Speakers & Judges

Media Personality | Host & MC

Kayla Williams is a TV personality, host and

emcee. A former Anchor/Reporter at CP24,

Toronto's top breaking news channel, she’s

covered a plethora of events from the

Toronto International Film Festival, Tokyo

Olympics and all in between. She now

enjoys storytelling and creating relatable

content across her platforms and using her

voice to host engaging events and panel

discussions. She co-hosts Mama & HER, a

visual podcast on navigating motherhood

over 35.

A proud Scarborough native, Kayla’s faith

drives her commitment to empowering

women. She believes in the power of

representation and shares her testimony to

inspire the next generation. As a former

elite athlete, she played volleyball at

Grambling State University and

represented Jamaica internationally. Kayla

now aims to help make the game

of golf less intimidating and bridge the gap

for all women. She also sits as a board

member of Anew Ministries.

When she's not on air or online, Kayla

enjoys travelling, experimenting with new

recipes, and spending quality time with her

daughter, Kennedy-Ann.

Director of Innovation, Elevate

Angelo is passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation.

As an advocate of economic development, he has a sound foundation in innovative best practices and a solid grasp on the innovation landscape in Canada. Understanding that entrepreneurship and innovation is best achieved through collaboration, Angelo is a proven community builder having brought together academia, the public sector and the private sector. He is also a strategic brand tactician with the ability to articulate one’s value proposition clearly, as well as successfully positioning one's organization the marketplace.

Angelo has worked with preeminent brands in Canadian innovation including MaRS Discovery District, OneEleven, and currently runs the Innovation department at Elevate. While Angelo is a natural islander (i.e. he was born in Manila and spent a few years on the shores of Newfoundland), he has spent most of his time in the city of Toronto, his current home.

Regional Vice President, RBC Downtown Core GTR 

Jaime is the Regional Vice President for the Downtown Toronto Market with RBC Royal Bank. She is a people-focused Leader with 25 years’ in the financial industry. For the past 15+ years, she has found her passion in leading and developing teams, delivering results in a fast-paced environment while implementing change. She leads a dynamic team focused on delivering exceptional financial services and advice to clients across the GTR. With her 25 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry, Jaime has developed a deep understanding of client needs and a passion for building strong lasting relationships. Throughout her career, Jaime has held various roles in the financial industry - working all across our beautiful country.

Jaime is known for her strategic vision and ability to lead teams to success in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Her leadership is rooted in fostering collaboration, empowering employees, and providing exceptional experiences to clients.

Outside of Jaime’s professional achievements, she is committed to community involvement and strives to regularly participate in local initiatives and charity activities. During her spare time, she enjoys time with her family and is an incredibly proud mother of 4 children, 1 beautiful grandson.   

Founder, The Business Leader Podcast

Edwin J. Frondozo is a visionary tech entrepreneur, an award-winning podcaster, and the co-founder of Slingshot, a B2B voice communications platform. He is the founder of The Business Leadership Podcast, where he has interviewed over 300 pioneering leaders from notable companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Wealthsimple. His insights focus on leadership, innovation, and transformation. The podcast has received multiple accolades, including Podcast of the Year, and has been ranked among the Top 10 Best Business Podcasts. As the co-creator of the Future Narrator Framework, Edwin assists leaders in crafting their Future Point of View (POV) to create podcasts that spark conversations, shape industries, and drive innovation. He has collaborated with global brands like RBC, Mastercard, and Intel to develop impactful thought leadership initiatives. Actively engaged in Canada’s startup ecosystem, Edwin mentors emerging entrepreneurs and fosters dialogue on the evolving landscape of leadership and business.

CEO, AV Communications (AVC)

Joycelyn David is the Owner & CEO of AV Communications (AVC) a leading full-service multicultural marketing agency, and theFounder of TULONG Technologies a B2B martech startup. She is on a mission to help foster a more inclusive marketing industry by helping brands expand their cultural intelligence through marketing and technology.  Her company has been recognized as one of the Top Growing Companies in Canada, by the Globe and Mail, and Joycelyn was the recipient of the “Most Influential Filipina Award” in the category of Thought Leadership recognizing her efforts in martech innovation. She is a frequent guest speaker on marketing having spoken at conferences, webinars and podcasts across North America, and remains an industry advocate as board member of POCAM (People of Colour in Advertising and Marketing) and MMAC (Multicultural Marketing Alliance Canada.) Her upcoming book release with Forbes Authority Advantage titled “The Multicultural Mindset” will be released in Mary 2025.  Learn more Joycelyn and her upcoming book here: www.joycelyndavid.co

Director of Design, Simplii Financial

Ace Fulgar is an accomplished Creative Director and Product Design Leader with a proven track record of innovation and excellence across multiple industries. With almost two decades of experience, Ace has shaped digital products and experiences for startups, fintech companies, and national sports organizations reaching millions of people across Canada.

Currently, Ace serves as the Director of Design at CIBC / Simplii Financial, where he leads design strategy and execution for all digital banking platforms. He is also the Creative Director at North Pole Hoops, a national high-school basketball development ecosystem, where he blends creativity and strategy to produce high-impact events that drive media exposure for Canada's top basketball prospects looking to make it to the next level. 

His expertise spans creative direction, product design, event operations, and team leadership. Ace’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of design principles, coupled with a strategic mindset that drives measurable results. He is passionate about building experiences that connect brands with audiences meaningfully and authentically.

Ace holds a reputation for delivering projects with precision, creativity, and a focus on impact. He thrives in dynamic environments, consistently pushing boundaries to bring fresh, innovative ideas to life.

Founder, Scarborough Spots

Jesse Asido, is the the dynamic founder and owner of Scarborough Spots, a social media powerhouse with over 125k followers, a bustling retail store at Eglinton Square Shopping Centre, and a cutting-edge marketing company Asido Media. With a passion for his hometown, Jesse transformed a simple Instagram page into a cultural movement and go-to community hub, celebrating the vibrant, energetic spirit of Scarborough. His mission? To put Scarborough on the map and create spaces where locals and visitors come together to connect, shop, and experience the best of the area!

Scarborough Spots began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a platform to promote local restaurants. Over time, it evolved to cover Scarborough news, memes, and unique merchandise, becoming a digital love letter to the community. Jesse's dedication to highlighting the positive aspects of Scarborough, from its diverse culture to its rich history, is evident in every post and product.

The store itself is a unique experience, designed to resemble a subway station, with sections dedicated to different areas of Scarborough. It not only offers clothing and merchandise but also serves as a center for community events and initiatives. Jesse's efforts extend to supporting local causes, with proceeds from certain collections going to groups such as the Scarborough Health Network and is currently working on a project with the Toronto Zoo.

Jesse's work with Scarborough Spots has not only redefined retail but also helped reshape the narrative around Scarborough, challenging negative stereotypes and celebrating the area's true essence. His deep love for Scarborough, coupled with his innovative approach, continues to inspire and bring positive change to the community.

CEO, Matrix Mortgage Global

President, Scarborough Business Assocation

Shawn Allen,a distinguished leader in Canadian finance, and a proud advocate for the Scarborough community, where he was born, raised, and still calls home. In 2008, he founded Matrix Mortgage Global, revolutionizing private lending in Canada and propelling the company to become the nation’s leading private lending brokerage. His groundbreaking leadership has earned him a wealth of accolades, including induction into the Scarborough Walk of Fame, five consecutive Broker of the Year awards, and recognition on the Growth 500 list as Canada’s fastest-growing mortgage brokerage. He has also been honored three times as a Top 100 Global Mortgage Broker and celebrated as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Black Canadians in both 2022 and 2023.

Shawn’s influence extends far beyond finance. In 2023 and 2024, he hosted the Toronto Business Summits at UTSC, as well as the Affordable Housing Summit in 2024. His forward-thinking vision will bring the Affordable Housing Summit to Queen’s Park in 2025, highlighting his commitment to addressing the housing crisis and driving systemic change.

Deeply invested in the next generation, Shawn established The Shawn Allen Award to support students in the Faculty of Management and International Business, reflecting his passion for education and his belief in fostering talent to build a better future.

Shawn also dedicates himself to community leadership. He serves as the President of the Scarborough Business Association and Executive Director of Matrix Cares, his philanthropic initiative. Additionally, he sits on the Board of Directors for the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club, the Canadian Asian Pacific Association, and the Caribbean CARICOM Business Trade Association, while also contributing to the Economic Development Committee of the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization.

Through his unwavering dedication to innovation, empowerment, and community betterment, Shawn Allen continues to be a driving force for change, setting a standard of excellence that inspires both the financial industry and the Scarborough community.

Junior Policy Analyst-Anti-Racism Unit, Canada School of Public Service

Born in Manila and based in Toronto. Alfonso Ralph Mendoza Manalo is a Filipino-Canadian public servant. He is currently a Junior Policy Analyst in the Anti-Racism Unit and an Anti-Asian Racism Learning Advisor at the Canada School of Public Service. Prior to this, Alfonso worked as a Policy Advisor in the RCMP's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit and the Race-based Data Collection (RBDC) Team, and as a Research Assistant for the Information Management Policy Section. He is the co-founder and is currently the co-chair of the RCMP’s Pride Network.

Throughout his federal public service career, he has presented and/or worked for a multitude of federal government departments. These include but are not limited to the Canada School of Public Service, Correctional Service Canada, the Department of National Defense, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Outside of the RCMP, he has worked in a variety of research and policy roles for the Urban Alliance on Race Relations, the Scarborough Campus Student Union’s Racialized Students Collective, the Filipino Centre Toronto, and the Asian Institute at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto, with a double major in Public Policy and Global Asia Studies and a minor in Critical Migration Studies.

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