2026 KEYNOTE SPEAKER

The Honourable Marci Ien is a former Canadian politician, journalist, and television personality  who has built a remarkable legacy in both public service and media. In 2020, she made the bold  move from broadcasting to politics, becoming the MP of Toronto Centre and later the Minister  for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

Known for her unwavering commitment to equity,  inclusion, and justice, Ien became a powerful force in Canadian politics and a role model to  communities across the country. Throughout her career, she remained grounded in one  powerful principle — great leadership begins with listening. She believes in always learning,  leading with empathy, and creating space for others to rise.

PANELIST

Betty Lepps has served as the Executive Director of Collingwood Neighbourhood House since July 2, 2024. She brings extensive experience in community development and non-profit management, with a career dedicated to integrating diverse systems to support individuals and families, enhance community wellness, and address social challenges. Betty's contributions to various committees focused on systemic change for marginalized populations have been highly praised at municipal, ministerial, community, and national levels. She has collaborated with numerous Indigenous and immigrant communities across Canada and the USA, and the UK delivering family and community-based training in partnership with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and key community members to preserve traditions and protect families. Known for adaptive, collaborative, and courageous leadership, Betty fosters organizational growth and staff development while championing inclusive and thriving communities. 

PANELIST

Cecilia is a member of Lawson Lundell's Corporate Commercial and Technology groups, where she advises clients on business law, intellectual property, and privacy matters.Before joining Lawson Lundell, Cecilia served as lead commercial lawyer for a high-growth company through its rapid scaling and successful IPO, and as Director, Legal at a SaaS company operating in a highly regulated industry. This dual perspective—having navigated both the startup ecosystem and established corporate environments, enables her to deliver commercially pragmatic counsel that aligns legal strategy with business objectives.

In 2025, Cecilia was recognized as Best Lawyers' "One to Watch" and received the Technology Lawyer "Rising Star" Award from the Canadian Association of Technology Lawyers. She currently serves as President of CABL BC and sits on the Board of Directors for CAN-Tech, where she is actively engaged in advancing the interests of intellectual property law and technology law practitioners nationally.

PANELIST

Teniola (Teni)Onabanjo is a Senior Manager in Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at KPMG Canada, where she partners with leaders to retain, develop, and advance underrepresented talent. Drawing from her lived experience as a Black woman, and someone who transitioned from Nigeria to Canada, she brings a practical, human-centred approach to building inclusive workplaces, strengthening sponsorship and mentoring pathways, and embedding equity into talent and culture strategies.

She is also the Founder and CEO of makingTheMove, a career advancement initiative that has supported over 2,000 professionals through coaching, workshops, and networking programs. Teniola has collaborated with organizations including EY, McMaster University, University of Toronto Scarborough, and the Council of Nigerian Professionals, and has spoken to thousands of changemakers globally. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the CNP Catalyst for Change Award and the Black Diamond Award.

MODERATOR

Dr. June Francis (PhD, MBA, LLB) is Director of the Institute for Black and African Diaspora Research and Engagement, Co‑Founder of the SFU Black Caucus, and Professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business. Formerly the Special Advisor to the SFU President on Anti‑Racism, she is also Board Chair of the Hogan’s Alley Society and was appointed Chair of British Columbia’s Anti‑Racism Data Committee.

A nationally and internationally respected scholar, advisor, and advocate, Dr. Francis brings extensive experience across academia, government, entrepreneurship, and civil society. As Co‑Founder of The Co‑Laboratorio (CoLab Advantage Ltd.), she works with public‑ and private‑sector organizations to identify and dismantle structural barriers affecting Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities across workplaces, education, supply chains, and governance systems.

Dr. Francis is an award‑winning professor, frequent public commentator, and recognized trailblazer, and currently serves as the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Vancouver.