Nicole Antoine is a dynamic force in experiential marketing and brand strategy, with over a decade of experience working with more than 40 top-tier companies. As a co-founder and CEO of BLAXPO and Four Brown Girls, Nicole has created platforms that amplify underrepresented voices and foster authentic human connections. Recognized in Forbes, The Social, Globe & Mail, CBC, and named Bay Street Bull’s Woman of the Year, she’s a trailblazer in the industry, balancing corporate success with community impact.

‍

Her journey spans from managing Black-centric community centers to leading marketing for a national sneaker company. Nicole’s expertise in customer service, strategy, and management shines through in every role she’s taken on. Now, as the Managing Partner of N/A & Co, she continues to elevate brands by crafting meaningful, innovative experiences that not only engage but also drive change.

‍

Currently pursuing her EMBA at McGill HEC, Nicole's passion for marketing, human connection, and storytelling is stronger than ever, and she’s committed to ensuring her clients stand out while making an impact.

‍

Haitian-born Emilie Lafortune is a 30-year-old woman of determination and passion. At the age of 18, she left her native Haiti for Argentina, where she began a new life, juggling studies and work.

‍

In 2021, Emilie emigrated to Canada, bringing with her her rich culinary culture and infectious enthusiasm. With no great expectations, she began sharing cooking videos on her social networks, simply as a hobby. However, one day, one of her recipes generated an unexpected buzz, propelling her social accounts into the spotlight.

‍

Her iconic slogan, "LE GOÛT DE ÇA", quickly became synonymous with her success, to the point of becoming the name of her food brand. Today, Emilie Lafortune continues to captivate and inspire with her culinary creations, while sharing her love of cooking with an ever-growing audience.

‍

Manuel Sainsily is a TEDx speaker and XR instructor at McGill University and the University of Massachusetts in Boston. Born in Guadeloupe and now a Canadian citizen based in Montreal, where he earned his Master’s degree in Engineering Science, he is a trilingual speaker, designer, and educator with over fifteen years of experience advocating for the responsible use and understanding of artificial intelligence.<br><br>From publishing an AI ethics course with MasterClass to speaking at global conferences on technology, film, and video games, Manuel has been recognized by NVIDIA, Mozilla Rise25, and SkillShare for his contributions to the field. He has also collaborated with Meta, OpenAI, and VIFFest to produce art exhibitions, amplifying discussions on cultural preservation and emerging technologies such as Spatial Computing, AI, real-time 3D, Haptics, and Brain-Computer Interfaces through powerful talks and meticulously curated events.