Tenzin Topdhen
True Gents Barbershop
Tenzin Topdhen inherited the business in 2022 after his friend who owned the business sadly passed away. As a proud Tibetan business owner, Tenzin has been able to both preserve his friend’s legacy and continue his journey towards his childhood dream by creating a vision statement that gives a strong purpose to his business. His end goal is to make the Dalai Lama, who he describes as his “Superman,” proud.
Workshops
Other speakers & attendees
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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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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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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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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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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