
Martin Baker
Local Investing YYC
Martin is a Calgarian that is deeply passionate about building a sustainable future for our city. As a local sustainability professional and angel investor in Hakkawise Ltd., a UK-based investment fund focused on scaling small to medium-sized sustainable personal care brands, Martin has international exposure as it relates to identifying and scaling purpose-led businesses that are driving social and environmental change. In his day job, Martin works for Anew Climate, a company offering climate and sustainability services to corporate businesses globally. As the Senior Director of Natural Climate Solutions, Martin is responsible for developing large-scale, investment-ready, nature-based projects that help corporate companies meet their ESG targets. Martin also brings experience in corporate ESG reporting and target-setting, as well as knowledge on a wide variety of sustainability reporting and financial disclosure tools that align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In July of this year, Martin will graduate with a master’s degree in Sustainability Leadership from the University of Cambridge, which he has been taking part-time over the last two years. In his free time, Martin loves to spend time in the mountains with friends and family. This passion led Martin to co-found HeyHiker, a local non-profit helping Calgarians access the outdoors and connect with nature. This is one of many volunteer roles that he has held in the city since moving to Calgary in 2010.
Workshops
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Karina Birch
Rocky Mountain Soap Company, CEO
Karina Birch is the co-owner and CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Company, a Canadian natural beauty brand based in Canmore, Alberta. Since taking over the business in 2000, she has grown it from a small shop into a national brand with over a dozen retail locations and a 25,000 sq. ft. workshop where all products are made in-house. Karina is known for her authentic leadership and commitment to sustainability, natural ingredients, and community. She is also a strong supporter of youth-focused initiatives like Fast and Female and Spirit North.
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Kira 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.
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Michelle Lee
Mount Royal University
Coordinator of StartWork at MRU, supporting refugees and newcomers through inclusive employment and social innovation
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Laura Keating Elske
People & Planet Consulting
Decision strategist, facilitator, and community builder with expertise in structured decision-making
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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.
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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
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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.
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Adrienne Furrie
Adrienne Furrie Beauty
Professional makeup artist and beauty brand founder with over 20 years of experience working in beauty, fashion, and business
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