Alexis Kleiman began her career with the United Way of Niagara as a Campaign Associate after graduating from Brock University. She later joined the Education Foundation of Niagara as Events and Marketing Coordinator and now serves as its Executive Director. Passionate about community impact, Alexis enjoys organizing events that make a difference. She is the Vice Chair of Women in Niagara and has served on several committees, including the Niagara Chamber Partnership Marketing Committee, the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games Host Society, and the Niagara Region’s Leadership Summit for Women. She also contributes to the Women in Niagara Awards Planning Committee and volunteers with Leadership Niagara’s Ignite Education Committee.

Amanda R. Riley founded her psychotherapy practice in 2015 after working in community mental health, school boards, and public sector agencies. She builds authentic connections with clients to support their individual wellness. A multiple Diamond Winner in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, Amanda was recognized in all four nominated categories, including Marriage, Individual and Family Counsellor, Bereavement Counsellor, and Best Mental Health Consultant/Life Coach. She specializes in anxiety, depression, mood and personality disorders, PTSD and trauma recovery, relationships, and vocational rehabilitation. Her practice is rooted in compassion, integrity, and healing.

Caitlin has worked at Meridian Credit Union for 15 years. As a Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Caitlin is responsible for providing support to a select group of 500 employees across many different disciplines. Caitlin also teaches at Niagara College. As an instructor for the School of Business & Management for four years, Caitlin has taught a number of courses in her field. Caitlin has a volunteer spirit and supports several organizations – including Leadership Niagara and Community Care. She also mentors young women. A committed organizer, she co-leads Meridian teams and has spoken at Niagara’s Women in Leadership and Business Conference.

Christopher began his journey at Brock University in 2009 and joined the GSA in 2015. After serving two years as a Board Member (2015-17) and two years as Vice-President, Finance (2017-19) followed by his current tenure as President and CEO. Since 2019 the GSA has doubled its staff and restructured its leadership team, increasing both its advocacy and communications. Through a global pandemic led launched their first strategic plan, increased engagement with members, and secured student funding through referendum for a new dedicated student centre. Living with mental illness, Christopher is passionate about community building, volunteering with CMHA-Niagara, and other local organizations.

Jessica is an Assistant Professor at Brock University’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. Her research focuses on understanding vulnerability to climate change and planning effective climate adaptation in Canada, especially the Global South and Solomon Islands. Jessica helped develop the Local Year for Niagara Adapts, a partnership between Brock University and seven municipalities in the Niagara Region that is designed to support innovative climate solutions right here in Niagara. In 2020, Jessica was the co-recipient of Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences Early Career Research Award and named Faculty Member of the Year Award. Passionate about building climate literacy across Niagara and beyond, Jessica speaks widely throughout the Niagara Region.

Jhon has over ten years of experience helping companies across Niagara meet their goals by providing human resources and staffing solutions. He is passionate about creating diverse workplaces and supporting employee growth through continuous learning and development opportunities. In 2017, Jhon received the Welland Pelham Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year Ruby Award for his commitment to his profession. Jhon immigrated to Canada from Colombia at the age of 17 and fell in love with the Niagara Region. He has called St. Catharines home for more than 20 years. As someone who has mentored thousands and received the help of many, Jhon enjoys assisting those who are now in a similar situation seeking to make Niagara their new home.

Leah joined the Town of Pelham as the special events and festivals programmer in 2020. With previous experience in the hospitality sector as an Ontario Hostelry Institute Top 30 under 30 recipient, Leah combines her event background with community service to connect residents in Pelham. Leah led the successful planning and execution of award-winning events in 2020 such as Canada Day, the Niagara and Canadian Film Festival. A graduate of Niagara College’s Events Management Post-Grad program, Leah is passionate to educate her community and events to her work. Leah is also a dedicated volunteer with the 3rd Fonthill Scouting Group.

Marc is an award-winning communications professional, bringing ideas and people together to create connected communities. His role in communications for the Town of Pelham began in 2017, focusing on tailoring messages and delivery methods affecting a broad range of demographics and interests. His work has been recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals in various categories, most notably, in 2020, with an individual achievement award in strategic communication. A graduate of Brock University’s CPCF program, with a minor in Professional Writing, Marc’s writing projects – personal and professional – employ a distinct and relatable style that inspires and motivates. Marc was recently appointed to the board of directors of Women’s Place of South Niagara.

Matthew established Davies Environmental over the past 21 years (and last 17 years of age!) and has served the Niagara Region. His company and team specialize in asbestos abatement, mold remediation, and hazardous material removal and consulting services. From a small one-man to a big family, Matthew, who bears a strong ambition to make a difference, developed a firm with over 30 trained professionals and believes in community building. As a result, his team is involved in a number of local charities as well as individuals alike to connect. St. Catharines native, Matthew, outside his family life, loves running, motorcycles, and hockey. Beyond that, he remains a highly motivated builder and further enthusiast for growth.

Michelle joined the Niagara River Lions front office team during their inaugural season in 2016 and over her five years with the organization quickly moved up to now hold the title of Vice President of Operations. In her role, she oversees all facets of the business and is responsible for the direction and growth of the organization while being the driving force behind the community initiatives the River Lions pride themselves on. Michelle has served as a Committee Member for Crime Stoppers of Niagara and as a Big Sister at Big Brothers Big Sisters of North and West Niagara.

Rima is responsible for managing day-to-day operations as well as contributing to the future development of the organization both artistically and strategically in her current position as Director at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. Her passion for arts education and experience in the not-for-profit arts sector has led to a 74% growth in programming and staffing since 2013. Rima is proud to have community recognition including NOTL’s Choice Awards in 2020 for Art Studio and Spirit of Niagara Award for Community Leadership in 2019. Rima contributes to the community she lives and works as a volunteer and donor for Community Care, St. Catharines and the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Sandra is an Assurance Manager at Durward Jones Barkwell & Company and previously worked as an accountant for a manufacturing company in Quebec. Sandra graduated from the University of Montreal in Quebec with a Bachelor of Accounting degree in 2014 and received her Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2017. Sandra works with a wide variety of businesses within the region and her experience spans many industries, including not-for-profit, manufacturing, tourism and government relief programs. Since moving here, she has been an active member of the community. She volunteers as the treasurer of the YWCA Niagara and at the YMCA of Niagara.

Stephanie Lakeit-Hall is a hardworking, thoughtful and community-focused business and future leader builder. Born and raised in Niagara, she is a proud graduate of Niagara College and Brock University. She is working extra hard through COVID to help businesses survive. She jumps in at every chance she can get. She also works with Leadership Niagara to help make the community create Leaders of the future. She uses her experience and knowledge to instill purpose and growth through this role as the owner of SH Consulting Group, and the Executive Director of Leadership Niagara. These projects have allowed her to connect deeper with the community that she loves so deeply!

Will is an experienced computer systems engineer with over a decade in cloud computing. Having worked for both scrappy startups and Niagara based non-profits alike, he has a passion for building reliable, stable experiences on the web that can scale to meet the demands of modern internet users. Years in the trenches prepared Will for the transition into Engineering Management where he loves to engage and unlock the potential in his fully remote team. Will has worked from the comfort of his slippers for 5 years, and he is the manager of the Trello Site Reliability Engineering team.

Amanda is a graduate of Brock University’s Sociology program. She is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with over 16 years of fundraising experience and has completed the Non Profit Leadership Certificate Program. As the Director of Development & Stewardship for Women’s Place, she has enjoyed connecting with Niagara’s generous community for the past six years to help women and children experiencing abuse. Amanda is an executive member of the CAGP Niagara Golden Horseshoe chapter, co-chairs the Niagara Fundraisers Network, coaches soccer, and is a parent council member. She is supported in all of these activities by her wonderful husband and two children.

After enduring a major health scare, Annette inspired to start a plant based beauty brand. Being frustrated with complicated ingredient listings, she was determined to find a simpler way. Lip Service Beauty believes wholeheartedly that ingredients matter. They source everything from raw materials to packaging as locally and ethically as possible. Over the last 3 years, Annette has worked to collaborate with other like-minded, women led businesses to co-create 1/4 of the product in their assortment. Throughout the pandemic, LSB made essential stays (lip branded masks, mask misters and roll on hand sanitizers) for the FORT youth centres. They’ve also donated over 1000 lip balms to front line workers and various local charities across the Niagara region.

Carlie started her career in Real Estate over 6 years ago after being raised in an entrepreneurial family. Creating caring communities is at the forefront of her mind when introducing buyers and sellers in Niagara. In 2019, Carlie and her husband opened Twee Rozen Farms, an equestrian facility and hobby farm. They have used these spaces to host trade shows for local businesses, horse lessons to teach healthy interactions for kids of all ages, and fundraising events to give back to local shelters, one being Womens Place of South Niagara. She is a top producing Realtor in the region and a huge advocate for supporting local & giving back to the community.

Clayton Letourneau is a Creative Professional and the owner of Custom Sign Lab in Beamsville, Ontario, which celebrates 10 years in business in 2021. He is a second-generation graphic designer and Sign Maker with an MFA in Fine Art from the University at Buffalo specializing in painting. Clayton is a former staff member of the Canada Day Committee and enjoys collaborating and creating visual signage. Clayton is married to Business Partner Katy, and a Dad to new baby Evander. They have a Labradoodle named Yoko and frequently travel around Canada in their Vintage Camper and working on Classic Cars and Bikes.

Drew Toth’s company Elevate Living creates diverse housing types to accommodate the “missing middle”. Toth’s team has completed two affordable housing builds for Gateway of Niagara. During COVID, Toth led a team that created a pandemic-friendly distribution centre for Community Care so its clients could safely access food. Currently, Toth is building 28 studio units to help enable home ownership, he is redeveloping a parking lot into residential homes, and he is building a 100+ unit apartment. His business model is not only about profits; it also aims to build great neighbourhoods, and help others attain housing.

Jordin founded Go Green Plumbing in 2013. After finishing his five-year plumbing apprenticeship, he opened a business from the ground up, and it has grown to ten trucks locally in the Niagara Region and up to 18 professionals. He will never forget the hard work it took to build the company from nothing. This year, Jordin is celebrating more than 10 years of business success, and he continues to stay grounded by his gratitude for his community and family. With a large number of his community within the Welland area, he is also hands-on with volunteering in community schools and donating to Community Care every holiday.

Leslie Robichaud was born in Timmins but lived in Welland most of her life. Married with 3 beautiful children. She currently owns Elite Hair Salon and Spa located in the heart of Welland. She has been on the Central Station Education Initiative Board since February 2021. Also is the vice chair for Welland downtown BIA and chair of the beautification. In 2018 she ran for Ward 5 in Welland City Council, looking forward to running again in 2022. She is very active in the community and loves volunteering.

Marissa started CHZ PLZ in 2018 while at the Lakeshore Restaurant. Full time she is a Sous Chef at The Anchorage. Working full time and passionately creating shareable platters from dips and a fusion of internationally inspired chip flavors, Marissa has quickly expanded CHZ PLZ from an expo in 2018 kiosk tent to an established online Hummington Avenue business offering fruit and veggie platters. With her recent awards, she aims to expand her offering with CHZ PLZ and looks forward to the future!

Matthew is Niagara Region’s Deputy Regional Clerk. In this role, he leads and manages multiple programs including Council Secretariat, Regional Corporate Policy, Freedom of Information and Corporate and Health Privacy. Acting also as a consulting trainer with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. In 2013, he was recognized as a Privacy by Design ambassador by the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner. He holds a B.Sc in Public Policy and Governance from the University of Guelph, certificates in Clinical Research, Information Access & Privacy Protection and Records & Information Management and is an avid curler.

Michelle is a Real Estate Broker at Royal LePage NRC Realty and Co-Founder of Brunch Beverages. Raised in Niagara-on-the-Lake, she has witnessed the region’s growth firsthand and brings exceptional local knowledge to her work. In 2017, she co-founded Reynolds’ Regier Homes with Stephen Regier, building a reputation for friendly service and expert guidance throughout the buying and selling process. Michelle credits her success to strong marketing strategies, an extensive network, and her deep love for Niagara. A lifelong resident, she remains an active community member who enjoys showcasing the best of the region.

Robin joined the Niagara Regional Police in 2006 and continues to serve on the frontline in an expert capacity. She volunteers with Peer Support, Crisis Intervention Response, and Re-integration teams, and was honoured by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to chair its Female Officers Committee, leading work on gender issues and equity. Robin holds an Advanced Diploma in Criminal Justice and a Leadership Certificate from Dalhousie University focused on gender in policing. Since 2019, she has served on St. Catharines’ Public Safety, Emergency, and Wellness Advisory Board, reflecting her lifelong commitment to policing and women’s health.

Working at Meridian for almost eight years, Sean provides advanced technical skills and strong consultation to design and implement system and data solutions that align workforce activities with business objectives. Understanding the complexities of data, Sean founded Escarpment Analytics in 2020 to provide local small business with data consulting and technical services. Sean prides himself in helping these local businesses make informed business decisions through sustainable solutions and insightful analytics.

Valérie Chartrand is the Director of HR and Communications for Foyer Richelieu Welland. She has contributed in getting over $10 million in grants to build a new 128-bed LTC and in partnerships with Hospice Niagara to house 15-bed for our campus of care, which recently won Best LTC in Ontario, 2021, from the Canadian Business Awards. She is also the Honorary Associate Research and Translation for the School of GTA. During the pandemic she helped and oversaw health care workers for the home in Niagara. Valérie currently sits on the following Board of Directors and Committees; CEC Niagara, Collège Boréal, la Table Inter-Agences Niagara, Niagara Ontario Health Teams – Communications Committee and is the Editor for Bonjour Niagara.

Amanda is the co-owner and VP of Operations of B4 Networks. After acquiring another local competitor in early 2020 – B4 Networks has tripled its revenue and grown to be the largest Managed Service I.T. provider in the Niagara region. At the helm of streamlining the operations of the two divisions of the company – Amanda has been instrumental in navigating the team and the clients to success. From the acquisition and the choppy and turbulent waters of running a business during the Covid pandemic. Spearheading and promoting women’s community involvement and charitable undertakings – Amanda has always had a heart for assisting the community and finding ways to do so through B4 Networks. In 2019 she extended this initiative into a for-profit called Adopt the Dog to encourage and pique the interest of young girls across Niagara between the ages of 6-11.

With over 10 years of education and experience in Diversity, Equity & Design, Bex founded her agency in 2018 with the goal of using inclusive design as a catalyst for social change. Bex teaches as a guest lecturer in the Graphic Design program at Niagara College, and as a public artist in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Council’s Inclusivity Committee, where she provides workshops and art related to inclusivity and accessibility throughout the Town. In 2020, she won the NOTL’s Choice Platinum Award for Best Graphic Design Studio and has received nominations for the RBC’s Women of Influence Award (2020) and the Canadian Women’s Entrepreneur Award (2021).

Christopher opened his law office in April 2017, and his practice focuses primarily on representing individuals who have been charged with criminal and provincial offences. Christopher’s intention was to always practice as a lawyer in Niagara, as he was born and raised in this region. As a defence counsel, he learned that it is important to advocate for individuals who need it most, and to provide them with honest advice. He is also the Niagara Director for the Criminal Lawyers Association, which is one of the largest specialty legal organizations in Canada with close to 1800 members.

Cory is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and licensed structural engineer who recently relocated to Niagara from Winnipeg after 18 years in his and his wife’s careers. He founded Cnaws Engineering Ltd. in St. Catharines in 2017 at age 34. The firm specializes in cost-effective structural design for commercial and industrial projects. Cory is grateful for the opportunity to grow a successful business while giving back through local volunteering and mentorship. In under two years, Cnaws Engineering became a finalist for the GNCC Outstanding New Business Award and later won a Platinum CommunityVotes Award in the Engineers category.

Born and raised in Niagara, Graeme enjoys spending time golfing with family and friends, has a love for wine and potato chips, and is an enthusiast for good times. Graeme joined the team at Gillian’s Place in 2017 as a Community Engagement Manager after previously working at Pillar and at Club Italia. In November 2019, as Manager of Community Development, Graeme joined YWCA Niagara Region. Graeme has a heart for the community, always seeking ways to help those in need in Hamilton. As well as being a graduate of the University of Guelph’s Master of Arts Leadership program, Graeme is a Certified Sommelier with both Niagara College and the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Krystle has over 12 years of experience in communications and has led large portfolios in the public and private sectors across Niagara and Toronto. Currently, Krystle serves as the Director of Communications for Premier Doug Ford’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, where she supports initiatives that include community building, growing the Greenbelt and supporting Ontario’s 444 municipalities. President of the Niagara Falls Conservative Riding Association, she has also regularly appeared as a guest on television programming as an expert on communications, government relations, and business leadership. When not working, you’ll often find Krystle exploring nature with her equally curious family.

Founded in 2018, Lydia began Creekview Floral Co. as an event based florist in the heart of the Niagara Region. With a contemporary style and passion for supporting locally cultivated botanicals, Creekview provided custom designs for weddings, showers and private events for a growing base of clientele. April 2020 saw the addition of a retail location at 30 Front St N in Lydia’s home town of Thorold. Despite launching during a global pandemic, growth the first year of the store’s operation has been steady, and now supports 4 dedicated team members along with products from numerous Niagara owned companies.

Matt founded Your Water Company in 2014. At the start of the company, he worked two other part-time jobs in order to pay the bills at home. Over the past 7 years, Matt has continued to grow the Company from two trucks and one other employee to, now, having 10 trucks and 16 employees. For 25 years, Matt has also volunteered as a Martial Arts Instructor for children. He is passionate in strategic coaching helping people in any way he can and giving back to his community by contributing to local charities including: Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region and Wells of Hope.

Michael helped start Riverview Cellars with his family back in 2000. With the help of his parents Sam and Lina Pillitteri, siblings Joseph and Angelo. Now Michael has the position of General Manager and oversees the day to day operations for the winery and vineyards. Michael has helped to grow Riverview from a small family fruit market and into an international exporting winery which produces around 10,000 cases per year. Aside from work, Michael volunteers his time as a soccer and hockey coach for his 3 children, and his main charity is helping with the local Terry Fox run. His at home cheerleading crew is lead by his wife Sarah and 3 children Lucas, Leo, and Sophia.

Myles is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Iron Performance Center. He believes in using a variety of methods throughout the training process in order to help maximize his clients’ potential. These include strength training of enthusiasts and elite athletes from a variety of sports. He believes that optimizing a well-rounded approach will ensure clients’ live optimal athletes within the podium. Passionate about professionals’ development and industry advancement, Myles has helped mentor the next group of up and coming strength coaches via the IPC Student Internship program and Strength Coach Springboard online course.

Samantha has 10 years’ experience in communications from a variety of organizations and industries ranging from profit, entertainment and manufacturing. Most recently, she serves as the Manager, C4Q, GM’s employee communication strategy — solidifying GM’s relationship with the community by managing community-driven creative and the plants’ philanthropic efforts. As chair of the United Way project for the plant, a member of a robust health and wellness committee and other internal initiatives, Samantha continues to work towards a healthy workplace. Outside of work, Sam’s enthusiasm for role leadership continues as her children’s chair for the United Way’s committee and coach for Port Colborne United.

Shawna is a Mental Health Nurse, Meditation Teacher and Women’s Coach and founded her company Be Free in 2014. Though Be Free she offers coaching programs, meditation classes and yoga & meditation retreats to help others improve mental, emotional and spiritual health. Shawna’s unique approach fuses the East with the West, using a combination of modalities including Mindfulness & Meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Tapping, Self-Love & Self-Esteem work and Energy Healing. Her most acclaimed service is her signature 3-month online program, Radiant Mind Academy which offers women a guided weekly group mentoring to learn and practice skills that restore healing and personal power and has received 5-star reviews across the board.

Wes became Head Coach and Assistant General Manager of the Cobourg Cougars in 2021 after five years as an Assistant Coach in the OHL, where he helped lead the Otters to a 2017 league championship and supported the development of more than 10 future NHL players. Beyond coaching, he launched the “Lead Men Wear Pink” campaign, raising over $7,000 USD for the Cancer Society, and created the global Niagara Hockey Coaches Seminar, attracting 1,000 attendees from more than 15 countries. Wes is also an accomplished student of the game, representing Hockey Canada, the OHL, and other organizations at clinics and seminars worldwide.