Alma is Officer of Strategic Planning and Fundraising at Skills for Change—a non-profit agency that provides employment services designed to help people facing barriers. In her position, Alma often deals with new immigrants, and helps her clients to secure meaningful employment in their respective fields by strengthening their transferable skills. Through Alma’s work, she’s able to provide immigrant workers the confidence they need to create self-confidence, and a sense that they’re contributing to their new country. Alma is deeply involved in the Jewish community where she volunteers and provides assistance to Jewish Social Services and the Adas Israel Synagogue in Hamilton.

Andrew is the Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of Weever Apps—Hamilton’s first start-up that began with nothing in 2011 to a team of 4 at a global business with technology users in 20 countries and in 16 languages. He oversees the experience strategy to help make intuitive, award-winning technology. Andrew oversees the product experience and growth, user experience and marketing, and is directly responsible for leading the user experience strategy for the company. He believes that anything is possible in Hamilton.

Baldeep Virk is dedicated to helping those that have been seriously injured as a result of another’s negligence. She is the personal injury lawyer with Hamilton exclusive, personal injury law firm Virk Personal Injury Law. Baldeep has devoted the last several years solely to personal injury claims and is dedicated to ensuring her clients rebound from their severe setbacks. Baldeep contributes to the Hamilton community in many ways. She is a contributor to the Youth Awards, a contributor for the City of Hamilton’s Committee Against Racism and she is also a board member for Camp Dawn which is for adults with acquired brain injuries.

Claire is the Marketing Manager at FreshInsights Consulting—a unique program that recruits top graduates to develop real initiatives and pairs them with prominent companies across business functions. Claire is responsible for leading the development and implementation of marketing strategies for major clients. After holding leadership roles at McMaster University from 2011 to 2013, Claire became program alumna in 2013, but she went on and permanently appointed to help support and lead the program. She completed a business degree in communications and social theory at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2012.

Dave Mammoliti is the Manager in the Executive Education department at the DeGroote School of Business. He is responsible for department operations, business development and management of new clients and maintaining relationships with a wide variety of current clients. Dave has worked at McMaster University for six years and has previous experience working in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Marketing department and Faculty of Engineering Alumni relations. He sits on the board of directors for Tourism Burlington and the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Hamilton-Halton.

Emily Kinread is an experienced marketing and communications professional, specializing in the development of product portfolios, and integrated marketing and communications campaigns. Having worked for several notable organizations, Emily understands what it takes to develop effective strategic and tactical marketing plans for organizations large and small. She leads the branding team for the Innovation Factory and currently heads up their marketing and communications efforts. Emily is passionate about social media and emerging technologies, and uses innovation to engage her knowledge of new ways to communicate.

Geoffrey Joseph is the President & CEO of Joseph Haulage Canada Corp. A second-generation business owner, Geoffrey oversees logistics and is also a serial entrepreneur. He currently dedicates his time to LRG Fitness Inc., Ultimate Outdoors, and Crossfit Outlaw North, in addition to managing West Coast Truck Lines. Geoffrey’s passion is to better the environment and help others in his community. He has contributed to local and global charities that raise awareness and help lead to several philanthropic achievements. Geoffrey is involved in charities including the Juravinski Cancer Centre, Good Shepherd and Habitat for Humanity.

Jeff Larsh grew up in Bowmanville, Ontario. Jeff played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and four years for Dalhousie University’s men’s hockey team. Upon returning home while he played, he began a strength and conditioning program when he was 22 years old. In 2011, Jeff took a leap to become a personal fitness trainer. Taking a risk becoming self-employed, Jeff built his first training facility called Tidal CrossFit. He has expanded over time to lend the community. Tidal CrossFit has expanded as a fitness in Burlington—and now serves over 400 members.

Julie Fedele is an accomplished human resources professional with over 13 years of proven HR management experience within the public and private sectors across Ontario. Julie is currently Director of Human Resources for Car Nation Canada. With a passion for excellence and leadership, she oversees strategic business plans on all HR decisions, governance and human resources services. Julie has championed the human performance and engagement-related areas of organizational change and e-commerce, while researching theories in business and change. Julie is a longstanding member of the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario and serves as Vice-President of the Clare Island Committee.

After graduating from Mohawk College, Kyle began working for the Hamilton Bulldogs and HEFC before being approached by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Football Club, where he has been working for the past four years. Since moving into the position of New Business Development for the organization, most recently, Kyle assisted his team expand their brand with Tim Horton’s Field. In addition to the duties of being an ambassador for the organization, Kyle has been a leading role model for the new generation of Ticat fans. He is very proud to be involved in his community through charities, numerous boards, coaching, mentoring and volunteering.

Melissa Richardson is the owner of Totem Bags. Totem Bags is a Canadian company that handcrafts bags and other products from upcycled, previously-used conveyor belts, high-quality rubber tracks and seatbelts. All of Totem Bags are locally sourced within the wax industry, and even by hand in North Bay. Since 2009, Melissa has grown the business to offer her family great friends—expanding from Hamilton to a new manufacturing facility. She’s also built a community to help her continue her quest to do something good and different for the environment and for Canada.

Since beginning her career as a paralegal 10 years ago, Michelle Zare has had a passion for advocacy. In 2009, she established Zare Paralegal Services, a paralegal firm providing licensed representation and legal mentorship to her clients. Michelle is a recipient of the First Ontario Small Business Award and has worked on provincial and local initiatives helping to implement new laws. She is the founder of the annual Steps for Life Walk organized by Threads of Life, the national organization supporting families affected by workplace tragedy. Never afraid to speak up for what is right, Michelle continues to stand strong for injured workers across Ontario.

Scott works out of the Burlington office of Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP (DJB) where he provides tax, business, and advisory services. This includes audit and assurance services to clients. Since his time with the Hamilton, Hamilton Bull Dogs, and Mohawk College, Scott has become a Chartered Accountant in 2008. After graduating from McMaster University, he received his Honours Bachelor’s of Commerce in 2003. Scott joined DJB in the Hamilton office and was promoted to Manager in 2013. Scott currently serves as Treasurer for Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival—Canada’s largest free music festival.

After 10 years of working as a career counsellor in the non-profit sector, Vanessa Pazzi decided to pursue her passion for the healing arts. She took her Thai Reiki Energy Healing methods to help those in great need. As one of the top Thai Reiki experts in Hamilton, she has been featured in notable news publications. She is an advocate of the "Neighbour 2 Neighbour" in live and active in the Hamilton community, and accomplishes many major organizations for Joseph’s Hospice, and Announces major organizations for Joseph’s Hospice, and Announces major organizations for holding Free Sessions and volunteering for various fundraisers.

Andi Pojani is Vice-President of Sales at Carmen’s Banquet Centre in Hamilton. In 2008, he received his B.Sc. Honours from McMaster University where he completed his BA in hospitality management. Andi’s impression for the hospitality industry and sales-driven sustainable success have qualities more deeply based in revenue, long-term guest relations and new business development at the Carmen’s Banquet Centre with the opportunity to grow significantly. Andi is recognized as a knowledge in hospitality sales and operations. Andi excels in closing the gap between strategic planning and tactical applications—and possesses a tireless drive to improve sales performance.

Angela is a Mortgage Agent with Dominion Lending where she’s dedicated to growing her business and providing value and advice that exceeds her client’s expectations. Angela had nine years of experience in senior banking positions in the charter bank system before deciding to enter the entrepreneurial world as an independent mortgage specialist. Angela has a passion for the community and is a supporter of many charities including City Kidz and Theatre Aquarius. Angela sits on the Art Gallery of Hamilton Events Committee and is also Chair of CLC, the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s young professional organization.

Having laid down roots in Hamilton, Bernard is proud to call himself a Hamiltonian. As a Civil Engineering Technologist graduate of McMaster University, testing building material for quality, durability and technical standard compliance. This led him to start a successful career in construction management. The American dream ignited his passion for real estate and a background in investment property led him to become a licensed realtor with Judy Marsales Real Estate. He enjoys helping to find a dream home or giving a seller peace of mind through honesty, reliability and integrity every step of the way.

Cristina operates Z Enoteca—an upscale Italian wine bar that’s located in downtown Oakville. Cristina felt her career as a television reporter with CTV News to help open the restaurant in 2011. Since its opening the business has attracted many visitors from across the GTA and beyond. In 2015, she also launched Amy’s new Z Enoteca in Toronto. Cristina has always been passionate about giving back to the community. For instance, she hosted a live telethon for CTV to raise close to raise more money for families in need. In February, she also organized a sold-out event at it’s a Dine for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

Derek Doyle is a young and ambitious Hamiltonian who is deeply involved in the local community and the professional scene. Derek’s efforts are focused on real estate investing in Hamilton, owning multiple rental properties in the city. He is also an Enterprising Real Estate Investor with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from McMaster University. He is the Hamilton member and responsible for helping the branch maintain its operations in the region. In his spare time, Derek is committed to giving back by developing and mentoring workshops within the community.

Erik is the Owner and Creative Director of EB Media Solutions—a Hamilton-area firm that provides a variety of digital marketing services including web design, web development, e-commerce and graphic design. At EB Media Solutions, Erik and his team manage clients who have been successful across the Golden Horseshoe. Since launching his firm in 2013, Erik has expanded clientele. His firm has worked with large corporations and has donated time and services to several charities including Missions Services in Hamilton and 541 Eatery & Exchange.

Huszaifa currently works as the Policy & Research Analyst at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. He first recognized his passion in the development and promotion of small business invention while studying economics and political science from McMaster University, and honours BA in political science and sociology. During his time as a student, Huszaifa served on various student councils at McMaster University including serving as the “Arts” seat of the MUESS including serving as the Academic seat for The Experiential Education Office and president of the McMaster Students Union. Huszaifa is a founding member of Global Hamilton Connect and a member of the City of Hamilton Cultural Roundtable.

Jennifer is a Registered Nurse who founded CalaCare in 2012 to serve the needs of seniors and those living with serious injury. Her dream to provide exceptional home health care services has come to life through the talented and dedicated team of caregivers who work with CalaCare. CalaCare now provides thousands of hours of home health, nursing and personal support services each month. Jennifer is a firm believer in giving back to the community she serves and her dedication to the highest standards of professionalism and quality care continue to be the cornerstones of her business.

For six years, Dr. Kim Whitaker owned and ran her own successful medical practice in Toronto and was also a member of the clinical faculty at her alma mater—the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). She moved back to school to teach the Undergraduate Medicine program at McMaster University. Since 2009, she has been in her fourth year at Saba University School of Medicine. (She expects to graduate January of 2015.) Dr. Kim Whitaker is also thrilled to accept her new role as partner at the Oakville Naturopathic Wellness Centre and Vital Link Wellness Center where she continues to develop her skills as the faculty at CCNM’s Brampton Naturopathic Teaching Clinic.

Lavender Morantz is a leading success and wealth strategist. She’s a serial entrepreneur, a female empowerment coach, a world designer, a firm, a founder, a junkie, and the co-founder of the long-life shows. She is also a business and lifestyle coach, and her focus is to help others succeed. As the founder of Nutrition & Wellness Consulting with more than 4000 members, Lavender’s mission is to provide a team leadership coach and a simple proven system for unmatched success.

Michael is a lifelong Hamiltonian and a graduate of McMaster University, studying business and economics. As CEO of CARSTAR, he is responsible for the company’s strategic growth, strategic direction and day-to-day operations. Based in Hamilton, CARSTAR is a network of over 215 collision centres across North America. Michael followed his father into the Automotive Group where he markets products and services. He continues to partner with his family and other automotive dealerships to better serve their clients through a network of innovation, CSR, CRM training and effective marketing platforms. Marc’s firm is proud to be a leader in automotive loyalty reform in Canada.

Natalie Sokic began her career in the hair industry over 15 years ago. She has worked as a master colourist and has paired her skill with various courses and competitions. She is still passionate about a loyal clientele! One year ago, she and her husband opened a new salon, Champagne Hair, on Vine Street in St. Catharines. In one short year, Natalie has quadrupled her clientele and continues to develop her passion for hair which goes beyond offering a service. Her exceptional communication and creative skills have allowed her to exceed her sales and revenue goals.

Stephanie successfully completed the Registered Massage Therapy program in early 2009 and continued to pursue her massage therapy practice. Stephanie now accepts clients at the beautiful Lavandula Wellness Centre at 46 King Street West in Dundas, and is dedicated and committed to developing and designing her new space. Stephanie is committed to her clients and continues to expand the changing needs with her hands-on experience. She learned the art of therapeutic massage for relaxation, rehabilitation and continued to develop her education by her clients, mentoring and preparing them for her best successful moments.

Dr. Andrea Maxim is one of Southern Ontario’s leading naturopathic doctors and the creator of “The Maxim Movement”—a movement that helps people move towards MAXIMIZING their digestion. MAXIMIZING their hormones, MAXIMIZING their health. With Drake-inspired content, she teaches the foundational movement of the body offerings. “E” to the body, and her clinic and home takes this shape, offering a step to get functioning back to the self. Dr. Maxim has experience in revitalizing digestive problems. Andrea Maxim released her first published book named “MAXIMIZED Health: The Neue Intelligent System for Optimal Digestion and Hormones.”

Anita is General Manager at FreshInsights Consulting—a program that recruits top graduates from women leaders, universities and business schools. The company provides work on business strategy and market research across the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe area. Anita is responsible for the strategic direction of FreshInsights and has helped the company grow from 1 to 10 employees and more than a 350% growth in revenue. She holds two Master’s Degrees—a combined development studies degree, and a master in economics with development, and history.

Brad is the Vice-President and Co-owner of Hall Construction Inc. in Stoney Creek with his brother Kevin. In this leadership role, Brad is responsible for what has been a strong construction operation for the last 50 years in the Hamilton and Toronto area. His career began at Hall Construction at a very young age and in 2011, Brad was promoted as Vice-President. He continues to hold that role and today is responsible for developing new business and managing key clients across the GTA and beyond. Brad has recently co-founded The Hamilton Roundtable—a group of individuals in various professions and industries.

Curtis is a trained Additive Manufacturing Specialist and an experienced 3D Print Technician. With these skill sets, he represents Genius Inspirata Evoluom—an engineering consortium focused on Additive Manufacturing (AM) Technology. The company’s mandate is to control processes in the field of AM, such as competencies, research and manufacturing. He is certified to operate a new form of technology in the area of 3D design, prototype and assembly. Apart from traveling across the globe for his job with Evoluom as a heavy consultant outside of Sudbury, Curtis enjoys the outdoors. When he isn’t busy in the lab, he’s likely walking, hiking or sailing.

A professional communicator and arts manager, Diana Weir started her career at the Canadian Opera Company and since then has worked at several Toronto and Hamilton-based arts organizations including the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, Festival of Arts Theatre and Theatre D’Etc. Diana is currently Partnerships Manager for the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, where she builds and maintains relationships with various stakeholders in the community. Diana also volunteers with the Hamilton Arts Council and is Vice-President of the Board of Directors. She is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in communications management through McMaster University.

Erin Dunham is a born and raised Hamiltonian. She earned her degree at the University of Western Ontario and attended the University of Windsor to do her MBA at McMaster University. Professionally, Erin is the Co-CEO of The Other Bird restaurant group. She oversees five restaurants in Hamilton and is also the artistic director at the Hamilton area theatre company—THEM. Rapid expansion, including The Alex, Rapscallion, Two Black Sheep, and The Mule, has brought Erin to the forefront. She is an active volunteer as a board member of YWCA, an active member of the Ladies’ Night of the East Wing, and the Beasley Neighbourhood Association. Erin also sits on the steering team for local conferences and international celebrations.

Jason Hofing is the CEO and Head Coffee Roaster of Red Hill Coffee Trade. He began craft roasting coffee in 2008 for local Hamilton events and charitable organizations. Jason roasts exclusively organic fair-trade and certified organic coffee from a variety of regions. He sells his coffee from Hamilton’s stall at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market and also from a concession stand in Stoney Creek. Jason has been interviewed on TV, radio and in newspapers for his work. In 2013, he received the award for Emerging Innovative and Community-Involved Small Business. He was nominated and received the Outstanding Small Business Award from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

Jessica Wooder was born and raised in Ancaster, where she continues to work as a licensed Realtor. Jessica joined Judy Marsales Real Estate Inc. in 2011 shortly after receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from McMaster University. Jessica has been involved in many local organizations, in particular, she’s the chair of two major fundraising events—The Rotary Club of Ancaster A.M.’s “Compassionate Affair for Africa” and the Junior League of Hamilton–Burlington’s “Holiday House for Distinctive Homes.” As a current Master’s student in the Master of Communication Management program at McMaster University, Jessica is able to approach her business with a fresh and dynamic perspective.

Kristel Bulthuis is the Manager of Operations for Urbanicity Omnimedia, a Hamilton-based media company that operates a print magazine, an indoor billboard network and a creative agency. In her role, she oversees a variety of projects from burger festivals to film festivals to crowdfunding campaigns to writing her popular “Cocktail talks with KB” column in Urbanicity magazine. A proud graduate of Redeemer University College, Kristel is an active volunteer at a local long-term care facility and sits on the board of HopeGCA. She is passionate about her city, and often can be found supporting local businesses and establishments.

Marc has been working in the automotive industry for nearly 15 years, having worked for various companies across different provinces. He started working for Dealer Rewards of Canada in 2010 and in January 2014 was able to assume the position as Director for its Canadian operations. This allowed Marc to build the Automotive Group product line that he markets to dealerships. Service Rewards Automotive offers training and automotive dealerships to better serve their clients through retention and loyalty programs, CRM training and effective marketing platforms. Marc’s firm is proud to be a leader in automotive loyalty reform in Canada.

Michelle Ciampaglia co-founded Car Nation Canada with President Rick Patel. Michelle started working for the company in 1996 and has worked hard to create this dynamic organization. The company has 13 locations in Ontario and employs more than 120 employees. Michelle is a firm believer in supporting the community and is involved in raising funds for over 350 employees. The Car Nation Canada Family Fund supports Fernsland, Incision, No Excuse, and organizations that need financial support. Michelle’s core leadership has important worth supporting local charities in the city, such as both athletics and McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Rachael Cavanagh is a sales and marketing guru with over 15 years of experience in the business world. Rachael’s love for technology and graphic development led her to Guru Digital Services in Edmonton where she graduated with a diploma in digital media. She later took her skills to Vancouver and was recognized for her Olympic logo work at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. An enthusiastic self-starter, Rachael later started her own company, The Car Wrap Lady. A proud mentor, Rachael is one of the 2015 Pan Am Games Committees, Hamilton Chamber’s Women in Leadership Committee, and the Tiger Town Council (Hamilton Tiger-Cats).

Susie Braithwaite grew up in Burlington and moved to Waterdown. She attended Mohawk College for marketing and went on to enjoy a 13-year career in advertising. Susie has worked for different publications throughout Ontario. Susie has been the Executive Director of International Village BIA in downtown Hamilton for close to five years now. Here, she oversees several areas including beautification, maintenance, promotions, marketing and events. She sits on several community committees in Hamilton and has implemented new initiatives that have had a positive impact on the community. Susie lives in Kirkendall and is a proud Hamiltonian.