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Accelerate 2024 is presented by:
Based in British Columbia, Canada, Propero Learning Systems is an education aggregator specializing in accelerating learning through customized, curated courses and micro-credentials. Propero’s relationships with industry associations, economic development agencies, and post-secondary organizations is growing across Canada and internationally.
Propero utilizes partnerships to assist in meeting the demands of the skills-based economy by ensuring that learner competencies are aligned with the needs of employers and place those who successfully complete learning in a better position for a career advancement or new job.
Visit propero.ca to learn more
© 2024 Propero Learning Systems, Inc
Dr. Mike Kennefick has a PhD in Neuroscience from UBC, where he studied the effects of movement complexity on brain output. Mike now works as a Senior Advisor in
Business Development with Mitacs. In this role, he works closely with stakeholders at various academic institutions to fully understand the needs of the researchers and students. Further, he strives to find industry collaborations and identify the best programs to leverage research opportunities with for- and not-for-profit organizations throughout Canada. His work with Mitacs is a natural extension to his postdoctoral training in behaviour change, integrated knowledge translation and the evidence-based creation of principles and strategies for research partnerships with marginalized populations.
As the Manager of Instructional Technology and E-Learning at SkillPlan, Graham leads an instructional design team that specializes in creating user-centered learning experiences that foster engagement and promote effective knowledge retention. Graham’s team’s iterative development process enhances collaboration with stakeholders and allows for continuous improvement and refinement of content to meet both learner and organizational needs. Graham takes joy in developing transformative training solutions that empower skilled trades professionals in the construction industry to excel in their personal and professional journeys as well as equip trainers and facilitators to better support those individuals.
Dave is the Co-Founder and VP of Experiential Learning at Riipen. He has over 15 years of entrepreneurship, business development, and leadership experience. At Riipen, Dave focuses on promoting the vast benefits of project-based experiential learning and works closely with academic and industry partners to drive scalable experiential learning opportunities.
Dave and the Riipen team have built the world’s most vibrant ecosystem of project-based experiential learning opportunities. Currently, the Riipen marketplace has over 680 post-secondary schools and 41,000+ employers who have come together to deliver more than 242,000 real-world learner experiences.
Mark Patterson is a renowned leader in workforce development and innovation, currently steering the social innovation initiative and technology accelerator, Magnet, at Toronto Metropolitan University.
With a vision deeply rooted in fostering inclusive economic growth, Mark has been instrumental in leveraging technology to bridge gaps between talent and employers across Canada. His expertise spans across developing collaborative platforms that empower individuals in their career progression while enabling industries to flourish with skilled professionals.
At Accelerate 2024, Mark will share his insights on “Navigating Tomorrow: Embracing New Skills and Approaches,” focusing on the critical intersection of technology, education, and the evolving job market. His work exemplifies a commitment to creating pathways for success in the digital age, making him a pivotal voice in the conversation about the future of work.
Dr. Curtis Clarke is a public policy expert with experience in change leadership and operational skills developed through executive portfolios in the Alberta Public Service. Former Alberta Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, Deputy Minister of Education (K-12), and Associate Deputy Solicitor General. Former professor at Athabasca University, an innovator in online education.
Emilie de Rosenroll is the Chief Growth Officer of Atreides, a Canada-US-UK data analytics company that transforms big data into strategic intelligence by generating actionable geospatial insights. Prior to co-founding Atreides, Emilie has had nearly two decades of founding and scaling innovative public-private partnerships.
As a social entrepreneur, she launched and grew Victoria’s economic development agency (SIPP) and the Center of Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST). Before that, she consulted as the lead architect to the Government of Nova Scotia on restructuring and launching six new economic development organizations.
Emilie holds her ICD.D and is currently the Chair of InnovateBC, a Crown Corporation dedicated to making BC the best place in Canada to build and scale innovation from the idea to growth stage. She is trilingual, holds two passports, has two awesome kids, and extensive international experience.
Emilie has served on multiple boards and received many awards, including the 2020 Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 award, a Woman of Influence western finalist for the 2022 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards, and the Victoria Community Leadership Award for Belonging and Engagement (2022).
In her four years at Canada West Foundation, (CWF) Stephany has provided research and analysis in workforce development and deployment and has championed a competency-based approach to both. Having previously worked in policy and administration within government and post-secondary in areas related to skills development, trade, technology, tourism, governance, and electoral administration, Stephany brings a specific understanding on how public policy is formed at the highest levels of provincial government and executive offices.
Stephany has just completed graduate studies at Athabasca University in the Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies program with a focus on work, organization, and leadership.
A visionary, thought leader, Tracy is known for her success in developing and driving corporate culture, collaboration, and strategy. She is well versed in the art of leadership, communication, and change management.
Tracy joined CSAE as President & CEO, in July 2017. Prior to joining CSAE, she held senior positions for numerous leading brands both in the private and non-profit sectors including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, MasterCard International, Kinark Child & Family Services, and The Arthritis Society. A small stint in politics, Tracy was elected to Whitby Town Council in 2010 as North Ward Councillor. She continues to be an active volunteer and community leader.
Suzanne is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister of Labour and Workforce Strategies within the Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade. She is committed to her role as part of the larger effort in ensuring fair and safe workplaces across Alberta and continuing to build a skilled successful workforce. Suzanne has over twenty-five years of experience in public service which has included delivery of services, legislation review, corporate services, and policy development. In her current role, she appreciates the need to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders in Alberta and across Canada to achieve better outcomes for the workforce.
Norman Napoleon is a Member of the Saulteau First Nations in Northern British Columbia and currently works on North Vancouver Island for K’awat’si Economic Development Corporation, the economic arm serving members of the Gwa-sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation. They are tasked with creating, operating and supporting businesses that will be profitable, environmentally sustainable and culturally significant, respecting the unique cultural values of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw people.
Norman has served on Council for his community, has worked for Government and the private sector, and feels that no matter the role his goal was the same to help improve the communities he served. Being raised he was always told “leave the place better than you found it”, usually referring to camping areas but he believes that is similar for life and his goal is to leave each community better then when he first arrived.
Hamoon Ekhtiari is the CEO of FutureFit AI, where he leverages AI and data to enhance pathways between talent, skills, and opportunities. FutureFit AI’s AI-driven solutions assist governments, labour agencies, and enterprises in supporting diverse workers through career planning, reskilling, and job placement. Hamoon’s work has been recognised by the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Review, and various governments. Previously, he served as Director of Strategy and Innovation for a $30B telecom company and founded a leadership academy at a major urban innovation hub. He is also a member of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, an AdR Fellow at the University of Cambridge, and a recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Alumni Achievement Medal.
Crystal Haddad has been with LinkedIn for over two years, specializing in the higher education sector. She partners with institutions across Canada to bridge the skills gap and connect them with top talent in the workforce. Crystal is dedicated to fostering connections that drive growth and innovation in education and the job market. Her work is instrumental in helping educational institutions adapt to the evolving demands of the workforce.
As President of Invest Vancouver, Jacquie Griffiths leads the regional economic development leadership service for Metro Vancouver. Her focus is on attracting strategic investment to Metro Vancouver, fostering region-wide collaboration, and propelling the economic growth needed for regional prosperity.
Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia as well as a Master of Arts. She holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR).
After a decade as Director of Skills, Innovation and Productivity, at the Canada West Foundation, Janet Lane has stepped into the role of Senior Fellow. She continues to champion the development of a skilled and productive workforce able to fulfill the potential of the West’s — and by extension, Canada’s — economy. As the demands on the workforce evolve, her work focuses on the need for people to understand and build the competencies required for new jobs and changing work environments.
Janet is a subject matter expert in literacy and essential skills development and in leading programs and organizations in the literacy field. Janet has advised and led projects involving sponsors and stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. Previously, she built a successful career in financial services. Her education, experience and proven track record as a thought leader in her field contribute to her ability to connect human development with the skills and competencies that western Canadians need to thrive in today’s economy.
An active educator, scholar, and practitioner, Dr. David J. Finch specializes in workforce development and performance management. He currently sits on the Government of Alberta’s Minister’s Council for Higher Education and Skills and is the board chair of the LearningCITY Collective. Dr. Finch also holds several academic appointments, including Professor and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Community Prosperity, Mount Royal University, Visiting Fellow at the Henley Business School at the University of Reading (UK), and the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph. Before academia, Dr. Finch held progressively senior corporate strategy roles in Canada and abroad.
Recently appointed as Acting Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, Carmen Baldwin-Déry has served in various executive and assistant deputy minister roles in Advanced Education since joining the Alberta Public Service in 2009. Her experience crosses a wide range of policy, program, corporate and service delivery functions. Prior to joining government, she held roles in three different faculties at the University of Alberta.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Carmen has completed an executive leadership program at the University of Toronto and holds a change management practitioner certification.
As Chief Workforce & Labour Market Advisor and Director of Business Intelligence, Jason Dennison is responsible for advising Fleming College on emerging career opportunities and labour market trends to support program development and program mix analysis.
Since 2014, Jason has been involved in numerous initiatives related to the transformation of Ontario’s employment and training & education sectors – with particular emphasis on reconfiguring labour market information collection, analysis, dissemination, and usage. Jason lives in Buckhorn, Ontario with his favourite people, Betty, and Casey.
Dr. Lisa Kalynchuk is a neuroscientist and Vice President Research and Innovation at the University of Victoria. She holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Alberta, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Behavioural Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia. As a researcher, Dr. Kalynchuk is known internationally for her work on the effect of chronic stress on the brain and behavior, the neurobiology of depression, and the development of biomarkers for mental health disorders. She is a passionate leader and advocate for talent development and graduate student training, and is leading and implementing an ambitious and inclusive vision for UVic’s rapidly growing research and innovation enterprise.
Rhonda Fernandes is the Director General of the Youth and Skills Innovation Directorate, in the Skills and Employment Branch, at Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). She leads a passionate and dedicated team responsible for policies and programs that support Canadian workers through different workplace transitions. This includes labour market entry, with a focus on youth at risk of being left out; school to work transitions; changes in jobs to emerging and growth areas; and skills development for the future of work.
Rhonda is also the Departmental Champion for the Women’s Network, an employee-led network – by and for ESDC women – open to all women and their allies who share a common goal of a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Ian Chisholm — Chiz, to those who know him — is the cofounder and principal of Roy Group. Since 2004, Roy Group has been guiding leaders to raise their game, and equipping mentors to lead the way in an increasingly complex world. His book, Mentor’s Way offers original research, some strong convictions, and a clear set of practices to help leaders step into the role of mentorship in meaningful ways. Originally from Saskatchewan, Chiz has worked across continents and cultures and is happy to call Vancouver Island home.
Chris Bone is an Associate Professor with the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria. Chris’ teaching and research focus on data science approaches for climate solutions. He is currently developing microcredential and diploma programs at UVic focused on upskilling professionals in the collection, use, and communication of complex data for developing climate change adaptation strategies.
Tracy Luca-Huger is the Executive Director at Mentor Canada, a national not for profit dedicated to convening across sectors to build and advance the field of mentoring in Canada. She holds an MA in Counselling Psychology from Gonzaga University, is a Certified Canadian Counsellor, has held executive leadership roles in the social impact and charitable sectors and has been a consultant to mentoring programs and organizations across Canada.
Leading Mentor Canada, Tracy is passionate about creating meaningful connections, building strong, effective strategic alignments and solutions to tackle barriers to quality mentoring opportunities for Canadians and young people across this country. By working alongside governments, the private sector, schools, and community organizations at local, provincial, and national levels Mentor Canada is scaling and accelerating world-class mentoring in Canada. Tracy and her team are focused on addressing the Mentoring Gap and supporting the advancement of quality mentoring, removing barriers to mentoring opportunities that embrace and meaningfully engage equity deserving youth through a thriving mentoring field in Canada.
Dr. Neil Fassina became Okanagan College’s President in April 2021, drawn to the institution for its reputation for transforming lives and communities.
Fassina holds a PhD in Management from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto, a BSc in Psychology from the University of Calgary and is a chartered professional in human resources (CPHR), and a chartered director through the Institute of Chartered Directors (ICD.D). As an active researcher, he has authored or co-authored a number of refereed articles, a Canadian Human Resource Management text, and pursues research interests in negotiations, applied decision making, and the role of education in shaping societies.
Tyler Waye is a work and leadership strategist, investigating the patterns of success that shape our lives and organizations. He recently completed a research journey around the world, living in 12 countries to explore influences into the future of work. He now drives to create positive change across numerous projects by bringing world leading lessons to life, drawing from practice, research, and everyday people.
Of late, Tyler’s focus has included launching Mindset App and working as Managing Partner for Motiversity, YouTube’s largest motivational media company. Tyler authored the ground-breaking book “I Went to School That Long for This?!,” is an executive education instructor with numerous post-secondaries and was named Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine.
Val Walker leads the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER), a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that brings together some of Canada’s largest companies and leading post-secondary institutions. As CEO, Val drives BHER’s strategic direction, member and stakeholder relations, and a high-performing team committed to creating opportunity through collaboration in Canada’s skills, talent, and innovation ecosystems.
Val was inaugural co-chair of the Future Skills Council, a group established by the Government of Canada to advise on national and regional skills development and training priorities. She has also served as a member of the Guiding Coalition to the Government of Alberta’s Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs initiative and of Employment and Social Development Canada’s Advisory Committee on Learning.
Don Wright has decades of experience in diverse roles spanning the BC government, private sector, and academia. He is a sought-after public policy expert who brings an unmatched perspective and insight into the Canadian policy, economic, and political landscape.
Don served as B.C.’s Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service until late 2020. His public sector experience includes key positions in the Saskatchewan and British Columbia governments as Secretary to Treasury Board and as Deputy Minister across a number of ministries including forests, trade and investment, and education. He has also held several senior positions in academia and the private sector, notably as President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), President and CEO of Central 1 Credit Union, and Vice-President of Forestry, Environment and Corporate Affairs with Weldwood of Canada.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a Masters in Economics from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD in Economics from Harvard University. He currently sits as a Fellow with the Public Policy Forum of Canada and is a Senior Fellow of the C.D. Howe Institute.
Pari Johnston serves as the 8th President and CEO of Colleges and Institutes Canada. A dynamic senior executive with 25 years of experience driving the transformative impact of Canada’s skills, research, and innovation ecosystem for the benefit of Canadians, she is a recognized national postsecondary leader who builds strong and healthy organizational cultures while delivering results.
At CICan, Pari is leading the national association in advocating, building capacity, and driving knowledge to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. Her strategic vision positions the sector to contribute to Canada’s long-term agenda and ensures colleges and institutes are recognized as key partners in meeting our country’s biggest public policy challenges.
Darian is the Metis founder of Vancouver based PR, digital ads & SEO company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and digital marketing school, Jelly Academy. He is the host of the podcast Marketing News Canada, Chairs the Digital Marketing Sector Council and is on the board of NPower Canada. His recent book Marketing Mentors featuring interviews with Seth Godin, Guy Kawasaki and marketing leads from LEGO, Lululemon and Starbucks is available now wherever you purchase your books.
Darian lives in Fort Langley, BC with his wife and four children and likes to mountain bike, swim, grow dahlias and watercolour and read YA novels in his free time.
Amrit Ahluwalia is currently the Executive Director of Western Continuing Studies at Western University. Amrit has made his mark in the continuing higher education field, most recently holding two roles: editor-in-chief of The EvoLLLution, a leading North American digital publication focused on non-traditional, continuing and workforce education; and senior director for marketing and strategic insights at Modern Campus, an educational technology company serving colleges and universities.
Since launching The EvoLLLution, Ahluwalia has become one of the industry’s leading experts on continuing and professional education. He’s authored numerous chapters, research papers and whitepapers on the evolving role of continuing studies divisions in supporting their communities and local industries.
Jeff Melanson is an owner, entrepreneur and advisor with extensive global experience in strategy and innovation across regions and sectors. He is a Strategic Partner for Unity Technologies and Advisor at Lansberg Gersick Advisors (an advisory and educational partner to the world’s leading family enterprises).
Jeff is known for his inventive approach to meeting disruptive innovation with bold strategy and practical vision. Lauded internationally for his creative entrepreneurship approach to leadership, he has proven methods for finding hidden talent and opportunity within an organization, from out-of-the-box strategic and financial growth opportunities for organizations to finding the dynamic growth potential that traditional business practice overlook.
Dr. Nolan Beise has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Toronto, where he studied molecular mechanisms related to the transmission of electrical signals in the brain. Nolan then joined Mitacs as a Business Developer and then Senior Advisor, where he has facilitated academic-industry research projects worth over $60M over the last decade. Nolan is also an entrepreneur, who has founded two companies that bring neuroscience research tools outside of the research labs to benefit society. Nolan’s first company, SUVA, built software tools to facilitate neuroscience academic research at scale. Nolan’s second, and current company, Circl, focuses on measuring brainwaves related to early dementia detection.
Charlene Marion is the Executive Director for Co-operative Education and Work-integrated Learning (CEWIL) Canada. She has more than a decade of experience in higher education including experiential education, co-operative education, academic advising, and student recruitment. Charlene is currently responsible for over $65M in work-integrated learning funding from the Government of Canada’s I-WIL initiative and leads an amazing staff team of thirteen across the country. In her spare time, she is researching impact of government funding on students and host organization. She also runs a mini basketball program for girls and non-binary youth.
Andrea Giles is the Executive Director of the Co-operative Education Program and Career Services at the University of Victoria and has been involved in co-operative and work-integrated education for more than 30 years. Nationally, Andrea currently serves on the CEWIL Accreditation Council as well as serving on the CEWIL Board’s Government and Employers Relations Committee and the National Statistics Committee. Provincially, Andrea serves on BC’s Work Integrated Learning Council (BCWILC) and oversees the BC Co-op Database for the Province of British Columbia. Internationally, Andrea serves as a Global Director for the World Association for Co-operative Education.
Rich Louttet is eCampusOntario’s Micro-credentials Program Manager. Education start-ups have been the focus of Rich’s career, launching new departments, programs, and learning products to address labour market priorities for more than 20 years. Rich’s primary focus at eCampusOntario is aligning the Ontario public education network toward getting more people into programs, and then into jobs.
Rich holds an MEd in Educational Technology from the University of Calgary, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Adult Ed. from the University of British Columbia, and a BComm in Management Economics from the University of Guelph.
Lena (she/her) is Interim Assistant Dean, Programs, at The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is the President of the Ontario Council for University Lifelong Learning (OCULL), the Co-Chair of the Council for Credential Innovation, and the former President of the Open Education Global Board of Directors. As Program Director, Microcredentials, she established the award winning Curv microcredential program.
Prior to joining The Chang School, Lena was Senior Director, Programs and Stakeholder Relations at eCampusOntario, where she led the design and implementation of the Microcredentials Principles and Framework, and popularized the framework for system application through pilot funding, research, and community engagement. Lena holds a Masters of Arts from Dalhousie University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western University.
Dr. Karena (Kara) Shaw is Professor in the School of Environmental Studies and Academic Director of the Certificate in Transformative Climate Action and the UVic Sustainability Scholars program. Her research and teaching focus on the social and political dynamics of environmental problems, with a particular focus on how energy transitions can support communities that are more just, diverse and thriving.
Sydney Goodfellow leads the Digital Learning Lab, DIGITAL’s national platform for digital skills and talent development in Canada. She is a leader in the people side of technology and innovation, focused on rapid skilling systems and creating accessible approaches to talent and workforce development that help Canadians navigate the rapid pace of change. Prior to joining DIGITAL, Sydney worked in fast growing tech startups with a focus on learning and development.
Jessica Hanan is a pioneering technologist and the visionary founder of Prompt Pilot, a best-in-class SaaS platform designed to nurture global corporations, governing organizations, and universities with an award-winning AI coach. This innovative platform assists users in becoming expert prompters through real-time analysis and feedback.Jessica holds a First Class Honor’s Degree in AI Business Strategy, Risk Management, and Economics and as an accomplished Innovation Strategist at Altruistic, she expertly combines her financial acumen with deep expertise in AI-driven solutions and generative AI. Her extensive startup experience enables her to harness AI for trend identification, opportunity seizing, and the development of strategic initiatives with lasting business impacts.
A world-renowned prompt engineer, Jessica excels in creating collaborative ecosystems where cross-functional teams thrive in ideation, design, and implementation of groundbreaking AI applications. Her vision and achievements have established her as a prominent leader, propelling businesses into an AI-powered future. At Altruistic, Jessica’s role as an Innovation Strategist involves driving transformative change and delivering impactful AI products, and she frequently contributes to research papers from Harvard University, further solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in the AI and business strategy space.
Jo-Anne Clarke leads the Continuing Studies Division at the University of Victoria, providing strategic direction and oversight. Dedicated to advancing educational innovation, Jo-Anne actively partners with both domestic and international stakeholders to deliver high-caliber educational offerings for adult learners locally, nationally and globally. She is an executive member of the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education, where she advocates for and promotes the contributions of continuing education departments nationwide.
Jo-Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s in Continuing Education from the University of Calgary, a Master’s in Organizational Development, and a PhD in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University. Her academic pursuits are centered on sustainability and entrepreneurship, which she seeks to actively incorporate into her leadership approach and daily life.
Robert Luke, PhD, is Chief Executive Officer of eCampusOntario, which provides leadership and support to Ontario’s Indigenous Institutes, universities and colleges promoting digital by design education, collaboration and innovation.
Dr Luke has over 25 years’ experience in the Canadian and Ontario College and University systems, including teaching, research, and the development of academic programs, innovation and business incubation initiatives. Prior to his role at eCampusOntario, Dr Luke spent over a decade in postsecondary executive administration as Vice-President, Research & Innovation at OCAD University and as Vice-President, Research & Innovation at George Brown College. His expertise is in human-centered knowledge media design, working at the intersections of education and information science to produce useful and useable technology to support education, health and innovation systems.
Austin Hrac’s entire professional life has focused on understanding and improving Canada’s labour market. His current mandate includes spearheading new research, leading training on Vicinity’s tools, and informing the development roadmap for all Vicinity Jobs solutions.
Prior to joining Vicinity Jobs, he was the Director of Research and Implementation at Magnet (a division of Toronto Metropolitan University). There he led Magnet’s Training, Research and Insight, Industry Engagement and Employment Teams to support users and partners across Canada. These included job seekers, employers, employment support organizations, educators, and each level of government.
Noel Baldwin is the Interim Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre (FSC). He brings nearly two decades of experience in leading strategic initiatives and policy development in postsecondary education, adult learning and skills development.
Since joining FSC in 2019 as Director of Government and Public Affairs, Noel has provided leadership in navigating the complex skills ecosystem and working with diverse stakeholders to foster innovation in skills development that addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and promotes inclusive economic growth. FSC has successfully forged strong relationships with federal departments, provinces, territories, municipalities, and international organizations like the OECD. His efforts drove FSC’s early strategic initiatives, including targeted investments addressing critical gaps across regions and sectors. Under his leadership, FSC has formed impactful regional partnerships with Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan and enhanced its policy capacity, briefing officials and testifying before parliamentary committees on skills and workforce development.
Prior to joining FSC, Noel was the Coordinator of Postsecondary Education and Adult Learning at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).
As a devoted father and team leader he brings a passion for fostering positive change to both his personal and professional life. Noel lives in Ottawa with his wife and two kids.
Olga Stachova is the CEO of MOSAIC – one of Canada’s largest immigrant serving organizations. She joined MOSAIC after a long career as Chief Operating Officer at Mitacs, a national non-profit organization delivering research and training programs to graduate and postgraduate students in Canada through partnerships with the private sector and the federal and provincial governments. Olga brings 20 years of experience managing a fast growing, distributing, non-profit organization, as well as operational expertise in program design, delivery, and evaluation, and a proven track record of building strategic partnerships among diverse stakeholder groups.
Olga is the recipient of the 2009 Business in Vancouver Top Forty Under 40 Award, as well as the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and currently serves on the Invest Vancouver Management Board.