Keynote Speaker: Dr. Pamela Palmater
Dr. Pamela Palmater is a Mi’kmaw lawyer, professor, author, and social justice activist from Ugpi’ganjig (Eel River Bar First Nation). She has 4 university degrees, including a doctorate in law from Dalhousie University specializing in Indigenous law. She currently holds the position of full Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Toronto Metropolitan University. Pam was one of the spokespeople and public educators for the Idle No More movement and advocates alongside other movements focusing on social justice and human rights. She is frequently called as a legal expert before parliamentary, senate and United Nations committees dealing with laws and policies impacting Indigenous peoples and is considered one of Canada’s Top 25 Influential Movers and Shakers by the Financial Post.
Jessica Antony
Jessica works with the HEQCO research team to offer guidance and expertise in the framing, writing and editorial development of research publications and other communications material. Jessica comes to HEQCO with ten years of experience as a managing editor for an academic book publisher and another fifteen years as an academic writing and editing instructor at the University of Winnipeg. Prior to joining the team at HEQCO, Jessica worked as an independent editor, publishing consultant and communication skills trainer, providing editorial, writing and workshop facilitation services to publishers, authors and organizations. She has a BA from the University of Winnipeg and an MA from Concordia University. Jessica is the lead editor and a contributor for the two most recent editions of Power and Resistance: Critical Thinking About Canadian Social Issues (Fernwood Publishing, 2022) and has published several articles with CBC Arts.
Erin Aspenleider
Dr. Erin Aspenlieder is the director of the office of teaching and learning at the University of Guelph. In this role she leads efforts to take responsible action on AI in teaching and learning. Prior to joining U of G, Erin was the special advisor to the provost on generative artificial intelligence at McMaster University. In this role Erin coordinated the institutional response to generative AI across teaching and learning, research, and administrative operations, including the development and implementation of guidelines across these domains and associated resources and supports. She served as a co-investigator on a multi-institutional study with Ithaka S+R on opportunities to make AI ‘generative’ for higher education, and a lead author for OCGS’s “Artificial Intelligence: Considerations for Graduate Research.” She co-developed and taught a new course “Critical AI Literacies” at McMaster and continues to present across Canada on generative AI and its possibilities and challenges. She holds a PhD in English and cultural studies and continues to read just for fun with reviews at literaryvice.ca
Sarah Brumwell
Sarah works on a variety of HEQCO research projects relating to large-scale assessment, learning outcomes and student skill development. Most recently, she coordinated the 2016 and 2017 pilot rounds of HEQCO’s Essential Adult Skills Initiative (EASI), a multi-year project measuring the literacy, numeracy and problem solving skills of students at 19 Ontario colleges and universities. Sarah has also written and contributed to several HEQCO publications on issues related to learning outcomes, skills and assessment. Prior to joining HEQCO, Sarah worked at Seneca College’s Centre for Academic Excellence, where she supported the College Student Achievement Project (a collaborative initiative of Ontario’s 24 public colleges) in studying the numeracy skills of first-year college students. She has a master’s degree in theory and criticism from the University of Western Ontario and a combined honours bachelor’s degree in humanities and philosophy from Carleton University.
Ken Chatoor
Ken Chatoor works to develop and implement LMIC’s vision for the collection and dissemination of research to support the data needs of Canada’s evolving labour market. Ken joined LMIC after working in education, labour market and equity research to support evidence-based policymaking. He has published research reports and government evaluations on mental health, the impact of funding structures on government service provision, work-integrated learning, and labour market transitions for new graduates. Prior to entering the world of policy and government, he worked in biomedical engineering, researching spine regeneration at Mount Sinai Hospital. He then studied at McGill University, where he researched therapies for brain cancer at Montreal General Hospital.
Mark Daley
Mark Daley is the chief AI officer at Western University and a professor in the Department of Computer Science with cross-appointments in five other departments, The Rotman Institute of Philosophy and The Western Institute for Neuroscience. He is also a faculty affiliate of Toronto’s Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence. Mark was named in the Maclean’s “Power List 2024” of the top 100 Canadians shaping the country and in Constellation Research’s AI150, a list of top 150 global executives leading AI transformation efforts. In October 2024, Mark was appointed the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Scholar in Residence in Artificial Intelligence. Mark has previously served as the vice-president (research) at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), and chief digital information officer, special advisor to the president, and associate vice-president (research) at Western.
Jason Dennison
Jason Dennison is a senior workforce development professional with extensive experience researching and understanding the labour market situation in communities across Ontario. Currently, Jason serves as the director of business intelligence and chief workforce and labour market advisor at Fleming College. He advises the college on emerging career opportunities and labour market trends to support programming decisions. Jason holds a bachelor of science in human kinetics from the University of Ottawa and an MBA from the National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan where he spent 10 years as an expatriate and habitual traveler. Jason lives in Buckhorn with his wife and daughter and is an active participant and supporter of local businesses.
Malika Dhanani
Malika Dhanani is a second-generation settler living in what is traditionally known as Tkaronto and is the executive director of the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA). She works alongside student leaders to advocate for improvements to the affordability, accessibility, accountability, quality and equity of university education in the province. As an advocate, Malika values uplifting voices of affected populations and harnessing the power of their intersectional experiences to strengthen policy advocacy. The shared values between her personal and professional journeys have led her to engage with policy advocacy for childcare in Ontario, youth homelessness and housing in Canada, and national home care. Malika holds a bachelor of applied science from the University of Guelph and a master of social work from the University of Toronto.
Michael Dubois
Michael Dubois is a senior research associate at the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC). He has over a decade of experience conducting education, skills and labour market research using complex longitudinal administrative data. His current research activities focus on apprenticeship persistence and completion; international students’ migration and labour market outcomes; the impact of education interventions on criminal justice outcomes; and estimating the impact of tri-agency awards on earnings using quasi-experimental approaches.
Christopher Imecs
Coordinator of engineering/architecture bridging program at Humber Polytechnic, Christopher Imecs brings a global perspective to the work he does. He’s certainly the right person in the right place, having faced many of the same challenges his students confront when they first arrive in Canada. Christopher understands very well their circumstances, frustrations and need for a personal connection with someone who cares, and he is passionate about helping newcomer professionals to achieve their full potential. Born in Romania and fluent in Romanian and Hungarian as well as in English, Christopher holds a bachelor’s degree of legal matters from Romania, a social service worker diploma from Seneca College and he is a graduate of the Toronto Sectors Skills Academy workforce development and leadership program.
Miha Isik
Prior to joining the HEQCO, Miha developed her expertise in research methodologies, data analysis and project management through her roles at Forum Research and Hotspex. Her background as an international student and her involvement in curriculum development and student success tracking at community schools have deeply influenced her approach to education which emphasizes policy research, social issues and community engagement. She is passionate about educational equity, evidence-based policymaking and program evaluation. Miha holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and a research analyst postgraduate certificate from Humber College.
Minette Klazinga
Minette Klazinga is an experienced higher education professional with 20+ years of working in the sector. As program manager, part-time studies at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, she leads the organization’s part-time studies portfolio and executes strategic initiatives to support mature learners, including part-time postsecondary programs, continuing education and microcredentials. With a passion for lifelong learning, Minette holds credentials from Fanshawe College’s business administration-marketing advanced diploma program, a bachelor of education (adult education) from Brock University, and a master of management innovation and entrepreneurship from Queen’s University. She is currently completing a doctor of education (higher education leadership) degree at Western University. Minette is a champion for creating innovative, flexible learning opportunities to serve diverse populations of learners and reducing barriers to postsecondary education.
Sophie Lanthier
Sophie Lanthier is a senior researcher at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) who has managed and overseen numerous research and educational projects throughout her career. Sophie joined HEQCO after completing her PhD in Psychology at the University of British Columbia, where she also served as an instructor. At HEQCO, she blends her research expertise and teaching experience by leading research projects on key issues and trends in Ontario’s higher education system.
Alexandra MacFarlane
Alexandra manages internal and external projects with a focus on quality in the postsecondary education system. Her research focuses on skills assessment, learning outcomes, work-integrated learning and numeracy. Building on her experience teaching at the primary, secondary and college level, Alexandra is interested in evidence-based research that improves the student experience. Prior to working at HEQCO, Alexandra taught, developed courses and conducted research at two Ontario colleges. She holds a master of education and a bachelor of education from Queen’s University as well as a honours bachelor of science in biology and geography from Trent University.
Selena Norman
Selena Norman (she/her) is the campus community lead at the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH). Her work focuses on fostering campus–community partnerships between Ontario postsecondary institutions and community mental health organizations to enhance capacity in supporting student mental health and wellbeing. Her educational background includes a master of public health (MPH) from the University of Waterloo, a behavioural science technician diploma from George Brown College, and a bachelor of arts (BA) in psychology from the University of Ottawa.
Marija Padjen
Marija Padjen is the director for the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health and the chief clinical officer for the Canadian Mental Health Association – Ontario Division. She holds a BA in political science and history from McGill University, and a BSW and a MSW from York University. Prior to joining CMHA in 2017, Marija spent 18 years in the dementia field as a front-line social worker and as chief program officer for the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. She has a strong commitment to person-centred care and is a firm believer in collaborative relationship building.
Mack Park
Mack Park, MSW (they/them) is the assistant director for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE), supporting collegiate recovery programs and their staff across the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Mack graduated from the University of Windsor with their master of social work degree, a BA[H] with thesis in psychology (minors in Sociology and applied I.T.), and a business administration certificate. They also hold an advanced diploma in web development. Mack served as the program coordinator for 3.5 years at Lancers Recover, the student recovery program at the University of Windsor while also working with ARHE in a part-time capacity. They attribute student recovery programs to supporting their education and recovery pathways simultaneously and envision a future where these supports are accessible to all.
Hilary Pryce
Hilary Pryce holds a bachelor of arts, honors in psychology from York University and an advanced diploma in environmental technology from Centennial College. As a student at Centennial, she was the president of the Environmental Student Society which lead to the start of her career in the Office of Development running donor and alumni events. The transition to virtual programming during the pandemic became a catalyst for Hilary to combine her passions for technology and gaming with digital learning for students. Currently, Hilary curates a 16-week virtual onboarding program that focuses personal, academic and career success through learning modules, webinars and newsletters. Over two years, Hilary has transformed headSTART into a co-curricular digital badge offering new students a clear pathway from admission to first-year experience.
Tanecia Rodriguez
Tanecia Rodriguez is a proud member of Kebaowek (Eagle Village) First Nation. She lives in Oshawa, the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, and is a devoted wife and mother of three. As the eldest of five siblings and part of a large extended family, Tanecia deeply values family and community. She holds a bachelor of arts in cultural studies from Trent University and brings over 12 years of experience with Indigenous Services Canada. For more than eight years, she has worked directly with Indigenous students through her roles at the Metis Nation of Ontario and Centennial College. Her career reflects a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous citizens, Nations, communities, and Indigenous-serving organizations. Currently, Tanecia serves as the Indigenous outreach coordinator at Centennial College, where she focuses on increasing access to education and supporting students in navigating and persisting within colonial systems. She is known for building meaningful relationships through active listening, empathy and compassion. Tanecia believes that everyone and everything is a teacher. She values the opportunity to learn and grow alongside the learners and students she supports.
Eryn Smit
Eryn Smit is the superintendent of education, Indigenous education | equity, diversity, inclusion and justice with the Lambton Kent District School Board. He has worked in public education in Chatham and Sarnia for the past twenty years and has a BA from the University of Toronto and a MPEd from Western University. Eryn is the proud parent of three children and lives in Sarnia, Ontario with his partner and their rescue dog.
Ken Steele
Over the past three decades, Ken Steele has become Canada’s best-known higher education futurist, speaker and facilitator, addressing hundreds of audiences every year. His wide-ranging perspective has been shaped by award-winning careers as an academic, marketing strategist, market researcher, trendspotter and de facto journalist. His company, Eduvation Inc, provides context to college and university strategic planning and competitive positioning; advises provincial and federal government agencies and departments; publishes newsletters and a video podcast; and manages Eduvation Circles, a virtual community for thousands of forward-looking higher education leaders and professionals. Ken convenes ongoing national roundtables of postsecondary education marketers; writes daily critiques of PSE brand campaigns and advertising; and serves the sector by tracking timely data like COVID precautions, financial shortfalls, marketing expenditures, enrolment and more.
Rudi Wallace
Rudi Wallace is the president & CEO of Hamilton Community Foundation. He joined the foundation as vice-president, grants & community initiatives in 2020 and led initiatives like Indigenous relationship-building and partnerships, including stewardship of HCF’s Declaration of Action on Truth and Reconciliation; developed the foundation’s equity-granting strategy and advanced HCF’s multi-faceted education initiatives. Rudi has also had a lead role in a number of the foundation’s affordable housing initiatives. A native of Victoria, B.C., Rudi worked with the Victoria Foundation as grants manager, leading several portfolios including granting, Indigenous partnerships, food security, social purpose real estate and housing. Prior to working in community foundations, he served in senior leadership with The Mustard Seed food bank. In both Victoria and Hamilton, Rudi has demonstrated a deep commitment to community, both in his professional and volunteer roles which include serving on advisory groups, committees and boards with a focus on equity, justice and civic engagement.
Lori Webster
Lori Webster has been supporting newcomers to Canada to succeed for 18 years at the Welland Multicultural Centre in Niagara Region, coordinating a variety of projects at both the federal and provincial levels. Since 2018 those projects have focused on providing information and advocacy to have international credentials recognized and meet the requirements of regulatory bodies to become licensed in regulated professions in Ontario or to choose an alternative related profession. A recent project, the IEHP Hub Pilot Project, is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program, and serves to be an information hub for the success of internationally educated health professionals with the potential to be replicated at the project’s conclusion. Supporting newcomers to be able to contribute their valued skills in Canada is a win for everyone.
Christine Wilton
Christine Wilton is the director of workforce development at the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). With more than 20 years of experience building industry partnerships and talent strategies, she plays a key role in aligning workforce development with economic growth in the London region. Christine has led a wide range of initiatives focused on connecting employers with skilled talent, supporting upskilling and reskilling efforts, and ensuring that workforce programs reflect the needs of key industries. Having also worked in the postsecondary sector, Christine brings a unique perspective to workforce development — one that bridges the expectations of employers with the realities of higher education. She understands both sides of the talent equation and is committed to fostering stronger alignment between education and employment.