Sophie Grégoire Trudeau is a Canadian-born best-selling author, public speaker, mental health advocate, television host, and certified yoga teacher for both adults and children. Her work for gender equality and empowering women and youth has been recognized by multiple organizations including the United Nations.

Kath Tilley is the founder of The Workjoy Company, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience across hospitality, tourism, and service-driven organizations. Her work is grounded in one core belief: workplaces can — and should — be a source of stability, connection, and wellbeing.

Maria Clark is from the ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ and ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ Nations and is dedicated to elevating Indigenous voices, values, and leadership within the tourism economy. Grounded in culture and community, her work focuses on building Nation-based business capacity and advancing economic self-determination. Through initiatives like Tin Wis 10 in 10, Maria supports Indigenous workforce development, leadership growth, and entrepreneurship.

The Honourable Wendy Cocchia is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, whose contributions have been recognized by the Order of Canada, and the Order of British Columbia.

TOTA's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ellen Walker-Matthews, has held several roles with the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association since 2009, including her most recent role as CEO and President since 2021. Ellen's areas of expertise include: management training and development, new hotel and resort planning, competitive market analysis, business and marketing plan development, sales productivity analysis, operational reviews, project management, and asset management.

Devery McMillan is an Energy Solutions Manager with FortisBC, working with hospitality, tourism, and commercial stakeholders across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to improve energy literacy and support informed, sustainable decision-making.

Chatman’s ancestry is rooted in Northern BC & Vancouver Coast & Mountain regions and he is a member of the Nisga’a & səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As the Corporate Development Manager at Indigenous Tourism BC, Chatman leads programming, training, and strategic partnerships that uplift Indigenous voices, advance economic reconciliation, and support sector growth across the province. His work reflects a commitment to Indigenous self-determination, cultural integrity, and meaningful collaboration.

Ren Navarro is a culture consultant, drinks expert, and founder of B. Diversity Group. With 20+ years in corporate management and over a dozen years in the beer industry, she’s helped everyone from family-run breweries to multinational brands build spaces people want to be part of.

Shelby, founder of The Connect Collaborative, is a dynamic educator, business coach, speaker and hospitality leader spanning over two decades of  experience across tourism, events and recreation. From expanding ski resorts, to overseeing large-scale events or  teaching Hospitality & Tourism Management, she combines her love for sport, travel and human connection into a  career driven by passion and grounded in PLAY.

Julia Stewart is an experienced CEO, entrepreneur, advisor, and independent board member with expertise in creating and building global businesses and brands across hospitality, consumer goods, and B2B. She is recognized for her growth mindset, adding shareholder value, accelerating innovation, building high-performance leadership teams and cultures.

Jessie Adcock is currently leading the FIFA World Cup 26 Vancouver Host Committee working with FIFA and other entities to coordinate the complex multi-organization organizing efforts involved in delivering 7 World Cup matches in the City of Vancouver, one of 16 Host Cities involved in staging the most ambitious World Cup event to-date across 3 Countries.

HLI HAYKWHL ẂII XSGAAK, Melanie Mark is a bold and tenacious leader, advocate, and strategist. She has over 25 years' experience in the nonprofit sector, in government, as an elected official and as an entrepreneur- with a demonstrated track record advancing social, environmental, and economic justice through reconciliation.

Born and raised in the Squamish and Sechelt Nations, Talaysay Campo is a respected Indigenous entrepreneur, health and wellness advocate, and keynote speaker specializing in business and economic reconciliation. Talaysay integrates cultural teachings, sustainability, and Indigenous knowledge into every venture.

Having trained under renowned chefs throughout her career, at the age of 21, Detkavich found herself competing for the title of Top Chef Canada; making history as the youngest and first Indigenous woman to ever compete.