A proud Hamiltonian, Adele takes great pride in her role as a labour relations officer (LRO) at the Ontario Nurses’ Association, a leading health care union representing 62,000 nurses and allied health professionals. As the youngest servicing LRO, she’s passionate about providing labour relations services to union members. After struggling with infertility and later, navigating the complex adoption process in Ontario, Adele has become an infertility and adoption advocate. Through her blog and meeting with potential adoptive parents, she’s provided an unfiltered look into fertility treatments and the adoptive process including the emotional, physical and financial tolls it can take.

Amro is passionate about start-ups and growing successful businesses. After establishing four start-ups over the past 10 years, he is the CEO for his digital marketing agency, VivosWeb Inc. This company has grown from an initial $30,000 investment to over $500,000 in annual sales, seven full-time staff, and a 4,000 square foot office in just four years. He also founded Just Hosting Inc. and acquired four web hosting businesses to grow this company. Since graduating from McMaster University, Amro has been active within the Hamilton business community, and developing the information technology and marketing sector within his own endeavors and businesses across Canada.

After numerous progressively challenging roles across both public and private sectors, Bartek joined Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) as controller of the Hamilton General site, helping lead its financial and strategic sustainability. Recently, he has undertaken a role as senior advisor of corporate planning, seeking to better integrate and elevate the organization’s analytics and business planning. A graduate of McMaster University and a CPA, Bartek plays a major role in HHS’s planning and analysis division, providing financial and strategic support and advice to HHS executives and stakeholders. As part of his commitment to the community, Bartek is an active member of the board of directors and finance committee of Wesley Urban Ministries.

Brian is a partner at Momentum Fitness, having a large role in the recent expansion from one to four locations in the past three years. Momentum Fitness is focused on their goal of making Hamilton the healthiest city in Canada. Brian has been in the health and fitness industry for over 10 years now, making an impact in the community through movement and philanthropy. Eleven years ago, Brian founded one of Hamilton’s largest fundraisers for the Juravinski Cancer Centre—The Climb for Cancer—which brings thousands of people together every May and has raised over $700,000.

Carla is the founder of Charles & Hunt, a men’s styling and personal shopping service in Hamilton. She received her bachelor of arts degree in art history from McMaster University and a diploma from Sheridan College in visual merchandising arts. After a three-year career as a menswear manager, she moved to Milan to pursue her passion and work at a showroom in the fashion capital. Carla returned to Canada to begin Charles & Hunt in 2015. Through her business, she has donated to various charities and organizations. She was also an executive member of Avant, a tri-Canadian networking and cultural group for young professionals.

Danielle has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2008, she established a summer dance camp that she ran throughout her time at Queen’s University. After graduating and exploring opportunities in non-profit, social and marketing organizations, Danielle redirected her career path to follow her love of beauty years earlier. Danielle is the creative director of ByDanilea, a makeup line specializing in makeup brushes for professionals. Danielle is passionate about helping women in sport. In 2015, she was appointed chair of the Start the Cycle program, a mentorship program for young female members of the Business Enterprise Centre. Danielle has since become a mentor in this program, where she now advises and supports new business beginning in Hamilton.

After earning a master’s degree in education and obtaining her Ontario teaching certificate, Sara continued her education and received a post-baccalaureate diploma from York University in teaching students who are deaf and hard of hearing—as well as SAC certification to teach students who are deafblind. Sara is employed by the Ontario Ministry of Education as the Coordinator for Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch. At the age of 29, while maintaining full-time employment, Sara graduated with a Ph.D. in leadership and policy. Dr. Moffatt independently conducted a provincial-wide study, creating an assessment tool that measures self-advocacy achievement in preschool-aged children.

An honours health science graduate from Western University, Jacqueline excels in the role of vice-president and director of operations for an award-winning Hamilton-based nursing and home care agency called Cold Cross Home Care. Jacqueline has also obtained two post-graduate diplomas from McMaster University in business administration and human resource management. She is a strong advocate for elder abuse prevention and awareness. Her volunteerism includes the role of executive treasurer and coach for the Hamilton Challenger Baseball Association. She also finds great joy in her role as a Big Sister and mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada.

Jeff serves as executive director of Indwell, a charity that provides affordable housing with supports to more than 450 people. He and the team have doubled Indwell’s capacity over the last five years. Jeff is involved in several initiatives that foster a healthy and inclusive community. Jeff has been involved with active transportation, healthy neighbourhoods and the cycling community. In addition to Indwell, Jeff is also involved in partnerships across social work, innovation, policy, planning and organizations from Wilfrid Laurier University.

A licensed architect, Kyle completed his bachelor and master’s degrees at the University of Waterloo School of Architecture. Kyle currently holds the position of associate at TCA Architects where he has contributed to many significant and award-winning buildings in and around Hamilton including Good Shepherd Square, the Ancaster Senior Achievement Centre, Hills Hardware Arts Centre + Lofts, and the Richmond Hill Hub. Kyle is a dedicated husband and proud father of three who is actively involved in his community as past-chair of Young Architects Hamilton, co-chair of the Westdale Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Committee, and an advocate for complete streets.

Originally from Budapest, Hungary, Maria immigrated to Canada with her parents at the age of 15. A graduate of Mohawk College’s business program, she pursued a career in marketing and special events management. After enjoying years of success in marketing working in Toronto, Maria became involved in real estate development when she joined her husband’s family business. Maria plays a key role in Branigan Properties, providing affordable housing to low income families. She continues to strive for a positive community and economic growth in Hamilton.

Milos Manojlovic is the president of SMI Cladding Solutions which specializes in aluminum composite panel and siding systems that encompass the interior and exterior finishes of all building types. Milos was introduced into this industry shortly after immigrating to Canada in 2005. He’s gained valuable experience working as a machine operator at a fabricator in the aluminum sector. He has worked in many positions for aluminum composite panels and siding systems, and at a drafting technician and project management department. His determination and hard work was recognized when he was offered a promotion as project manager, which he filled for six years before deciding to open up his own company.

During her pursuit of a bachelor of science at McMaster University, Sehrish Zehra co-founded Mathstronauts Inc. and is the executive director of the organization. While pursuing her master’s of science, Sehrish spearheaded the advancement of Mathstronauts into a registered non-profit, providing various programs and services for youth to engage in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) throughout the Hamilton and Halton regions. Currently, Sehrish plays a key role in the organization’s continuous development through her leadership on strategic planning, grant writing, and program development and implementation. Sehrish is a STEM advocate for young generations and strongly supports social innovation and entrepreneurship.

Zachary began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers where he earned his CA designation. This paved the way for him to become a key member of the finance team at Kruger Products that oversaw a $140-million initial public offering. After two years at Kruger Products, he joined Hamilton Specialty Bar (2007) Inc. as the controller where his responsibilities include reporting to private equity owners and the bank, managing the external audit, and preparing the operating plan. Zachary is an MBA graduate from the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University and a Gold Medal recipient at the University of Western Ontario for the highest overall average in the four-year BMOS program.

Alley Stennett is a co-founder of a public relations firm in Hamilton called Kallen + Stennett Communications. A graduate from the Mohawk College public relations program, Alley knew that she wanted to plant her roots in the city. Through her work, her mission is to build memorable brands and improve brand reputation through strategic communication. Over the years and with her years of experience, she has worked or volunteered with several influential organizations including Hamilton Hive and YEP Hamilton. She is also a member of the Canadian Public Relations Society.

Andrew provides accounting, taxation, and consulting services to businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara regions. Andrew has clients in a variety of industries and has extensive experience with home building, land development, construction, and professional clients. Andrew obtained an honours bachelor of accounting degree from Brock University in 2005, and became a Chartered Professional Accountant in 2006. He was admitted to partnership in 2015. In the community, Andrew is a coach for his son’s hockey and baseball teams. He’s also a Rotarian who has previously served as the treasurer of the Rotary Club of Hamilton.

Bonnie has been working as a music therapist with Fermata Inc. in Hamilton for almost eight years. Through her work with Fermata Inc., Bonnie manages music therapy programs and has piloted projects introducing music therapy to various facilities. Bonnie completed an undergraduate and graduate degree in music therapy at Wilfrid Laurier University. In 2015, after completing graduate studies, Bonnie contributed to a book of resources for music therapists, using material from the research project she completed as part of her degree. Bonnie has a growing role with Fermata Inc. and is now the senior music therapist with the company.

As the City of Hamilton’s program manager (events), Bridget’s portfolio involves the management of multiple civic events and projects, policy development as well as leading the rebuilding of the City’s Special Event Advisory Team to support Hamilton’s dynamic events sector. In 2015, she received the City Manager’s Award for Public Service Excellence for her contributions to the JUNO Awards Host City Committee. She currently serves as vice-president of festivals and events Ontario and is a passionate arts advocate who has presented talks at various organizations including the International Live Events Association, York University, the City of Barrie’s Culture Grow conference, the Hamilton Fringe Festival and Mohawk College.

Christie has dedicated her professional career to helping people—her customers, community and colleagues. She’s a determined leader who ensures customer service excellence is achieved at every point of contact between the utility and its customers. As a community champion, she maintains active leadership roles in our community by donating her time to over 61 charitable organizations through the Employees’ Charity Committee. In 2016, Christie led a team, establishing the first ever “Night Steps Niagara" charity walk to raise awareness and funds for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Her volunteer efforts raised more than $10,000 for CNIB.

Dave has spent half his life in the hospitality industry—from a busboy all the way to the butler for the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia to his current role as operations manager of The Other Bird Hospitality Group. His first job with The Other Bird was manager / bartender at the new oyster / cocktail bar Two Black Sheep. Over the next couple of years, his position in the company continued to evolve and grow. Two years ago, he moved into the general manager role and has since helped the company grow 600%—from three small restaurants with 25 staff to five restaurants and a hotel with 125 employees.

After starting her work in recreation and disabilities at a young age, Emily entered the teaching field, working with elementary students with learning disabilities. She moved full-time to Brown’s Martial Arts when a management position arose and three years later, she opened up her own studio—Determination Martial Arts. A graduate of Queen’s Trent Concurrent Education, she brings her knowledge and experience of students with exceptionalities to managing and operating her own recreation programs, and works with students aged three-years-old and up. Emily has a passion for building the community through sports and creating confident and compassionate members of society.

After attending law school in the U.K., Jason returned home to Hamilton, where he is currently working as a lawyer with Wellenreiter LLP. Jason is a graduate of McMaster University and attended law school at the University of Wales Swansea. Jason practices in several different areas including civil law, real estate, business law and wills and estates. Despite Jason’s busy practice, he’s also actively involved with several high schools in the City of Hamilton where he attends as a guest speaker to talk to students about the practice of law. In addition, Jason has been working with the Hamilton Justice Education Network, where he has acted as a judge, coach and advisor to students taking part in the Ontario Bar Association Mock Trials.

Prior to joining CARSTAR, John spent close to 14 years at RBC Insurance in various leadership roles in service and operations, sales and distribution, and process excellence. John joined CARSTAR as director of insurance in 2015 and is currently vice-president, insurance relations, overseeing all Canadian sales, service and call centre operations. Outside of CARSTAR, John is on the board of directors for the Good Shepherd Venture Centre and is involved in a number of community and charitable causes. When John is not studying, working or playing with his children, he enjoys reading, CrossFit, golfing and sports.

Leo grew up in the Hamilton restaurant industry. The son of immigrant restaurant owners, he has experience in nearly every role in the world of food service and hospitality. Leo has worked as a dishwasher, a writer, a line cook, a bartender, a promoter, and he is now the co-owner and head of operations at The Burnt Tongue. In addition to his extensive hands-on experience, Leo is a graduate of McMaster University and has aspirations of obtaining his MBA. Currently, he’s managing the growth of both Burnt Tongue locations while formulating plans to expand his soup empire even further, perhaps beyond the boundaries of Hamilton.

Matt currently serves as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ executive vice-president, business operations, overseeing all aspects of the club’s business affairs. The graduate of McGill University joined the Tiger-Cats in 2010 as vice-president, stadium development, and was a member of the executive team that represented the club in the site verification and stadium design phase for the development of Tim Hortons Field including leading the team who secured the landmark naming rights partnership with Tim Hortons. In 2014, Matt was recognized by George Brown College, The Globe and Mail, and TSN as one of the “5 to Watch” under the age of 40 in Canadian sports business.

Shortly into her career, Rebecca opened her public relations agency, Kallsen & Stennett Communications—a full-service public relations agency specializing in millennial communication. A graduate of Brock University and a public relations post-graduate of Mohawk College, Rebecca plays a major role in providing strategic communication to small businesses in Hamilton. As part of her commitment to the community, she has been on the board of directors for the Canadian Public Relations Society, Hamilton HIVE’s PR subcommittee and volunteers for the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s YEP Division.

Tammy is a passionate Hamiltonian and city builder. She’s one of the co-founders of CoMotion Group Inc. and CoBuild Hamilton. CoMotion Group creates office co-working spaces to help businesses lower the cost of doing business and allowing entrepreneurs to focus on building their business. CoBuild is a new industrial co-working space situated on Barton Street, providing flexible shared industrial spaces to facilitate Hamilton’s growing craft, maker and artisan businesses. When she’s not working at CoMotion and CoBuild, Tammy is working for the City of Hamilton in the Economic Development’s Global Hamilton office, helping immigrant business owners access city resources, and generally spreading the good word about Hamilton internationally.

After studying English and marketing at Ryerson University, Amanda joined tripcentral.ca’s digital marketing team in their head office in Hamilton. Her role includes managing social media, blogging, public relations, and copywriting for various corporate initiatives. In January of 2015, Amanda created the blog People of Hamilton which received a 2016 Hamilton Independent Media Award for Best Media Outlet. Amanda is also part of the NOSH planning committee to promote Hamilton’s culinary scene, writes for the Daily Hive Toronto, and works with numerous clients to improve their digital marketing strategies.

Anthony Macaluso is an award-winning educator, coach, and community leader in the greater Hamilton Area. A graduate of Western University, Anthony is currently the vice-principal at Cardinal Newman CSS, and also serves as coach and mentor for both hockey and soccer teams. Apart from his duties at school, Anthony is a committed member of the community, serving as chairperson of festivals and sports events and sits on the boards of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Museum, the Hamilton Future Fund, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Quality Committee, and other ventures, where he is a tireless community fundraiser.

In 1998, Brad and his sister Julie, two young lifeguards and first aid instructors, started a small business in the family basement with the goal of teaching others the “right reaction” in an emergency. Brad graduated with honours from the broadcast journalism program at Mohawk College. After working in the broadcast and sports apparel industries, Brad transitioned to expand Right Reaction into a full-time company in 2006. Now celebrating its 11th anniversary, Right Reaction offers over 20 different first aid and CPR training courses and swim lesson programs for all ages. Brad was named Red Cross Training Partner of the Year for Top Instructor Trainer.

After working in strategic sales for nearly eight years with StantiveM Carter, Bryce and his wife Sabrina purchased the Speedpro Imaging Hamilton location. Bryce and Sabrina have a passion for Hamilton and wanted to be a part of the entrepreneurial fabric of this great city. Bryce believes in creating value for his community by ensuring they give where he lives to make communities stronger. Bryce holds an honours bachelor of commerce degree from Lakehead University and was president of the Lakehead University Business Association during his studies.

Daniel is the owner, operator and master plumber at Guest Plumbing & Heating. His business has grown dramatically. In his first year, Daniel has managed to complete some of the city’s most up and coming projects including The Randall Condos, as well as some of Hamilton’s most respected restaurants like Berkeley North, The French, Hambrgr, and Charred. Daniel implemented a new attractive website design to showcase some of his projects at www.guestplumbing.com
. Guest Plumbing & Heating is one of Hamilton’s leading companies in the residential–light commercial project, not to mention Cima Restaurant located on Locke Street South.

Born in Poland, Dave moved to Hamilton with his family at the age of eight. He attended St. Mary’s University, where he majored in marketing and began his 13-year professional football career. After returning home to play for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Dave set his mind on a new passion—to become a real estate investor. He bought his first property in 2013. By the time he retired in 2016, Dave had purchased 4 properties in Hamilton. Along with his wife and business partner Kim, Dave is fully immersed in the world of real estate and has built a name for himself as an investor in the community.

Since joining FirstOntario Credit Union in 2012, Fabio has played many key roles including launching their social media strategy, growing financial literacy awareness, and designing outstanding internal processes to create experiences for Members. Today, as the marketing partnership specialist, Fabio plays a pivotal role in fostering extraordinary relationships with all of FirstOntario’s key community partnerships. He is a graduate of Niagara College’s business program and has completed certificates in both leadership and innovation at McMaster University. He is a proud husband and father, a developer of young leaders, and gives his time to his community through FirstOntario’s volunteer program Blue Wave.

Jay is a man of many passions and personas. As “Zeebarf,” he creates award-winning story-based adventure games. Since 2007, his games have been played millions of times online and more recently, on both iOS and Android app stores. When the pendulum swings the other way, Jay is the co-owner of Zee Float, one of Hamilton’s first Float Therapy studios. With his salt water space pods, Jay, along with his wife Stacey, help launch people into the outer dimensions of health and wellness. As “Dad,” Jay teaches his kids how to be creative and weird.

Krista opened Flourish Skin Studio in June 2015, after 10 years in the aesthetic industry. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation as a master skin therapist, helping hundreds of people reach their skin care goals through in-depth education and the highest quality holistic therapies. Before opening her business, Krista taught advanced medical skin care at her alma mater—Gina’s College of Advanced Aesthetics. Krista has developed seminars and wellness initiatives, promoting her passion for self care throughout the community and benefitting numerous charitable organizations including Interval House of Hamilton and the Neighbour to Neighbour Food Bank.

Luisa has been the owner of Absolute Simplicity for seven years. She opened up her own design centre and warehouse in Stoney Creek this past year. Luisa was recently a featured graduate of CDE Design School. She is the treasurer of the RESA group. Luisa has been recognized for her expertise by winning several Hamilton Readers’ Choice Awards and has presented workshops about her field for the City of Hamilton and several realtors associations. She has produced her own TV show on Cable 14 called “The Creek is Chic.” Luisa has completed staging projects for Brian Baeumler and Paul McCartney, and worked alongside several HGTV stars.

After working for Boston Pizza International, Michael joined up with Boston Pizza Centre on Barton in 2009 and is currently the general manager. A graduate of Brock University with a bachelor of business administration and a bachelor of education, Michael plays an important role in leading the brand within Hamilton. In his role, he has been able to make several connections within the community and support many different causes.

Scott completed his honours bachelor of commerce degree at McMaster University in 2005 and qualified as a chartered accountant in 2008. Since January 2008, Scott has been practicing exclusively in forensic accounting as a senior manager in the financial services group at Durward Jones Barkwell & Company. Scott completed executive programs at the Rotman School of Management (2014), University of Toronto in 2015, Richard Ivey School of Business (2012), and completed his financial forensics (CFF) credential with the American Institute of CPAs (CFF)—2016. Scott is actively involved with charities and is a board member of the Niagara Workforce Planning Board and Underdogs Boxing Club.

In 2000, Vince started working part-time in banking as a teller while studying towards a career in the IT field. He then realized he had a passion for helping clients with their money. A few years and many hours of study later, Vince became a financial planner. After numerous awards, and achieving top sales in the country for BNS, RBC found him. Vince is actively involved in real estate focuses and is a former restaurant franchisee. He now focuses his time bringing RBC’s collective ambition to life by helping clients thrive and communities prosper.