March 4, 2024
| Kate Tomen |
Kate joined AIO while completing her Master of Management Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MMIE) at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. Now as Vice President, Business Development and Operations, Kate is responsible for the implementation of new program development and operations of Angel Investors Ontario. Prior to AIO, Kate was responsible for non-degree programming development at the University of Windsor.
Kate also holds a Bachelor of Science (honors) from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Commerce (honors) from the University of Windsor.
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| Gaurav Bansal |
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Gaurav is a tech Investor and Advisor (100+ startup investments globally), experience in venture capital & global growth accelerator program (35+ investments in 10 countries), investment banking (IPO/Private Equity deals worth ~US$2Bn) and technology consulting (business intelligence).
Gaurav is an Investor Advisor/Mentor/Expert in Residence at accelerators/incubators (across North America, Europe, and SEA) coaching founders/CEOs on investment readiness to raise capital from VCs/Angel investors and assisting on global business expansion. Gaurav is also the Country Manager, Canada at Boardio (global business expansion platform for CEOs). Lastly, Gaurav serves as a review panel member & evaluator for government non-dilutive capital grant programs.
Gaurav is an engineer in Electronics & Telecommunication, with an MBA in Finance, and also holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence from Kellogg, US.
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March 6, 2024
| Shohreh Sabaghpour |
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Shohreh Sabaghpour, an innovative entrepreneur in the LED lighting industry since 2013, has successfully expanded her business to include innovative solutions for LED applications in Agritech. Her passion for sustainability led her to create a global cleantech directory and host an annual Earth Day conference starting in 2015. With a vision for a greener future, she continues to push boundaries and drive positive change in the industry.
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| Zuly Otalora-Matallana |
Zuly Matallana is a Journalist and Change Maker dedicated to making a difference in our world. In a landscape where change is essential, Zuly proudly stands among the 8% of women globally holding a patent—a testament to her unwavering commitment to driving impactful change.
Zuly's journey began with a focus on sustainability, leading her to create TIARA—an evolution from a sustainable shower cap to a comprehensive line of personal care products for women worldwide.
TIARA's journey started with its iconic Shower Caps, where sustainability meets style. Designed to transform women's hair care routines and reduce single-use plastics, these caps have garnered acclaim, featuring on platforms like Good Morning America and winning over the Dragons' Den.
Driven by a mission close to her heart, Zuly expanded TIARA's offerings to include Natural Deodorants in 2023. Inspired by the loss of her beloved grandmother Alicia and Aunt Ruth to breast cancer, these award-winning deodorants are vegan, aluminum and gluten-free, and devoid of mineral oils, parabens, petrolatum, and sulfates—providing peace of mind and premium quality for women and families seeking effective natural alternatives. Safe for all ages, including children and teenagers, they contribute to a healthier future by eliminating harsh chemicals from daily routines.
Zuly's dedication has not gone unnoticed, with TIARA's natural deodorants earning prestigious accolades such as the Skin Care Anarchy and the Shoppy Award for Diversity Female Founder. Recognized by the New York Journal as one of the top 20 women entrepreneurs, Zuly is empowered to lead change for families seeking reliable and durable natural deodorants.
Join Zuly on this journey of positive change, where sustainability, self-care, and empowerment converge to create a brighter future for us all.
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 Tehmina A. Chaudhry, a distinguished Serial Entrepreneur and Startup Consultant, has carved a niche in guiding international entrepreneurs through Startup Visa Canada's intricate pathways. Her journey, initiated by her own relocation to Canada under the SUVP, paved the way for her remarkable contributions to global innovation.
Tehmina's dedication towards helping startups scale and achieve their full potential in new markets is underpinned by her vast expertise in business strategy, international entrepreneurship, and advisory roles. She is a crucial ally for Startups, Incubators, and Investors, with a deep understanding of cross-cultural networking and global market dynamics, pivotal in assisting entrepreneurs to secure startup visas and expand their ventures in Canada.
Furthermore, her leadership in bringing INSTA Foods from Pakistan to the global stage, particularly Canada, highlights her commitment to sustainable business practices and the circular economy. This strategic move not only elevated INSTA Foods’ international presence but also showcased Tehmina's innovative approach to combining entrepreneurial skill with environmental responsibility.
Beyond her consulting and mentoring endeavors, Tehmina founded the Canada Startup Association, reinforcing her influence in the Canadian entrepreneurial sphere. Canada Startup Association aligns with her mission to empower startup ecosystems by providing vital insights and resources especial for Immigrant and marginalized Entrepreneurs. As a multi-faceted professional, she manages several businesses, is an Angel Investor, and serves on the Advisory Boards of numerous companies and not-for-profits. Tehmina's extensive work across various international organizations solidifies her status as an invaluable asset to the global startup community.
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March 7, 2024
| Sarah Tolpina |
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 With a rich blend of academic excellence and practical experience, Sarah Tolpina stands at the forefront of AI technology and marketing. Holding a Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Marketing Degree from the University of San Francisco, Sarah Tolpina has seamlessly bridged the gap between technology and practical business applications.
As a lifelong learner, Sarah Tolpina has furthered her expertise in AI through esteemed platforms like Google University and Vanderbilt University and is an active member of multiple AI and Web 3 mastermind groups, led by renowned keynote speakers and experts in the field. This continuous learning journey reflects a deep commitment to staying at the cutting edge of AI and emerging technologies.
Since 2022, Sarah Tolpina has been instrumental in implementing AI tools in her own company, showcasing a hands-on approach to innovation. Currently, Sarah Tolpina is developing an AI product aimed at revolutionizing customer service in organizations, demonstrating a knack for identifying and solving industry-specific challenges.With 17 years of experience in marketing, primarily in the real estate and building development sector, Sarah Tolpina combines industry knowledge with technological expertise. This unique blend enables her to offer insights that are both cutting-edge and deeply relevant to business practices.
As a skilled prompt designer and engineer, Sarah Tolpina possesses a profound understanding of how to create and train AI assistants, a skill that is increasingly valuable in today's tech-driven landscape. Beyond the professional realm, Sarah Tolpina has a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge. Having conducted various workshops on marketing and social media, and leading a weekly class on spirituality, Sarah Tolpina brings an engaging, thoughtful, and accessible teaching style to every session.Sarah Tolpina is not just an educator but an innovator and strategist, ready to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the digital age.
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| Armaghan Taghvaei |
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 Armaghan comes from the world of industrial design, multimedia, and animation. After school, she dove into entrepreneurship, turning a storytelling project into a successful business for kids. Now, she's co-creating a startup focused on addressing personal challenges and triumphs in food and wellness. The essence of everything she does revolves around listening, empathy, and storytelling. Nothing brings her more joy than crafting experiences that resonate with people! That's how Armaghan believes she can turn every interaction into a meaningful connection.
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| Mallory Maynard |
Mallory Maynard is the Founder of Gibbly, an educational platform powered by AI. Gibbly helps educators create engaging learning material in a fraction of the time. In her spare time, Mallory loves to mentor, volunteer, and speak at events to encourage more young women to pursue careers in STEM!
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March 8, 2024
| Kalpana Kundra |
Kalpana Kundra is a distinguished entrepreneur, renowned for her exceptional achievements and contributions. Recognized as one of the Top 3 Finalists in the prestigious Women of Influence Canadian Entrepreneur awards, Kalpana's career is a testament to her expertise as a marketer, innovator, and business strategist.
Kalpana embarked on her entrepreneurial journey immediately after graduating from university, displaying her unwavering commitment to pursuing her dreams. She started a golfing business, only to find herself swiftly noticed by an executive from Kraft Foods. This encounter marked the onset of her remarkable corporate marketing career, and she soon found herself working with renowned Fortune 500 companies such as Pepsico and Kraft.
Today, Kalpana stands as a celebrated entrepreneur and has earned acclaim as a Top finalist in the RBC Women of Influence and Mompreneur Canadian Entrepreneur awards. Her entrepreneurial journey has been spotlighted on prominent platforms, including appearances on Dragons Den, Marilyn Denis, The Shopping Channel, and QVC.
Kalpana's exceptional talents and achievements are epitomized by her revolutionary product line, UNSTICK. This innovative collection features 100% non-stick, reusable cooking liners and sheets, designed to simplify the cleanup process for all types of cooking. Kalpana's journey as an entrepreneur has been defined by her keen ability to identify universal needs and respond to them with ingenious solutions, as evidenced by UNSTICK's success.
With a proven track record in new product launches, defined by her marketing and innovation expertise, and her passion for cooking, Kalpana Kundra exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurship.
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| Tam Fattahi |
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Tam's story blends 20 years of yoga dedication, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and a previous 17-year career in finance. Tam is a RYT 500 registered teacher with the International Yoga Alliance. In 2013, she earned certifications in Yoga Fit Levels 1&2, Hot Yoga Teacher, and Rainbow Kids Yoga.
In 2021, Tam founded the first-ever program combining yoga and financial literacy, offering a unique holistic approach and wellness-based tools. This program incorporates decision-making and relaxation techniques not covered in standard school curriculum.
Dedicated to giving back, Tam actively participates in the UHN Impact Collective and the Rally for Rehab, generously donating her time to raise funds for hospital research. Furthermore, Tam is committed to using Yoga to uplift diverse groups, including at-risk youths, girls, and women from the Toronto Community Housing, and the York Region Centre for Community Safety. She also served as a member of the Catholic School Council, and was the sole entrepreneur chosen from Richmond Hill to speak for the York Region Centre for Women, inspiring upcoming female entrepreneurs.
In 2022, Tam's exceptional contributions were recognized as she received the Community Recognition Award from Mayor David West, and the City Council of Richmond Hill.
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Paula Contreras
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After obtaining a business degree in Colombia, Paula moved to Canada and pursued her passion for business, fashion, and the environment. She founded VIVRE' - a sustainable clothing brand that uses natural, organic, and recycled materials to produce its clothes. Through her work, Paula demonstrates that fashion can be a force for good, benefiting both society and the environment.
Her participation in diverse initiatives such as Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre, Digital Main Street by Google, and ELLA by YSpace at York University has helped her develop a strong network and gain recognition for her work. Paula's story is an inspiration to all those who wish to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.
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Maggie Lis
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 Maggie’s journey into entrepreneurship was born out of necessity and creativity. Expecting her first child during the pandemic, she faced the challenge of finding high-quality children’s furniture. Collaborating with her husband, David, skilled in engineering and construction, they brought her vision to life.
The designs, a hit with friends and family, prompted the birth of Blue Pine Kids shortly after welcoming her first child. Maggie’s journey blends a passion for quality children’s furniture with the joy of family collaboration, resulting in the vibrant world of Blue Pine Kids
As her maternity leave concluded, Maggie faced a pivotal choice between returning to her nearly two-decades-long career in the beauty industry or embracing the uncharted territory of her newfound passion. Opting for the latter, she bid farewell to the familiar and dived headfirst into the world of designing and manufacturing children’s furniture and decor, armed with determination and a passion for learning.
Welcoming another child along the way only intensified Maggie’s commitment, instilling in her a profound motivation to pursue a career that allowed her to be a present parent while nurturing a thriving business. Blue Pine now stands as a testament to Maggie’s dedication, crafting furniture and decor that empowers children to embrace independence and inspires them to reach their full potential.
Maggie prioritizes sustainability and child safety by using eco-friendly materials for Blue Pine’s creations. Featured in Style at Home magazine, her bookshelves gained well-deserved recognition. Maggie finds fulfillment in positively impacting children’s lives, eager to witness their lasting effects on the world. Maggie looks forward to Blue Pine’s growth, dedicated to nurturing creativity and independence in the hearts of little ones who embrace their eco-friendly furniture and inspiring decor.
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