2024 Speakers
Director, Canadian Agri-Food Data Initiative @ EMILI Canada
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Dan Lussier leads the Canadian Agri-Food Data Initiative at EMILI which is part of its mission to support the development and adoption of digital agriculture technologies. Through a unique combination of applied research and training programs the Data Initiative is driving collaboration across the value chain to strengthen the data governance capacity of the Canadian agri-food sector. Prior to working at EMILI, Dan worked as a policy advisor and director of policy for the Canadian federal ministers of agriculture and international trade and as a researcher in advanced manufacturing at the University of British Columbia. He holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Manitoba and a doctorate in engineering science from the University of Oxford.
CEO at Regina Food Bank
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John Bailey, a compassionate and dedicated leader, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Regina Food Bank. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and the well-being of those served, he drives the organization's mission forward.Under John's leadership, Regina Food Bank has embraced a culture of relentless iterative improvement, resulting in remarkable achievements. They have earned a prestigious 5-star rating from Charity Intelligence, recognizing their commitment to excellence. Moreover, they have attained Imagine Canada Standards Accreditation, reaffirming their dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and transparency.Through compassion and dedication to innovation, John pushes boundaries and find creative solutions to address the evolving needs of the community. His unwavering commitment to improving lives paves the way for a brighter future, where everyone served by Regina Food Bank can access vital resources and thrive with dignity and choice.
CTO of Agri-Food @ Microsoft
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Ranveer Chandra is the Managing Director of Industry Research at Microsoft -- a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and engineers who create cutting-edge innovations in cloud, networking, connectivity, and AI for various industries, such as agriculture, financial services, retail, manufacturing, and energy. Previously he served as the Chief Scientist of Microsoft Azure Global, and also Head of Networking Research at Microsoft Research, Redmond.With 15+ years of experience in these roles, and leading ideations all the way from research to product, to partnerships, and successful customer engagements, Ranveer has established himself as a visionary and influential leader in the fields of technology, AI, networking, and systems.
Consultant @ Deloitte
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Crowned the 2014 World Public Speaking Champion in Leipzig Germany, Paul is popularly known as The Multilingual MC. He has in 12+ years created amazing experiences at over 500 events across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America leveraging exceptional oratory, creative wit and mature humour.A Big 4 digital transformation program leader by day, Paul is a 2X author, consultant and coach who enjoys helping individuals and organizations accelerate growth through diverse consulting and coaching offerings.He is excited to return as Host for the 2024 Food Forward Conference.
CEO at Food First NL
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Joshua Smee is the CEO of Food First NL, a provincial nonprofit organization that works with communities across Newfoundland & Labrador to advance the right to food and to further their vision of a province where everyone can eat with joy and dignity.Passionate about systems change and the power of collective action, Joshua has taken a lead role in many coalitions and campaigns. He co-chairs the provincial Food Security Working Group with the Government of NL, is a lead organizer of Basic Income NL, and sat on the province's Health Accord Task Force. Outside of work, Joshua sits on many boards and committees and has been heavily engaged in work around civic engagement, local food, and the arts.
Director, Food Recovery & Logistics @ Second Harvest
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Dylan Putzel is the Director of Food Recovery & Logistics with Second Harvest, Canada’s largest Food Rescue organization. He works with a team of national foodraisers to form and manage partnerships with food producers, processors, manufacturers, and distributors across Canada to rescue and redistribute large volumes of healthy, surplus food to Second Harvest’s national non-profit network. He has been working with food supply chains and sustainable agriculture in both the private and charitable sectors in Canada for the past decade, and has conducted research focusing on rural livelihoods and value chain economics. Dylan is based in Toronto, Ontario and frequently travels around the country to form new relationships and work to keep food where it belongs: on plates and out of landfills.
Founder and Executive Director @ La Tablée des Chefs
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Jean-François Archambault has always had food and people's happiness at heart. After studying at the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec, he quickly became a manager in the hotel industry.In 2002, he first presented his idea for recuperating surplus food to feed people in need.The project quickly took shape and became La Tablée des Chefs. Through this organization, Jean-François brings chefs and cooks together to address the issue of hunger.Over the years, La Tablée des Chefs has remained true to its two-part mission: to feed and to educate. Since its creation, the organization has helped feed people in situations of food insecurity by distributing over 17.6 million cooked portions, and has educated over 63,000 youth by developing their food autonomy through its various programs.
Outreach Coordinator @ NL Young Farmers
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NL Young Farmers is a nonprofit organization that works in association with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture (NLFA) to support and nurture the success of young farmers aged 18-40 in a profitable and sustainable agriculture sector across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Member of ParliamentSt. John's East, Newfoundland and Labrador @ Government of Canada
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Joanne Thompson was elected the Member of Parliament for St. John’s East in September 2021 and is Chair of the National Seniors Caucus.
Editor at Community Food Centres Canada
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Tom Cho is the Writer/Editor at Community Food Centres Canada (CFCC). He has worked professionally as a writer and editor for over 30 years. His skills span multiple sectors, particularly the non-profit sector. In addition to CFCC, he has worked for a range of non-profits, including health promotion organizations, community centres, and arts organizations. His writing and editing specializations include proposal writing, corporate writing, sensitivity editing, and academic editing. He also has a parallel career as a fiction author and holds a PhD in Professional Writing. Originally from Naarm (colonially known as "Melbourne, Australia"), he now lives in St. John's.
thinkAG Manager @ Agriculture in the Classroom Canada
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Kalysha, based in Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador, serves as the thinkAG Manager at Agriculture in the Classroom Canada. With over 8 years of experience as a Project Manager in agriculture, she was a part of Minister Bibeau's inaugural Canadian Agriculture Youth Council (2020-2022). Kalysha is a dedicated advocate for agricultural education and resources in Canada, driven by her passion for the industry and its producers.
co-Executive Director @ Food Secure Canada
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Having grown up on a farm in southern Saskatchewan, Wade has always been passionate about where our food comes from. While living in Iqaluit, Nunavut, he gained a newfound appreciation for the diversity of local food systems in Canada, in particular long-standing yet threatened Indigenous approaches to land management.As president and later Executive Director, he was instrumental in vastly expanding the activities and impact of Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre. He was also deeply involved in a number of other non-profit and community initiatives, including the creation of the Nunavut Association of Non-Profit Organizations. As an advocate he has made numerous appearances before media and multiple levels of government to push for a more dignified and equitable approach to increasing food security, stronger regional food sovereignty, a dismantling of colonial food systems, and improved health of communities through good food.
Executive Director of Operations & Strategic Partnerships @ NLEats
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Mehnaz is a passionate Business Leader with a heart for her community. She's a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® who excels at leading teams and delivering impactful results. As co-founder of NL Eats Community Outreach Inc., she's fighting food insecurity through innovative solutions. Mehnaz also serves as Vice President of the Project Management Institute Ottawa Chapter and a sought-after Career Consultant, empowering others to achieve their professional dreams. Her "can-do" attitude, combined with her diverse skill set, makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Chief Innovation Officer @NLEats
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Saif Ahmed is the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at NL Eats, where he combines his expertise in process engineering, data science, and project management to drive innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and food security. As a passionate changemaker, Saif is dedicated to creating equitable and inclusive spaces that foster participatory knowledge-building and empower the next generation of leaders. His work focuses on enhancing community resilience through sustainable practices and advocating for food security. With a commitment to building sustainable communities with access to nutritious food and an active lifestyle, Saif leverages strategic thinking and a hands-on approach to address the needs of diverse communities. His vision is to inspire others to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
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