Aaron Butler is the Managing Partner at NPG Planning Solutions Inc., a land use planning consulting firm based in Niagara Falls. He leads a diverse team specializing in land development, urban design, heritage, policy, and agriculture, serving public and private sector clients across Ontario. Before joining NPG in 2021, Aaron worked in multiple municipal planning departments throughout Niagara and served on the City of Niagara Falls Heritage Advisory Committee. Aaron and his wife, Meghan, are dedicated to animal welfare, fostering senior dogs with a rescue called Happy’s Place.

Alyssa Stuppiello is the founder and principal CPA of Alyssa Stuppiello Professional Corporation. A graduate of Brock University (2012) and a CPA since 2013, she brings over a decade of experience providing personalized, proactive accounting and advisory services. Alyssa is committed to building strong, long-term relationships with her clients, acting as a trusted partner throughout the year, not just at tax time. She works closely with business owners to help them navigate financial decisions, improve performance, and achieve sustainable growth. Outside of her professional work, Alyssa enjoys traveling and gaining new perspectives that inspire creative, client focused solutions.

Ashley Paling is a Research Lead at the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre at Niagara College, where she leads controlled experiments to evaluate new products and technologies, delivering valuable third-party data to industry partners. A Niagara College graduate, she also serves as a part-time professor and teaches at Georgian College, supporting student success and innovation. She contributes to charities focused on food security, animal welfare, and cancer research, and remains active in the greenhouse industry as returning MC of Grower Day and a planning committee member for the Canadian Greenhouse Conference.

Carly Brenton is the founder and designer of Paperscript, a Canadian greeting card brand
built on the belief that meaningful connection still matters. What began as a creative outlet
has evolved into a growing business focused on helping people show up for one another in thoughtful, tangible ways. Her work is rooted in community, with a strong commitment to giving back through her “Cards that Give Back” program, supporting local nonprofit organizations. With a focus on fostering offline connection, Paperscript products are now carried in retail stores across Canada, helping more people celebrate life’s everyday moments with intention.

Cody Weber is a financial planner and part owner of Basic Financial, founded by Mumin Basic. He combines strategies developed under Mumin’s mentorship with a human-first approach as a Registered Life Planner (RLP), trained by financial life planning pioneer George Kinder. He helps individuals and families in Niagara and across Canada retire with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Cody also hosts monthly meetups for financial planners to share best practices and is deeply committed to the Niagara community, serving on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. He has supported numerous local causes, raising over $50,000 for children in the region.

David D’Angelo is an entrepreneur and business strategist with a track record of building, advising, and exiting companies. He founded Trivium Industries, a Welland-based manufacturer of biodegradable, plant-based bottles for the beauty industry, prior to its successful acquisition in 2017. He has since invested in a portfolio of companies across fintech, medical technology, software, and e-commerce. David currently serves as Expert in Residence and Managing Director of Blue Ocean Angel Network at the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, and operates his own consulting practice, where he advises lower-middle-market companies in Canada and the United States on mergers and acquisitions and growth strategy.

Eleanor Pineau is the Founder and CEO of Myco Pet, a Niagara Falls–based pet wellness company specializing in mushroom-powered supplements for dogs and cats. Since launching in 2024, she has rapidly scaled the brand into over 150 retail locations across Canada. Driven by a passion for root-cause health, Eleanor focuses on gut microbiome support, functional ingredients, and science-backed formulations. She is actively expanding into new product lines and international markets, while building strong community partnerships and contributing to local economic growth in Niagara.

Janine Costello has worked with Bethesda Services since 2012, holding both clinical and direct support roles. She currently supports individuals with dual diagnoses transitioning from long-term hospital stays back into the community. Her work emphasizes person-centered, strength-based approaches that promote meaningful and sustainable transitions. Janine is currently completing a Master’s thesis at Brock University in Applied Disability Studies. Her research focuses on developing a transition support program informed by those with lived experience, with the goal of identifying and addressing gaps in services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jordan Heckman is the Founder of Jordan Station Design Co. Inc., a Niagara-based architectural design-management team delivering residential projects across Canada. Over the past seven years, he has built a process-driven practice focused on overseeing all aspects of design to ensure projects are aligned with client budgets and expectations. Jordan leads sales and business development while mentoring a growing team. He is actively involved in the WEHBA U40 Committee and is a Visionary Donor with Habitat for Humanity, reflecting his commitment to strengthening both the industry and the communities it serves.

Marina Radovanovic is an entrepreneurship theorist with 6+ years of experience building and scaling technology-driven solutions. She holds a Master’s in Entrepreneurship from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and led a $1.2M cost-savings CRM transformation at OpenTable, supporting 60,000 restaurants worldwide.
As Senior Programs Coordinator at the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, she helps 100+ founders each year launch and grow their companies, supporting 40+ startups per cohort through coaching, pilot opportunities, and investor readiness. She also teaches in Queen’s University’s Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Creativity Certificate, bridging theory with real-world execution.

Nishan Sanjay Devani is the Chairman of Devsan Systems Healthcare Consulting, where he partners with the pharma industry to design education programs and develop effective launch and market access strategies. A licensed pharmacist with over a decade of frontline experience, he brings a practical, patient-centered perspective to bridging industry and clinical practice.He has worked with healthcare organizations across Ontario to drive engagement, optimize product positioning, and support commercialization. Passionate about advancing pharmacy practice, Nishan focuses on delivering education that influences care while helping organizations navigate an evolving healthcare landscape.

Robert Vincenzo Fucile is a community relations professional with strong ties to Niagara, currently serving as the Community Relations Advisor at Brock University. He works with local partners to connect regional priorities with research, experiential learning, and institutional resources.

With a background in economic development and strategic marketing, he brings a well-rounded perspective to his work. Robert is committed to building meaningful connections that contribute to Niagara’s sustainable growth and development across the region.

Scott Golem is the Associate Director of the Horticultural and Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) at Niagara College, leading applied research across industry, education, and advanced agriculture. With expertise in biotechnology, plant genetics, and controlled environment agriculture, he bridges academia and industry to advance modern horticulture. A published researcher, he collaborates with partners on real-world solutions for the agricultural sector. He has 17 years of teaching experience at Brock University and Niagara College and is passionate about developing future talent and supporting Niagara’s growth as an innovation hub.

From 2019-2026, Victor Raso was the Head Coach and General Manager of the Niagara River Lions in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, where he emerged as one of the most successful coaches in league history. He led the organization to back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025, while holding the highest win percentage and most wins in the CEBL history. In 2023, he became Director of Basketball at Ridley College, leading the program to a 2025 Provincial Championship and a 2026 National Championship. Known for building high-performance cultures, Victor continues to elevate athletes and drive excellence across the Niagara region.

Adriann Knight is a strategic partnerships and operations leader at Intuitive Shipping, where she oversees daily operations and global partner relationships, including with Shopify and ShipStation. She has led international collaborations across the U.K., Australia, Central Asia, and the United States, and secured funding through 10+ government programs to support innovation and growth.
With a background in international business and economic development, Adriann brings a systems-driven, globally informed approach to partnerships, technology integration, and team alignment. Known for connecting people and ideas, she is often referred to as “the glue” that helps organizations move forward together.

Amanda Norrad is the Owner and Founder of SPROUT Plant Parlour & Café in Port Colborne. She launched SPROUT in 2025 to create a space that celebrates the warmth and community of a small café, surrounded by plants and creativity. Designed for comfort and connection, SPROUT invites guests to slow down, gather, and enjoy moments together. Rooted in the Niagara region, Amanda continues to grow SPROUT as a place where thoughtful design and quality offerings support its purpose: slowing down, bringing people together and fostering community connection.

Ashley Sinclair is a dedicated community leader with more than 13 years of service with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She began—and continues—as a mentor, and has grown into a leadership role within agencies now united as one Niagara organization, where she serves as Director of Services. Raised in Niagara and proud to be raising her family there, Ashley is deeply committed to her community. A passionate advocate for mentorship, she champions meaningful connections that empower children and youth and inspires others to lead with purpose, give back wholeheartedly, and help young people reach their full potential.

Chris Giles, in his current role as Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications, is an integral part of the leadership team at Niagara Parks. Chris also serves as a board member of Tourism Partnership of Niagara and Niagara Falls Tourism. Chris was instrumental in the launch of the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel, leading efforts that resulted in over $100 million in earned media coverage. Most recently, Chris served as Project Lead on the Creative and Media development of Niagara Parks' newest attraction, Niagara Takes Flight, which has opened to global media attention, strong attendance and exceptional guest feedback.

Craig Swanson is Senior Manager of Arterra’s Eastern Estates, leading five of Ontario’s most iconic wineries, including Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin Wines, Kew Vineyards, Domaine Le Clos Jordanne, and Sandbanks. After a decade working with Canada’s largest alcohol retailers, he became General Manager of Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate in 2023, where he built a reputation for strong leadership and driving growth.
He now oversees hospitality, tourism, retail, events, and property development across the portfolio, while serving as Chair of Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake and on several regional boards. Craig is deeply committed to the Niagara region he calls home.

Dean Spironello is an Economic Development Officer at the City of Niagara Falls and has over 10 years of progressive experience in local government. Dean is a community builder and dedicated public servant whose work spans the development of small business grant programs, downtown revitalization, physician recruitment and workforce development. He is an accredited Economic Developer, a proud Brock University Political Science graduate and holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Queens University.

Emma Gunn is the Director of Hockey Operations at the Professional Women’s Hockey League. She began her career with the Canadian Elite Basketball League during its inaugural season in 2019 and rapidly progressed through five roles to become Vice President of Operations. As a member of the league’s founding team, she helped build and scale its operational framework, supporting franchise expansion, team relocations, and the delivery of nearly 600 professional games and major league events. A Brock University Sport Management graduate, Emma remains based in Niagara and is passionate about advancing the growth and visibility of women’s professional sport.

Jason Lennard is Registrar at the University of Niagara Falls Canada, bringing progressive leadership experience across higher education and the public sector. He is known for building strong systems, collaborative teams, and student-centered processes that improve institutional effectiveness and the learner experience. A Brock University graduate, he holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Education in Administration and Leadership. A lifelong Niagara resident, Jason also serves as a Director on the Board of Quest Community Health Centre and remains deeply committed to giving back to the community he calls home.

Julia Ciolfi has been a dedicated public servant for nearly 15 years with the cities of Hamilton, St. Catharines and Welland in that time. As the Economic Development Officer with the City of Welland, she works closely with businesses across the community and leads sector development and investment attraction efforts which drive economic prosperity. Her collaborative approach to partnerships, coupled with innovative leadership and commitment to community development, strengthen Niagara’s economic landscape. With a focus on economic growth and vibrancy, Julia works to shape the future of Niagara through implementation of strategic initiatives and priority partnerships that propel the region forward.

Natalia Haluszka is the Co-Founder of ADOREYES, a Canadian clinic-exclusive beauty brand trusted by over 2,500 clinics worldwide. Proudly rooted in the Niagara region, she has built the brand around innovation, sustainability, and locally sourced proprietary ingredients, including those derived from Niagara-grown botanicals. With a background in technology, Natalia is also leading the development of a next-generation AI skin analysis system, positioning her at the intersection of beauty, science, and technology. Through her work, she is redefining how professional beauty brands support clinics while bringing global recognition to innovation developed in Niagara.

Olena Iavkina is a Real Estate Professional at Cosmopolitan Realty in Niagara, working closely with the CEO and Broker of Record to support operations, transactions, and business growth. Since joining in 2019, she has played a key role in improving efficiency, supporting agents, and contributing to investment and development projects across the region.
Originally from Ukraine, Olena moved to Canada in 2013 and built her career through determination and continuous learning. Following the 2022 invasion, she has also been actively volunteering to support Ukrainian refugee families in Niagara, reflecting her strong commitment to community.

Samantha Hill is the Director of Operations at The Hope Centre, where she has dedicated the past 15 years to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Niagara Region. Samantha began her journey with the organization as a student and has since grown into a leadership role overseeing daily operations and strategic service delivery. Today, she leads a team responsible for operating four housing focused shelters, including a family shelter, making The Hope Centre the largest shelter operator in the Niagara Region. Samantha is passionate about building compassionate, effective systems of support that help people move toward stability and hope.

Shanna Jarvis is Vice President, Marketing and Business Development at CAA Niagara, where she provides strategic leadership across brand, marketing, and business growth initiatives. Known for her collaborative leadership style, Shanna focuses on building high‑performing teams, strengthening member value, and driving sustainable revenue growth across a diverse portfolio of services. Deeply committed to community impact both professionally and personally, she is a new campaign cabinet member for the Niagara Children’s Centre, supporting the Help Kids Shine campaign and fundraising efforts that help improve the lives of children and families across the Niagara region.

Alexander Morsink is the CEO, UDP and Co-Founder of Equivesto Inc. Equivesto is a Canadian online private investment platform and licensed Exempt Market Dealer, which has helped raise over $170MM for Canadian businesses. Alexander is a Angel Investor, and a Member and Director of the Niagara Angel Network, a local angel investment group. Alexander is also an Advisor/Mentor at numerous Accelerators/Incubators and a guest speaker at Conferences, Universities, and Business Schools across Canada. Alexander sits on the Registrant Advisory Committee of the Ontario Securities Commission.

Andrea Fujarczuk is the Program Coordinator and Professor for Niagara College’s Artisan Distilling program. A Heriot-Watt Doctoral candidate; her research explores the "geography of value" in spirits. With global experience at Moët Hennessy and Thames Distillers, she is a 2026 DISCUS Academy Leadership member and a Bourbon Women SIP scholar. As founder of Niagara Whisky and Canada East Chair for Canadian Whisky Week, Andrea advocates for evolving Niagara’s identity beyond wine. A Worshipful Company of Distillers grant recipient, she presents research globally and contributes to American Whiskey and Artisan Spirit magazines.

Dr. Azim Kasmani is Niagara Region’s Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Public Health and Emergency Services. Since joining the Region in 2023, Dr. Kasmani has been a strong champion for improving the health and health equity of our community, leading numerous projects that have protected the health of Niagara and providing invaluable guidance and mentorship to the staff on his team. Dr. Kasmani holds undergraduate and medical degrees from McMaster University, specialty training in Public Health and Preventive Medicine from Queen’s University, and a Master’s in Public Health and Health Promotion from Brunel University in London, England.

Chris Singleton is the President of Niagara Battery & Tire Ltd., a long-standing, family-owned automotive service company in Ontario’s Niagara region. He assumed leadership in 2022 at age 36 guiding the business into its next generation. Under his direction, the company has modernized operations through new technology, expanded mobile services, and enhanced employee-focused policies. Known for his resilience and forward-thinking approach, Singleton is committed to preserving the company’s decades-long reputation for quality while driving innovation and growth within the local community.

Dan Lonergan is the Manager of Experiential Learning at Seneca Polytechnic and a recognized leader in the post-secondary sector. Born and raised in Niagara, Dan has built a career rooted in giving back to the community that shaped him. His work focuses on building strong partnerships between education, industry, and community, and he has helped secure over $1.5 million in external funding to expand paid student learning opportunities. A Director with the South Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Dan remains actively involved locally and volunteers as a baseball coach for his two young sons.

Devin Kaulback is the General Manager of Subaru of Niagara, where he helped launch the dealership in 2012 and grow it into one of Canada’s top-performing Subaru retailers. With 17 years in the automotive industry, he is known for building a culture-first, results-driven operation, recognized with back-to-back Automotive News Canada Best Dealerships to Work For awards and the 2025 Automotive News Canada Philanthropy Award for its partnership with Ronald McDonald House South Central Ontario. A NADA Dealer Academy graduate and Class Vice President, Devin is driven by innovation, leadership development, and community impact, continuing to raise the standard for performance and customer care across Niagara.

Felicia Izaguirre Werner is the Executive Director of Community & Alumni Engagement at the University of Niagara Falls Canada. She leads the university’s external engagement strategy, advancing community partnerships, government relations, and alumni initiatives to support institutional growth and regional impact. With over a decade of international experience in higher education, Felicia previously led global recruitment and partnerships in the United Kingdom, generating significant growth and revenue. A proud Niagara local, she has returned home to help strengthen connections between education, industry, and community, contributing to the region’s continued growth and future leadership.

John Turner is a lawyer at Elkin Injury Law, with over a decade of experience in insurance law. He is dedicated to advocating for his clients, and has achieved successes at the Superior and Divisional courts. His commitment to Niagara extends beyond the courtroom; he serves as a board member for Rosalind Blauer Centre for Child Care and Civiconnect, a nonprofit focused on youth skills development. John previously taught law clerks at Niagara College and helped operate small family businesses. He remains focused on achieving impactful results for his clients and leadership that will positively impact the Niagara community.

Katrina Stuppiello-Streiss, owner of The Profit Gals, launched her bookkeeping business in 2024 after more than 15 years in the finance industry. Driven to empower herself and fellow women entrepreneurs, she helps businesses take control of their finances and achieve sustainable growth with confidence.
Through a proactive, structured approach, Katrina emphasizes consistent financial review, accuracy, and informed decision-making. She is also passionate about education, delivering bookkeeping training through the St. Catharines and Niagara Falls Enterprise Centres and mentoring high school students through the Ontario Career Lab and DSBN entrepreneurship programs.

Nathan Cheney is the Executive Director, Professional and Continuing Studies at Brock University, overseeing continuing education, ESL, and workforce development for local and international learners. A champion of lifelong learning, he also serves as Vice-President of Ontario Council of University Lifelong Learning as well as multiple committees for the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education.
In addition to his professional interests, Nathan sits on the Board of Directors for the Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce and the Pelham Soccer Club, and volunteers as a youth sports coach. He holds two degrees from Brock and is completing his MEd at Queen's University.

Orel Ruiz is Director, Global Business Development & Global Campus Operations at Niagara College (NC). Arriving in Niagara as a newcomer, he began as a student and has since advanced into leadership, now leading global partnerships across 15+ countries.
He has helped build international collaborations that expand access to education, including playing a key role in establishing NC’s first overseas campus in Saudi Arabia, supporting more than 10,000 students. His work strengthens Niagara’s global connections and regional economic growth, while he also supports local communities through fundraising, philanthropy, and governance, and remains committed to expanding opportunity through education.

Sandeep Kumar is the Founder and CEO of Maxima Technologies, Inc., a Canada-headquartered IT services and product company with operations across the US, UK, and India. With 15 years in IT services and consulting, he helped scale a California startup from $0 to $10M in one year, then drove a New Jersey firm from $4M to $60M in three years before launching Maxima. Today, he leads end-to-end development of AI-powered platforms in business operations and compliance, turning lean, AI-first ideas into high-impact products that help enterprises operate smarter, stay compliant, and grow faster.

Treasa Pappachan is the Founder/Director of Adapt Immigration Inc. and Adapt Consultants, a Niagara-based immigration and business advisory firm. With over 20 years of experience in international education and immigration, she has built a strong reputation for helping employers, entrepreneurs, and families navigate complex pathways with clarity and care. A passionate community leader, Treasa is actively involved in Niagara’s business and service circles, using her work to create opportunities, support local growth, and empower others. She is proud to call Niagara home and is committed to making a meaningful impact through business, leadership, and community service.