Adam began his entrepreneurial career 15 years ago as a 20-year-old inexperienced

but passionate self-employed personal trainer. Now he’s a respected health and fitness professional in the industry and owns one of the top-rated gyms in Hamilton. The ALP Training Institute is a community-based and high-performance focused gym offering world-class services to youth and elite athletes and active adults seeking a healthier lifestyle. Adam’s gym was recently named a “Fast 40” Company for a second straight year as one of the 40 fastest growing companies in Hamilton.

Candace is a Certified Personal Trainer and the founder and CEO of Challenger X Inc. - an exciting fitness facility set to open in Hamilton in early 2020. Challenger X Inc. is her way of bringing fun back into fitness and motivating health and wellness through challenging experiences. In March of 2019, Candace became the first ever recipient of the YWCA Honorary Woman of Distinction Award for overcoming obstacles and supporting survivors of domestic violence by creating innovative programs at Challenger X Inc. designed to help them heal and become more confident. It’s her goal to help individuals become the greatest version of themselves.

Colin Cannella is a proud Hamiltonian and founder of the city’s newest and very own athletic style HIIT studio. Opened in January of 2019, the studio now employs a team of four who service over 100 members. The FHIIT50 workout involves 50 minutes of sound and energy – and is an athletic style group workout that bridges the gap between movement and strength. Colin looks forward to pursuing further investments in the city, being apart of its continuous growth, and making regular contributions to the Hamilton Food Share for years to come.

Dao is the owner of Modern Design Studio Inc. and the co-founder of Home Design Showroom and Boutique Staging Inc. in Ancaster. Her firm provides a holistic design consultancy service specializing in small to medium scale new and redevelopment projects. Dao is trained as an interior designer and is passionate about creating living and working spaces where her clients can have a more meaningful and deeper relationship with their environment. Prior to starting her own firm, she worked for Shikatani Lacroix Design, DirectBuy and Laurentide Cabinetry Corporation.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Jack started his YouTube channel "Jack Denmo" in August of 2017. Before making videos, he worked in various jobs and industries – from forest firefighting for the OMNR to running a property management and YouTube compilation business. In 2019, he set his other ventures aside and decided to turn his passion of filmmaking into a full-time job, creating comical videos and posting them on the internet.

In 2015, Jeff founded Waterside Real Estate Group – a real estate appraisal and consulting firm serving the GTHA and surrounding area. In its first year, the company completed only a few hundred appraisals with two employees. In 2018, however, the firm completed over 1,500 property appraisals with a team of seven. In 2020, Waterside will become one of the region’s only full-service appraisal firms and real estate brokerages. Its highly trained team of appraisers works cohesively with a team of realtors, providing a service and experience level that’s unmatched in the industry.

Li moved to Hamilton in 2016 to start his own law practice. Taking lessons learned from working at all three levels of government, Li's practice maximizes efficiency and focuses on business law, land development and real estate law. After considerable growth, Li met a team of entrepreneurial lawyers at George Street Law with individual expertise in other areas of the law. In 2019, Li joined George Street Law to provide his clients with an expanded range of legal

services. Li is passionate about business and city development. He’s involved with the Hamilton Law Association, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a director at the Hamilton Community Land Trust.

Born in Hamilton, Michael grew up cheering for his hometown Tiger-Cats with the dream of working in professional sports. That dream became a reality in 2011 when he received the opportunity to join the Black & Gold’s marketing department. Today, Mike leads the Tiger-Cats and Forge FC’s marketing efforts - from branding and digital content to advertising and fan communications. A two-time CFL Award winner for Best Brand Campaign and Best Promotion, Mike’s tireless work ethic, dedication to his craft and work in the community has solidified him as an integral member of the Tiger-Cats and Forge FC’s leadership team.

Natalie is the founder and sole practitioner of Porcaro Law – a law firm specializing in both real estate and business/commercial law. Natalie and her team close hundreds of transactions per year, and she has been routinely recognized as one of Hamilton’s best real estate lawyers, receiving five Hamilton Spectator Reader’s Choice Awards to date. She is a graduate of McMaster University and University of Ottawa, and a proud member of several esteemed legal associations. She sits on the board for Habitat for Humanity and regularly volunteers with Food-4-Kids. Natalie is a dedicated mom to her two young children which is by far her greatest accomplishment to date.

Sam is a talent partnerships consultant at Brock University. He’s passionate about connecting employers with talent. Sam coaches and empowers students to become aware of their strengths, values and purpose. He and his wife Litty reside in Hamilton with their two children, Joelle and Reuel. Sam credits his leadership development and success to the encouragement and mentoring he’s received - and continues to receive - from his pastor and father, Reverend Abraham Thomas. A believer in “paying it forward,” Sam continues on that investment by mentoring other future leaders. His desire is to create a better world by helping others.

Sarah’s desire to drive change in healthcare through a business lens has led her to roles helping clinical and operational teams re-design processes, implement change, and look for new ways to tackle complex healthcare challenges. She also believes in the power of activating emerging leaders, and has contributed to a number of local and regional organizations in this context. Currently, she’s a Ministry Leader at Lift Church and is completing a term as programming and events lead with CivicAction’s Emerging Leaders Network. She is a long-time volunteer at 541 Eatery & Exchange and a contributor to the Women4Change Giving Circle.

Originally graduating from Niagara College’s print-journalism program in 2000, Shannon went on to spend the next 11 years in the publishing industry. She eventually landed at the Hamilton Spectator as the advertising and special magazine editor/designer. Here, Shannon met future business partner Paula Henriques and they decided to create P.S MediaHouse. With their mutual love for design, publishing, content and helping other businesses, the duo designed P.S MediaHouse to be a boutique agency where customer relationships are fully nurtured. Recently named one of Hamilton’s fastest growing businesses, P.S. MediaHouse is currently in its eighth year of business. Shannon is proud of her team, her incredible clients, and the community she works in.

Steven is a licensed investment advisor with Aligned Capital Partners Inc. He is part of a team of four advisors who embrace a collaborative approach in helping families and small businesses realize their financial goals through the creation and execution of comprehensive plans. A lifelong resident of Hamilton, Steven and his fiancée Kala plan to raise a family in the area. Steven sits on the board of St. Paul’s United Church, coaches youth soccer and is a regular volunteer with Dundas Community Services. Steven enjoys cooking at home and is currently accepting invitations to play crokinole over drinks.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Yulena is a Chartered Accountant and the Manager of Corporate Services for the Hamilton Community Foundation – a philanthropic organization that helps people give in meaningful ways, grants to charities, and is a national leader in impact investing and social finance. Passionate about empowering individuals for full social and civic participation, Yulena has travelled internationally representing the Board of YWCA Canada, and is involved in the city’s Status of Women committee and Community Food Advisors. She was recently named a CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow that works to develop diverse and inclusive leaders in the GTHA.

Alyssa is a cross-sectoral communications professional who chaired one of Ontario's largest young professional networks – Hamilton HIVE. A former CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow, Alyssa strives to create and make space for new voices to exercise leadership. Today, she leads strategic communications for McMaster University's $2-million pilot – The Socrates Project. Since arriving in Canada in 2008, Alyssa has worked and volunteered for more than 15 non-profits including environmental, social services and literary organizations. Alyssa was awarded YWCA Hamilton Woman of Distinction in Public Affairs, and McMaster’s Hamilton Community Impact – a testament of her love for the city she now calls home.

Chelsea is executive director of Hamilton Bike Share – a not-for-profit organization responsible for the launch and operations of the SoBi Hamilton bike share system from 2014 to 2019. She also co-designed and implemented Canada’s first bike share equity program - the Everyone Rides Initiative (ERI) - which increases access to bike share and cycling for people facing barriers. Chelsea is a graduate of McMaster University, where she earned her BA Honours degree in history and peace studies, and a master’s degree in history. In her spare time, Chelsea volunteers as the co-chair of the board of directors for Cycle Hamilton and is involved in several other community initiatives in Hamilton.

Colin graduated from Laurentian University and immediately joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2016. Commitment and hard work have helped Colin to quickly achieve success in his career. Now serving in a management role, Colin oversees the partnership deliverables for over 60 clients which includes many national brands and leaders in the Hamilton community like FirstOntario Credit Union. Understanding the importance of education and mentorship, Colin finds time to speak with aspiring youth looking for advice and guidance to help them achieve their dreams.

Erica is a personal injury lawyer. Born and raised in Hamilton, she joined Michael Lamont Personal Injury Law in 2014 after being called to the Bar. Since joining the firm, Erica has stepped into a management role and became a partner in 2019. Erica’s focus at the newly named “Lamont Law” (in addition to her law practice) is maintaining the firm’s reputation and focusing on community involvement. Erica is an elected council member of the Ontario Bar Association, and a member of the Hamilton Law Association, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, and the Advocates’ Society. She also serves on the board of directors for Food4Kids Ontario.

Jacob is director of sales and business operations at MedStack – a software start-up supporting 65 health-tech companies to deliver digital products to patients. He’s helped MedStack raise $3-million in venture capital and grown the team to 16 employees. Deeply involved in Hamilton’s start-up ecosystem at McMaster and The Forge, Jacob also helped launch the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research and co-founded HiNT – a stroke-detection and emergency room handover tool. Holding degrees in physics and in engineering and entrepreneurship, Jacob writes TheLeanHouseEffect.com – a monthly column on how to protect the environment and build wealth at the same time.

Jenna has spent the last decade working in the beverage alcohol industry. She’s been a marketer for brands such as Moosehead and Sleeman and is currently working at Hamilton’s Shawn & Ed Brewing Company where she’s responsible for marketing and sales. Jenna is also a co-founder of Hamilton’s first women-only craft beer community – the Iron Beer Maidens. Here, women can learn about craft beer at tasting events throughout the city with proceeds benefitting the Fab Foundation. Jenna is passionate about providing opportunities and empowerment for other women who want to carve their path in the beer industry.

Michael is one of the founders of CleanSweepers Professional Cleaning & Property Maintenance in Hamilton. Over the past five years, Michael has taken over the daily operations of the business with a focus on guaranteeing excellent customer service. Under his leadership, CleanSweepers has received many awards for residential, commercial and property maintenance services. A teacher at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, Michael is strongly committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers his time as a basketball and soccer coach, winning four city championships. Michael has also established discounted rates for seniors, children centres, and those suffering with illness.

Monika is the CEO of ToeFX Inc. – a medical device company developing a new photodynamic therapy for onychomycosis. Prior to joining ToeFX, Monika was the inaugural director of the Forge Business Incubator at McMaster Innovation Park, whose 130 plus alumni have raised over $26-million. Monika has published in the Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star and Maclean's. She holds a Ph.D. in nanoscience from Cornell University and a law degree from Western University. She’s interested in helping people live better through science and innovation.

Dr. Rahima Nenshi received her MD from McMaster University in 2005 and went on to complete her surgical training at the University of Toronto. She completed her Masters of Clinical Epidemiology as well as the Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship in tandem with the Surgical Oncology Fellowship. In her current role as an assistant professor in the department of Surgery at McMaster, she has a busy clinical, educational and research practice based out of St. Joseph’s Hospital. She has several leadership roles at the hospital and the university and is also an active volunteer in the community.

Sam moved from Northampton, England in 2014, transferring from Asda Stores Limited to work for Walmart Canada. Starting out as a co-manager in the Hamilton-Niagara Region, Sam quickly moved up the ranks. He was promoted to store manager the following year. During his time as a store manager, Sam championed for community giving and supporting charities such as Breakfast Clubs of Canada, Children’s Miracle Network, and Canadian Red Cross, raising over $75,000. Sam began working in the Walmart head office two years later and became senior manager of innovation. Here, his primary goal is to make associates’ lives easier and provide exceptional customer experience at Walmart’s 408 stores across Canada.

Sarosha co-founded Aiva Labs during her last year at McMaster University. Aiva is now used by thousands of major brands and small and medium-sized businesses in over 120 countries. Sarosha is known for her work in marketing and product development. She’s successfully implemented several projects at McMaster including an initiative that saved energy campus-wide as well as spearheading childhood learning and volunteering programs. Sarosha is passionate about mental health, youth entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. Her goal is to empower students and young professionals worldwide to create an impact, become adaptable in their careers, and “go for it.”

Stephanie founded Allure Medical Aesthetics in April of 2018. Due to the unique way she decided to brand her medical aesthetic business, Allure is now considered to be the fastest growing medical spa in Hamilton. In 15 short months, Stephanie was asked to be a founding partner of Precision Medical and Plastic Surgery. Known as “The Honest Injector,” Stephanie has developed a curriculum for teaching her fellow nurses and physicians the Neurotoxin and

Dermal Filler basic and advanced courses. She’s also opened a second location in London called Allure by Precision Medical. Stephanie’s business plan includes 20 locations across Ontario in the next five years.

Tyson joined A.S. Security & Surveillance in 2017 and is currently employed as the installation manager. His responsibilities include project planning, executing installations and field operations across the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara Regions. A.S. Security & Surveillance

provides CCTV video surveillance systems in the commercial, industrial, government and cannabis sectors. The firm has been awarded over 30 industry and regional awards for best security systems company including “Business of the Year” by three different chambers of commerce. Their passion for their community is evident in their genuine commitment to sponsor over 20 different charity and non-for-profit organizations. Tyson’s 2020 plans include expanding the business into Waterloo Region where he was born and raised.

As a CPA, CA, Brian works with not-for-profit organizations and owner-managed businesses in a variety of industries including real estate, construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. He also assists with both personal and corporate taxation. Brian graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University in 2011 and received his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2013 after placing on the National Honour Roll for the 2012 Uniform Final Evaluation of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. Brian is active in a number of community and charity organizations and is currently treasurer for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

Chris started Three Seasons Landscape Group in 2012 at the young age of 16. After years of dedication, hard work and building his brand, Three Seasons regularly works alongside Bryan Baeumler on HGTV and completes over $1-million in residential and commercial projects annually. Chris is now able to step back from the day-to-day operations of running a business and invest his time into other interests, including non-profit organizations like the Ancaster Agricultural Society, and local community outreach programs. Chris has recently taken on a part-time teaching position and mentors young entrepreneurs at Mohawk College.

Dan became a realtor in 2015, shortly after he achieved a higher designation and became a Real Estate Broker. Dan has been recognized as one of Hamilton’s Young Professionals for his work in real estate throughout the city. He’s a partner of The Doyle Team with his brother Derek where they have bought and sold some of Hamilton most iconic buildings. Dan has changed the look on King Street, Main Street, and Barton Street. His team has revamped these once vacant and abandoned corridors and filled them with successful businesses to help Hamilton continue to grow. Dan also sits as a board of director with the HDDA (Hamilton and District Apartment Association).

Erin opened her first Pita Pit franchise four years ago when she was 23-years-old. During those four years, Erin has employed over 45 individuals and created a work environment that’s team oriented. She’s focused on giving back to the community while maintaining a fun workplace. Erin has used her position to inspire and help her community by raising money, volunteering and giving back to more than 15 charities and organizations over the years. In January, she’ll be opening her second franchise and will set out to make a difference in that community.

Jay is the owner and operator of The Hamilton Fitness Academy. Jay has over 12 years experience as a trainer, and eight years in training development and management for various gyms in the Greater Hamilton Area. Jay’s goal was to open a gym that not only embodied professionalism and success – but a place where you can understand your body as well as obtain the tools you need to take control of it. The Hamilton Fitness Academy has 5,000 square feet of private training space and 16 professional coaches. Jay’s business is now entering its second year, and he’s been absolutely blessed by all the relationships he’s made along the way.

As a regional operations manager, Jessica demonstrates a passion for helping others as a professional. Jessica doesn’t shy away from a challenge. She is driven to pursue her goals at a corporate, personal and community level. She focuses on self-development by constantly investing within herself with continuous learning. Jessica provides leadership throughout her community and globally. A Tony Robbins Crew Member, she volunteers with a local school breakfast club, A Child’s World, Habitat for Humanity, and a number of community events. Jessica just returned from Guatemala where she helped build necessities for those in poverty.

Michael is one of the founders of CleanSweepers Professional Cleaning & Property Maintenance in Hamilton. Over the past five years, Michael has taken over the daily operations of the business with a focus on guaranteeing excellent customer service. Under his leadership, CleanSweepers has received many awards for residential, commercial and property maintenance services. A teacher at Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School, Michael is strongly committed to giving back to his community. He volunteers his time as a basketball and soccer coach, winning four city championships. Michael has also established discounted rates for seniors, children centres, and those suffering with illness

Nadine is a co-founder of Steel City Studio - a co-working space for creative-based businesses that has been building up the small business scene in Hamilton for over three years. Nadine has mentored with the city's Business Enterprise Centre and Hamilton’s Civic Incubator & Community Mentorship Collaborative. Lifelong entrepreneurship has led Nadine to participate in many community focused events and initiatives. These include roles as community outreach coordinator and executive director for local non-profits as well as project manager for Historia Building Restoration and a partner in a Hamilton-based lifestyle brand called Good Human Apparel.

Ron Laidman is the vice-president of infrastructure services at OEC – an industry leader providing energy and infrastructure services. As vice-president, Ron leads nearly 1,000 employees at multiple engineering, technology, and field services businesses across Ontario. He’s also responsible for safety, analytics, and fleet services. Ron is a professional engineer who has demonstrated a passion for innovation both at OEC and over his career through technology implementation, process improvement, and advanced analytics. Ron also volunteers his time as a board member with the Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance and the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, where he helps shape Burlington’s economic and entrepreneurial direction.

Sarah started Adanac Au Pair in 2017 (Adanac is Canada backwards). This high standard Au Pair agency is built on a foundation of Sarah’s passion and belief that au pairs provide the support and contributions that families need in order to find balance. Sarah would be remiss if she did not give a shout out to the Brant-Brantford Business Resource Centre for all of their support and guidance in the foundations of Adanac Au Pair. Sarah is new to Hamilton but has found a lovely business community to work with including CoMotion and The Cotton Factory.

Seif founded Newfore Inc. in 2016. After spending five years working as an engineer on megaprojects around North America, he moved to Hamilton where he recognized a growing demand for residential construction. Now he employs over 10 full-time employees who continue to work on residential and commercial renovation projects. Seif aims to create a new perception of contractors in the industry by building an accountable team capable of delivering on their projects. He was recently featured on CHCH Morning Live where he spoke of the revitalization of Barton Street and the effect Newfore’s projects have had on the area.

For over a decade now, Steven has been a project manager across Hamilton and Niagara, receiving his PMP designation in 2017. Steven also joined the reserves in 2008 through the Cadet Instructor Cadre and has obtained the rank of captain. In 2018, Steven started PMO Solutions Canada to provide small businesses with the opportunity to develop project management offices. An entrepreneur at heart, Steven also launched a server hosting company at the age of 17 to pay for his education. Steven is currently the project manager of a large project developing a safer alternative to alcohol using the waste streams from the recent cannabis legalization.

Victoria is the business intelligence manager for a leading healthcare supply chain organization, uncovering value for the local health sector. She was also the past co-chair for the annual Hamilton HIVEX conference hosting seminars and workshops for over 200 young professionals. Furthering her commitment to women and youth empowerment, Victoria is a volunteer soccer coach helping young girls to build their confidence and abilities. She’s also a contributing member to Women4Change – a giving group transforming the lives of girls and women in Hamilton.