Afshan Ahmad is a visionary leader in artificial intelligence and safety technology. As the founder of NeuraVue Ltd., she developed an AI-driven platform that enhances safety in senior living facilities and educational institutions, impacting lives through real-time emergency detection. With over a decade of experience at Deloitte, Afshan now leads high-impact digital transformation projects in its Consulting practice. A passionate advocate for innovation, she mentors startups and volunteers for charitable causes like the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Afshan’s work reflects her commitment to leveraging technology for societal good and driving meaningful change.

Alyssa Lancia is the founder of Darling Donuts, established in 2018 to offer delicious mini donuts with gluten-free and vegan options. Recognizing the challenges of entrepreneurship, Alyssa launched WERK Nights in 2022 to create a supportive community for female entrepreneurs. This initiative has since brought together over 300 women across Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara through more than 15 events. Her efforts earned her the FirstOntario1 Awards in 2022 and the Female Empowerment Award from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in 2024. Alyssa’s work fosters connection, collaboration, and growth among women in business.

Benish Ikram has over 8 years of experience in the financial industry, with numerous certifications in retail banking. In her 2 years as a leader, she has overseen branch operations, managed a team of financial professionals, and ensured that financial targets are met while upholding high client service standards. Her leadership focuses on empowering her team and fostering continuous improvement. Benish is recognized for resolving complex client issues with professionalism and empathy, earning a reputation for turning challenges into opportunities for enhanced customer loyalty.

Chelsea Ladd is a dynamic new restaurateur, blending a decade of corporate sales expertise with her passion for hospitality and wellness. With experience at Lululemon, Coca-Cola, Hilton, Beekeeper's Naturals, and as a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, she brings a unique perspective to her ventures. Chelsea fosters a vibrant community through authentic sales, collaborative marketing, and purpose-driven leadership. In her family-owned business, she curates experiences that go beyond transactions, encouraging celebration, conversation, and meaningful connections. Her mission is to inspire a holistic approach to life, where passion and purpose converge for lasting impact.

Emily Thompson serves as the In-Game Host for the Hamilton Cardinals Baseball Club in the Intercounty Baseball League. On game days, you'll always find Emily engaging with the crowd and keeping the energy high. She has also been an In-Game Host for the Brampton Honey Badgers in the CEBL, as well as a digital host for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Beyond the sports arena, Emily has worked as a television producer for Entertainment Tonight Canada. Emily is deeply committed to her community and takes great pride in being a positive role model.

Jack T. Doan has been a dedicated sales representative at Mercedes-Benz Burlington for over a decade (12 years), showcasing the brand’s innovation and luxury. Passionate about his work, Jack also co-hosts the Mercedes-Benz Burlington YouTube and Instagram channels, sharing insights into the latest vehicles. His goal is to provide personalized 5-star service, ensuring every client finds the perfect car to match their lifestyle and dreams.

Jessica Spadafora began her fruitful career in dentistry after graduating dental hygiene school at only 19 years old in 2017, currently in 2024 Jessica spends her time acting as head hygienist at a prestigious dental office in Ancaster as well as a dental hygiene business in clinic as well as mobile. When Jessica isn’t actively practicing in clinic you can find her volunteering her time with mental health and addiction services as pertaining to dental health, donating to local animal shelters or spending time outdoors with her closest family, friends and her dog and cat Mercy and Aloha at their family cottage.

Joseph Battaglia, born and raised in Hamilton, is a project manager with Flourish, working to deliver over 250 affordable multi-family units across the city. In 2014, he earned an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, where he developed a passion for sustainable business and urban development. He co-founded Westpark Homes, a custom home building company focused on exclusive projects in Hamilton's mature neighborhoods. Joseph served on the Board of Directors for the West End Homebuilders' Association from 2016 to 2020. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife and two sons, cycling, playing guitar, listening to vinyl, and learning about astronomy.

Kate Rigby Pipan transitioned from the corporate world to pursue her passion for event florals after having her first child. Recognizing the potential of her side business, she turned it into a full-time venture by opening Gather Florals. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Kate launched her floral shop on James St. N. in 2020. Since then, Gather Florals has been involved in 80-100 events annually. Kate's vision is to create floral art through unique, inspired designs, continually pushing boundaries and turning the impossible into beautiful, tangible creations.

Melissa Carrington is a dedicated mother, realtor, and the founder of Collective Executive Offices, a women-focused co-working space. A top force in real estate, she quickly earned titles such as Rookie of the Year, Women's Influencer on RHAB, and a spot on the ALC.A 40 Under Forty honoree, Melissa specializes in helping clients maximize equity. She also co-founded the Steel City Women’s Collective, raising over $14,000 for community causes in its first year. Known for her community spirit and commitment to empowering women, Melissa inspires others to achieve their dreams and make a lasting impact.

Mike Anderson is a lawyer for creatives, founders, and do-gooders. His clients include record labels, major music festivals, professional sports leagues, innovative startups, and award-winning national charities.In 2021, Mike created an online platform called Lagom to help creative Hamiltonians run their businesses. By offering innovative legal assistance at affordable rates, Lagom has since grown to support creative entrepreneurs across the country. Mike seeks to drive positive community change by co-hosting the award-winning Lawyer Life Podcast, providing free legal assistance to low-income Ontarians, and granting post-secondary bursaries to students who use innovative solutions to better their communities.

Robert Coruzzi is the Associate Vice President of Wealth Distribution at Meridian Credit Union, overseeing asset growth through the advisor channel and QTrade, and guiding wealth distribution strategy. He focuses on providing advisors with the tools and support needed to enhance the member experience.
Active in the Hamilton community, Robert has contributed to various boards and events, including Pride In The Park, United Way, and Mount Hamilton Youth Soccer. He is also President of the Santa Croce Di Magliano Italian club and a Hamilton Public Library board member.
Robert enjoys spending time with his wife, Beatriz, and their three daughters, Gisella, Gabriella, and Isabella.

Sarah Elkami Trdina is a leading expert in behavior analysis and leadership, holding a Master’s in Professional Behavior Analysis from Florida Tech. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Registered Behavior Analyst in Ontario, she co-founded and serves as Executive Director of Always Connected Treatment Network, a hub for individuals with disabilities and diverse learning needs. She also co-owns the Always Connected Family Room, an inclusive space for play, learning, and development. With locations across the GHA and GTA, Sarah's leadership has grown the organization to include over 40 professionals. Her impactful journey, which began over a decade ago, focuses on enhancing the lives of children with developmental disabilities.

Tyler Ouwendyk is the owner of Momentum Fitness, a 24/7 boutique fitness club dedicated to making fitness fun, non-intimidating, and accessible to all ages and fitness levels. He has helped hundreds of people achieve their goals through a "no nonsense" approach that focuses on individualized, habit-based strategies for long-term success rather than fads or quick fixes. Momentum Fitness has been recognized with Business of the Year and multiple awards for 'Best Fitness Club' and 'Best Personal Training.'
A proud community advocate, Tyler supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hamilton and recently climbed 29,029 feet—the equivalent of Mount Everest—to raise over $29,029 for the organization.

Alexandra Petermann is a lawyer at Ross and McBride, specializing in Family Law. She provides legal guidance to individuals dealing with family-related issues and relationship matters. Beyond her legal practice, Alex is an active volunteer in the local community, serving on the boards of SportHamilton, the Sons and Daughters of Italy Housing Corporation, and the Catholic Youth Organization. She has also volunteered with the ArcelorMittal Grassroots Soccer program. Outside of work, Alex enjoys playing soccer and spending time with her family and dog.

Andrew Mantecon is the Director and Team Lead of Commercial Services at FirstOntario Credit Union, where he has led the Hamilton/GTA West team since 2019. With a strong background in retail and commercial banking, particularly in real estate finance, Andrew has guided his team in originating and managing an $800MM+ loan portfolio across various real estate asset classes. Passionate about downtown Hamilton's revitalization, he serves as an Executive Board Member for the Downtown Hamilton BIA. His leadership and dedication have significantly elevated FirstOntario's profile within the Hamilton and Halton business communities.

Brandon Carroll, driven by a passion for health and wellness, founded Raw Roots in his parents' basement, where he began crafting nutritious smoothies with organic, plant-based ingredients. His dedication to helping others through wholesome food quickly transformed his small operation into a thriving food truck.
With growing demand and a loyal following, Brandon expanded Raw Roots into a storefront, creating a community hub for those seeking natural, nourishing options. His journey from a basement startup to a successful business reflects his unwavering commitment to promoting healthy living and making nutritious, accessible food available to all.

Cody Chambers is a dedicated Hamilton entrepreneur focused on creating opportunities and supporting local businesses. With over 10 years of sales and consulting experience, he uses unique strategies to engage clients organically while automating operations. As the owner of Foot Traffic North America, Cody offers innovative digital display units for events, restaurants, retail, and brand activation across Canada and the U.S.Through Hamilton Billboard Co., he provides cost-effective advertising solutions with an expanding network of billboards in the greater Hamilton area. Cody’s passion drives his efforts to boost local business visibility and success.
He dedicates this award to his grandfather.

Eric Persi is a private equity professional and Certified Sommelier, merging his passions for finance and wine. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Corbell Private Capital, he specializes in acquiring businesses from retiring owners. With a decade of experience, Eric and his team unlock the potential of established companies, guiding them through growth phases. His relationship-building skills make Corbell a trusted partner for smooth transitions and sustainable growth. Additionally, Eric founded Bacco Imports Inc., focusing on sourcing premium wines globally. As a minority shareholder, he curates a unique wine portfolio and hosts tastings that blend education and community.

Jason Acton holds a bachelor's degree in economics from McMaster University and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business. With over 20 years in the construction industry, Jason is passionate about providing home builders and homeowners with quality products and excellent customer care. As General Manager at Parsons Precast Inc., he also leads in product installation, customer service, and sales. Jason has been instrumental in the growth of Parsons Precast, which now employs over 35 full-time staff and supplies concrete products and custom railings to the new home construction industry across southern Ontario. Additionally, he volunteers his time coaching multiple youth sports teams in the Hamilton community.

John-Anthony Losani is a third-generation builder and developer who developed a passion for the industry at a young age. After earning his undergraduate degrees from Brock University and an MBA from the University of Barcelona, he joined Losani Homes full-time. John-Anthony has held various positions across different departments, gaining extensive knowledge to become a key contributor not only to his family’s company but to the industry as a whole. He joined the West End Home Builders Association’s board of directors in 2016 and was later named to the executive leadership team, becoming President in January 2024.

Josh Taylor is a dancer, choreographer, storyteller, artist-educator, and the owner of Defining Movement Dance (DMD) studio and arts hub. Since opening in 2009, Josh has built partnerships with organizations, school boards, and charities like Theatre Aquarius, Tourism Hamilton, Telling Tales Festival, Hamilton Fringe, Supercrawl, HWDSB, H.A.R.R.C, and Easter Seals, to increase visibility and access to dance in Hamilton. Through projects like The Uncomfortable Project and events like 73 'Til Infinity, Josh aims to entertain, educate, and inspire. He is the 2020 recipient of the Hamilton Arts Award and the 2015 John C. Holland Award for Arts Excellence.

Marika Renieris is the owner and operator of Soma Wellness Studio. After years of establishing herself as a Registered Massage Therapist in a multi-disciplinary clinic, she decided in 2020 to merge her holistic healthcare background with the evolving beauty industry. Over the years, Marika has enjoyed offering fully customized and unique treatments to her clientele. She developed her own model and method of Facial Experiences, combining various industry-leading technologies to deliver the most effective results. Marika's passion is to provide a tranquil space where clients can relax and leave feeling refreshed and confident in their skin.

Michelle Montour, the visionary behind Feste.Co and Feste.Co Kids, is known for her next-level creativity in designing innovative and trend-setting party decor, displays, and experiences. Her work has set new standards in the industry. Together with her husband, she passionately leads and nurtures the highly acclaimed Castelli Cucina and the newly opened Castelli Mercato & Capri Gelateria in Ancaster, renowned for their authentic Italian offerings. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Michelle’s warmth and dedication inspire those around her, making her a true role model in both business and life. Her inspiring leadership and creativity make her a deserving Top 40 Under 40 honoree.

Born and raised in Hamilton, Natasha Goreil is a dedicated financial professional of Italian and Assyrian descent. An alumnus of McMaster University and Mohawk College, she has been with TD Bank since 2011 and became a Mortgage Specialist in 2019. Natasha has received multiple awards for her career achievements and outstanding customer service.
Active in her community, Natasha is a CIBPA Hamilton-Halton member and was recently nominated as Trustee for the Order Sons & Daughters of Italy of Canada, where she continues to support community service and cultural heritage.

Joining his father in 2004, Rudy Peressini of RRuper Construction specializes in building one-of-a-kind custom homes. Combining years of expertise with a passion for his craft, Rudy takes pride in working closely with clients to bring their vision to life, offering personalized designs and high-quality craftsmanship. RRuper Construction excels in the ‘mountain home’ aesthetic, capturing the rustic charm and rugged elegance of mountain living. Utilizing sustainable materials and innovative building techniques, RRuper Construction ensures each custom home reflects both beauty and functionality. With trust, tradition, and excellence as its foundation, RRuper Construction has crafted a legacy that is timeless.

Suzy Costa, 37, is a seasoned professional with a background in Business and Finance. She has spent 18 years with the City of Hamilton, currently as a Program Training Coordinator in Public Works' Transportation section, with experience across various departments. Suzy is also a successful entrepreneur, having opened her first Hamilton restaurant in 2012 and a second in 2018. She is a dedicated mother to Skyler, 8, and Sarina, 10, and enjoys fashion and travel. Balancing her career, business, and family, Suzy exemplifies commitment and versatility.

Alexandria Palazzo graduated from McMaster University with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science in 2013 and earned her J.D. from the University of Windsor in 2017. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018.
Alexandria began her career articling and practicing civil litigation and family law at a small firm in Hamilton. In 2021, she joined Scarfone Hawkins LLP, where she practices exclusively in family law and leads the Family Law Group on the Thompson Moloci Stanton Litigation Team. Active in the legal and Hamilton communities, Alexandria volunteers with various clubs and committees. She is a member of the Family Law Subcommittee of the Hamilton Law Association and serves on the Board of Directors of the Hamilton Lawyers’ Club.

Anthony Pizzuti has worked in public accounting for over 10 years. He earned his CPA, CA and LPA designations and currently works as a Senior Manager at MNP LLP, helping small to medium-sized private companies with accounting, tax and business advisory solutions. As a result of Anthony's contributions and commitment to his clients, he is progressing towards his goal to obtain partnership. As an active member in the community, Anthony was awarded the U40 Young Professional Award in 2022 from the West End Home Builders' Association ("WE HBA"). Anthony serves as Chair for the U40 Committee of the WE HBA and as Director for the CIBPA Hamilton-Halton Chapter.

Cassandra Rattana is a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience, including the past four years leading her successful social media agency, Proactively Social. Renowned for her expertise in enhancing brands and driving sales through strategic social media, she has become a trusted industry leader. As an instructor at Mohawk College, Cassandra is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of professionals, sharing her insights to support their success. She is also an influential member of the Hamilton Chamber’s YEP Executive Team, where she actively supports young entrepreneurs. Passionate about innovation and growth, Cassandra advocates for and drives marketing efforts at Mohawk College's Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Derek Taylor is the COO and Co-Founder of Grapl Inc., a company revolutionizing the construction industry with bespoke panels for rapid home development, leveraging AI-driven software, innovative production equipment, and advanced robotics. Grapl can cut build times by up to 80%. Before founding Grapl, Derek accumulated over a decade of experience in construction, land development, and asset management. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, exploring new technologies, wandering through the RBG, and cheering on the Ticats. Derek is a McMaster University alumnus (Hons BA & MA) and lives in Hamilton with his family.

Dr. Giuseppe Valente joined St. Joseph’s Hospital Hamilton in 2019 as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in trauma, foot and ankle, and revision arthroplasty surgery. After 1.5 years, he also took on the role of Associate Professor at McMaster University. Over the past four years, Giuseppe has held several leadership positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital, including Head of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery, Head of the Resident Learners Teaching Unit, and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. He is actively involved in recruiting and teaching learners and implemented an Acute Care Service (ACS) orthopedic strategy that has improved wait times for orthopedic trauma surgery.

Jen Hughes is a career learning and development professional, specializing in aligning people development with organizational growth and culture. In 2023, she became the first national Head of Learning & Development for Gowling WLG Canada, where she drives the firm’s learning strategy as part of the People & Culture leadership team.
Passionate about education and community, Jen also mentors with Girls E-Mentorship, serves as a committee member and event host with the Women’s Network, and is a board member with the Hamilton Foundation for Student Success.

Joseph Apps is a driven entrepreneur and technology expert, dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complexities of the online world. With a background in Computer Systems Technology and Software Development from Mohawk College, he co-founded HD Electronics, a highly successful electronics refurbishment business in Downtown Hamilton.
During his time at HD Electronics, Joseph recognized the growing demand for reliable, high-quality tech support services for businesses, which led him to establish Joe Apps Technology Support.

Kartik Gupta boasts a distinguished international career spanning nearly two decades. In 2021, he founded Panāyā Consulting, a boutique forensic accounting and dispute resolution firm that has quickly expanded across North America, Europe, and Asia. His expertise has earned him prestigious accolades, including the International Business Stevie Award in 2024 and the LexTalk Global Expert Award in 2022, among others.
Beyond his corporate success, Kartik is committed to his community through pro-bono mediation and volunteering for the City of Burlington, reflecting his dedication to justice, fairness, and positive social impact.

Mark Irish is a Partner at Ross & McBride, practicing in the Personal Injury Law Group where he works on behalf of injured people to ensure they achieve the best possible result after an accident. Over the past decade, Mark has become a leader within his firm and an active member of Hamilton's legal community. He is the current President of the Hamilton Lawyers’ Club and sits on the Fund Advisory Committee for the Hamilton Lawyers’ Legacy for Children/The Ray Harris Fund. Mark is a former OBA Council Member and is a current member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers’ Association.

Miguel Lima, a leading real estate agent in Hamilton, is renowned for his expertise and client-focused approach. The son of Portuguese immigrants, he began his career at 18 and quickly rose to become Vice President of CUPIDO Realty by 24. With over two decades of experience, Miguel has been a top performer in the Century 21 Canada system for 12 consecutive years. A dedicated family man, he cherishes time with his wife, Laura, and their three children. Miguel is also a passionate advocate for small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit in Hamilton, supporting local causes and exploring the city’s culinary scene.

Patrick Gaughan has been a dedicated sales representative at Mercedes-Benz Burlington for the past seven years. As an AMG Specialist and one of Canada’s few globally certified sales consultants, Patrick is passionate about showcasing the innovation and luxury of Mercedes-Benz.
Beyond the showroom, Patrick hosts the Mercedes-Benz Burlington YouTube channel, sharing expert insights into the latest vehicles and connecting with viewers who share his passion for automotive excellence. Committed to making a positive impact, Patrick actively participates in community events and builds lasting relationships along the way.

Ryan Botelho is an Account Executive at Tripemco Insurance Group with over a decade of experience in the industry. He holds a degree in insurance and an R.I.B.O license and is consistently recognized as one of the organization's top-performing sales brokers. Ryan is an active member of the West End Home Builders' Association and a recognized contributor to the business community.
Beyond his professional achievements, he is dedicated to giving back, supporting nonprofit organizations including Toys for Tots, the Winter Coat Drive, and Good Shepherd. Ryan is a devoted husband to his wife, Elisa, and a proud father to their son, Roman.

Since joining BBB in 2010, Tone Frisina has achieved tremendous success with many of the firm’s largest professional sports and entertainment projects. His unrivaled passion and leadership quickly led him to become the firm’s youngest partner. Tone provides revenue-generating strategies and on-site management for clients across Canada and the U.S., with proven expertise in interior design, detail excellence, and project execution.
As a proud Hamiltonian, Tone is dedicated to enhancing his hometown’s FirstOntario Centre, aiming to create an unparalleled spectator experience for all demographics.