Patrick has built his career bringing unexpected people together. Drawing on skills from business, design, product development, and innovation management, Patrick is an expert at finding opportunities that exist between social and business impact and building organizations to deliver on them. Patrick has spent over 20 years as a global innovation, design, and digital leader.

Today, Patrick serves as President of Normative, where he runs the People & Operations function and oversees cross-functional teams focused on using human-centered design to solve business problems. He advises multiple SAAS and health startups.

Patrick earned his Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, and is slowly working his way through a Master’s Degree in Inclusive Design with OCAD. He lives in Ottawa with his family and spends his free time training for Ironman races and dreaming of startups.

Emma is an anthropologist, educator, consultant and coach with nearly 20 years of industry experience applying human-centered methodologies to complex innovation and organizational challenges. Formally trained in anthropological theory and ethnographic methodologies, Emma’s expertise is in translating her insights into practical strategic guidance for her clients.

Using a range of social science, design and strategic foresight methods, Emma uncovers insights about human beliefs and behavior and then works with business leaders to apply these learnings to make meaningful transformative change. She enjoys working on a broad range of challenges, including talent engagement, organizational change, strategic innovation, experience and service design.

In addition to her work for clients, Emma is an Assistant Professor at the Rotman School of Management where she also leads the Business Design Initiative, an educational center that sits at the nexus between industry and academia.

Emma has a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Toronto, and an MA in Communication and Culture from York University.

Keosha is an award-winning artist, activist and educator who builds spaces for creative and collective liberation. As a poet and writer, Keosha is notable for centering self-actualization, womanism and social constructs throughout her work. Her work also rooted in systemic change and reimagination, Keosha explores Black joy and radical self-care, as a way of rebellion

In 2016, Keosha founded Our Women’s Voices, a Toronto-based non-for-profit focused on empowering the voices of women + girls, and making social change through arts, education and community. Our Women’s Voices has led over 70+ impactful programs, events and initiatives that have prioritized the well-being and leadership of Canadian women and girls.

With her BA in Psychology and roots in creative arts, Keosha has graced many stages and rooms as an educator, facilitator and public speaker — exploring themes of mental health, wellness, race and gender advocacy.

Keosha’s work can be found in collaboration with Facebook, Nike, Art Gallery of York University, Never Apart Magazine & more. Her poem “A Prayer for Black Women” has been shared nationally and featured in CBC’s Poetic License. In 2021, Keosha debuted her first mental health series titled Black & Vulnerable. Most recently, Keosha was the recipient of the Community Hero Award presented by TFC for her contributions towards her community. Ultimately, Keosha Love is a storyteller and pivotal voice that inspires others to use theirs.

Faduma Mohamed is a Somali Canadian poet, playwright, actor, educator, and autism advocate. Her work explores the intersections of race, disability, and class through a bio-mythological lens. She has written and performed two one-woman shows, OUGHTISM and Golden Mind, reflecting on her experiences as a sibling of autism and challenging the notion of a “cure.” Her initiative, #OughtTheBox, has raised over $12,000 for autistic individuals internationally.

Faduma co-founded The Stage, a theatre-wellness program for children affected by gun violence, and founded LISTEN, a writing program for disabled and autistic writers. On screen, she starred in Ayan’s World (2020) and appeared in Shortest Way Home (2024).

She is currently working on her debut poetry collection, centered on themes of love, heartbreak, and healing.

Jonathan Friedman is the Marketing Manager at EHN Canada. He has a background as a Child and Youth Counselor, Entrepreneur, Web Designer, and musician. After 8 years as a Child and Youth Counselor, he has seen firsthand how important it is for young adults to have access to meaningful support. Jonathan is very excited to be returning to the CoLab Program as a mentor again this year and to work with the amazing and innovative program participants!

Jonny Morris is the CEO at the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division and has more than 20 years of experience in community-based mental health services, policy, and advocacy. He has research and practice experience in suicide prevention, is a trained counsellor, and has taught child and youth care courses at the University of Victoria and Douglas College.

Jonny is committed to a vision of mental health for all, working at the Canadian Mental Health Association to lead system change efforts in preventing mental health problems, responding to crisis, and improving care when people need to go to hospital. As an advocate for reducing stigma, he regularly speaks with workplaces, colleges and universities, and communities about the opportunity to ensure mental health is a priority.

Previously, Jonny led the policy and legislation branch for BC’s Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, helping build the newly formed ministry from the ground up. Jonny comes to his work with lived experience personally and as a family member.

Jessie Sidhu is a storyteller, creator, educator and dreamer.

With a passionate dedication to mental health advocacy, Jessie has graced stages across the globe, using her voice to spread awareness and support for those navigating the complexities of mental wellness. Beyond her impactful work in mental health activism, Jessie is an equity, inclusion and anti-oppression educator for many organizations across Canada and the UK. Through the lens of decolonization, she tirelessly strives to dismantle systemic barriers and foster environments of true belonging and empowerment.

Driven by her belief in the power of storytelling and education to effect positive change, Jessie continues to inspire and uplift communities, challenging norms and championing social justice wherever she goes.

Aqil Raharjo is a mental health innovator, designer, and brand builder passionate about reimagining care experiences for those facing mental health challenges. After navigating his own crisis and recovery, he founded The Empowerful Project—a creative initiative supporting young people post-psychiatric discharge through care kits, storytelling, and digital tools.

Aqil’s work has been recognized through programs like Press Start Co-Lab, The League of Innovators, CGLCC’s Out for Business, and Queer Tech’s Founders Qatalyst. As an award-winning designer and first-generation immigrant, he leads with heart and curiosity—bridging lived experience, strategy, and innovation to challenge systems and champion more compassionate approaches to mental health care.

Dr. Lydia Sequeira is the Executive Director, Applied Research at Kids Help Phone. She’s an experienced researcher and academic who’s passionate about sharing her digital health expertise to advance access to mental health supports for young people across Canada.

Lydia holds a PhD in Health Services Research and a Master of Health Informatics from the University of Toronto. She has authored / co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed papers on topics such as digital phenotyping, implementation science, predictive analytics for suicide risk and social determinants of health.

While working at the Digital Mental Health Lab at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Canada Health Infoway, Lydia received research fellowships from AMS Healthcare and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and collaborated on several national research grants.

Lydia believes in inspiring the next generation and regularly lectures at post-secondary institutions across Ontario. She’s also dedicated to building and fostering community within the digital health field. She mentors with regional non-profit organizations and has held leadership roles within global medical informatics groups. In 2024, Lydia was honoured to be recognized for her work with a Women Leaders in Digital Health Award from Digital Health Canada.

Niluka is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dream Chaser Change Maker Foundation (DCCM), a venture-philanthropy based non-profit that is transforming student entrepreneurs (Dream Chasers) into purpose-driven Change Makers. With 20+ years of retail leadership - most notably as a Vice President at Sobeys - Niluka offers a unique perspective from the intersection of business and social impact. Whether she’s advising youth-led startups or guiding corporations through social impact design, her work is rooted in generosity, curiosity, and results that matter. Niluka is a fierce believer in equal opportunity and the power of purpose, she’s here to help the next generation of entrepreneurs shape ideas that solve real problems, lead with integrity, and leave a meaningful legacy.

Kyle Moore is a passionate mental health advocate, podcaster, and the Head of Mental Health and Labs Program Manager at The League of Innovators (LOI), Canada’s largest community of entrepreneurs under 30. With a mission to foster authenticity and champion individuality, Kyle has mentored hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Canada, creating spaces within LOI to promote mental wellness among the next generation of leaders. His unique blend of humour, genuine curiosity, and deep commitment to understanding people’s stories has made him a leading voice in the mental health space. Through various public platforms, Kyle is dedicated to breaking down stigma, raising awareness, and amplifying voices in the mental health community, empowering others to share their stories and thrive.

Scotiabank Advice+ Centre for Small Business will provide you with actionable business advice and innovative resources that will empower your entrepreneurial journey. This session will walk you through tailored financial strategies, business planning tools, and support systems designed specifically for small business owners. Leveraging tools like the Business Plan Writer and Business Solutions Builder Scotiabank, the Scotiabank Small Business Advisors will help you discover how to access grants, improve your cash flow, and enter new markets with confidence. 

Jessie Sidhu is the CEO of Melanated Guide Inc., but fun fact, her company started with a YouTube series called "A Melanated Guide to Mental Health" right here at CoLab. Jessie was a participant in the program in 2022 and has built many other community initiatives, including Spotlight on an Open Stage, The Mental Health Spotlight, Punjabi Beats Collective, The Sikh Learning Library and many more. She is a Global Inclusion & Belonging Specialist and also works as a full-time writer. Her passion lies in merging creativity and activism. She is the pioneer of the Psychological Safety-First Framework on Inclusion and wants to help create spaces where people feel empowered and supported.

Jessie is a neurodivergent leader who has struggled with her own mental health her whole life. She now uses her knowledge and the power of storytelling to empower others to dream big and create authentically.