Aaron joined Kraun in 2003 as a General Labourer, cleaning up construction sites. Aaron’s keen business sense and ambitious nature led to several promotions, and in 2015, he took on the role of General Manager. Under Aaron’s direction, Kraun has seen considerable growth and now employs over 70 individuals in the electrical construction and service industry. As a business owner, Aaron strives to ensure that Kraun is a great place to work and grow. Kraun is a Certified Living Wage employer and proudly supports Hospice Niagara and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). Aaron currently serves on the board at Bethany Community Church.

Andrew is a well-respected leader at Meridian Credit Union where he has worked for the last ten years. He is responsible for overseeing all Operations department projects and is accountable for managing vendor partnerships. He also leads a team of analysts that identify, design and implement process improvements, as well as Lean/Kaizen initiatives to improve Meridian’s ability to meet its Member’s needs. He volunteers and fundraises at many Meridian-sponsored events in the region, while in his spare time he also volunteers with the St. Catharines Enterprise Center and committees at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club.

Daryl is the Executive Officer to the Regional Chair, Jim Bradley. In this role, Daryl acts as the Chair’s Chief of Staff, providing strategic advice on issues regarding management and policy, and overlooks the Region’s GR function. He is also responsible for all communications for the Chair’s office. Previously, Daryl was a Communications Consultant with the Region for over a decade. Recently, he completed a secondment with the Town of Grimsby as the Manager of Corporate Communications. Daryl is an award-winning practitioner, having received the Government Relations Campaign of the Year award(2014/2016) and Mentor of the Year award(2017).

In 2016, Jade moved to the Niagara Region and started her engineering career at Hallex Environmental Ltd. as a Project Coordinator. On route to become a Project Manager, Jade started a Masters in Business Administration as Brock University. In her free time, Jade is involved in many sports in the Niagara Region, including hockey, volleyball, dodgeball, and softball. With a goal of increasing the number of women in science and engineering, Jade is also a leader with the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) Niagara Chapter and actively works towards providing visible leadership in addressing underrepresentation of women licenced in engineering.

Justin began his career in the construction industry in 2004 as an apprentice carpenter for a local custom home builder. In 2008, he received his Red Seal Certification and weeks later decided to pack up his vehicle and head west. During his time spent in Calgary he worked as a carpenter, building anything from large commercial buildings to a 13,000-sf executive home. Justin joined ServiceMaster Restore of Grande Prairie as Construction Manager later moved up into the lead project manager role. Justin is a loving husband to his wife Ashley and a father to his amazing twin daughters.

Kristen Butryn is the Job Developer and Team Leader for the Employment Help Centre. She dedicates her work to assist Job Seekers and Employers in Niagara with professional Employment Services, including Job Search, Advocacy, Human Resources and Recruitment strategies. Prior to her move to EHC in 2012, Kristen spent 10 years working at OneTouch Direct where she discovered her passion for working with others as a Job Designer and Training Manager. As a graduate from Leadership Niagara, she is a huge advocate of continued growth by developing skills on the job and beyond everyday.

Krystal Snider is a Program Manager at the YWCA Niagara Region, a feminist organization that provides shelter, housing and supports homeless women and families. She has been working in Social Services since 2007 and has a passion for advocating systemic change as it relates to the issue of human trafficking. Krystal was able to spearhead the development and implementation of the Emergency Response Protocol on Human Trafficking in the Niagara Region. Most recently, Krystal has been training firefighters, police officers and doctors on how to identify Human Trafficking and how to best support survivors.

Laura provides care for the caregivers, help for the helpers, and support for the supporters. Through workshops, keynotes, and coaching, she guides staff to build realistic and personalized self-care plans so that they can find work-life balance, and navigate stress and compassion fatigue with various tools. After ten years of working in front-line roles, Laura began her business venture full-time in July 2018. Since then, Laura has trained nearly 4,000 staff across 30+ agencies. Her vision is to initiate needed conversations about effective self-care and workplace mental health.

Martin has co-founded Personal Eyez in 2018. After doing research and a business analysis, Personal Eyez found the perfect locale to open its door in the Corblock on July 2018. Martin brings with him close to 20 years of experience as an optician and 14 years as a business owner. His first store was established in downtown Oakville in 2005. Martin has also served as a board of Director for the Ontario Opticians Association for many years and the President of the Opticians Association of Canada. Optical is one of his passions. He also truly believes in giving back to his community by sponsoring events or making time to volunteer to help out wherever he can.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Meaghan moved to Grimsby in 2013 and began working at Bethesda in 2014. Bethesda was founded in 1937, and now employs over 500 staff to continue a legacy of supporting individuals with special needs throughout the Niagara Region. In addition to her work at Bethesda, Meaghan also sits as a Vice-President, acting as a volunteer on the Board of Directors at Tanguay Place, an organization in Welland that supports adults with physical disabilities.

Pam is the Director of Community Engagement for Project SHARE where she has been employed for the past 8 years. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and so much more. Pam received her B.A. in Communications from Brock University, where she participated in the Non Profit Leadership Certificate Program at the Goodman School of Business and completed the Leadership Niagara project. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, she resides there with her husband and three children.

Raiana is a Niagara Region Real Estate Professional and Managing Partner at McGarr Realty, a local real estate brokerage operating in the region for over 30 years. As an active member of the community, she has a passion for promoting the vibrant & positive environment for business & life in Niagara. This passion is evident in both a personal and professional capacity and through the success of the real estate team she leads and many clients she has been grateful to work with.

Stephanie is an experienced Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the Public Relations, Communications and Community Development fields. Hicks has led the way winning multiple awards for her BIAs as well as several personal achievement awards. Stephanie has become a respected community partner to many small businesses and organizations. Skills in Hospitality, Tourism, Event Management, Sales, operations, and a strong business acumen, Stephanie elevates all whom she works with. Her drive and passion for building business and community is invaluable and contagious.

Zac is the owner and operator of Forge Fitness; a personal training, nutritional coaching and strength and conditioning facility. The doors to Forge Fitness opened in June 2018, after Zac decided to follow his passion of fitness and health. This dream of Zac’s started after he forged through his own health complications of being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which ultimately led him to live a healthier lifestyle and be an inspiration to those around him. In March 2022, Zac launched the expansion of his Gym, Forge Fitness 2.0, in order to better serve his local clientele, including professional athletes.

Adam R. Lampman is in the retail banking industry and his mission is to provide an outstanding level of customer service. He has been in the Banking industry since 2008, specializing in Customer Service, Business Banking and Personal Finance. Prior to devoting his fulltime work to Meridian Credit Union, Adam attended the University of Western Ontario receiving an Honours Economics Degree. Upon completion of his degree he proceeded, with his wife, to South Korea to teach English as a second language. In 2008 Adam and his wife returned to North America to be near friends and family.

Chelsea was born and raised in the Niagara Region. As a proud Member of the Meridian Credit Union team for over 10 years, she was originally drawn to the organization because of its strong commitment to local communities across Ontario, specifically in Niagara. She enjoys volunteer work and acting as an ambassador of the Meridian brand. Chelsea is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. She continues to be an avid reader and loves to learn. Additionally in her spare time, Chelsea can be found on the links working on her golf game, in the kitchen trying new recipes, attending live concerts or travelling with friends.

Emily is a certified event coordinator, programmer, and appreciator of details others wouldn’t notice and a passionate supporter of anything local. She has worked in the Alumni/ Development Office at Brock University for almost 10 years as an Alumni Relations Officer. In this role, she has helped integrate Brock graduates through various events, volunteer opportunities and innovative programming initiatives. Emily currently sits as a Board Member and co-chair of the Events Committee for NEXTNiagara cultivating leadership opportunities throughout the area. Today, Emily actively supports local non-profits like Lincoln County Humane Society and Montbani.

Jesse is a seasoned career specialist with 15 years of experience, 10 of those being with Engineering Co-op & Career Services at McMaster University. Jesse consistently advocates for students and has been able to inspire success in all stages of their careers. His energy, personality, and ability to connect with people is inspiring. You can’t walk down a hallway without Jesse high-fiving or fist-bumping a student. Students, staff, and faculty know Jesse; in many ways he has become the face of ECCS and represents the level of service our team strives to achieve. On any day you can hear him motivating students with his trademark tagline “You got this!”, giving them much needed inspiration, confidence, and support to achieve their career goals.

After years of Medical training and education, Dr. Kenneth Groves is now the CMO and co-founder of InspireHealth Niagara. IHN utilizes a research-based treatment approach with an emphasis on isolating the root cause. Kenneth actively educates and inspires his patients to manage their own health. Away from clinical practice you can find Kenneth with his wife Jennifer and their 4 amazing children Easton, Addilyn, Oaklyn and Huxley. Such quality time includes working on cars, spending time outdoors and embracing all of the wondrous aspects life has to offer.

Kristi began her career at Gillian’s Place in 2004 as a shelter counsellor, providing support and advocacy for women and children experiencing abuse. She has ambitiously worked her way through the organization from Residential Supervisor, all the way to the Director of Shelter Services and Operations. Kristi manages all counselling, outreach services, and oversees 11 transitional housing units. Kristi played a key role in shifting the shelter’s framework to a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach and has developed many community partnerships to provide wraparound support for clients.

Kyle was born and raised in Prince Edward Island and moved to Niagara to attend Brock University. After completing his business degree in 2012, he started his career in the Financial Services Industry. Throughout his career, he was able to explore many different opportunities within the industry, to become a Community Wealth Advisor with Meridian Credit Union in St. Catharines. Kyle stays active within the community by volunteering in local organizations. He and his wife Claire are proud to be raising their two boys in the Niagara Region.

Lucas opened the doors of the Black Sheep Lounge in August of 2015. After less than 1 year The Black Sheep became the #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor in Welland and has maintained that position ever since. People are the main focus of the BSL, dedicating numerous hours, resources, and facility space to give back to the community it loves so much! The Black Sheep has become almost human, as it breathes with the people of Niagara. This love for community led to Lucas’ local activism, and eventually a seat on the Welland City Council.

Matrixx founded Iron Performance Center in the winter of 2017. Since he opened its doors, Iron Performance Center has established itself as Niagara’s top personal and performance training facility. Matrixx prides himself on building a culture of excellence for his team and the athletes that call IPC home. Whether you’re a professional athlete or an enthusiastic bar bender, grit, sweat and high expectations are common friends inside the IPC weight room. In an effort to further the industry, Matrixx and his team guest lecture throughout the province in order to help develop younger professionals. Through their rigorous internship, Matrixx and his staff look to build Niagara’s next great coach.

Michael Idzenga started his business venture in 2016, launching an escape room business in Hamilton with his business partner Megan Kish. Their passion for creating engaging and creative puzzles caught the eye of another business, and within a year, they amalgamated with The Crux Escape Rooms, bringing locations to Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Since moving his business closer to home, Michael has been focusing on investing in people through leadership. Not only is he actively involved at Eden High School, where he teaches full time, but he also coaches varsity curling at Brock University and sits on the Board at Central Community Church.

Trish began her career at the DJB in 2010 as a co-op student and received her CPA designation in 2014. She was promoted to Manager in 2016. Trish works in general practice and has experience in providing accounting and assurance services to a variety of businesses and their owners across the Niagara region. Trish loves to give back to her community by volunteering her time, she is involved with Prom Project Niagara and is the treasurer for the PCW Chamber. As a new mom, Trish spends her free time with her family enjoying all the Niagara region has to offer.

Savanna founded Chomp Supply Inc. in 2016 after the birth of her first daughter. Fast forward 3 years to now, Chomp Supply is now the largest and most trusted silicone teething & craft supply retailer in North America. Passionate about women in business, Savanna helps women worldwide realize their crafting business dreams while providing them with safe, high-quality products in an inclusive social media community. Most recently, Savanna launched Femme Wares, a retail collective store in Thorold that houses over 60 female founded brands that fosters self-care.

Trevor holds a Master of Physiotherapy from University of Queensland (2019) and a Bachelor in Health and Physical Education at the University of Toronto. He has undertaken extensive professional development including Dean Watson’s approach for headaches and migraines and is a Connect Therapy Series graduate. Trevor volunteered at the Pan Am games as a Physiotherapist for golfers, and has volunteered with the Welland Jackfish, Welland Raiders and Niagara Thunderbirds as the teams’ physiotherapist. He is the chair of the Program Advisory Council for the Occupational/Physical Therapy Assistant program, and is a clinical educator for Niagara College and McMaster University.

Alicia Yap co-founded, with Partner Olena Aka Lyle, ClaraDerma+ Medical Aesthetics and Laser Clinic late in 2017. Alicia has invested years of personal experience to create an inclusive and approachable business dedicated to serving its customers in medical grade skin care. Alicia has stayed focused on advancing her clinic and has since been able to employ 8 additional women who epitomize the company’ mission statement “our concern is your concern”. As a wife and mother of two, she still makes time to volunteer at her son’s school, organize charitable events for Pathstones and partake in countless continuing education hours.

Christina began her journey as a high school coop student where she found her passion mentoring children and then fulfilling her studies at Niagara College. Since graduating from the Early Childhood Education program, Christina has climbed the ranks to become the Assistant Director at La Boîte à soleil. La Boîte à soleil, a francophone child care organization, is responsible for serving over 600 children within 7 child care centres throughout the Niagara region today. Christina plays an active role in the Niagara child care community in many ways, working with various groups and advisory committees.

Evan Macdonald is the current owner and CEO of Mac Inc, a parent company that specializes in real estate, construction, marketing, plumbing, and stucco systems. With a team of over 30 people, Mac Inc. specializes in many fields, buying and selling real estate, managing construction/plumbing projects, providing excellent customer service and is known for a great company culture. Evan was known as an accomplished wrestler for Brock University who represented Team Canada during the Commonwealth games and Pan Am championships. Evan is a devout family man and is admired for his hard work, dedication and personal mantra “Dream Big”.

Juan is an accomplished Economist who graduated from the Javeriana University in Colombia, and with studies in Venture Capital from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Juan leads the Trinity Capital International operation in Canada where he has expanded the investment portfolio internationally. He is a leading private actor promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Niagara and GTA. Juan has worked hand in hand with start-up incubators, such as Innovate Niagara and Spark Niagara. Additionally, he is an active member of Equation Angels and the Niagara Angel Network. His abilities have helped Trinity to discover business opportunities based on the core values of transparency, trust, and profitability.

After obtaining his Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University, Kevin began his career in fundraising and non-profit management with United Way St. Catharines & District in 2013. Kevin played a significant role in the amalgamation that formed United Way Niagara in 2018. In his current position, Kevin leads an annual $5.25 million fundraising campaign that supports over 100 social service programs across Niagara that improve the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. A graduate of Leadership Niagara’s Community Leadership Program, 2016 Cohort, Kevin has served on the LN Board of Directors since 2017 and is currently Chair of the Fund Development Committee.

Krysta traded her pension for passion when she gave up her full-time career with the provincial government in 2018 to turn her part-time photography business of 13 years into a full-time operation. Since then, she’s been able to triple her income and also expand her team, offerings and brand. Through her company, Loverly Weddings, she documents love stories throughout Niagara, and all of Southern Ontario as well as many destinations around the world. In 2019, she wanted to get back to her community service roots and was thrilled to achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada.

Kyle is a retired professional triathlete and Olympian that represented Canada on the world stage for over 15 years. His athletic experiences helped shape his views and philosophy on how to help other athletes achieve their goals which naturally led to a career in coaching. Kyle is now the co-owner of Edge Triathlon, an endurance sport coaching & consulting business in Niagara. Over the past 2 years, Kyle and his partner, Jeff Scull, continue to grow their business and expand the Edge brand locally and online. They currently work with approximately 200 athletes of all ages and abilities.

Mahoganie is an active and ardent member of the community. She currently volunteers as the RNAO’s Policy and Political Action ENO for both the Niagara Chapter and Palliative Care Nurses Interest Group. She also sits on the CHNIG’s Nursing Group as Secretary/Treasurer and sits on the Overdose Prevention Network of Niagara (OPNN). Mahoganie currently works as a RN at McNally House Hospice, casually, as well as working full time as a Palliative Pain and Symptom Management Consultant throughout the Niagara Region.

Matt is an accomplished construction executive with over 15 years experience in the construction industry. Matt is currently Vice President of Pivotech Mechanical Services Limited, a mechanical contractor. He is a recognized business and industry leader who is committed to building high performance teams and cultures. Matt is focused on fostering and leading innovation while devising strategy to ensure successful business continuity. In 2016, he founded the NMSL Charity Golf Tournament which donates all proceeds to local non-profit organizations. In his free time Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, especially if it involves travelling, golfing or a great meal accompanied by some fantastic wine.

Nick Graduated from Niagara College for Law & Security in 2010 and then Brock University for Psychology in 2016. He created the Evergreen Thrift Store in May of 2017 and opened up for business in June of that same year. Deeply rooted in the Niagara scene, Evergreen sponsors/tidies their own local park, and regularly cleans up garbage in their local green areas. In addition, Evergreen completes a monetary donation to a local or national charitable initiative every month. The business strives to redirect as many goods as possible from the landfill through reselling and recycling initiatives.

Paul Harber has molded Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery into the quaint family-feel winery that it is today. A biodynamic and organic winery located on St. Davids Bench in Niagara-on-the-Lake, that is recognized for producing VQA varietals on a farm that is steeped in history. The farm is known to be one of the first commercial grape vineyards in the area with 500 vines planted in 1869. Paul is the current CEO and Proprietor of Ravine Vineyard, accompanied with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Harber went on to work as a Chef among Michelin Star Restaurants in North America and Europe, before returning to the St. Davids Bench to launch the Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery Restaurant, which was named one of the top 20 winery restaurants in the world in 2011.

Shannon Munro is the Fund Development and Community Hub Coordinator for The Hope Centre in Welland. She has been a part of the not-for-profit sector for over a decade in Niagara’s most vulnerable sectors. A graduate of Niagara College’s Business and Public Relations programs, Shannon’s career flourished during her time at Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold that worked to support the critical programs of the agency. Shannon is known for her positive outlook and hard-working nature. A lifelong resident of Niagara, Shannon lives in St. Catharines with her partner Nick and her sweet dog, Sunny.

Vanessa Holm is the Chief Executive Officer at West Lincoln Public Library, where she oversees a busy library system in one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Niagara. During her time at West Lincoln, Vanessa has led significant growth, change, and increased awareness of the library system. This includes two new library building projects—the renovation and expansion of the Wellandport Branch, and the construction of a new Central Library in Smithville. Vanessa has been the recipient of several Service Excellence awards, in addition to the Jean Wichers Award for Professional Practice in Librarianship.