Mr. Ariganello is currently the President and CEO of the Chartered Professionals of Human Resources CPHR BC & Yukon, and CEO of CPHR Canada. 

Prior to this, he was the President and CEO of CGA (Certified General Accountant’s) Canada. Mr. Ariganello was a key leader in the merger of the 3 accounting bodies into CPA. 

Prior to CGA Canada, Mr. Ariganello was also the President of Avon Canada, the world’s largest direct seller. 

An Order of Canada recipient, and holding the ICD director designation, Mr. Ariganello serves as Chair of the Board of Re:Sound, a Canadian music licensing company, that obtains fair compensation for artists and record labels. He is also a board director of Spinal Cord Injury B.C., and is also an audit, and governance committee member. Mr. Ariganello also sits on the World Federation of People Management Association as President, and has served as Chair of the Audit Council for Local Government supporting the Auditor General for Local Government for the province of B.C. In addition, Mr. Ariganello completed his term on the board of the BC Real Estate Association as a director and member of the audit committee. 

While at Avon, Mr. Ariganello was chair of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada and a member of the board of the Canadian Cosmetic Toiletries and Fragrance Association; and Nonprescription Drug Manufacturers Association of Canada. Additionally, he served on Canada’s National Council of Financial Executives. He also sat on the advisory panel to the Comptroller General of Canada. 

Mr. Ariganello has significant experience in people management having led large organizations, like Avon ( + 1000 personnel), with full operations responsibility, pursuing re-structuring plans, mergers, and ensuring the human capital aspect of all these exercises was always front and center, a priority. 

Mr. Ariganello also consults on good governance practices, particularly with not for profit boards, and on a wide array of operational issues. 

Mr. Ariganello s a graduate of McGill University and holds the following designations: Fellow CPA (Canada), Fellow CGA, Fellow CCA (UK), CPA (Delaware), FCPHR, SHRM (SCP) and ICD.D. 

Jodi Kovitz is the CEO of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), representing over 24,000 HR professionals across Ontario. Since joining in 2023, she has led a transformative agenda focused on growth, innovation, and member value—resulting in the association’s highest membership in a decade, a significant revenue increase, and a revitalized organizational culture.

She is the founder of #movethedial, a global movement advancing the participation of women in tech, which engaged over 60,000 people worldwide. Her previous leadership roles include driving growth at Vetster, serving as CEO of Peerscale, leading business development strategy for Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP’s national litigation practice as Director of Client & Business Development, and practicing law at Torkin Manes LLP.

In 2018, Ms. Kovitz co-founded #Tech4SickKids, mobilizing Canada’s tech sector to raise millions in support of SickKids Foundation’s AI and innovation initiatives—contributing to its historic $1.7 billion campaign. She also served on the No Limits Campaign Cabinet.

Ms. Kovitz previously served two terms on the Board of Directors of Toronto Global, helping to guide the organization’s efforts to attract international investment to the Toronto region.

She has been recognized as one of Canada’s 25 Women of Influence, a two-time WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women honouree, and Communicator of the Year by the International Association of Business Communicators. She has also been featured in Forbes Women.

She holds an HBA from Ivey, an LLB from Osgoode, and an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary. She is the author of Go Out of Your Way, a book on fostering genuine connections in business, and is currently enrolled in the CEO Program at Columbia Business School Executive Education.

Michèle Boudria is a celebrated Canadian business leader whose career with McDonald’s has spanned more than 40 years, culminating in her role as President & CEO of McDonald’s Canada. As the first woman to hold this position, Michèle led the organization with a people-first approach, overseeing operations across more than 1,450 restaurants nationwide and championing McDonald’s purpose of feeding and fostering communities.  

Beginning her journey behind the front counter in Aylmer, Quebec, Michèle rose through the ranks to hold regional, national, and global leadership roles, including the Worldwide Operations team. Throughout her career in Canada, Michèle played a key role in shaping the McCafé brand while driving sustained growth as McCafé Officer and strengthening partnerships with franchisees as West Regional Vice President.   

Prior to leading the Canadian business, Michèle served as Managing Director of McDonald’s Netherlands, where she bolstered the brand’s market position through a focus on operational excellence and strategic organizational alignment.  

Michèle’s leadership was marked by a deep commitment to inclusion, serving in various leadership roles across McDonald’s Women’s Leadership Networks, both in Canada and the U.S.  

Michèle is recognized for her mentorship, advocacy, and dedication to creating inclusive workplaces. She remains passionate about empowering future leaders and contributing to meaningful change in her communities. 

Stephanie Case, MSM (BA(H), JD, LLM) is an international human rights lawyer, elite ultrarunner, and founder of Free to Run, an organization that advances women’s and girls’ leadership in areas of conflict. With a career devoted to advocating for human rights and gender equality, Stephanie has worked on the front lines of humanitarian crises around the globe, including in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Gaza. In 2020, Stephanie was awarded the prestigious Governor General of Canada’s Meritorious Service Medal, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, for her work.

As an ultrarunner, Stephanie has taken on  some of the world’s most punishing races, drawing parallels between the endurance needed in running and her experiences navigating crises in war zones. Stephanie has won competitions ranging from week long self-supported races across desert landscapes to 450 km non-stop races across the Alps. Through her advocacy and storytelling, she highlights the resilience of  women and communities overcoming immense obstacles. In 2022, Stephanie featured in an  award-winning documentary, “Free to Run”, which chronicles her work breaking barriers for  women through sport, and the incredible and heartbreaking journeys of two Afghan runners as  they experience the takeover of their country by the Taliban. Stephanie is currently working on her next film that follows the deeply personal experiences of  women athletes aspiring to be mothers, shedding light on the shame and stigma surrounding  infertility and exploring the positive role that running can play in dealing with the challenges. 

She recently won the 100km Ultra Trail Snowdonia Race in Wales while breastfeeding throughout, just six months post-partum. The news of her performance went viral around the  world, showing new mothers everywhere that they did not have to give up their dreams when  becoming a parent. Stephanie has since returned to hundred-mile races and is planning her  next adventure

 

Anuj is passionate about bringing data and heart together in People functions, to help companies grow and solve for health, happiness and productivity. This has been true over Anuj’s time at Google, since 2008, as Anuj worked in People Analytics, conducting scientific trials and multi-year analyses, as well as front-line HR functions helping achieve business results. Anuj has been part of growing Google across 20+ countries and multiple functions, over various tech and people related stages of change. As the Head of HR for Google Canada, Anuj now focuses on building and growing a thriving employee workforce that positively contributes to the communities around us. Prior to Google, Anuj was a Consultant at Mercer HR Consultant and taught Account & Finance at the Richard Ivey School of Business. He holds MBA and HBA degrees from the Richard Ivey School of Business. 

Candice Faktor is the CEO of Disco, an AI-powered learning platform transforming how organizations upskill their talent. A serial entrepreneur, tech executive, and investor, Candice helped scale Wattpad to its $660M acquisition and is a partner at Lobby Capital, a $250M Series A fund based in Silicon Valley.

Candice brings deep expertise in AI, digital transformation, and innovation, having advised numerous Fortune 100 companies during her time at Deloitte Monitor and through Gamechanger Advisory. She has served on the boards of pioneering AI-first platforms, including Coveo and DreamBox Learning.

A sought-after speaker on the future of AI, innovation, and human potential, Candice has inspired audiences at Deloitte, CPPIB, Elevate, YPO, and Top 40 Under 40, urging leaders to unlock the full potential of people in the age of AI and digital disruption. 

 

Chris is a Partner and National Leader of EY’s People Advisory Practice in Canada. The leader of PAS Tax Canada, he leads a diverse team of over 700 professionals, led by 35 partners serving companies across a wide range of services including, Rewards (compensation, pensions, benefits), Mobile Talent (mobility, social security), Immigration (Canadian, US and Global), and Payroll.

Chris provides strategic insight, advice and leadership support for companies sending critical talent to over 150 countries globally. He has advised and served some of the largest Canadian, Global and Fortune100 corporations in his 25+ year career in professional services.

Chris believes that bringing diverse teams and perspectives together to tackle or biggest business and social challenges, leads to better outcomes and solutions. Chris serves on the EY Americas Inclusion Advisory Council, EY Canada Inclusion Advisory Council and EY Canada ESG Committee.

Chris has a passion for entrepreneurship and is Director of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN), which helps Black and Indigenous founders in Canada build professional networks, access funding and grow their businesses.

He is devoted husband to Janine and father to two boys and a Tottenham Hotspurs fan (he believes that everyone should live with at least one terrible choice).

With over 20 years of experience in human resources across both the private and public sectors, Nadim has a proven track record of designing and implementing people strategies that drive organizational transformation and performance.  He is known for aligning and advancing human resources priorities and functions in the context of changing market realities, and creating synergies with both leadership and operations to achieve strategic transformation. 
 
As the Executive Vice President, Head of People and Culture, Nadim is focused on advancing GreenShield’s People & Culture function to foster a high-impact and highly engaged workforce where Purpose meets Passion and Performance. 
 
Nadim holds a Masters in Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto and is designated as a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE) and Certified Compensation Professional. 

She is a trailblazer in the world of technology and leadership – a woman who has not only shattered ceilings but continues to build pathways for others to follow. Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson is a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and fierce advocate for women in leadership. As Vice President of Technology Operations & Services and Cloud Transformation at Export Development Canada, she leads complex digital transformation initiatives, ensuring that businesses and technology evolve together for the future.

With over two decades of experience at industry giants like TD, IBM, and Rogers Communications, Nkechi has consistently been a force in navigating spaces where women, especially women of color, are often underrepresented. But she has never allowed those barriers to define her. Instead, she has used her expertise, resilience, and vision to claim her space and create opportunities for others.

Nkechi's leadership has been recognized with numerous awards, most notably being named one of the Women's Executive Network (WXN) Top 100 in Canada. This prestigious accolade highlights her exceptional contributions and influence in the industry.

Beyond the boardroom, Nkechi is the Founder & CEO of Empowered in My Skin, a movement dedicated to helping individuals recognize their worth, embrace their authenticity, and rise with confidence. She knows firsthand that breaking barriers isn’t just about individual success, it’s about bringing others along, ensuring that women don’t just have a seat at the table, but a voice that is heard and valued.

Sangita Patel is one of Canada’s most engaging media personalities. Previously a co-host of ET Canada, she has interviewed many of the biggest stars from around the globe, both in-studio and on the red carpet. Today, she’s the host of TLC’s newest lifestyle show, Love and Translation, following her hit four-season run as host of HGTV Canada’s Home to Win. Whether hosting an event or sharing her personal story, Patel infuses everything she does with passion and professionalism. 

In 2022, Patel won a Canadian Screen Award for Best Host of a Web Program or Series for her work with ET Canada Live. She has also been nominated for Best Host in the lifestyle category for her work on Home to Win. In addition, Patel is the recipient of a Trailblazer Award from the Reelworld film festival, named Anokhi magazine’s “Television Personality of The Year”, and was featured in Vogue India as one of the “50 Most Influential Global South Asians.” 

Patel has a passion for giving back to her community, stepping up when it’s needed most, from delivering food to frontline workers during the pandemic to hosting national fundraisers for charitable causes. 

Douglas Porter has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and author of the popular Talking Points, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-writes the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus. Mr. Porter manages the team that has won numerous forecasting awards. Most recently, Douglas led the team to a #1 ranking for Top U.S. Forecaster among 60 global firms in the 2023 Focus Economics Survey, and #1 for Top Canadian Inflation Forecaster among 28 firms. Also, his team took the #1 spot in the StarMine Awards for Most Accurate Forecasters for Canada in 2022.

As a respected commentator on economic and financial trends, he is regularly quoted in the national press and often interviewed on radio and television.

Douglas’ career began at the Bank of Canada; then, before joining BMO, he held the positions of Economist and Country Risk Analyst with other Canadian financial institutions.

He has been a member of C.D. Howe’s Monetary Policy Council since 2008 and serves on the Investment Management Committees of the Bank of Montreal’s Canada Pension Plan and Western’s Endowment Fund.

Douglas Porter, CFA, earned a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.

 

The life of visionary activist Spencer West is a powerful story of resilience and triumph. At age five, he lost both legs from the pelvis down. Rather than let adversity define him, Spencer rose to each challenge and learned to thrive in a world not built for people with disabilities. His journey revealed strategies that empower leaders, educators, professionals, and young people to redefine what’s possible in their lives and careers. 

Spencer is a global keynote speaker, content creator, and activist. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro using his hands and wheelchair, opened for Demi Lovato on a world tour and starred in Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, a documentary that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. He also authored the best-selling memoir Standing Tall: My Journey, played Spencer the window washer on Murdoch Mysteries. Today, he engages a global audience of over 4 million followers on TikTok. 

His work has been featured by ABC News, BuzzFeed, 60 Minutes, CTV, BBC News, TMZ, CNN, Forbes, The Globe & Mail, CBS This Morning, and Bloomberg. He also appeared on Season 2 of Karamo The Podcast, hosted by Karamo Brown. 

Spencer West has shared the stage with figures like former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, Mia Farrow, Martin Luther King III, Jennifer Hudson, and Natalie Portman. 

Spencer’s message has reached millions through live and virtual events. He has spoken for organizations including Virgin Atlantic, KPMG, Microsoft, Staples, Universal McCann, SickKids Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs, and many more across the education, finance, and healthcare sectors. 

From major conferences and universities to stadiums of 20,000, Spencer captivates every audience with charisma and authenticity. His words inspire people to face challenges, embrace change, and lead with purpose. Every event ends with takeaways that help people and teams redefine their possible. 

 

When you have the right people, with the right capabilities, in the right place, for the right cost, doing the right things – the possibilities are limitless. As a Partner in our People Advisory Services practice, Andrea collaborates with clients to help them get their strategy right.

A strategic change management and human resources leader, she’s laser focused on driving the kinds of transformational change that helps clients evolve their leaders and workforce for the future. Focused on financial services, and with experience across industries including retail, technology, health care and more, Andrea advises clients on human capital planning spanning operating model and organization design, change management, talent management and human resources service delivery.

Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Kinesiology from Western University and a Master of Business Administration (Business) from McGill University. She is a Prosci-certified change practitioner and was a guest lecturer at York University’s Schulich School of Business. 

How Andrea is building a better working world

“With the changing dynamics around talent and our broader operating environment, rethinking your people strategy and how you manage transformational change can open organizations up to a wealth of possibilities. We’re proud to work with Canada’s leading businesses, pioneering game-changing strategies that unlock potential for their people, organizations and the working world.”