Kira Hunt
Adaptive Ecosystems
Kira’s work blends art and science through the lens of biomimicry. Building on ten years of landscape design and urban planning experience, her creations explore structures across scales – re-imagining adaptive traits of tiny biologies and vast ecosystems as new innovations.
In 2023, Kira wrote, illustrated, and published the book “Imagining the Self: An art and science exploration of transformation.” Her 2024 research project involves studying diatoms – microscopic algae that grow glass shells – and exploring applications of their strategies in art and architecture.
Employing a range of techniques from digital illustration to printed works and sculptural lanterns, Kira’s art acts as a bridge between the living world and the possibilities that lie in emulating its strategies. Her projects invites individuals and communities to integrate nature into the creation of healthy spaces and to inform guidelines for regenerative futures.
Workshops
Other speakers & attendees
Brian Hill
TuffHill eBikes
Co-Founder of TuffHill eBikes, locally designed eBikes suited for the Canadian riding environment. TuffHill eBikes takes an inclusive, educational approach as they connect with customers, and advocate with the city for better bike infrastructure.
more.jpg)
Michelle Lee
Mount Royal University
Coordinator of StartWork at MRU, supporting refugees and newcomers through inclusive employment and social innovation
more
Laurel Dault
Hollyhock Leadership Institute
Facilitator and lead of Hollyhock's Signature Programming, including Activate, Run for Office, and Social Venture Institute (SVI)
more.png)
Karina Birch
Rocky Mountain Soap Company, CEO
Karina Birch is the co-owner and CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Company; a Canadian natural cosmetic brand rooted in purpose and place.
more.png)
Mike Rowlands
Junxion Strategy
President & CEO at Junxion, a firm that for over 20 years has been advising on strategy, sustainability, and social impact for some of the world’s most courageous and generative companies, non-profits, and movements
more
Adrienne Furrie
Adrienne Furrie Beauty
Professional makeup artist and beauty brand founder with over 20 years of experience working in beauty, fashion, and business
more.jpg)
Laura Keating Elske
People & Planet Consulting
Decision strategist, facilitator, and community builder with expertise in structured decision-making
moreKira Hunt
Adaptive Ecosystems
Landscape technologist, biomimicry researcher, and artist with a broad range of knowledge that includes urban planning, ecology, biology, design, machining, and mapmaking.
more
Tonya Surman
Centre for Social Innovation, CEO
Tonya Surman is a leading Canadian social entrepreneur and founding CEO of the Centre for Social Innovation (CSI). She’s known for creating visionary ideas, collaborative models, and spaces that drive systemic change. Tonya co-developed the Constellation Model and the Community Bond, which has raised over $10M to support social purpose real estate. Under her leadership, CSI has supported 6000+ changemakers. She also founded Social Innovation Canada, uniting innovators nationwide. Tonya is an award-winning leader recognized by Ashoka, the Trillium Foundation, and others.
more.jpg)
Barb Rallison
Institute for Community Prosperity / MRU / StartWork
Social innovator, community economic development leader, and impact investor with deep roots in Moh’kinsstsis and Métis-settler heritage, working at the intersection of systems change, equity, and place-based prosperity.
more
Jeff Loomis
Executive Director, Momentum
Jeff Loomis is the Executive Director of Momentum, a Calgary-based community economic development organization that works to reduce poverty by providing training, business development support, and financial empowerment programs.
more.jpg)
Philip Lozano
Be Local YYC
Manager of Be Local YYC, with almost 10 years of experience working in social enterprise, with a focus on community and grassroot initiatives
more
