Justin has over 20 years of experience in municipal government, not-for-profit collaboration, and community program development. As Community Development Coordinator for the City of Mississauga, he works with 5 BIAs, 20 Residents’ Associations, and 40 Community Service Organizations.

Justin holds certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Marketing Specialist, and Asset Management Planner; is a Level 4 Competition Baseball Coach; and is pursuing Economic Development Certification from Toronto Metropolitan University. He is a proponent of thoughtful, safe, and well-used public infrastructure and an advocate for engaged, active citizens. 

Vaseem Baig, known throughout the industry as Vaseem the AI Guy, is a leading Canadian GenAI strategist, educator, and best-selling author. He is the founder of the AI consultancy firm of the same name, where he specializes in demystifying complex artificial intelligence concepts and translating them into actionable, real-world business strategies. As a vital voice in Canada’s technology ecosystem, Vaseem Baig is the go-to expert for businesses looking to not just adopt GenAI, but to master it for a sustainable competitive advantage.

Dana Duncanson is the Managing Director of the Toronto Downtown West BIA, where he leads strategic initiatives that support local businesses, drive economic development, and enhance the vibrancy of one of Toronto’s most dynamic neighborhoods. With a background in marketing, communications, place branding, and strategic project management, Dana brings a human-centered lens to digital transformation and community development. He recently completed a research project exploring how Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged by BIAs to increase operational efficiency and community impact. Passionate about innovation, placemaking, and inclusive leadership, Dana is committed to building stronger, more connected urban communities.

Monique Maison is a Community Engagement Worker with Future Black Female, where she focuses on building partnerships, strengthening youth leadership, and amplifying Black girls’ and women’s voices in community spaces.

Through her work across schools, community organizations, and national initiatives, she supports programs that advance economic equity, gender-based violence prevention, and culturally affirming youth engagement. Monique is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where Black youth can thrive as leaders, advocates, and change-makers.

Ijeoma Michael is a passionate advocate for women’s health, empowerment, and systemic equity with over a decade of experience spanning public health, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Girls and Women’s Projects Lead at Future Black Female (FBF), where she leads initiatives that dismantle barriers to economic and social participation for Black girls and women in Canada. 

Prior to this role, she contributed as FBF’s Social Issues Researcher Lead, driving evidence-based programs focused on equity and inclusion. Her commitment to improving public health outcomes began in 2014 after obtaining her master’s in Public Health. 

With a professional background as a clinical pharmacist, a health coach, and a health programmer, Ijeoma brings a holistic perspective on wellness, systems change, and the power of advocacy. She holds deep expertise in mentorship, problem solving, and stakeholder engagement, and continues to centre intersectionality and empowerment in all of her work. 

Ijeoma was awarded the ‘Outstanding Co-op Supervisor of the Term (Spring/Summer 2024)’ by Brock University, a testament to her impactful leadership and commitment to creating empowering, inclusive spaces where Black girls and women can thrive. 

Craig is the current Executive Director of Downtown Barrie (BIA) and was a former OBIAA Board & Executive member.

Craig believes BIAs have a direct pulse on our Main Streets and as a result are progressive community leaders & builders. The vibrancy of our Main Streets directly influence the well-being of our communities.