Conference Host
Keita Demming
Executive Director, The Agency
Keita is a social entrepreneur and PHD from OISE, University of Toronto. His thesis draws on the midwifery movement as case study for exploring the conditions for social innovation.
He hosts a community of practice, called the SIDELab, where they explore System Thinking, Integrative Thinking, Design Thinking and Evaluative Thinking.
Keita has previously worked at:
- The Project Catalyst for Social Innovation Generation @ the University of Waterloo
- He has been an organizational consultant both in Canada and internationally.
- Coordinator for the Social Economy Centre, University of Toronto
Contact: keita@theagencyuoft.ca
Welcome Session
John Monahan
Warden, Hart House
John is a two-time graduate of the University of Toronto having received his BA in International Relations from Trinity and his JD degree from U of T Faculty of Law.
John will be introducing some of our best student social innovators.
Morning Keynote
Ilse Treurnicht
CEO MaRS
A recognized champion of innovation, Ilse Treurnicht, CEO MaRS Discovery District, a leading innovation hub in Toronto which supports entrepreneurs building young high growth firms and works with partners to catalyze, scale and adopt innovation. Most recently Ilse Treurnicht was a member of the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC) advising the Government of Canada on innovation and its related policy issues.
Mid Day Keynote
Zahra Ebrahim
Doblin/Deloitte
This urbanist trailblazer with a background in architecture and design, is an under-30 civic rockstar focused on city building. A self made career path from social entrepreneur to her current role at Deloitte as a global changemaker. Come hear her story of resilience and passion, with advice for you on your journey of social innovation.
Being Bold: Student Social Innovators
We are starting the day with some of our best social innovators. These students will share their adventures in social change and inspire you on this day of exploration.
Lissette Rosado Ferrari
Med candidate, Social Justice Education and International, Comparative and Development Education | University of Toronto
Lissette has worked for numerous international and social justice related organizations, such as U of T's Students for International Development, Centre for Social Innovation and Latin American Studies program at U of T. She recently returned from serving for the UN in UNICEF Peru as an intern and consultant in Water, Sanitation and Environmental Sustainability. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Justice Education at OISE.
Tricia Jose
MASc candidate, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering | University of Toronto
Tricia is the co-founder and CEO of Vicis Labs, a Canadian FinTech startup focused on financial empowerment. Previously, she co-wrote and directed “Right Here, Write Now!,” an original non-profit musical that has raised over $200,000 for international and local community development, and founded a social good e-commerce clothing store.
Kourosh Houshmand
Being Bold: Great Personal Stories
We're closing the conference with stories of impact. These wonderfully inspiring social innovators will share a pivotal experience that will make you believe that you too can make a difference.
Conference TEAM
Conference Leads: Keita Demming and Cindy Ross-Pedersen
Project Manager: Igor Samardzic
Logistics Coordinator: Paula Paunic
Marketing & Communications: Yara Hudra, Jesse Han
Surveys & Reporting: Nikki Sigurdson
Lead Coordinator: Cristina Goncalves
Session Coordinators: Aditya Patel, Quinn Underwood, Julia Smeed
Manage Invitations: Zainab Abbasi
Press and Media: Claudia McKoy