Academic News

The Innovation Blueprint: Canada’s Playbook for Leading the Global Startup Revolution

Canada, recognized as the most educated country in the world by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), is uniquely positioned to lead the global stage in innovation and entrepreneurship. But how can we turn this potential into action? This session unveils a practical and transformative playbook for driving Canada’s startup revolution. Discover how our world-class education system, cutting-edge technologies like AI, and strategic public-private collaborations can fuel a thriving innovation ecosystem. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, this session empowers students, educators, and industry leaders to shape Canada’s future as a global innovation powerhouse. Join us and be part of the journey to revolutionize entrepreneurship and secure Canada’s future. 

Biography:

Abraham King is a technology management consultant, speaker, investor, university professor, board member and author with a passion for innovation, productivity, and education. Abraham is the principal consultant at Ableloft Consulting and serves as a lead instructor at the University of Manitoba, where he teaches business and technology courses, mentoring graduate students and professionals to navigate and excel in the digital age.

Abraham’s expertise spans multiple domains, including digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and technology adoption. He is the author of Productivity Wiz: A 30-Day Program for Achieving Quantum Productivity as well as Engagement of Wisdom and Losing Murphy, books that inspire readers to maximize their potential in work and life. Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Abraham is the founder of Helping Vessels, a foundation dedicated to uplifting lives in West Africa through education and community development initiatives.

Abraham brings a unique blend of resilience and commitment to his work, whether it’s consulting for organizations, advising startups, or delivering impactful presentations. With a proven track record of delivering high-energy, practical insights, Abraham is excited to share “The Innovation Blueprint: Canada’s Playbook for Leading the Global Startup Revolution” at RRC Polytech’s conference. Drawing on his vast experience, he will inspire attendees to harness Canada’s strengths—its world-class education system, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial spirit—to revolutionize innovation and secure a prosperous future for the nation.

Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI: From Foundations to Ethical Mastery and Advanced Prompt Engineering

1-Describe Generative AI by exploring its history, foundational concepts, and the significance of large language models in its development.

2-Explain the principles and techniques of Prompt Engineering. 

3-Learn and apply diverse patterns in prompt engineering to enhance the quality and relevance of outputs. 

4-Evaluate the ethical considerations and potential risks, such as biases and hallucinations , associated with leveraging Generative AI.

Before you attend:

You will need to subscribe to ChatGPT to fully participate in the hands-on aspects of the workshop.

Of course, if you prefer to simply watch the demos, you can do that too.

Biography

Najmeh Saffar is a Data Science and Machine Learning instructor at Red River College, bringing over 5 years of experience as a Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer. Passionate about bridging theory and practical application, Najmeh focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to solve real-world problems through data-driven insights and advanced data science and machine learning techniques.

Hosna Safiarian is a skilled Data Scientist with over 8 years of experience in data science and analytics within the banking sector. She specializes in developing data-driven strategies and leveraging machine learning to optimize financial systems. As a Data Science and Machine Learning instructor, she is passionate about sharing practical, industry-focused knowledge to help students bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications. She has also contributed to research and authored papers exploring the use of machine learning in various industries. Hosna is dedicated to innovation and delivering impactful results in both education and business.

Technology Strategy in the Age of AI

Ash Singh is a seasoned IT strategist with over 15 years of experience in IT consulting and five years specializing in IT strategy. A graduate with a double major in Computer Science and Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Ash holds multiple certifications, including PMP, CSPO, and CCMP.
His unique blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and business insight has made him a trusted advisor to global organizations navigating the complexities of technology and innovation.

Over the course of his career, Ash has worked on transformative projects that have redefined industries. He managed a $500 million cruise portfolio at Expedia, increasing product revenues by 60%.
He also led an analytics startup that was acquired by Microsoft, showcasing his ability to deliver results in high-pressure environments.
Currently, as the founder of an IT strategy firm, he empowers organizations to adopt adaptive, resilient strategies that align with business goals while leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Ash is a sought-after speaker and educator, having led leadership development programs for five years and presented at prestigious events such as the PMI West Coast Annual Conference.
At the RRC Conference, Ash will share actionable insights in his session, “Technology Strategy in the Age of AI,” exploring the foundations of a robust IT strategy, the integration of AI, and lessons from real-world AI implementations.

Discover the Power of Human Ingenuity X GenAI
for Unstoppable Innovation!
Are you ready to shatter the myth that AI isn’t creative? Join us for an electrifying 1 hour and 45-minute interactive workshop where we’ll explore how you can partner with AI to turbocharge your creativity. We’re calling this session “Human Ingenuity X GenAI Capabilities for the Win!” because that’s exactly what we believe: a future where humans and generative AI collaborate to create ideas beyond what either could achieve alone. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a designer looking for new tools, or simply curious about the possibilities, this workshop is your ticket to discovering AI’s transformative impact on innovation.

Throughout the session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of “prompt engineering” for creativity —the art of asking the right questions to get awe-inspiring, unexpected results from AI. You’ll experiment hands-on with cutting-edge generative tools to brainstorm fresh concepts, refine prototypes, and even visualize entirely new designs. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have experienced for yourself why many innovators are adopting an “AI-first” mentality—relying on AI to amplify their creative process rather than stifle it. It’s all about showing you that human creativity and AI algorithms can work in tandem to accelerate breakthrough ideas.

But this isn’t just a lecture—it’s a lab where you’ll dive into group brainstorming activities, experiment with prompts and outputs, and come away with tangible, shareable projects. You’ll also engage in lively discussions that tackle the question: “Is AI killing creativity, or unleashing it?” The answers, we believe, will surprise you—and may even inspire you to approach your next project (whether a college assignment or a startup pitch) in an entirely new way.

Space is limited, so grab your spot now! Don’t miss this opportunity to become part of the creative revolution where human ingenuity and AI capabilities unite to spark ideas that redefine the impossible. We can’t wait to see the innovative visions you’ll bring to life with a little help from your new AI co-creator.

Biography

Al spent almost 40 years working in Senior Information Technology roles across a wide variety of industries including Technology Services, Telecommunications, Media, Government, Financial Services and Insurance.  

During those years, his entrepreneurial spirit and growth mindset led him on many adventures – as he took on more than a few roles that were clearly over his head at the time, forcing him to scramble to grow and learn his way into them. 

Al’s final role before retirement was with a major Insurance Company where he took on the new role of VP, Innovation and developed and led their Innovation function.

Al retired in 2019 and is now a volunteer “Innovation Enthusiast”, working with Academic Institutions such RRC Polytech, the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, various Startups and local Corporations.

He also enjoys collaborating with Innovators from various Innovation Ecosystems on interesting ventures such as developing new Innovation products, tools and training.    Al also took on the role of Chair of the RRC ACE Project Space Entrepreneur In Residence Advisory Committee in 2020.

“CERT”ifying your Major Incident Response

Have you ever been part of an outage response team? Do you want to be?! Major incidents happen whether we like it or not. Being well-prepared is our best tool to help us respond and manage the situation. The better prepared we are the easier it is to respond to major incidents swiftly and effectively. Join us for a live interactive session where you will take on one of various roles in a simulated Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). We will work through different major incident scenarios in teams. You will get to see how RRC Students, Instructors, and Industry Professionals respond to these high-pressure situations!

Session Facilitators
Connor Gilhuly and Tyler Matthies

Connor Gilhuly and Tyler Matthies are instructors with Red River College Polytechnic teaching in the Information Security and IT Operations Program.  

Combined they bring over 20 years of experience in the IT industry providing support and coordination from an operations perspective. They’ve worked in areas ranging from managed service, finance, government, and health care.  They both have managed their fair share of fires and critical incidents in their previous careers.

In their post-secondary careers they are exploring expanding their practice in active learning, ungrading, and implementing roleplays as experiential learning. 

Hacking the Human Firewall: Leveraging Organizational Change Management in Building a Cyber-Resilient Culture

This session will highlight how to leverage Organizational Change Management (OCM) principles to enhance cybersecurity awareness within your organization. We’ll explore how strategic change initiatives can shift behaviors, engage people, and foster an ownership culture of cyber-resilience, empowering individuals to become proactive in defending against cyber threats.

Biography

Toonna is an IT consultant specializing in the intersection of organizational change management, cybersecurity awareness, and human risk management. He has over 8 years of experience enabling IT organizational changes and supporting cybersecurity awareness initiatives across industries including education, utilities, and oil & gas.

People learn new things by making connections to knowledge, skills, and experiences they already have. In this workshop, we’ll apply key findings about how people learn to teaching students who carry the world’s knowledge in their pockets. Participants will explore and experience how active learning provides opportunities for each student to practice retrieving, synthesizing, and applying new concepts and skills. Everyone who teaches or supports teaching and learning is welcome.

Biography

Peter is an educational developer in the Centre for Learning and Program Excellence at RRC Polytech. He’s been teaching and supporting teaching for more than 25 years, first in his own fields of math, astronomy, and physics and then in other STEM fields, health sciences, social sciences, skilled trades, and engineering. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, whether it’s helping to design a lesson, creating teaching resources, supporting course and program development, or renovating his old house.

Advanced Phishing Scams: Detection and Prevention

A comprehensive session exploring the evolving landscape of digital deception. This presentation delves into sophisticated phishing techniques, including AI-generated content, business email compromise, and multi-channel attacks. Participants will learn to identify subtle warning signs of advanced phishing attempts, understand modern social engineering tactics, and master practical detection methods. Through interactive examples and real-world cases, attendees will gain actionable strategies to protect themselves and their organizations from these increasingly sophisticated threats. Suitable for both technical and non-technical professionals, this session provides crucial insights into one of today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Biography

Hernan Popper is a recognized cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in leading teams and organizations. As the founder of POPP3R Cybersecurity, he specializes in translating complex security concepts into actionable strategies for organizations seeking effective protection.

Areas of Expertise:

– Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)

– Human Risk Management

– Cybersecurity Education

Hernan’s approach is characterized by its clarity and practicality. He excels in developing tailored cybersecurity solutions that align with each organization’s unique operational needs, emphasizing real-world applicability over theoretical concepts.

His diverse career spans roles such as Director of Innovation at Western Canada Lottery Corporation, Portfolio Manager/Senior Service Planner at MTS Allstream, and Business Development Manager at Comsat Argentina (Lockheed Martin Global Telecom). This breadth of experience informs his comprehensive understanding of technology, innovation, and international business landscapes.

Hernan’s mission is to transform cybersecurity from a daunting challenge into an achievable risk management strategy. He is dedicated to providing organizations with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape effectively.

The Art of Collaboration: Relationship, Trust & Team Performance

Collaboration lies at the heart of high-performing teams and drives innovation and problem-solving. In this engaging presentation, Keren Taylor-Hughes delves into the art of collaboration and its transformative impact on organizational success. Continuous improvement is at the heart of high-performing teams. Keren will discuss strategies to cultivate a culture that values learning and growth. ‘Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will explore strategies to nurture collaborative relationships, foster effective teamwork, and leverage collective human intelligence.Active listening, empathy and powerful communication are key components of effective collaboration for synergized teams. Karen will discuss strategies to encourage active listening within the team, such as maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and summarizing key points. By promoting active listening, team members can better understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, leading to improved collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making.Keren will provide practical tools and techniques to enhance communication, establish trust, and encourage a culture of shared accountability. Attendees will gain insights into the power of diverse perspectives, collaboration techniques, and the role of leadership in fostering a collaborative environment. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to foster effective collaboration, unlock collective intelligence, and drive innovation within their teams.

Biography

Keren Taylor-Hughes is an Agile Change Advisor, Former CEO, M&A Strategist, and Board of Directors Member with a passion for implementing positive, lasting change within an organization. Keren has spent the majority of her career in an executive leadership role, assisting organizations with business transformation and systems improvement.

Keren recently departed on her own will from her previous role as CEO of Harvest Manitoba, one of Canada’s premiere non-profit organizations & the fourth-largest food distribution organization in Canada. Manitoba Harvest has been in operation for 35+ years and responsible for collecting and distributing 11M+ pounds of food annually to over 80,000 Manitobans in need via a comprehensive network of food banks, soup kitchens, daycares & other agencies.

During her time spent at Harvest Manitoba, and in serving as the most senior member of the Leadership team, reporting to the community-based Board of Directors & working closely with provincial & federal governments to lead the organization into a new era. She carved out a new strategic vision for the organization, leading it through a significant transformation, including navigating the organization through the Covid-19 pandemic, finding ways to thrive & serve the target customer base despite the crisis resulting in a 200% increase in funds donated.

Keren Taylor-Hughes also oversaw & led the organization through a key merger with another entity to result in the largest provincial network of its kind in the country. She had a direct role in overseeing the launch and rebrand of Harvest Manitoba post-merger, establishing the organization’s new identity. She Implemented LEAN manufacturing principles & processes across warehousing, logistics & supply chain operations, resulting in the launch of the industry’s first-ever real-time food tracking system. She also launched numerous new programs, built lasting relationships & cultivated a culture of agility, empathy, collaboration, psychological safety & trust, building an inspiring place where all individuals had an opportunity to thrive each day.

Prior to being the CEO of Harvest Manitoba, Keren Taylor-Hughes has spent over 10 years leading large-scale change, innovation and transformation initiatives in the healthcare sector with organizations such as Vancouver Coastal Health and Canada, Ontario Telemedicine Network, and Canada Health Infoway.  Her roles and responsibilities included board selection process development, merger transition, rebranding & launch, leadership training & development structure, roadmap & toolkit establishment, development of a Project Management Office (PMO) & many more.

She has assisted numerous organizations across Canada and the US to successfully navigate and implement transformation initiatives in many different ways. She has developed and implemented software systems for healthcare companies in the USA later adopted by the Province of Manitoba. As an Executive Director and CEO, Keren Taylor-Hughes has assisted numerous organizations through manage disruption through innovation, transformation & mastering business transitions. Keren Taylor-Hughes is currently leading a transformation consultation practice rooted in the 5 C’s; Courage, Cognizance of bias, Culture, Collaboration, and Conviction.

Proudly leveraging a background in child welfare, healthcare, manufacturing, and community engagement, Keren Taylor-Hughes has been a catalyst to lead organizations to become more innovative, implement processes, built teams and foster strategic relationships in order to assist organizations to become more efficient and productive towards business growth. As a servant leader and thought leader, she teaches how listening, empathy, and being authentic connect people together to build strong relationships to drive innovation and orchestrate change. Her career and her life goals have aligned to be focused on making a positive impact on the world by leading change that delivers value rooted in purpose, vision, and impact. Keren Taylor-Hughes’ professional life returns to one key foundational element she learned early in her career: organizational change and innovation adoption only come after mindset change – which can only be inspired, not enforced.

From small nonprofits to publicly-traded companies with large-scale M&As affecting thousands, the ideas, strategies, and insights she has been a part of have been through a humanistic business landscape across Canada and the US. Keren Taylor-Hughes holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership and a B.A in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Winnipeg, sat on numerous Boards of Directors and has been featured in or contributed to media outlets and publications including CBC News, Global News, Winnipeg Free Press, The University of Manitoba Press, Business Insider, and beyond. She currently leads a private consulting practice with a focus on strategic change management and leadership advisory serving industries as diverse as health, transportation, food production, and more.

Keren Taylor-Hughes leverages years of education and experience ranging from CEO to Senior Consultant to act as a Coach and Advisor to Executive teams and a catalyst for transformation for individuals, organizations, and industries. She possesses a unique understanding of corporate structures and processes with the tools and solutions that can be the deciding factors for sustainable and efficient business operations.

An Introductory Workshop for Linux Desktop and Server Environments

In this hands-on introductory workshop, you will get a gentle introduction to one or more Linux Desktop “distros” using a virtual environment. You’ll get to install and configure Linux yourself, while participating in a guided tour highlighting some of the differences between Linux and Windows desktop environments. Throughout your exploration, you will identify some of the challenges and benefits of the Linux desktop environment. The session will then transition to the Linux server environment, where you’ll setup a functioning Linux server, with no prior experience required. You’ll explore the server environment and how it can be used to run multiple simultaneous services in a very simple and efficient way, using Docker containers. You’ll get the opportunity to launch and test several services with a few simple commands. These server activities will highlight why Linux is used for most data centre server infrastructure around the world. The workshop will conclude with an introduction to Ansible automation, where you’ll automatically configure a virtual server with this powerful open-source tool. The goal of the workshop is for you to leave with a new appreciation for Linux and other open-source software that quietly & reliably serves you from behind the scenes without fanfare.

Note: Please bring your laptop and have the following installed:

1.The latest VirtualBox installed and functional

https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

2. Download the following two ISO images ahead of time to speed things up during the session:

• https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/kubuntu/releases/24.10/release/kubuntu-24.10-desktop-amd64.iso
• https://ubuntu.com/download/server/thank-you?version=24.04.1&architecture=amd64&lts=true

Biography

Ernst Bergen is a consultant, a college instructor and an open source evangelist who comes from the engineering world. He enjoys creating specialized software, automating almost anything, architecting cloud solutions, solving impossible problems, educating people and much more! With over 20 years of Linux experience, from desktop to server to cloud to clusters, Ernst has a broad range of IT and DevOps experience to leverage for any project or challenge. He uses automation tools like Ansible & Terraform to simplify projects through self documentation, repeatability, and idempotence. In his spare time, for fun , he builds ARM based clusters and IoT systems using Raspberry Pi components.

What Does It Truly Mean To ‘Be More Strategic’

In this presentation, we will explore the crucial distinction between strategic planning and execution in leadership roles. As leaders of projects, people or outcomes, our focus shifts from daily operations to shaping the long-term direction of our teams and projects. We’ll address the common request for more strategic thinking and the essential components involved in building and executing a strategy effectively. 

Key Topics:

The nature of strategic planning: making informed choices, guiding team alignment, and inspiring progress.

The role of execution: managing resources, controlling outcomes, and utilizing data for forecasting.

Join us as we uncover what it truly means to be strategic in our leadership approach and how to balance planning with effective execution.

Spilling (the) Tea: Language, Diversity, and Intercultural Sensitivity in the Digital Age

Successful engagement with colleagues and students requires an intersectional understanding of the roles that diversity, language and intercultural sensitivity play in our awareness of self and others. This session will engage in honest but light-hearted discussions about how to maximize the potential for successful intercultural interactions and teams, followed by practical explorations of case studies. Participants will take away tips and strategies for intercultural and intergenerational communication and a list of tools for further exploration. 

Biography

Linda Manimtim is a Chair at the Centre for Newcomer Integration, Red River College Polytechnic. She has worked at post-secondary institutions and language training centres for newcomers and refugees in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and in England. She has a Bachelor of Education from McGill and a Master of Education from the University of Alberta.  

Coders and Non-Coders Welcome

Important: This is an interactive workshop, so you should bring your laptop! No coding skills required to contribute, but if you do plan on writing some code, ideally try to make sure your preferred technologies (Python, NodeJS, Java, etc) and IDE is already installed. If you’re not sure, I can help you on the day of!

Did you know that 96% of all software includes open-source code? Android phones, your favorite game, Car systems, surgical equipment; all of these are built on top of open source. This means that the code is available publicly online, for anyone to see, improve, or use however you wish, all for free! That’s right, by leveraging open source, you can directly see and improve the codebase that powers huge apps like Facebook. Not only is this a fantastic way to improve your skills; reading other senior’s code, but it’s an incredible portfolio item to actually be able to say you’ve volunteered your time to an open source project. Unlike a personal hobby project, these have real users, which has much more weight. 

As it turns out, it’s actually not that difficult to get started with open source! In fact, you don’t even need to code: you can help by suggesting bug fixes, improving documentation, or design! If you’re more skilled, you can improve small visual quirks, or even develop entire new features. In this workshop, we’ll be demonstrating how to navigate and find a good open source project to contribute based on your skill level, and help you make your first contribution right there and then! Though you’ll be allowed to pick your preference of project, we will be using a React + TypeScript project as an example, one being used for a local Truth and Reconciliation social enterprise (you can look at the codebase here: https://github.com/Builder-s-League/BuildersLeague-Edition1 ). Though you will be able to contribute more if you are already familiar with React and TypeScript, you can certainly still help even without experience in these technologies. If you have any questions in advance, feel free to email buildersleague@origatou.com . See you there!

Biography

Diogo Iwasaki is an ACE instructor at RRC and the co-founder of Ori.Gatou, a marketing tech startup helping brands build community, & CEO of Builders League, a community of impact-focused hackathons where a single team of 100 developers build a technology for a social cause in a weekend. Over the past 5 years, he has architected Ori.Gatou’s platform, leading & growing Ori.Gatou’s 6-person development team, and helped build $250k apps for worthwhile causes, like Truth & Reconciliation. He is a TEDx Speaker and Google DevFest Speaker. He’s a maker and philomath at heart, and loves to create

Fuel the aspirations of young commerce enthusiasts by becoming a sponsor. Your support not only empowers students to explore the vast landscapes of commerce but also assures the continuation of this enriching experience, a junction where academics and practical challenges meet.

Your brand will appear at our event’s virtual and physical spaces and receive an acknowledgement amidst the celebrated awards ceremony.

To extend your support, contact Justin Pasosky at jpasosky@rrc.ca before March 31, 2025.

Elevate your engagement with the future of commerce and education by establishing your presence as a vendor at the 3rd Annual Commerce Competition. As a vendor, you’ll be fostering connections with RRC Polytech students, staff, and the next generation of business leaders. Leaders that could someday be making an impact with your organization.

Lend your expertise and products to enrich the atmosphere, allowing the RRC Polytech community, staff and high school students to explore, learn, and grow.

To participate, contact Justin Pasosky at jpasosky@rrc.ca before March 31, 2025.

The Applied Commerce Education degree is a joint program offered by RRC Polytech and the University of Winnipeg. Graduates will be eligible to certify as a K-12 teacher with the Province of Manitoba. Choose between the comprehensive five-year integrated program, or the focused three-year after-degree path, or the fast-track with the 1-year accelerated program, each crafted to augment teaching capabilities and align with Manitoba’s high school curriculum.

Learn more >

Applied Commerce Education (ACE) consists of an optional cluster of courses for high school students interested in pursuing a future career in a commerce-related field such as economics, entrepreneurship, business, marketing, technology and finance. Each of the individual courses is also an excellent option for any student wanting to understand more about their role in our global economy. The fourteen-course offerings in the Applied Commerce area allow students to develop the skills needed to be effective business leaders, innovators, citizens, consumers, and employees.

Ashley Richard

Ashley Richard is Ojibway and Métis and her family is the Richard Family from Pine Creek First Nation and the McLeod Family from Camperville Manitoba. Ashley currently runs her own consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and project management. She is excited to be leading the Indigenous Entrepreneurship program at United College – University of Waterloo, where she is also a lecturer. Other exciting projects include the Indigenous Workforce Development Strategy with the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters of Manitoba and working with The Forks North Portage on developing their Indigenous Reconciliation Strategy. Ashley is married and has 2 Siamese cats, Taco and Armani. She is following the footsteps of her grandmother, Mary Richard.

Daniel Blair

Daniel Blair is a dynamic and innovative leader in technology and digital media. As the founder and Chief Technology Officer of BSD XR, he has been at the forefront of creating innovative research projects in areas like AI and spatial computing for various industries, including construction, defence, aerospace, mining, and utilities. His passion for innovation and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition as an award-winning entrepreneur and software developer.

Daniel’s influence extends beyond his company. He is the chair of the board for the Interactive Digital Media sector council, New Media Manitoba, where he guides the growth and development of Manitoba’s interactive digital media industry. In 2023 Daniel joined the board of directors for the Virtual World Society to help drive their mission of ethical thought leadership and responsible application of emerging technology.

Corinne Gusnowsky

As a passionate Winnipegger, Corinne Gusnoski is committed to enhancing our community through economic development and volunteering. As New Media Manitoba’s (NMM) Senior Manager of Business Development, Corinne leads strategic initiatives that help grow Manitoba’s interactive digital media, including working with entrepreneurs and business owners in video game development, extended reality, and more. Corinne is an experienced coach and judge for student competitions and volunteers with the Young Associates (including as current Chair), the Stu Clark Centre, JDC West, and the We Believe in Winnipeg Toastmasters Club.

Noah Wilson

Noah is a Senior Business Development Manager for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Start-up Program (IESP) at Futurpreneur Canada, overseeing the Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Nunavut regions. As a member of the IESP team, Noah has supported numerous Indigenous start-ups in developing viable business plans and financial projections to gain access to start-up capital and a mentor for two years with Futurpreneur. A devoted advocate for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Noah is committed to advancing Economic Reconciliation across Turtle Island. Since joining Futurpreneur, Noah has become Co-Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Advisory Council for The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, been recognized on The Peak’s 2023 Emerging Leader’s List in Entrepreneurship, and received an Indigenous Achievement Award from the Indigenous Professionals Association of Canada (IPAC).

Joseph Brekelmans

Joe works at Canada Life as Vice-President, Investment Technology, a position he has held since 2017.  Joe provides technical strategy and consulting to Investment division executive and leads a team of 60 people that deliver and support the technology solutions used within the Investment division.  Joe’s current area of focus and interest is in machine learning and artificial intelligence and its application to the investment industry.

In his professional career spanning 40 years, Joe has worked for several companies, including MTS, Centra Gas and Ceridian Canada, where he held several positions within the software development field, including: Software Developer; Manager of Software Development; and Director of Information Systems.

Joe has taught several courses at the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg on topics such as Systems Analysis & Design and Database Management Systems.

Joe has a BCSc (Hons) degree, and MSc in Computer Science and an MBA in Finance, all from the University of Manitoba, as well as the CFA designation.