Filcanpreneur Leadership

FOUNDER 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah is the Founder of Filcanpreneur, an initiative dedicated to empowering Filipino innovators and entrepreneurs in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. She is also the Co-founder of Construct TO, a business development, marketing and construction company

Additionally, she co-founded The Toronto Business Summit and the Affordable Housing Summit, attracting thousands and driving innovation. She also serves as Co-Chair of the United Steelworkers Political Action Committee and as a board member with the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization and Matrix Cares, working to strengthen communities.

In her role as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Compass Careers Canada, Sarah leads a program that helps underrepresented Filipino groups bridge the employment gap, offering training, mentorship, and financial support to help newcomers and professionals thrive in the Canadian job market.

Her career includes key roles at National Post, Umbra, and Rogers Communications, where she gained expertise in business relationships, project management, and organizational growth. Sarah has also supported academic excellence and industry partnerships through her work with Tyndale University and the University of Toronto.

Through her work, Sarah continues to empower others, create lasting opportunities, and drive meaningful change for the Filipino community and beyond. 

CO-FOUNDER

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

& MANAGEMENT

Elizabeth (Liz) is a dynamic entrepreneur and community leader. She is the Founder of EJ & Associates Business Development and Management, Co-Founder of BAO MAMA, and Co-Founder of Filcanpreneur, a premier business and innovation event for Filipino entrepreneurs. 

She has served on the Executive Board of the Philippine-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, co-hosted the Tita Salita podcast on Filipino TV, and currently works as an Employer Relations Specialist at Job Skills.  

Passionate about creating opportunities, Liz is dedicated to fostering growth, connecting talent, and supporting businesses. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a devoted wife and mother of three, committed to mentoring, networking, and community empowerment.

DIRECTOR

CULTURAL AFFAIRS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Teresa is a community leader, cultural advocate, and media entrepreneur. As Executive Director and co-founder of the Philippine Legacy and Cultural Alliance (PLACA), she promotes Filipino-Canadian heritage and multicultural awareness. Under her leadership, PLACA launched the successful Fun Philippines Toronto Food and Music Festival, one of Canada's largest post-pandemic cultural events.

She co-founded the Filipinos Making Waves Festival and co-organized the Taste of Manila Street Festival. Teresa is also the President and CEO of Mentor Productions, specializing in event organizing, cultural marketing, and media. She publishes Filipinos Making Waves, the community's "feel-good newspaper."

Teresa holds a Sociology degree from the Royal Pontifical University of Santo Tomas and has worked in Toronto’s Social Services Department and Toronto Police. She’s received numerous awards, including the King Charles III Coronation Award (2025) and the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022). She was listed in the global List of Influential Filipinos in the Diaspora (2020) and represented Canada at the Universal Peace Federation Peace Summit in Seoul (2023). 

Teresa immigrated to Canada in 1973 and resides in Toronto with her husband, Mon Torralba, a member of the legendary Filipino band Hotdog.

DIRECTOR

INVESTOR RELATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS

Karina is dedicated to building meaningful relationships and bringing people together for a greater purpose. She has been serving the healthcare sector, raising funds for cancer research, patient care, and education. Currently, she is the Senior Manager of Leadership Giving at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. She loves seeing philanthropy, generosity, and human connection unite to create lasting impact.

Karina is also passionate about startups and innovation. She thrives in spaces where big ideas turn into action and enjoys helping others bring their visions to life.

As an active community volunteer, Karina encourages those around her to activate their gifts, step into their potential, and make a difference.