Michael is a Partner at Lawson Lundell LLP. In his practice he is focused on corporate, securities, and technology law. He has extensive experience working with start-ups, emerging companies, angel investors, and venture capital funds. He is also a supporter of Accelerate Okanagan, Innovation Island, and entrepreneurship@UBC.

Chris is the Global Director of Channel Partnerships at Clearco. Chris has extensive experience working with digital teams at companies including 3M, ADT, Google, Microsoft, and Walmart Media Group. His goal in working with these companies was to help them better understand their digital customer and apply these insights to their acquisition and monetization strategies.

Shayne is the Senior Finance and Corporate Services Manager at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) where she helps define the strategic direction and oversees the financial stewardship of YLW.  In this role, Shayne is responsible for financial forecasting, reporting, and budgeting, as well as cash management, procurement, legal and insurance. 

Tanja is the Chief People Officer at Potentia HR. Tanja provides consulting services to various local businesses and is also an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan. Tanja uses her 30+ years of experience to support local businesses in developing exceptional People, Culture, and Leadership practices.

Mark is the Chief Executive Office of Mark Betteridge & Associates. Mark is an investor in start-up technology firms and small real estate development projects primarily in British Columbia. He seeks a balance of profit and social good in all activities, and wants to make the Okanagan the location of choice for both local startups and those who want to move here for a blend of lifestyle and commercial success.

Buffy is the First Nations Group Benefits and Pension Advisor at Acera Insurance. Buffy is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, and she has worked in the Aboriginal Health and Wellness industry for 28 years. Buffy is passionate about the experience of wellness in First Nation communities and looks forward to assisting clients and communities achieve their financial and wellness goals.

Ashley is the Founder & CEO of Yeti Farm. Ashley embodies Yeti’s core values leading the studio management team, corporate strategy, partnerships, acquisitions and intellectual properties. Ashley is extremely active with government initiatives and industry boards, serving as a Director for the Canadian Media Producers Association and as a Director on the British Columbia Business Roundtables.

Derek is the Divisional Director of Partnerships and Investments at the City of Kelowna. Derek focuses on developing partnerships with institutions, private sector, and other levels of government to achieve the goals of the City. Derek has embraced the challenge of how alternative solutions can be achieved through investments in technology and automation. 

Harry is a Venture Capital and Corporate Development Executive. He is an industry executive with venture capital, M&A, strategic transactions, and general management experience. Harry’s experience includes investments in connectivity, enterprise SaaS, artificial intelligence/deep learning, security, IoT security, identity and access management, encryption, and anti-fraud.

Jennifer is the Chief Business Officer at Hyper Hippo. She focuses on corporate strategy, business operations, communication, and having a positive impact in all the studio does. Jen has played key roles in tech startups that have transitioned to growth, expansion and acquisition.  She is passionate about the well being of her team, the local community, and creating an inclusive environment at work and in industry.

Krista is the Manager of the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC). Krista believes in the power of working together, and supports the Okanagan by developing and nurturing relationships and connecting newcomers, businesses and entrepreneurs to community resources and networks. Krista also supports initiatives to advance workforce development, business retention, expansion, and investment in the region.

Phil is the Director of Ancillary & Business Services at Okanagan College. He spent eleven years in the department of Network and Telecommunications Engineering at Okanagan College before becoming the Regional Dean for the Central Okanagan. Phil has dedicated time leading technology workshops, representing the college on the Board of Directors for the Okanagan Research and Innovation Centre, and as a Technical Lead with the Okanagan High-Speed Broadband Initiative.

Sandra is the Innovation Manager at the University of British Columbia. Sandra has worked in the entrepreneur & innovation ecosystem for the past 10+ years. Sandra supports industry partnerships, commercialization and entrepreneurship for the campus community. Prior to that, she was a Sr Innovation Advisor with Innovation Canada supporting companies of all sectors and sizes across BC and the Yukon.

Sally is the General Manager at PAI Health. She has over 20 years of experience in Business Development, Sales & Account Management, and Partnership Management gained within leading global insurance, healthcare and governmental organizations. She is passionate about challenging gender biases, promoting a meaningful DEI agenda, and creating safe environments for LGTBQIA2S+ to be their authentic selves at work.