Emis Akbari is a Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Early Childhood at George Brown College, an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, and the Senior Policy Fellow at Atkinson Centre at OISE/University of Toronto.  A behavioural neuroscientist by training, she now evaluates both current and changes in policy related to early childhood education at all levels of government.  Emis is also the co-author of the Early Childhood Education Report.  This report provides a snapshot of provincial and territorial early education services and performance on various criteria of quality including access to child care programs and investments in early education.  It also compares Canada to other developed economies.  She is ardent and committed to evidence-based change in policy and global development and its connection to improving child education, child development, and outcome.

Beloved comedian Jessica Holmes has been a perennial favourite on Royal Canadian Air Farce for 15 years, and has brought the house down opening for giants such as Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Peters, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah Winfrey. Her hilarious take on life’s challenges as well as her unique knack for impersonating celebrities, including Shakira and Celine Dion, have audiences in stitches. Her customized emcee and entertainment presentations — which include motivation and wellness — are always a hit.

Behind the laughter though, Holmes, like millions of Canadians, has struggled both with post-partum depression and, as she puts it, “regular, run-of-the-mill, garden-variety depression”. Hoping to help end the stigma around mental health issues, she openly shares her personal stories with the humour she’s known for, bringing light — and laugh-out-loud laughter — to what can often be a dark topic. Holmes’ funny and inspiring book, Depression The Comedy: A Tale of Perseverance, takes readers deeper into her mental health journey with validation and warmth.

As a performer, Holmes’ productions have garnered her a Platinum Award at The Worldfest International Film Festival, and nominations for Gemini Awards and the prestigious Tim Sims Scholarship. She has starred in her own program, The Holmes Show, and also in the films Welcome to Mooseport, Citizen Duane, and Moonpoint. She also appeared in the pilot for The Communist’s Daughter, which won the JFL ComedyPro competition in 2018, and continues to perform comedy across the country.

Dr. Greg Andres has taught courses in business ethics and decision theory at the
University of Waterloo for 15 years. He also works with the University’s Professional
Development Program and has authored an online course on ethical decision-making in
the workplace. He has recently edited With a Clear Conscience, a business ethics text
published by Oxford University Press.

Trisha Skoryk is the Deputy Director responsible for the CanExport Community Investments program at Global Affairs Canada. Trisha has enjoyed many different roles during her 20+ year career with Global Affairs, including an assignment in Atlanta, Georgia, and an overseas posting in Guyana as Senior Trade Commissioner. She also branched out to work at Canadian Heritage and Treasury Board Secretariat as Issues Manager to the Chief Information Officer.

Trisha is the proud mother of 21 year old twin girls and a 1 year old French Bulldog named Boujee.