Abygail Montague is a driven community leader and the second Black woman elected President of the Student Council at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. In 2020, she co-founded Janus Skills for Success, leading food and clothing drives and hosting workshops on anti-racism and youth mental health. She also co-launched BLK OWNED HAMONT to support Black-owned businesses. A recipient of the prestigious Loran Award, Abygail now studies Kinesiology at Western University, where she provides peer support and serves as an executive member of the Black Student Association.

Ann Merritt was born and raised in Baghdad and moved to Canada in 2001. After studying Architectural Technology at Mohawk College, she spent more than a decade working in civil and mechanical engineering, where she met her husband and started her family. Just before the pandemic, Ann left her nine-to-five job to launch You and I Paint Inc. with her sister Ban, offering upscale sip-and-paint experiences. After pivoting to virtual events during COVID, their business has grown into a team of eight women, with plans to expand across the Golden Horseshoe and beyond.

My name is Ban Markos, born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq and arrived in Canada in 2001. I went to school for Architectural Technology, at Mohawk College and worked in the industry for more than ten years until I discovered I had a calling for a little more. Just before the pandemic hit, I started my own company with my sister Ann, You and I Paint Inc; where we host upscale Sip and Paint for private, public and corporate events since both of our passions included art and painting. Pivoting during the pandemic became an art on its own, but we could not give up since we both have little girls of our own looking up to us as businesswomen. Fast forwarding to today with a team of eight incredible women we are looking to expand our service behind the golden horse!

Born and raised in Hamilton, Brian Melo has always been committed to uplifting his hometown through music. His journey began in high school with the band Stoked, later leading him to audition for Canadian Idol in 2007—where he won the title and launched his career. Brian has since shared the stage with artists such as Queen, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Bon Jovi, Alanis Morissette, Chicago, and Kelly Clarkson. After returning home in 2019, he founded “Beyond the Melody,” a mentoring program that blends music coaching with personal development, helping students strengthen their performance mindset, songwriting, creativity, and artistic identity.

Daniel joined his family business, Titan Mortgage Group at an early age, working tirelessly as a young teen, learning from his parents everything that makes for a respectable, dependable business that values its customers. He learned at a youthful age how important it is to take care of the community and place clients first to be sure they get the best mortgage possible. His love for the business grew and he eventually obtained his license to officially join the brokerage. Over the years Daniel has won multiple awards in the industry. Daniel is determined to make your mortgage experience seamless and quick. Whether you are a first-time buyer or repeat customer, he will obtain for you the best rates, mortgage terms and products possible.

Eric Johnston is an award-winning comedian, actor, and emcee that delivers a one-of-kind high-energy comedy experience. Fresh from his Coast to Coast “Run with The Bull” Comedy Tour, Johnston has performed across Canada and the United States, featured on MTV, JFL42, The Laugh Factory, The House of Blues, and The Comedy Store in Hollywood. From stories about being raised by a professional wrestler, to jokes about thriving and surviving in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Johnston’s comedy is both outrageous and relatable, and will leave you begging for more.

Gregory Fast is an accomplished event designer and entertaining expert from Burlington, Ontario. Growing up in a home full of parties and celebrations, he developed an early passion for creating memorable guest experiences. After graduating from Mohawk College in Advertising with a specialty in Event Management, Gregory quickly became known for planning standout parties, weddings, and private events across Southern Ontario. He later purchased Special Event Rentals in Burlington and, with the support of his family and team, has transformed the rental experience by offering stylish, accessible event décor and furnishings.

Jilda has over ten years of experience serving small to medium size businesses in various industries. She has experience in public accounting and began her career in Hamilton working for a national accounting firm for several years. Jilda brings a deep understanding of financial reporting, corporate and personal income tax compliance knowledge to help serve her clients.

Khadija Hamidu is the Executive Director of Workforce Planning Hamilton and Founder of Melanin Market Hamilton. Over the past eight years, Khadija has been a community developer in the Hamilton region focusing on community connections, Black creative expression and ownership while envisioning a prosperous and diverse Hamilton community. With her experience working with Hamilton non-for-profit organizations such as SPRC, Community Living, YMCAHBB, and Wesley, Khadija plans to continue to foster community partnerships and collaborations from an equitable and inclusive Labour Market lens.

Marisa is the travel and lifestyle blogger behind the website, The Daydream Diaries. She has been in the digital space for over ten years now and has worked with brands such as Fairmont, Walmart, Swoop Airlines, and several Tourism Boards both near and far. Her website features Destination Guides, Hotel Spotlights and Travel Hacks to help you travel more easily. She collaborates with companies to highlight their products, businesses, or destinations and creates engaging content for them through blog posts, photos, videos, and social shares. Though she loves to travel and has lived in various cities, she is proud to have settled in her hometown of Hamilton, Ontario with her husband and their two daughters, Chloe, and Gemma. You can follow her adventures at @thedaydreamdiaries or on her website at www.thedaydreamdiaries.com

Natalie graduated from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Human Diabetics. She began her career at lululemon as a part time seasonal educator in November 2019. Natalie quickly grew within the company, staying on with the team to become a Key Leader at both Lime Ridge Mall and the Mapleview Mall location. Her critical thinking skills and ability to learn quickly gave her the skill set to take on the Assistant Store Manager of Operations position at Mapleview Mall. In her spare time, she practices her other passion as Registered Dietitian at ProForm Sports and Rehabilitation Clinic.

Paul is an Audit and Assurance Partner based out of the KPMG Hamilton Office. After finishing his Bachelor of Commerce Degree at McMaster University, Paul has been with KPMG and is going on his twelfth year in public practice. Paul is a trusted advisor for clients of all sizes and risk profiles including listed companies, large multinational corporations, local not for profit organizations and municipalities and other government affiliated entities. At KPMG, he is a national facilitator for audit methodology and outside of work, Paul is heavily involved in the Hamilton community holding board positions for the CYO, Super crawl: Hamilton’s Music and Arts Festival, and Hamilton Celtics Basketball. He is also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1454 and CIBPA Hamilton Halton Chapter.

Shannon Tymosko is a 3rd year Electrical Apprentice and proud sister of the IBEW Local 105; Hamilton. She is also a Skilled Trades Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, and an Advocate for Mental Health. She originally completed a Child and Youth work diploma where she found a compassion and understanding for people, along with the challenges of mental health. Being an ambassador has allowed Shannon to combine her passion for people, with her new love for the trades. She uses her voice, story, and platform to encourage, motivate and inspire change in the industry and the minds of the young and old.

Thea Laidman is Director of International Recruitment at Mohawk College. She works with international students, partners, and institutions around the world to support global learning, while championing a welcoming and inclusive environment on campus. An enthusiastic global citizen, she has travelled, volunteered, or worked in more than thirty-five countries and has been recognized by Mohawk as an ‘Everyday Hero’ for her contributions to the college and community. In June 2020, she co-founded Helping Hampers, raising over $50,000 to provide food and essentials to students in need during the pandemic. Thea is pursuing her Masters in Higher Education Administration and continues to find ways to connect the world.

Across Canada, Alexandria Montague has dedicated her career to building empowering community spaces. She has worked as Arts + Community Coordinator at Toronto’s Stackt Market, managed operations for over ninety Sunrise Records stores, and produced content for Pela Case in Kelowna. In 2020, she co-founded BLKOWNED, a platform supporting Black-owned businesses in Hamilton, now featuring a database of more than 150 entrepreneurs and providing marketing and educational opportunities. Alexandria is currently a Project Coordinator at McMaster University, supporting Black Faculty initiatives and advancing community-focused work.

Anthony Grilli is a third-generation member of the family-owned Ferrell Builders’ Supply Ltd. Growing up in the business, he developed a deep appreciation for the industry and chose it as his career. He studied Business and Business Administration at Mohawk College while continuing to build his role at Ferrell. Now serving on the board of directors, Anthony supports local charities and is active in home building associations. While proud of his contributions to the building supply industry, he is most excited for the year ahead—marrying his fiancée, Mary-Frances, and welcoming their first child.

Betsy Wang, recognized nationally as a leader of a Top 10 RE/MAX Team in Canada. She has closed over two-hundred fifty real estate transactions with career sales of over $200 Million. Majority of her business comes from direct referrals and repeat business. Her ongoing success has driven her ability to attract, nurture, and retain genuine relationships with her clients. Betsy graduated from Brock University in 2009 and has been working in the real estate industry for over ten years. She prides herself on running her business with the utmost care, dedication, and enthusiasm.

A lifelong Hamiltonian and enthusiastic health care leader, Bryan is a strategic, versatile, and high impact leader within the Hamilton hospital sector with more than fifteen years of progressive and unique health leadership experiences, including leading portfolios in quality improvement, strategic planning, governance, information technology, clinical operations, regulatory compliance, and redevelopment/capital equipment management. Enthusiastic in growing and enhancing health leadership capacity, Bryan has been highly active in local and national governance of Canadian College of Health Leaders and is the current Board of Directors Vice Chair. An adoptive parent of two, Bryan is also Chair of Beginnings Family Services Board of Directors.

Denise began her insurance career in 2010 and immediately realized she wanted to be her own boss. After years of challenging work, building relationships, and gaining experience in the industry, her efforts were rewarded by opening her Desjardins Insurance Agency in Stoney Creek in 2018. Since then, Denise has continued to grow her business and expanded to a bigger location in Winona this year. Denise believes in the importance of giving back to the community; she volunteers with several non-profit organizations in the area. She is enthusiastic about helping her clients protect their assets and more importantly, their families, with customized insurance plans.

Giancarlo was born and raised in Hamilton, where he lives with his wife and three sons and remains closely connected to his Italian-Slovenian heritage. He began his career at Plaza Nissan as a Sales Associate, later becoming an Exchange Specialist before moving into his current role as Sales Manager. Guided by his favourite quote—“Life’s not about how hard of a hit you can give, but how many you can take and keep moving forward”—he motivates his team to persevere through challenges. A past Readers’ Choice winner for Car Salesman of the Year, Giancarlo also supports local causes, including participating in Easter Seals’ Dancing with the Stars.

James Seraphin is the owner and operator of “Fix My Brick,” a masonry company based out of Hamilton Ontario. James has over a decade of experience in brick repair. He started “Fix My Brick” in his early twenties as a side business while still working full time for his father’s building restoration company. James prides himself on knowing all the latest innovations and improvements within the field of masonry so “Fix My Brick” can keep up with client’s preferences and needs providing the best service possible. Years later “Fix My Brick” has become a successful family run business, providing quality services with a team of experts you can always count on.

John Bassindale is proudly Hamilton born and raised. He graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University, which included a 1-year internship with the Canada Revenue Agency at their Hamilton office. John left Hamilton attend Osgoode Hall law school, but returned to work in Hamilton during the summer, and to complete his articling placement with one of the city’s largest law firms. John has served as Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Taxation Law Section, and he is now a partner at Millar Kreklewetz LLP, a top-ranked boutique law firm focusing on Canadian indirect tax, customs, and trade matters.

Hamilton-raised Krista Halliday launched her first company, Global Edge Brands, at twenty-eight, growing it into Canada’s leading retail and brand consulting firm working with major names like Gerber, The Honest Company, and Disney. Now operating as CEO of Ray Management Group, she focuses on creating and supporting products that lead with integrity and prioritize social good. A serial entrepreneur, Krista has also founded three Hamilton-based businesses—Little Sprouts Daycare, Nest Coworking, and Luv La Vie—two of which have earned multiple Readers’ Choice Awards. Community impact is at the heart of every venture she builds.

Mike Spadafora is the President of the Hamilton Kilty B's Junior Hockey Club and the GM of the Hamilton Huskies Hockey Club. Mike and his wife Joanna have been married for thirteen years and have three beautiful children. Born and raised in Hamilton, Mike has been a community leader and is looking to continue to improve our city as he runs for city councillor of Ward 14 in the upcoming election. In addition, Mike previously worked as the Business Development Manager for PPG-Dulux Paints, as well as a small business owner in the contracting industry. Mike also sits on the Tiger town council with many other members of the business and local community.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Neva has so much love for this city. She went to high school at Glendale and completed her undergraduate degrees at McMaster University, in Humanities and Philosophy. She then moved away to Sydney, Australia to complete her law degree. While Australia was a beautiful journey, she could not wait to come home. Social justice will always be a passion for Neva. She completed her articling term at Animal Justice Canada, a charity which will always be close to her heart. Neva now has her own real estate and family law practice in the heart of downtown Hamilton.

Rachel Green is an entrepreneur and mental health activist, best known as the Founder and sole owner of Bodega Wellness, a premium holistic health store. Her desire to help others led her to create LAMM CBD, one of Canada’s top-selling CBD brands supporting people with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and more. Rachel’s people-first philosophy defines her work and fuels the success of Bodega Wellness. A dedicated philanthropist in Hamilton, she supports the city’s homeless population through clothing drives, food donations, and personally wrapping hundreds of holiday gifts each year.

Shene is an Associate Lawyer at Ross & McBride LLP, where she practices in Civil Litigation with an emphasis on construction law and all areas of corporate and commercial litigation, including matters related to contract breaches, shareholder and partner disputes, and property disputes. Shene is an active member of Hamilton’s legal community, and a member of the Hamilton Law Association, Ontario Bar Association and Canadian Bar Association. She is also a dedicated supporter of local businesses and development, and a member of West End Hamilton Builders’ Association.

Amie Burdett is a dynamic and driven account manager with Tripemco Insurance Group. Amie joined the firm in 2016, coming to the brokerage with more than five years of experience in the insurance industry. She assisted in the substantial development, growth, and management of a specialized complex commercial insurance sector working with mobile cranes. She now manages a significant insurance portfolio and assists with operational leadership and growth at Tripemco.

Ashleigh Montague is passionate about strengthening the communities where she lives, learns, and works. She has co-founded several initiatives and nonprofits, including Janus Skills 4-Success, Operation Feed the Homeless, and Nu Omega Zeta, Canada’s second Black-focused sorority. In 2020, she co-founded BLK OWNED, a platform that redirected support to Black-owned businesses during a time of instability and has since grown into a nonprofit focused on youth entrepreneurship. A dedicated Connection Specialist, Ashleigh motivates youth to connect with self, others, and community—skills she now brings to her role as Graduation Coach for Black Students at Saint Thomas More.

Starting his business career in 2011, Blake Cameron has been a driving force behind the rapid growth and development of H2GO. Working side by side with his long-time trusted business partner Richard Caetano, the two have built a growing group of companies that has now transformed into Canada's first and leading Mobile Wash Franchise. Groundwork is currently being laid out to expand the H2GO brand into the United States with the creation of their additional company Birch Lake Capital LTD in early 2017. H2GO and its franchisees now have access to in house financing on vehicles & equipment, eliminating the need for outside third-party leverage. When congratulated on the 40U40 achievement Blake was exceedingly kind and thankful but assured us in saying that the mission is still far from over.

My name is Chengyao Liu, most of time people call me Kris. I was born in 2001. In my childhood, I idolized Steve Jobs and longed to change the world. In 2019, I knew about blockchain. The vision of protecting everyone's rights by decentralizing touched me and made me participate in this industry. In the past, I managed an NFT project and achieved 12000 user growth in two months. Last year, I worked as a management consultant in Deloitte, and that experience helped me work as a governance solution engineer in OpenKnowledge DAO. In the future, I hope to really apply web3 technology to people's lives to help people better protect privacy, data ownership and achieve real equality of rights.

Eddie Lartey is a graduate of McMaster’s Political Science and Labour Studies and from Sheridan College's HR Management. Eddie is truly passionate about community building. He blends this passion with spoken word where he uses the art of storytelling and heartfelt wordplay to connect communities across Hamilton and beyond. Eddie is currently the national Spoken Word Champion but he is more than the arts, Eddie’s talents have led him to work alongside Anchor Rehab, where he fosters an amazing work culture and leads recruitment and retention. When Eddie isn’t serving clients or communities, you can always catch him sharing a great laugh.

Dr. Giancarlo Frisina has been passionate about chiropractic care from a young age, inspired by his father, Angelo, clinic director of Stoney Creek Rehab and Wellness Centre. Committed to patient-first care, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and later his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from D’Youville University in Buffalo. His clinical training includes internships at the University at Buffalo Neurosurgery Clinic and Erie County Medical Centre. He has also completed McMaster University’s Neurofunctional Acupuncture program, further strengthening his dedication to helping his community.

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Joshua, born and raised in Hamilton, attended McMaster University, got his CPA, and joined Driven Brands in 2019. He has been instrumental in helping grow the collision and glass businesses through strategic planning, analytics, and targeted development. Joshua's focus in his current role of Director of Strategy & Analytics, is creating data-driven guidance for Driven’s U.S. glass business. This includes a focus on identifying new growth levers and leading the strategic planning for acquisitions which has resulted in Driven becoming the second largest auto glass business in North America in just nine months.

Mario Salvatore Nesci is an entrepreneur who thrives from new ventures. His interest in business fostered through the footsteps and guidance of his father. Mario collaborated with his father in his early career and learned how to run a business from the ground up, which later inspired him to begin his own profession as a business owner. This was possible by partnering with like-minded people and allowed Mario to have his hands in multiple businesses and Real-estate ventures. Mario is the proud owner of a variety of businesses in the Hamilton area, which include, Almar Property Holdings, Harper’s Garden Centre, MJM Equestrian Centre, Ruffin’s Pet Centres, as well as Smoking Barrel. His interests lie in the development and restoration of a project which keeps him continuously seeking new professional opportunities.

Miranda Diaz is the Director of sales at Carmens banquet and event center. Through caring commitment and tenacity, Miranda has led the sales and event team out of lockdown. Celebrating her “sweet 16 th“ year in event planning and sales, she has had the pleasure of working with clients such as Sony pictures, TIFF, Spence Diamonds, Bakardi, Much Music , Goodlife fitness etc. Miranda is committed to her clients vision and brings it to life with honesty, care, integrity and respect for tradition. She is passionate about bringing people together for memorable experiences that will entertain and delight. Miranda and the team at Carmen’s are thrilled to welcome the city of Hamilton back through our doors to make more magical memories.

“It’s all in the details” perfectly encapsulates Nicole Meriano, Sales & Event Manager for Fig & Lemon, one of Hamilton’s most premium off-site catering companies. Nicole has developed a meticulous eye with over ten years of experience in the fast-paced, evolving world of marketing, event planning and execution worlds, while keeping an articulate focus on the big picture. Nicole has built successful events and lasting relationships with clients, many of whom have become friends. With an infectious smile and a passion for delivering a client’s vision, Nicole orchestrates every detail to ensure a culinary experience that is beautiful, memorable, and delicious.

Shana Otter, proud Hamiltonian, raised in a family of diligent workers, was brought up on many lessons of kindness and giving back. In 2008 Shana graduated with a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University and has since worked as a successful Account Executive. Although incredibly happy in her career, this mother of two has a passion for giving back. Through her philanthropic activities, Shana was the Canadian Chair for WBC Cares Canada in 2018. She has hosted over twenty events, raising over $150,000 for local and international charities, giving back to the youth of our communities. Shana is a regular blood donor, runs yearly holiday drives, and is always looking for new ways to collaborate and give back to the community.

Steven emigrated from Lake Como, Italy to study at McMaster University where he received a degree in Chemical Engineering and Management. He joined the plumbing division of Emco Corporation, one of Canada’s largest plumbing distributors and is now the Profit Centre Manager of Emco Hamilton Mountain. Steven is enthusiastic about Italian arts and culture and serves as Vice-President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy Trieste Lodge and as board member of Fest Italia. He also founded the cultural radio show La Vita e’ Bella that broadcasts to the Hamilton community.