Riaz Sidi

Riaz Sidi is the Founder and CEO of Sidi.io, an award-winning digital marketing firm recognized 3 times as one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Riaz has helped organizations across healthcare, technology, and professional services build predictable growth systems through performance marketing, AI, and automation. Named to Ottawa’s Forty Under 40 and winner of Algonquin College’s Alumni of Distinction Business Award, he is known for combining strategic thinking with execution that drives measurable results.

Beyond his work in business, Riaz is passionate about mentorship, family, and helping others unlock their potential. Through his content and community initiatives, he shares insights on reinvention, leadership, and building with intention. Riaz is proud to support organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ottawa that empower youth to build confidence and shape their futures.

Mandy Gosewich

Mandy Gosewich is a fourth-generation retailer in Ottawa. After decades in the fashion industry, Mandy decided to follow proudly in her family’s footsteps, opening the doors of Stunning! in 2013. Mandy’s warm, larger than life personality and bold approach to style is evident in everything she does. She carefully curates merchandise that is always as unique as her customers. Mandy is a pro at helping women step out of their comfort zone, yet leave her shop feeling more themselves than ever before.  “Feeling stunning comes from the inside. It’s an attitude. But great clothes and accessories help! When you look great, you feel great. It gives me such joy to see women discover their own inner Stunning!

Elva Moles

Elva is a dedicated community leader and active volunteer in Ottawa. As an officer with the Ottawa Valley Filipino Canadian Senior Citizens Association, she is passionate about serving others and creating a positive impact, especially among seniors in the community.

Known for her warm personality, outgoing nature, and signature smile, Elva brings joy and connection wherever she goes. She has a natural gift to uplift others and build meaningful relationships, making her a beloved presence in both community and social settings. In her free time, Elva enjoys baking, cooking, singing, and dancing—sharing her vibrant spirit with family and friends.

Maureen Moles

Maureen is a dedicated Community Nurse with the City of Ottawa, committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in her community. A proud mother of two boys, she brings compassion, resilience, and balance to both her personal and professional life.

In addition to her work in public health, Maureen serves as the Community Manager for 20 York Street Media, where her approachable nature and adaptability allow her to connect effortlessly with people from all walks of life. She is known for fostering authentic relationships and creating supportive environments—whether in healthcare, business, or community settings.

Maureen is a passionate advocate for local businesses and individuals, always seeking opportunities to uplift others and build meaningful connections—personally, socially, and professionally. She is driven by a vision of achieving both time and financial freedom, while helping others grow along the way. Outside of her professional roles, Maureen enjoys traveling, discovering unique thrift finds and embracing life’s simple pleasures.

Marilou Moles

Recipient of the Top 50 Canadian Immigrant Awards 2025 by Costi and Western Union, Marilou Moles has been consistently named as one of Ottawa’s Best Media Personalities by Ottawa Life Magazine for many years in a row.

Marilou Moles is an accomplished Fashion Blogger and Travel Writer and the Founder of Twenty York Street Media (@20ys). A pioneer in blogging and social media, Marilou has made significant contributions to Ottawa’s cultural and immigrant communities.

Marilou has been a key figure in the city’s social media, fashion, arts and culture scene, frequently bridging both worlds, the physical and digital. Marilou has created valuable exposure for artists, designers, musicians and immigrant business owners by amplifying their voices and featuring their work in her platform.

As a well-respected social media influencer and regular TV presenter, her work has consistently showcased diversity and representation in Ottawa, highlighting the intersections between fashion, culture, and music, illustrating howdiverse communities can support and amplify each other. Marilou has been instrumental in helping increase the reach and visibility of many community events and festivals, driving in more ticket sales and much needed sponsorships for immigrant organizations.

Marilou has also been long-servinghost and fashion judge at the annual Richard Robinson Fashion Academy Grande Premiere, Runway for HOPE to benefit CHEO, the Annual AMTI’s Showcase, a fashion show dedicated to provide opportunities to young and BIPOCdesigners, models and actors.

Marilou has won numerous awards and accolades such as the Community Builder Award, presented by MP Paul Dewar at the House of Commons and numerous Employee Excellence Awards from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) including the Assistant Deputy Minister Award’s “ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AWARD” in her efforts to settle 40,000 Afghan nationals safely in Canada, after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

Julie Findlay

Julie Findlay is a Canadian content creator, community builder, the voice behind Mom in the Know and host of Ottawa in the Know.

Known for her relatable storytelling and upbeat personality, Julie has built a platform that connects people to the best of local life. She is deeply passionate about fostering connection and belonging, using her voice to spotlight small businesses, local events, and meaningful causes. Through her work, Julie brings awareness to important community initiatives, encouraging her audience to get involved, give back, and support the people and organizations that make their city thrive.

Above all, she is a proud mom who understands the realities of family life and uses her platform to inspire, inform, and uplift others in meaningful and practical ways. She has become a trusted, go-to resource for discovering Ottawa’s hidden gems while inspiring a stronger, more connected community.

Solange Tuyishime Keita

Solange Tuyishime Keita is a humanitarian leader, entrepreneur, and global advocate dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and building a more equitable world. She is the President and CEO of Elevate International, Co-Founder of Naylah’s Legacy, and a UNICEF Canada Ambassador. Through her leadership and partnerships, she has helped raise over $3.6 million to support women, children, and newborn health worldwide.

A survivor of conflict and genocide, Solange has transformed adversity into purpose, leading initiatives that have impacted more than 2.3 million women and children globally. Her work focuses on advancing gender equity, girls’ education, leadership development, and access to clean water.

She is the recipient of numerous distinctions, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Business Woman of the Year, the Order of Ottawa, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

On the global stage, Solange made history at Miss Universe as one of the first women over 40 to advance to the finals, redefining representation and leadership for women worldwide.

Across every platform, she uses her voice to unite, empower, and elevate others—reminding us that when leaders rise with purpose, humanity rises with them.

Melissa Reeves

Melissa Reeves is the COO of Linebox Studio, an award-winning architecture firm in Ottawa. After a decade on Bay Street and a rewarding stint in Marketing at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Melissa followed her entrepreneurial instincts and helped scale Linebox into a nationally recognized firm serving clients like Shopify, Klipfolio and Element AI.

A passionate advocate for women in business, Melissa mentors young professional women and serves as Chair of the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation. She is a proud recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award.

Outside the boardroom, Melissa’s love of fashion, athletics and live music keeps life vibrant — as does travelling with her husband Andrew and daughters Chloe and Ashlyn. Trilingual in English, French, and Portuguese, she brings warmth and curiosity to everything she does.

Melissa is thrilled to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and the incredible difference mentorship makes in young lives.

Duane Francis

Duane Francis is a Portfolio Manager and Branch Owner with Capital Wealth Partners – Mandeville Private Client Inc. in Ottawa. Through Mandeville, he provides clients with comprehensive financial planning and wealth creation and preservation strategies across a broad range of investment options, including both public and private securities.

Duane is a respected source of financial advice in Ottawa and across Canada. He holds several industry designations, including Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute, one of the highest honours in financial services. In 2010, he was named one of Ottawa’s Top Forty Under Forty for business excellence and community involvement.

Outside of work, Duane and his wife Julie stay busy with their three sons—Connor, Cole, and Carson—who all love sports. Duane also enjoys sports and music and is the co-founder of the “Let’s Take a Swing at Cancer” annual golf tournament supporting the Ottawa Cancer Foundation.

Tara Shannon

Tara Shannon is a Canadian singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering creative communities. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has built a reputation as both a respected recording artist and a champion for the business and wellbeing of music creators.

Tara is the founder of Willow Sound Records where she supports artists in developing sustainable careers grounded in creativity, resilience, and balance. She is also the author of YOU and the Music Business, a guide helping creatives navigate the modern music industry while staying connected to their purpose.

A passionate educator and speaker, Tara frequently speaks on stages across North America. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Ottawa Festival Network and is a founding member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition.

Tara has just released her seventh studio album, Cover Story, produced by legendary producer Jim Ed Norman.

Claire Hafner

Claire Hafner is a public affairs leader, opera singer, and nationally ranked professional boxer whose career has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and service. As Director of Public Affairs at the Alzheimer Society of Canada, she leads national advocacy and awareness efforts for those living with dementia.

A passionate mentor and longtime supporter of BBBSO, Claire believes deeply in creating opportunities for others to grow and lead.

Colin Mills

Colin Mills is the Program Coordinator and Professor of Music Business in the Music Industry Arts Diploma Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada. Over a long career in the music industry, he has held executive roles in audio production, media manufacturing, and private music education, while also promoting and managing Canadian artists.

In 2021, Colin received the Victor Tolgesy Arts Award from the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa Arts Council in recognition of his contributions to the city’s cultural life.

At Algonquin College, he serves on several committees and remains deeply involved in the broader music community. A founding board member of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition (OMIC), he served as Treasurer from 2015 to 2019, Secretary from 2020 to 2024, and is currently President of the Board of Directors.

A lifelong musician, Colin continues to perform and record with numerous Canadian artists.

Christine Crump

Christine Crump is the President, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa.

She has held progressive leadership roles in the casino industry in Ontario over the last 26 years. She moved to Ottawa in late 2023 to ‘join the band’ to lead the launch of the “Hard Rock” brand in our nation’s capital.

Christine has served on various charitable boards in the GTA and is currently a member of the Ontario Chapter Advisory Board for Make a Wish Canada.

Christine is the past recipient of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, Businessperson of the year (2023) and the Enterprise Leader of the Year (2025) at the Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Christine lives an active, health-conscious lifestyle with her two children.

Sonya Shorey

Sonya Shorey is President and CEO of Invest Ottawa and Co-Founder of SheBoot, with more than 25 years of leadership experience across Canada’s innovation economy. An award-winning executive, she has spearheaded over $300+ million in public-private funding to accelerate entrepreneurs and scale-ups in Canada’s Capital and beyond.

Previously Invest Ottawa’s Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Communications, Sonya helped launch transformative initiatives including the Women Founders and Owners Strategy, the Pan-Ontario ScaleUp Platform, Bayview Yards innovation hub, and Area X.O, a $54 million R&D complex for next-generation technologies.

Through SheBoot, she has helped catalyze more than $50 million in follow-on investment for women tech founders since 2021. A Carleton University graduate and former technology sector leader, Sonya also serves on several mission-driven boards and is a passionate champion for inclusive innovation and economic empowerment.

Sam Laprade

Sam loves to connect people! As an award-winning radio broadcaster, author and professional fundraiser Sam works closely with the community to give a voice to new ideas, tough topics, and philanthropy.

Sam’s extensive experience, for over three decades, in media, fundraising and municipal politics has created an impressive network of community and business leaders.

Over a 35-year period Ms. Laprade has raised money for important charities in her community such as: The Ottawa Hospital Foundation and the Ottawa Mission Foundation.

Combining her love of philanthropy and talents as a broadcaster, Sam created and hosts of “An Hour to Give” on Rogers tv Ottawa and Country 101.1. The show highlights volunteerism and philanthropy.

Sam is an engaging, inspiring international speaker who takes audiences on a journey during her presentations. From emotional issues to stand-up comedy, she leaves them on their feet cheering.

Simran Kochar

Simran Kochar is the Business Development & Flooring Division Manager at Stone Design Concepts, where she oversees builder client contracts and coordinates ceramic and flooring solutions for residential projects. With over seven years in the flooring industry and a background in both restaurant and real estate sectors, she brings a dynamic and solution-focused approach to her work. Known for her organization, integrity, and collaborative style, Simran is passionate about excelling in a traditionally male-dominated industry while building strong, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.

Beyond her professional role, Simran embraces creativity and self-expression. She has a love for bold colour, fun fashion, and discovering new trends, often viewing style as another way to celebrate individuality and confidence. When she’s not working, Simran enjoys travelling, cooking, and spending quality time with her husband and three children—always with an eye out for great food, inspiring places, and fabulous outfits.

Sueling Ching

Sueling Ching is the President and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade.
She is a dedicated community builder with a passion for innovation and business advocacy. Sueling’s connection to the Ottawa business community began in 2016, when she took on the role of CEO at the West Ottawa Board of Trade. In this position, she played a pivotal role in the consolidation of three local chambers of commerce, resulting in the creation of the Ottawa Board of Trade, a unified and influential voice for businesses across the city.

With more than twenty years of experience in business, leadership, and community development, Sueling has held a variety of key roles, including CEO of the YMCA of Brockville and Area, and CEO of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

A committed community advocate, Sueling has supported numerous volunteer and charitable initiatives, including 100 Women Who Care, Make-A-Wish, Rotary International, and The Royal Ottawa Foundation. More recently, she pursued her passion for entrepreneurship by launching a consulting firm focused on women’s leadership, community development, and personal wellness.

Soula Burrell

Soula Burrell is an energetic, community‑focused presence who brings enthusiasm, warmth, and intention into every space she enters.

She’s known for her ability to lift others up, create genuine connections, and move projects forward with a mix of passion and grounded purpose. Soula thrives on being engaged and responsive, always showing up with her full, authentic self. Her commitment to supporting others is felt not just in her actions but in the way she communicates.

Her work is all about helping businesses grow. People are at the heart of her journey.

✨ Did you know? Soula is famously quick to respond; she often answers emails within five minutes, a reflection of her drive, reliability, and dedication to staying connected.

Jennifer Stewart

As President and Founder of Syntax Strategic, Jennifer is a leader in the strategic communications sector. She works with several clients in the public and private sectors, advising them on their communications strategies and associated business impact. Renowned as an expert in her field, Jennifer is often called upon by national media on communications-related topics.

Jennifer has twice been named one of the ‘Top 25 People in the Capital’ by Ottawa Life Magazine, one of Ottawa’s ‘Top 40 under Forty’ by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and she was also a finalist for Ottawa’s ‘Female Entrepreneur of the Year.’

Jennifer is co-host and co-founder of The Honest Talk, Canada’s fastest growing community for women and podcast featuring open discussions with notable women.

John Brooman

John Brooman – CEO & President, Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival
Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival CEO and President John Brooman is an Ottawa-born event producer and community builder with more than three decades of experience delivering large-scale festivals, corporate events, and fundraising initiatives across North America.
A graduate of Carleton University, John’s early years were shaped by international travel and competitive sailing—experiences that sparked a lifelong passion for adventure, teamwork, and global perspective.

John spent eight years in Vancouver working on major international events including the International AIDS Conference, the Around Alone, Warren Miller Entertainment, and Pacific Promotions. He later moved to San Francisco where he managed special events throughout Silicon Valley before launching his own event production company, which he successfully sold in 2003. Over the course of his career, John has helped lead fundraising initiatives generating more than $5 million for charitable causes.

After returning to Ottawa in 2003, John took the helm of the Tim Hortons Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and its charitable foundation. Under his leadership, the event has grown into the largest dragon boat festival in North America and Ottawa’s largest festival-based fundraiser for local charities, combining world-class sport, entertainment, and philanthropy.

Outside of his professional work, John remains deeply connected to the outdoors and the water. A competitive sailor in Olympic-class boats, he is also an avid skier, snowboarder, and mountain and road cyclist. Whether on the water, in the woods, or in the community, John continues to pursue the same spirit of adventure and connection that first shaped his career.

Jenny Chen

Jenny Chen is the Founder and CEO of Catalais Consulting Ltd., where she helps organizations intentionally design cultures of belonging through practical, human-centered strategies. She built an award-winning 16-year career in corporate finance before making a bold pivot from investment sales into people leadership, serving as a senior Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader and later as Director of Inclusive Business Enablement at a global wealth management firm.

Jenny is also the host of the Tune Up Your Warrior podcast, where she features leaders and changemakers challenging legacy systems and redefining inclusive leadership. A sought-after thought leader on entrepreneurship, equity, and transformational systems change, Jenny is known for turning research and lived experience into simple, actionable strategies that create meaningful cultural impact.