Business

An entrepreneur, community leader and advocate for the economic empowerment of marginalized groups, Anita Agrawal is the CEO of the multiple-award-winning Canadian jewelry manufacturer Best Bargains. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by WXN in 2023 and has won six international jewelry design awards. Agrawal has volunteered extensively with non-profit boards and organizations throughout her career, championing issues on commercial and residential rent, wage equity, women's issues, business issues and issues facing racially marginalized artists and arts workers.

Ursell Arends was an international student and college graduate who has served as the Deputy Prime Minister of Aruba and the Minister of Transport, Integrity, Nature and Elderly Affairs since 2021. With over 15 years of experience in the tourism sector, he co-founded the RAIZ political party in 2017 and has been an active member of Aruba's parliament since. His international business education was crucial in establishing trade routes between the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Arends' business acumen and dedication to his community have underscored his commitment to driving positive change.

In an industry dominated by men, Kris Boyce became the first-ever female CEO of two large Ontario property management firms. Over the last 40 years, she has held senior executive positions at Greenwin Corporation, Chartwell Seniors Housing REIT and Ontario Housing Corporation. She was CEO of Greenwin from 2012 to 2021 and is currently the CEO of Signet Group Inc. Boyce has mentored women for the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), Scotiabank and the Institute of Housing Management. She was named one of Toronto’s Top Women Leaders in 2024 and was awarded WXN’s Top 100 Canada's Most Powerful Woman in 2015.

Sheena Brady is a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Tease Tea and Founders Fund. Her innovative approach to wellness and sustainability, combined with her commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, has established her as a respected leader in the business community. Brady's journey from a challenging upbringing to a successful business owner highlights her tenacity, resilience and dedication to making a positive impact. Supported by Tease, Founders Fund is an initiative dedicated to assisting diverse women founders by providing mentorship, education and barrier-free funding to women-owned and led businesses across Canada and the U.S.

Daniel Brennan used his college diploma as his foundation to become a global HR powerhouse. He transformed companies like Bombardier, CRH Plc, ISS World Services, Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems through strategic HR solutions. With expertise in employee engagement, labour relations and talent development, he revitalizes cultures and drives organizational change. Brennan has been responsible for upwards of 530,000 employees spanning 31 countries for some of the world’s biggest companies, showcasing his ability to navigate diverse workforces and drive change. His career underscores the transformative power of effective leadership, leaving a legacy of excellence.

Beverley Dinham Spencer has had a long career as a management and business development consultant in Jamaica, with clients including corporate, philanthropic, health, educational and international organizations. She is also founder of an allied health career college in Jamaica that improves the standard of care among nursing assistants, personal support workers and patient care technicians in the Caribbean and Canada. Dinham Spencer credits the skills learned in college as the foundation on which she has earned a degree, two masters degrees and built a highly successful entrepreneurial track record in her homeland.

In a competitive industry, leading with empathy as the top priority requires boldness. For Vanessa Eaton this approach is essential. Against the odds, Eaton became the youngest vice president in her agency's history and was awarded the Globe and Mail's 2021 Best Executive for Marketing. Her progressive leadership style is a testament to her company's success and highlights the importance of a strong company culture in achieving exceptional business results.

Dean Gatien is an ambitious opportunity maker and principal at DGG5 Advising, where he utilizes 40+ years of expertise to help clients in the North American energy, construction and utilities industries navigate the risk review process. Gatien has garnered hundreds of millions in new business revenue and created and implemented management and safety processes for every aspect of the power industry. He helped to create two post-secondary programs: the powerline technician course and the line ground crew support course designed specifically for First Nations.

Vanessa Genier, an Indigenous mother of five from Missanabie Cree First Nation, pursued her education as a single parent and transformed personal tragedy into a nationwide initiative. Moved by the discovery of 215 buried Indigenous children at the Kamloops Residential School, Genier began a project to craft quilt blocks for each child found. Under her leadership, the effort evolved into a non-profit organization, distributing 5,000 quilts, employing Indigenous staff and engaging global volunteers. Genier’s dedication to justice and reconciliation shines through, raising awareness of truths and fostering Indigenous healing. Her story exemplifies the power of driving meaningful change.

JP Gladu previously led the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business and launched initiatives like the Aboriginal Business Report. He spearheaded the 'Procurement Champions' initiative, driving significant investments into Canada’s Indigenous economy. Gladu serves on multiple corporate boards and is a senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. An advocate for Indigenous leadership, he received the Public Policy Award in 2024. His college education transformed his academic struggles into a successful forestry career, forming the basis for his significant contributions to the industry and Indigenous business.

A leader in women’s hockey and sport, Marin Hickox continues to break down barriers to provide more opportunities for girls and women in Canada. After discovering her true calling in her post-secondary sport and event marketing program at college, Hickox has held senior roles with TELUS, MLSE, the NHL and Hockey Canada, where she now works tirelessly to grow women’s and girls’ hockey across the country.

Jeff MacGregor is one of the world’s top communications executives, leading mission-driven portfolios for renowned organizations. These include the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) and the Baszuki Group, a social change venture launched by Roblox founder David Baszucki, that is focused on mental health, climate initiatives and electoral innovation. At CZI, MacGregor led a portfolio that comprised a network of non-profit research institutes and influential scientists that pursues grand scientific challenges. He’s received over 50 marketing, communications, advertising and film awards worldwide and helped create two of the most successful global marketing campaigns in banking history at Ariad Communications, a Toronto marketing agency.

Helen and Matthew Smith are the founders of Roo & You, a children's play company established in 2020 focused on providing affordable, high-quality children’s products that grow with children’s needs. Partnering with brands like Harry Potter and Barbie, and leveraging a strong social media presence, they've achieved significant sales with consistent annual growth. The Smiths stay ahead of competitors by developing products with both child and parent experiences in mind. Committed to innovation and philanthropy, their goal is to offer quality products while giving back to the community.

Troy Miller credits his college education for every stage of his career success, from manufacturing sales to co-owner and COO, to board chair of the small-town materials data management company he transformed into a global enterprise. Miller pioneered a high-risk/high-reward approach to sales and introduced a pricing model and subscription service that redefined how the data management industry markets and sells services. Today, he applies his entrepreneurial mindset as co-founder of ASAP Data Solutions Ltd. and volunteers as chair of the marketing program advisory committee at Conestoga, a role he has held for nearly 20 years.

With a love for sports and community, Shelby Nelson has dedicated 24 years to the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Building on his college education, Nelson’s career has seen him rise to vice president of Florida operations, where he leads a team responsible for spring training, the Dunedin Blue Jays and the Player Development Complex. As the local face of the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Nelson is a respected community leader, a champion of diversity and actively supports local charities while mentoring students from his alma mater.

Andrew Ojamae never thought the pandemic would be his company’s most innovative period when he became president of AutoIQ in 2019. During this time, Ojamae’s team launched new strategies, businesses and acquisitions. While other businesses faltered, AutoIQ saw significant growth under his leadership. Ojamae’s initiatives earned him the 2023 CADA Laureate Award for Business Innovation. He credits his college program for his success. AutoIQ maintains close ties with Georgian College through sponsorships and nurturing new talent with programs like the AutoIQ Leadership Academy.

Grace Valenti exemplifies people-first leadership and business success in the construction sector. With a focus on employee well-being, Valenti provides leading benefits, continuous training and opportunities for local graduates, fostering a loyal and skilled workforce. Under her leadership, the DEN Group has grown significantly, becoming a trusted name in northern Ontario. Valenti’s innovative "One Contractor" model and commitment to quality have earned her numerous accolades. Her dedication to employees and clients sets new industry standards.