manage social and environmental risks, and deepen measurable impact. Previously, Alexa held leadership roles at African Alliance and worked with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Macquarie Group. Recognized as one of Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40, she is a CFA Charterholder, Chartered Business Valuator, and holds an MA in Financial Economics from the University of Toronto.

A purpose-driven business leader, she is dedicated to building inclusive and innovation-driven economies. With extensive experience in strategic investment, program management, and sustainable business growth, she champions initiatives that bridge entrepreneurship, technology, and community impact. Her leadership integrates financial strategy with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring measurable value across all sectors she serves. Recognized for her collaborative approach and vision for equitable growth, she continues to mentor emerging leaders and foster partnerships that strengthen the innovation ecosystem. Her commitment to empowering diverse voices and advancing inclusive prosperity defines her as a catalyst for meaningful, systemic change.

George Moen is a lifelong entrepreneur whose passion for building businesses started early. While studying at UBC, he launched his first venture and was so excited about entrepreneurship that he decided to leave school in his final year to pursue it full-time. His first major success was Sandwich Tree, which grew to nearly 100 franchises across Canada before the early 1980s recession hit. Instead of stopping him, that experience pushed him even further. George later helped expand Blenz Coffee to more than 100 locations worldwide as President.

Neelam Sahota, FCPA, FCGA, is a transformational executive leader with over 25 years of experience advancing inclusive growth, innovation, and community impact across British Columbia’s nonprofit, public, and private sectors. As Chief Executive Officer of DIVERSEcity since 2013, she has led the organization through significant growth to become one of the largest employers in the South Fraser region, strengthening its role as a key partner in social and economic development. A strategic leader recognized for building cross-sector partnerships and aligning financial strategy with purpose, Neelam also serves as a Governor on the Board of Simon Fraser University, Co-Chair the Local Immigration Partnership for the municipalities of Surrey and Delta, and as an Advisory Board Director with Rogers Sports and Media’s OMNI Television.

Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy, Anita Huberman is the Board Chair for Western Community College at Surrey's Health & Technology District. She is also an Industry Partnership Director for Northcrest Energy. She was the President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade for 18 years. Anita is a highly visible advocate for Surrey businesses at all levels of government with a demonstrated history of evolving, reinvigorating and transforming communities and organizations.

Former Vancouver City Councillor and Loeb Fellow at Harvard, now leading Tawaw Strategies and teaching at UBC and SFU, advising on transformative public policy.

Canadian Deputy Country Manager at Web Summit and Strategic Growth Consultant, recognized for connecting technology, entrepreneurship, and investment to drive innovation and shape Canada’s tech ecosystem.