Annabel Slaight

Annabel Slaight is a Canadian media pioneer who has spent her working life creating magazines, books and tv for kids under the OWLkids banner that have since reached over 60 million families. She was honoured with the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario for nurturing a passion for science and nature among generations of Canadian kids. In 1999 she also became the founding Chair of the Shaw Rocket Fund since investing over $220 million in kids digital media.

In 2006, having retired to Keswick, she founded the Ladies of the Lake to champion the health of ailing Lake Simcoe” The famous LOL  calendar sparked government action and raised over $500,000. In 2011 she founded the Ontario Water Centre, an educational charity, and in 2015 they launched their flagship ClearWater Farm, an educational eco farm at a historic site at Willow Beach to demonstrate the benefits of living in harmony with nature, give opportunities to young farmers, provide opportunities for children to learn from nature and be a hub for community engagement and development. 

Arising from kids’ ideas at the farm, in partnership with a Vancouver live-action animation company, Annabel is now co-producing a new eco-media initiative for and by kids —Future Chicken—on multiple digital platforms including on CBC.  Featuring a time-travelling live-action animated chicken that uses positivity and humour as tools for youth climate action, Future Chcken launched in November 2023, and has already surpassed 9 million views on YouTube. 

Turning 84 this year, Annabel and her husband Brian have just completed building a new home overlooking the lake.

www.ontariowatercentre.ca

www.clearwaterfarm.ca

www.futurechicken.com

[

Andrea MacLeod, Andrea MacLeod Art

You may recognize Andrea MacLeod from her local art business that she launched in 2015 with the aim of using her artistic abilities to share her unique vision and uplift her community. After moving to Ontario in 2007 following a career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Andrea recently retired from the force after two decades of service where she received a commendation for bravery as well as two forensic specialist certifications. She now focuses on furthering her education in forensic science as well as lecturing in forensic psychology at the university level.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Andrea currently holds a position as a forensic investigator with the Ontario Special Investigations Unit.

Now residing in Udora, Ontario, Andrea takes pride in her role as a devoted mother to her children Carter, Morgan, and Emerson, and as the wife to her beloved Todd.

Website: www.andreamacleodart.com

Facebook: @andreasmacleodart

Instagram: @andreamacleodart

Jennifer Harrison 

Jennifer Harrison left the corporate world in search of a better life... and that's exactly what she found when she started her public relations consulting firm, Lifestyle PR. After recovering from the bumps on her head from that glass ceiling, Jennifer held on to the positives of working with a large company, like structure and work systems, and added in schedule flexibility, work-life balance and giving back to the community. As the primary consultant for Lifestyle PR, she creates compelling, targeted, relevant content for clients in the corporate, political and not-for-profit clients. Jennifer is a firm believer that everyone has a story - including businesses - and it is that authentic story that will connect with audiences, customers, and stakeholders.

Locally, Jennifer works with Member of Parliament Scot Davidson on communication and community outreach. Lifestyle PR specializes in brand building, reputation amplification and customers connections. Jennifer has spent many years volunteering for her own local Board of Trade reaching the role of President, working her passion project as Chair of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library Board. She is a mom to almost 10-year-old twins.

Website: lifestylepr.ca

Michelle Vacca, Michelle's Framing

Michelle Vacca is the owner of Michelle’s Framing in Keswick offering Custom Framing, Art & Restoration services with 20+ years experience.

Michelle is a graduate of The Etobicoke School of the Arts with a double major in Visual Arts and Instrumental Music and holds a BFA in Fine Arts from The Ontario College of Art & Design, post grad studies in Social Science and is a Certified Picture Framer. Her early beginnings started at OCAD as an exhibition coordinator and gallery director in Yorkville in the late 90's where her work and interests turned to archiving, preservation, restoration and custom framing of art and material culture.  

Michelle grew up and resides in Georgina, is an active member of her community contributing to various initiatives and events including Georgina's Municipal Cultural Plan, is a proud sponsor of The Georgina Studio Tour, The Newmarket Group of Artists Artwalk & Studio Tour and more. Michelle volunteers her time at Rogers TV Georgina as Community Producer and Host of “In Georgina” and co-hosts the Sutton Santa Claus Parade of Lights.  Michelle is also known as “Veronica disLodge #76” and is the Founder/President of the Georgina Roller Derby League.  In her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her daughter Simon, family and friends.  

Social Media Handles

Instagram, Facebook & TikTok:  @michellesframing 

Website: www.MichellesFraming.com 

Jen Radley, ADR Pet Stores

Jen Radley, a proud wife and dog mom, co-owns ADR Pet Stores with her husband Ryan, where they bring a holistic approach to pet care and products. With Jen overseeing operations, ADR Pet Stores started as a local storefront with standup freezers in 2019 and quickly transformed into an award-winning franchise with more than 8 locations across Ontario.

Jen is a certified Business Analyst, Project Manager, and Strategic Planner who believes that education and experience provide opportunities for growth, and embraces a mindset of lifelong learning.

When not working her full time job or running her businesses, Jen enjoys hobbies like playing billiards, watching movies, or getting together with friends. Summer is her absolute favourite time of year, and you can often find Jen, alongside her husband, cruising on their motorcycles or outside getting exercise with their dogs.

​Social Media Handles:

Facebook, Instagram @adrkeswick

Instagram @the_startup_strategist

Website: www.adrpetstores.ca

Rose Zoulal, Rozeza's Cakes

Hi! I'm Rose, creator and owner of Rozeza's Cakes in the beautiful Town of Georgina.  I specialize in custom and wedding cakes, pastries and dessert tables. I'm a full time mom juggling life and work by making memories not only with my family but my family of clients as well. It is a great privilege working with every client and be a part of their celebrations and milestones. Our motto is #SmileSweetSmiles and that remains our mission for every one of our creations.  I love spending quality time with my family on the water, in nature or spontaneous getaways.

Social media:

Facebook, Instagram @rozezascakes

Website: 

www.Rozeza.com

Shelley Charles, MinoKamik Collective, Ojibway Elder, Georgina Island First Nation

Shelley Charles, Ojibway Elder, Georgina Island First Nation member is a Cultural Advisor and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Indigenous Worldviews and Traditional Knowledge (TK). With a Masters degree in Indigenous Philosophy, Shelley has served the community for over 30 years providing Indigenous expertise and knowledge across all sectors including government and NGO’s in York Region and communities throughout Canada. As an Indigenous entrepreneur Shelley has recently opened a consulting business in Georgina specializing in corporate training, cultural awareness and Indigenous protocols. With a great love for gardening and canoeing, Shelley continues to share Indigenous teachings with her grandchildren looking seven generations into the future.

Website: MINOKAMIK.CA

Carolyn Grossi

Carolyn Grossi is currently an Outreach Specialist with Routes Connecting Communities / Good Food Collective,  the Program Administrator for the Georgina Cares Fund and a Certified Coach Practioner.

She has 30+ years experience in the global staffing industry, focusing on  strategic account management , recruitment strategy, operations and business development. During her professional career she worked with thousands of people to help them realize their career goals and hundreds of businesses to help them implement their business plans. As a coach, she is passionate about helping people be their best.

In her spare time she is also a  Mom, Gardener,  Fundraiser , Volunteer , Foodie and is always planning her next travel adventure.

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-grossi/

Facebook: @Carolyn Grossi

Instagram: @carolyngrossi 

Riz D., Riz Digital01

Meet Riz, whose professional journey is as diverse as the websites she creates. Armed with a background in Civil Structural Engineering, Hospitality Management, Bookkeeping, and Law, Riz's trajectory took a unique turn with the arrival of motherhood. Driven by a desire to be present for her son during his formative years, Riz transitioned into digital marketing, specializing in the creation and development of impactful websites.

As the visionary behind Riz Digital01, she brings a unique touch to her work. It's not merely about crafting visually stunning websites; Riz seamlessly integrates SEO strategies, content marketing, and user-friendly (UX) design principles into every project. Going beyond aesthetics, she ensures that each website isn't just a digital masterpiece but also a potent tool for businesses to thrive in the online landscape.

In addition to her prowess in digital marketing, Riz fulfills her calling as a Mindset & Transformation Life Coach. Specializing in supporting new moms navigating the challenges of efficiency, organization, and presence amidst "Mama Brain." 

Riz is also known as the architect of unforgettable parties! When she's not busy crafting websites or coaching clients to success, you'll often find her in full party-planning mode, orchestrating gatherings that leave lasting memories for all who attend.

Website: rizdigital01.com

Workshop: Digital Landscape: Crafting User-Friendly Websites

Will empower small and medium-sized business owners to grasp the significance of a functional website with a focus on strategic navigation and user experience optimization. The workshop will also delve into an effective checkout process, catering not only to retail businesses but also to service-oriented enterprises, ensuring a seamless and secure user journey.