Practical & Academic Research Committee:

  • Plays a central role in the development of CERIC’s internal and external research agenda by reviewing materials to determine what research needs to be done in Canada and supporting the development of internal and external stakeholder surveys.
  • Determines and recommends to the Board the most effective way that CERIC can support the growth and development of practical and academic career-related research in Canada and its application.
  • Recommends priorities and guidelines for all practical and academic research efforts.
  • Chooses and recommends a relevant graduate thesis from works submitted through a contest to be considered for publication by CERIC.
  • Finds ways to communicate the fact that CERIC is supportive of career-related research and will lend its support and resources to both practical and academic research for the benefit of all Canadians.
  • Promotes and advocates the need for increased practical and academic research in this field across Canada.
  • Identifies partners to participate in and contribute to research projects.
  • Collaborates with researchers to advance career-related research in Canada.

Committee Members

Magdalena Mot – Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC (Co-chair)

Magdalena Mot is the Senior Manager of Work-Integrated Learning at Capilano University. She was formerly the WIL Co-ordinator at KPU’s Melville School of Business. She is a past recipient of the Presidential Award by the National Career Development Association (NCDA) for her research and work dedicated to career development at an international level (2023). Magdalena is also a Director-at-large on ACE-WIL’s Board of Directors, chairs NCDA’s Global Connections Committee, and is a member of CERIC’s Practical & Academic Research Committee.

Shalini Sharma is an economist with a specialization in urban economics and urban labour markets. At present she provides research consulting on a freelance basis for various NGOs in workforce development. Her background includes the position of Director, Research & Policy at the Canadian Council for Youth Prosperity (CCYP), an erstwhile federal government–funded organization dedicated to youth workforce development and youth well-being under the YES strategy. She has extensive experience dealing with youth career aspirations having taught at the University of Toronto for 18 years.

Élodie Chevallier, PhD, is a researcher and consultant specializing in the topic of the meaningful work. Her research focuses on the causes and processes of loss the meaning of work and their impact on career development. She holds a PhD in education and is an Associate Researcher at the CRIEVAT (Center for Research and Intervention on Education and Working Life) at Laval University, as well as at the CRTD (Center for Research on Work and Development) at CNAM in Paris. Élodie’s commitment extends beyond academia into practical application; she collaborates with institutions and organizations to create environments that foster meaningful careers. Through her consulting work, she applies the results of her research to improve career development practices and address the challenges and opportunities of today’s workforce.

Rebecca Hudson Breen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta, where she is Director of Training for the Counselling Psychology program. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists and a member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association.

Her research centres on career-life development – how paid and unpaid work intersect across multiple life roles, and how relational and sociocultural context shapes the way people experience work. She is currently leading a participatory action research project on hope and climate-aware career development with youth, and collaborating on a national survey of career development professionals on the same question. Earlier work has examined the strategies mother entrepreneurs use in managing multiple life roles, and the intersections of gambling and work life. Drawing on her earlier practice as an addictions clinician, she is also interested in how career-life and addictions recovery intersect.

Rebecca holds a PhD and an MA from the University of Victoria, and a BA and BEd from York University.

Dr. Jeff Landine is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of New Brunswick and a Licensed Psychologist with the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick. He has worked as a counsellor in the public school system, with UNB’s Counselling Services and in private practice for a combined 25 years. His teaching and research interests include employability, self-concept, identity development, career development and career counselling, as well as professional ethics.

Aziz Mimoudi is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Education, Sherbrooke University since September 2020. He is a researcher-member of the International Observatory on the Societal Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technology (OBVIA).

His research topic focuses on the development of skills in training platforms assisted by artificial intelligence.

Since October 2022, he has been a research assistant in the “Global Smart Disruptive Learning” a GSDL/UNESCO project, an intelligent learning system redesigned for all, and research assistant in the Research Institute of Artificial Intelligence in Université TÉLUQ, Canada.

Sofia Seer is a PhD candidate in sociology whose research explores the lived experiences of South Asian and Muslim women in Canada. Using qualitative methods, her work examines how women navigate identity and cultural tensions in the context of multicultural Canada. In her professional role at Food Banks Canada, she supports national research initiatives focused on food insecurity and income inequality. She leads data collection and analysis for HungerCount – Food Banks Canada’s flagship annual census of food bank usage – helping to document and address escalating food insecurity across Canada. Her research at Food Banks Canada also examines the economic pathways available to newcomers. How newcomers navigate employment and economic integration is particularly relevant to highlighting and remedying systemic barriers.

Dr. Vanita Varma is a strategist with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in the non-profit sector in the Greater Toronto Area. As a systems thinker and collaborator, her areas of expertise include strategic visioning and planning, board governance, community engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, and change management. Most recently, she was Director of the Centre for Innovation in Health and Wellness at Humber Polytechnic.

Vanita holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, specializing in leadership and policy with a collaborative specialization in workplace learning and social change. Her current board leadership roles include Board Chair of Crossroads International and a seat on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Her past governance roles include Board Chair and Board of Directors at William Osler Health System, and Board of Directors at Sheridan College. Her community leadership roles include member of the EDI & Community Advisory Council at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine, and mentor with Massey College and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Vanita is passionate about contributing to organizations that are human-centric, impact-oriented and continuously learning to make this world inclusive for all.

Vera Wu has been a career consultant, working with clients who have various capabilities and walk diverse paths of life. Along with counselling training and graduate study, she has a background in adult learning and instructional design. As she has a diverse and non-traditional career path, including a variety of roles in post-secondary, non-profits and public services, she has a passion for supporting people in different life transitions.

Susan Xia is the Manager of Academic Integrity at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, where she provides leadership on the academic integrity strategy and the development of resources for faculty, staff and students. Her past experience includes providing academic and career advising as a Student Success Coach and teaching piano and music theory to students of various ages. Susan is passionate about helping learners grow and succeed in their own journeys.

Susan holds a Master of Management from the University of British Columbia and has a background in music, specializing in piano performance. She has completed a Trauma-Informed Practice micro-credential and a Career Development Practice Certificate.

Ilakkiah Chandran (she/her) is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Medical Science, conducting her research at the Adult Genetic Epilepsy Program at Toronto Western Hospital, where she studies how the clinical features of rare genetic epilepsies evolve with age in adults. Her research interests include health equity, inclusive pedagogy and rare diseases.

As a course instructor and teaching assistant at the undergraduate and graduate levels across departments at the University of Toronto, Ilakkiah approaches teaching and mentorship as a practice of continuous learning and prioritizes professional development and inclusivity. Her teaching and leadership have been recognized with multiple awards across the University of Toronto.

Content & Learning Committee:

  • Provides support to staff on strategic content planning and development across CERIC’s learning streams (e.g. CareerWise/OrientAction websites, webinars, Cannexus conference) by utilizing results from surveys, polls, user feedback as well as other qualitative inputs.
  • Suggests possible leads for content submissions and learning opportunities that are in line with identified content streams or themes and suggest ways they can best be organized and presented in order to be usable and engaging (articles, links, blogs, webinars, social media and other channels) in both English and French.
  • Upon request, provides editorial support by reviewing draft publication content to ensure that the overall tone and quality of material is of a high standard, in line with CERIC’s mission and mandate, engaging and appropriate.
  • Promotes and educates career professionals on the need for, and sharing of information, ongoing learning and professional development across Canada.
  • Provides support and advise to staff in the review of Partnership Proposals, as required.
  • Actively champions and promotes CERIC periodical publications and learning initiatives to colleagues and networks.

Committee Members

Akshay Arora – Fastenal Canada, Surrey, BC (Co-chair)

Akshay Arora works at the intersection of career development, workforce strategy and talent development, bringing experience from both post-secondary education and industry.

As Regional Recruiter at Fastenal Canada, he focuses on talent acquisition, employee development, internal career mobility, training and employee engagement. The move into industry has given him a broader perspective on evolving labour market needs and on the value of stronger connections between employers and educational institutions.

With a background supporting diverse learners and building employer partnerships within Canadian post-secondary institutions, Akshay is passionate about co-designing initiatives that bridge education and industry. His work focuses on creating pathways through curriculum-integrated and experiential learning, industry engagement and accessible career exploration.

A strong advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA), Akshay brings culturally responsive and inclusive practices into career and workforce development. As a former international student, he has lived experience of the challenges people face in career transitions. He contributes to conversations shaping the future of career development through his involvement with CERIC, Private Degree Granting Institutions Association (PDGIA) and the broader career development community.

Michael Ford brings a diverse background to his career development work, teaching and studies. He has more than 40 years’ experience in multiple professions and industries, including communications, health care, the arts, education and international business. Currently, he is the Co-ordinator, Co-op Abroad at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver.

Michael is particularly interested in the shifting dynamics and trends of the workplace and jobs, labour market information, career adaptability, work-life transition and the future of work in times of uncertainty and rapid technological change. He has presented on these topics multiple times at the Cannexus conference.

Michael holds an MA in educational psychology from SFU with a focus on career development and education, along with a BA in communications and a post-baccalaureate in counselling and human development. Previously, he was an instructor in SFU’s Career Development Practitioner Program.

Shereen Ashman is a multi-award-winning cultural innovator in community-based programming and education, and the 2025 recipient of the King Charles Award for service and leadership. For over 15 years, she has advanced the socio-economic standing of communities in Toronto and the Caribbean through workforce, cultural and educational initiatives.

She is the Founding Director of Saccae Social Innovation Studio Inc., a social enterprise rooted in joy and justice work that blends cultural innovation, leadership and immersive learning impacting education and employment sectors. A co-founder of the CEE Centre charity and several collaboratives, Shereen has held senior roles across the non-profit and education sectors, including director of programs and operations, college professor, curriculum developer and consultant.

Known for her expertise in ideation, strategy and community engagement, she designs and delivers experiential trainings at conferences, educational institutions and community organizations on topics including community and social innovation, career development and culturally responsive education.

Nordia Bogle is a dedicated professional with a profound commitment to empowering individuals and fostering positive change within organizations. Currently serving as an Executive Director for a non-profit organization, Nordia plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission forward. Additionally, she excels as a personal brand strategist and executive coach, focusing on empowering immigrant women and service-based professionals to unlock their full potential, embrace their ambitions and confidently step into the next version of themselves.

As an immigrant woman herself, Nordia possesses first-hand understanding of the challenges and uncertainties associated with navigating new territories, cultural practices and professional expectations. Her personal journey has fueled her passion for lifelong learning and development, motivating her to support others in their pursuit of career advancement.

Nordia holds a MEd in administration & leadership and has accumulated expertise in leadership development, strategic planning and change management throughout her career. Nordia aims to foster positive changes within organizations that employ immigrant women by advocating for their access to influential executive roles. Recognizing the unique perspectives and talents that immigrant women bring to the table, Nordia is dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard and their contributions are valued. Through her expertise and compassionate approach, she endeavours to make a lasting impact on the lives and careers of those she serves.

Dinuka Gunaratne is the Director of Career Development and Experiential Learning for Northeastern University. Since 2007, Dinuka has worked at six post-secondary institutions across Canada in student services, fundraising, alumni relations and career development. As a former international student from Sri Lanka and a new immigrant to Canada, he is passionate about supporting immigrants and international students while advocating for system-level change for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and dismantling racism in higher education. He is also a facilitator of Anti-Racism Response Training (ART).

Over the past six years, Dinuka has specialized in supporting the career development of graduate students (Master’s, PhD and Postdoc) and is recognized for his expertise in the field. He holds leadership positions with the Canadian Association of Colleges and University Student Services (CACUSS) Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN) and the Graduate Career Consortium (GCC). A graduate of the University of Guelph, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and is an avid gardener outside of work.

Patrick Hébert is a master's candidate in career counselling. Specializing in the development of individual and organizational potential, he is a facilitator and developer of several programs, notably in leadership and employability. At the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), he draws on this expertise to deliver, develop and promote national career development programs. He has led projects in organizational development, engagement, candidate experience, employer branding and training.

Patrick has been a professional coach since 2021, helping managers overcome professional challenges, and draws on reflective supervision and co-development to enrich practice. As President of the Association québécoise des professionnels du développement de carrière (AQPDDC), he contributes to advancing professional practice and collaboration in the field. His energy as a facilitator creates space for dialogue, shared learning and collective growth.

Brandyn Knight is a certified life and career coach and the founder of Brandyn Knight – Life & Career Coaching. He also leads the Orillia Career Network, a community initiative connecting residents to local career resources. As the Job Coach at The Lighthouse Orillia, he supports individuals facing homelessness in achieving employment goals. Brandyn works as an Operations Supervisor with Canada Post and as a part-time Mail Clerk and Delivery Driver with the Ontario Public Service. He brings a holistic, client-centred approach to personal and career development, emphasizing empowerment, growth and community impact.

Holly Linkert resides in the Region of Waterloo, ON where she is a high school guidance counsellor and co-operative education teacher at Eastwood Collegiate Institute. Through both roles, she is able to help students find their groove, passions and interests as they explore their future pathways in life. She co-coaches the dance groups where she believes that students should expand their minds and explore ways to be creative thinkers. As a leader she chairs the Integrated Arts Program teacher meetings where they plan, organize and manage the IAP program. As a member of the provincial brainstorming team for the new Career Studies curriculum in Ontario (2018), she helped to add financial literacy and updated job application methods to the curriculum.

As a lifelong learner, Holly has created new material and assessments for dance and drama classes that include equity, diversity and inclusion principles and ideas. She has a diverse career background starting as a professional singer/dancer with Jean Ann Ryan Productions (Florida), member of a retail management team for Reebok Canada, a guidance counsellor with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), dance educator with Carousel Dance Centre, and a former volunteer for Ballet Creole (Toronto) and Dance Ontario. She holds a BA Honours history degree from Kings University College at Western University, a post-graduate Career Development Practitioner certificate from Conestoga College, a teaching certificate from D’Youville College (NY), and a jazz/tap teaching diploma from ADAPT.

Romalie Manalang is an enthusiastic educator and career consultant who is experienced in working with youth and adults. It is her passion to assist individuals to achieve their career goals through client-centered conversations, navigation of information and planning. As an educator for many years, Romalie’s teaching philosophy is “teach a man to fish and you will feed him for a lifetime.” Her passion to empower individuals to believe in themselves and their ability to become productive and positive contributors to our society is one of the reasons that gives meaning to her existence. As an immigrant herself, she has a heart for those with diverse and international backgrounds and especially those who experience cultural and language barriers during their career journey. Romalie immigrated to and currently resides in Winnipeg.

Jenny Lee Northey se concentre surtout sur le développement de carrière des étudiants du niveau postsecondaire dans une optique d’équité, de diversité et d’inclusion. Au cours des dix dernières années, elle a travaillé à l’Université Queen’s et à l’Université de New York à Shanghai, où elle a occupé diverses fonctions liées aux affaires étudiantes. Mme Northey possède de l’expérience en éducation et en technologie éducative. Elle a également acquis des connaissances en marketing et en communications en travaillant comme bénévole au sein de divers organismes.

Kristina Tzetzos (CCDP, CPRW) is a career educator and coach intent on empowering others to make career decisions they can stand behind.

A career-changer herself, Kristina moved from K-12 teaching to co-founding an experiential learning edtech company. That entrepreneurial background informs her systems approach to career development, where she centres her work on scalable curriculum innovation and high-impact digital resources. Her perspective is grounded in work across five post-secondary institutions in Canada and the UK, including business schools and work-integrated learning and co-op teams. Having supported learners from first-generation undergraduates to master’s and MBA candidates, she is skilled at conversations about career transitions and articulating value.

An advocate for professional standards, Kristina served as an inaugural committee member and grader for the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARWCC). She is currently completing a Certificate in Organizational Coaching, focusing on non-directive coaching that moves beyond the job search toward sense-making and long-term professional agency.

Tanya Bilsbury is a PhD candidate at Saint Mary's University, where they study vocational psychology. Their dissertation research, which received a CERIC Graduate Student Engagement Program (GSEP) Award, examines whether career education can support undergraduate students' career development, well-being and retention.

Tanya serves on CERIC's Content & Learning Committee and on the Board of Directors of the Career Counsellor Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. They teach Introductory Psychology and the Psychology of Organizational Development, and have built career education into these courses as well as Introduction to Business Management. Recognizing that systemic supports and barriers shape careers, they have also contributed to projects on institutional change toward greater equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.

Advocacy & Community Engagement Committee:

  • Contributes to developing and supporting the implementation of advocacy plans with identified priority audiences, including employers, educators and government, that promote career literacy as well as the social and economic impact of career development as a public good. Informs creation of national advocacy campaigns that elevate the value of a career mindset with constituents and clients.
  • Recommends strategies, either directly or in partnership with other sector leaders, to influence systems change that creates stronger and more equitable and effective programs, practices and policies to advance career development in Canada.
  • Identifies approaches to engage diverse stakeholders in the broader career development ecosystem with CERIC’s work and builds relationships through convenings and other means to address shared issues. Engages networks of influencers as partners in amplifying CERIC messages and supporting its activities.
  • Suggests tools and strategies for community engagement and growth among career development professionals so that they are informed, consulted, involved and empowered and can act as catalysts for change. Initiates and supports cross-sectoral conversations and peer-to-peer networking around career-related issues.
  • Advises on multi-channel public relations, including media, digital and social, to generate exposure and increase awareness of CERIC and other sector leaders as well as the public profile of career development. Guides the dissemination of research and learning that enhances the work of career professionals.
  • Actively champions and promotes CERIC assets to colleagues and networks.

Committee Members

Akosua Alagaratnam – First Work, Toronto, ON (Co-chair)

Akosua Alagaratnam is the Executive Director of First Work. Prior to joining the organization, Akosua worked as a senior public affairs professional, primarily focused on policy affecting marginalized communities and youth. During her tenure with the Provincial Minister of Children and Youth Services, Akosua led the Youth Justice and Youth Opportunity policy and also worked directly with multiple agencies, as well as frontline staff, to advocate for marginalized youth. As a senior policy advisor with the Provincial Minister of Finance, Akosua effectively advised on policy and legislation spanning a diverse portfolio, including labour, children and youth services, community and social services, correctional services, and Indigenous relations. With over six years of experience in government, combined with seven years as the board representative for the Region of Peel Women’s Centre – Interim Place, Akosua is an established driver of effective policy-making, communications, public and government affairs, and community engagement.

Akosua currently sits on the board of the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training, MABELLEarts and GoodWill Industries – The Amity Group.

Sophie Turner is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning 25+ years in innovation, marketing business development, entrepreneurship advising, executive coaching and career coaching. She brings extensive experience in value creation and developing talent within corporate and academic environments. Sophie designs and implements career-focused education and experiential learning initiatives for various working professionals. Her specialty lies in empowering business leaders, entrepreneurs and seasoned storytellers who are ready for disruption. She guides them to reframe their narratives, shape their unique value propositions and innovate their approaches, enabling them to discover new brand value that aligns with their career aspirations and personal visions. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Management in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MMIE) from Queen’s University. Sophie is passionately working towards establishing a new ecosystem to support young adults in their journey towards mental wellness. During the early stages of her design thinking process for new programs or initiatives, Sophie can often be found transforming her dining room window as an ideation whiteboard, covering it with post-it notes.

Sheila Bruce leads a high-performing team dedicated to creating meaningful, industry-aligned career and co-operative education pathways for thousands of students. With more than two decades of experience in post-secondary education, career development and work-integrated learning, she has developed expertise in employer engagement, program innovation and student career readiness.

At Seneca, Sheila has advanced initiatives that strengthen partnerships with industry, enhance employability outcomes, and align workforce preparation with evolving labour market needs. She also serves on the Board of Experiential & Work-Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO), is a committee member of CERIC’s Advocacy & Community Engagement Committee and serves on the Ontario Regional Advisory Board for CACEE, contributing to strategies that shape the future of co-operative education and career development.

Sheila holds a Master of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Education (Educational Leadership) at Western University. Her research focuses on women in leadership within higher education, with a particular interest in transformational practices that advance equity and empower future leaders.

Yvanne Caballero (BBA, CWS, IEWP) is a passionate career development professional with over 10 years of career education and program management experience with a focus on serving youth and young adults. Yvanne finds joy and purpose in empowering others through education, personal development and community involvement so that they can rise to new levels and lead fulfilling and balanced lives.

Currently, Yvanne is a Co–operative Education Co–ordinator with the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba where she provides professional development advice, career coaching and facilitation to support co-op students while working in collaboration with business and community partners. Yvanne currently serves on the board of the Manitoba Association for Career Development (MACD). In 2012, Yvanne was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her contributions in the areas of youth and community engagement, making her one of the youngest in Manitoba to have received this medal. Besides her work in career development, Yvanne is heavily involved in the performing arts as a vocal coach, singer and songwriter, harnessing the power of music to inspire and uplift others.

Amber Costello brings more than 25 years of experience in the employment sector and has served as Director of Employment Services at the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa since January 2020.

She has led teams through periods of significant change, fostering collaboration, innovation and strategic partnerships. Amber is an active member of the Network of Eastern Region Employment Professionals, drawing on and contributing to the knowledge held across Ontario’s Employment Ontario provider network. She has a deep understanding of the barriers people face in finding meaningful employment and a track record of helping clients overcome them at both the individual and systems levels.

Amber has taken part in ministry- and community-led focus groups and in provincial and federal consultations, advocating on behalf of the Employment Ontario network and the organizations she represents. Having worked in both the for-profit and not-for-profit employment sectors, she brings a broad perspective to workforce development.

Fabio Crespin has over 15 years of experience leading inclusive employment and community investment initiatives, focused on creating programs that open doors for individuals facing multiple barriers to the labour market. He brings a unique blend of strategic insight, empathy and collaboration to large-scale projects – whether developing career pathways, promoting financial empowerment or advancing social enterprise models. He has led cross-functional teams, managed diverse community portfolios, and worked across sectors to co-create workforce solutions that deliver lasting impact. Fabio balances big-picture vision with data-driven strategies, while maintaining strong donor relationships and effective governance. Whether designing programs, serving on boards, or supporting risk and compliance analyses, Fabio’s work is centered on driving measurable, meaningful and sustainable change.

Alastair MacFadden is an Assistant Deputy Minister at Prairies Economic Development Canada, the federal agency that ensures businesses and workers are equipped for a durable inclusive and diversified economy. He was formerly the Director of Executive Education at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and Interim Academic Director for the school’s University of Saskatchewan campus. He served previously as Deputy Minister of Immigration and Career Training (2018-2020) and Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour Market Development (2013-18) for the Government of Saskatchewan, and in other roles in government and the non-profit sector.

As a senior official in government, Alastair reconciled labour market agendas for Canadians and newcomers, he negotiated investments in workers and businesses, and he worked to improve the results of labour market activities through collaborative planning with business, labour and others. His time as a senior official saw Saskatchewan rank among the top-performing labour markets in Canada, based on areas like the employment rate of under-represented groups, job tenures and the average period of unemployment. His work with other governments led to the formation of collaborative strategies among immigration officials and labour market officials, including the formation of a national non-profit known as the Labour Market Information Council of Canada.

Adriano Magnifico has taught senior high school English and Career Development for 35 years. He is the creator of the Career Internship Program, a multi-award-winning venture that meshes career development with traditional courses, and which flourishes to this day in high schools. He works or has worked with executive/leadership teams with CERIC, LMIC, the Canadian Cyber Defence Challenge, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Manufacturing and Exporters (CME), and the Brookfield Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He serves as a director on the boards of the Osborne Village Resource Centre and the Canadian Professional Logistics Institute.

Adriano actively volunteers with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics Manitoba, Harvest Manitoba and has coached hockey and baseball in his community for the past 30 years. He is Co-president of the Manitoba Association of Teachers of English and has worked on teams developing summer literacy programs for marginalized elementary students. Adriano publishes articles on career development, writes a regular column for the Winnipeg Free Press Community Review, and has won awards for his short stories, one of which was turned into a short film. He invented the LEAN Career Design Canvas, a big picture personal narrative tool, and shares it with CDPs in Canada and various countries. He hosts the podcast Adventures in Careerland with a team of dedicated high school students. He is happily married to Vicki, has three boys (all moved out!), and two rescue dogs, Maggie and Mighty.

Max Medyk is a TED speaker, innovator and the founder of ImmigrateAI Global. He often collaborates with senior government officials to make policy simpler and more accessible for an audience of more than 400,000 people.

His work has been recognized in Canada’s Parliament, the G20 and the G7. Max believes there is always a market for simplification, whether in policy, AI or business. In his free time, he provides mentorship to newcomers to Canada and to people from underrepresented groups.

Joel Murphy, PhD, is the Director of Futures Research at Acadia Divinity College, Acadia University. His research explores the future of education and work, career development, and the role of community-based organizations in helping people and communities respond to change.

He has a particular interest in how young people can be better supported to pursue meaningful personal, educational and career aspirations in a rapidly changing world. Joel contributes to research and collaborative initiatives in Canada and internationally focused on career development, education, youth success and building more adaptive, future-ready communities.

Jasmeen Sidhu works in artificial intelligence, skills and economic-growth policy. She sits on two national standards drafting teams, one on the responsible use of AI and one on digital-competency and credit recognition. She also authored an independent policy brief on building AI literacy into Canada's skills infrastructure, submitted to three parliamentary committees studying AI and posted to the public record by two. Her recommendations are costed for implementation without new legislation and benchmarked against the EU, UK, Singapore and Australia.

Jasmeen leads partnerships and strategic initiatives at Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL), within a federally funded ecosystem that connects students at more than 180 post-secondary institutions to nearly 49,000 work placements a year. She grew national sponsorship from roughly $20,000 to more than $96,000 in a single quarter, designed a national AI convening that drew more than 1,000 registrants and supervises staff within a small organization.

She holds a doctorate in a machine-learning research field, has co-authored research in a leading international science journal and taught neuroscience for four years, earning four teaching awards. She works in English and has intermediate French (B1-B2), which she is actively strengthening.

Candace Stewart-Smith (she/her) is the Director of the Centre for Experiential and Career Education at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) in the traditional Territory of the Stó:lō Nation. Prior to her time at UFV, she was the Manager of Graduate and Postgraduate Career Education at the University of Waterloo. She has previously worked extensively in the areas of international student support and development, programming for first-generation racialized students, and intercultural education and training at the University of Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier University. Candace holds a MEd in student affairs from Wilfrid Laurier University and MSc and BSc degrees from the University of Guelph.

Mehre Dlir is a Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs candidate at the University of British Columbia, with a background in public policy, public health, research and community engagement. She is a Career Advisor at YWCA BC and a Graduate Policy Project Assistant at UBC, and serves as a committee member with the Public Health Association of BC.

Mehre has previously served as Director of External Relations for the Douglas Students’ Union, Director-at-Large for the BC Federation of Students, a board member at Douglas College and a Regional Field Organizer with the BC NDP. Across Canada and Afghanistan, she has worked to advance community engagement, advocacy and equitable access to opportunities through research, policy and collaborative leadership.