Samuel Obadero
Ayo StudioX
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, my journey into the arts started in the theatre, as an actor and stage director. Directed and performed for over 10years while working as an IT professional.
I went on to study digital photography in Nigeria before migrating to Canada in 2018. I am a multiple award-winning photographer, and won The Art Champion award at the Mayor’s Launch in 2019; which I like to say is one of my proudest moments.
With a first degree in Information Technology, I helped setup the IT infrastructure at the biggest YMCA in the world, but the arts has always been where my heart lies. As a digital photographer, I accomplished a life goal when I started the first black-owned photography studio in Calgary, where I now mentors other young artists. My next life goals are to learn to swim and to learn to ride a bike.
Fun Fact: I have never swam or rode a bike.
Workshops
Other speakers & attendees
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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Laura Keating Elske
People & Planet Consulting
Decision strategist, facilitator, and community builder with expertise in structured decision-making
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Nicole Welykochy
Newo Global Energy
As an energy auditor and Faithful Footprints lead, Nicole brings expertise and enthusiasm for helping people improve their buildings, meet emissions goals and make a positive impact on their communities.
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Alyssa Lindsay
Capacity Building Associate at Calgary Foundation
Alyssa Lindsay is a dedicated and innovative non-profit leader with over 15 years of experience in social innovation, design thinking, and systems change. In her current role as a Capacity Building Associate at Calgary Foundation, Alyssa contributes to community building and engagement through research, co-design, and facilitation of shared learning and collaborative spaces.
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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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Jenna Walsh
Momentum/Be Local YYC
Social Business Coordinator with Be Local YYC, Co-founder of GOT Foundation and Founder of Elevated Escapes
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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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Carrie Liu
Bamboo Dumplings
Carrie has experience as an IT Business Analyst to help organization streamline and automate processes in addition to running Bamboo Dumplings for the last 5 years.
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Heather Jansen
Change is Good
Currently leading ventures at Calgary Dream Centre, including the successful evolution of boutique thrift store, Change is Good, from online platform to brick-and-mortar operation.
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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.
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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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Leah Fink
All Thrive
Leah Fink is the founder of All Thrive, a company dedicated to improving workplace mental health. She is passionate about creating environments where mental health is prioritized, enabling both individuals and organizations to thrive.
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Rajan Rathnavalu
Newo Global Energy
Founder and CEO of Newo Global Energy, a non-profit social enterprise that engages in solar installation and energy audit services while training people with barriers to employment, particularly Indigenous youth.
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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.
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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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Keith Murray
Second Fire Sacred Arts
Faith leader and transdisciplinary artist – a writer, designer, activist, speaker & facilitator
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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 cosmetic brand rooted in purpose and place.
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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
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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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Laurel Dault
Hollyhock Leadership Institute
Facilitator and lead of Hollyhock's Signature Programming, including Activate, Run for Office, and Social Venture Institute (SVI)
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