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 Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Deetken Impact, leading climate finance and women's empowerment investments in Latin America and the Caribbean. She oversees finance, operations, and strategy, providing capital and technical support to maximize impact. A CFA and CBV charterholder with an MA in Economics from U of T, she previously held roles at African Alliance, CPPIB, and Macquarie, and was named one of Vancouver's Top 40 Under 40.

Purpose-driven business leader who combines strategic investment and program management to drive inclusive, innovation-led economies. She integrates financial strategy with social and environmental responsibility, fosters emerging talent, and builds partnerships that strengthen the innovation ecosystem—acting as a catalyst for systemic change toward equitable growth.

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.

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.

Neelam Sahota, FCPA, FCGA, is CEO of DIVERSEcity, leading its growth since 2013. With over 25 years of experience in inclusive growth and community impact, she is recognized for building cross-sector partnerships. Neelam has received several honors, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the BC Business Women of the Year Award.

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.