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  • November 6 & 7, 2024

Pass Types

Who's speaking

We’ve got a great line of speakers this year!

BFUTR Speaker Ja Rule Multi-Platinum and Award-Winning Hip-Hop Legend
BFUTR Speaker
Ja Rule Multi-Platinum and Award-Winning Hip-Hop Legend
BFUTR Speaker Dr. Denise Turley Vice President, Corporate Systems U.S. Chamber of Commerce
BFUTR Speaker
Dr. Denise Turley Vice President, Corporate Systems U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dr. Denise Turley is a Vice President of Corporate Systems and an Assistant Professor with expertise in AI and digital transformation. She drives enterprise-wide tech solutions and champions diversity in IT.

A dynamic leader, Dr. Turley empowers students and mentors women in tech, fostering supportive, inclusive environments. Her innovative work and inspiring speaking engagements position her as a catalyst for change in technology, bridging the gap between academia and industry with a unique blend of technical and educational prowess.
BFUTR Speaker Jason Harvey EVP & Head of BET+ BET+
BFUTR Speaker
Jason Harvey EVP & Head of BET+ BET+ Jason Harvey is an established, go-to-market strategist and global business technology leader employing data insights to improve process efficiency, leveraging marketing analytics to enrich customer journeys, and transforming business operations for revenue growth. He has over 25 years of corporate leadership experience across diverse industries including Ecommerce, Advertising Technology, Automotive, New Media and Entertainment.

Having lived and run business units in multiple countries, Jason has developed global enterprise operations, creating go-to-market strategies scaling revenue of upwards of $800M, while implementing data-driven marketing tactics that led to meaningful growth for companies like Google, Microsoft, eBay, Ford, and AT&T. He is a qualified financial expert, achieving aggressive profit and sales volume in the US and Latin America, efficaciously navigating the complexities of international transactions, financial regulations, and exchange rate fluctuation to realize meaningful growth for Fortune 100 companies expanding internationally.

Jason is the head of BET+, the leading streaming video on demand service for lovers of Black content, and leads the vision, business strategy and operations for the platform. Under his leadership, the streaming platform has achieved rapid market penetration, double-digit revenue growth and is positioned for long-term success in the rapidly evolving streaming media landscape. Jason has built a “best-in-class” operational foundation for innovation and new standards in leveraging AI and Machine learning to augment user experience, video curation and personalized content discovery.

Earlier at Google, Jason established and aggressively scaled ad sales volume for the company’s expansion into Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, increasing ad revenue in the region by 300%. While at Loot Crate, he advised the CEO on the global direct-to-consumer business post-growth, including cash flow, investing in the appropriate technologies to support a more mature business, and driving overall operational performance.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Jason is passionate about mentoring young professionals in the media industry and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in technology. Jason’s recent children’s book, Sammy Startup, teaches kids about entrepreneurship and is currently in development to become a series. Jason served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador, speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently and is a proud father of four. He holds his MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and Bachelor of Science from USC, where he also ran track.
BFUTR Speaker Etosha Thurman Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer, Intelligent Spend & Business Network SAP
BFUTR Speaker
Etosha Thurman Chief Marketing and Solutions Officer, Intelligent Spend & Business Network SAP Etosha Thurman, Chief Marketing & Solutions Officer for SAP Intelligent Spend & Business Network, is charged with strengthening the go-to-market approach and driving product marketing across SAP spend solutions and SAP Business Network.

A two-time Silver Stevie Award Winner, Female Executive of the Year, Business Services Etosha ranked #12 in Procurement Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Procurement.
BFUTR Speaker Trevor Kadiata Head of Customer Engineering, Telecommunications, Media and Entertainment Google
BFUTR Speaker
Trevor Kadiata Head of Customer Engineering, Telecommunications, Media and Entertainment Google With 2 decades in the industry, I bring extensive experience leading high performance teams and delivering globally impactful digital transformation projects. Currently, as head of customer engineering, Canadian region, for the telecommunications, media and entertainment industry at GOOGLE, I oversee a national team of customer engineers and principal architects responsible for leveraging Google technologies to solve some of the most complex business challenges in industry. Transforming into a data driven organization, AI as a transformative agent, 5G adoption and monetization, IT transformation are just some of the programs under my purview. It’s been an unconventional 20 year journey into leadership in tech. An economics and then English major, finding a path into Sales engineering leadership across 3 organizations,including at GOOGLE, has been a humbling experience. From each of these iterations, I take away a love of coaching engineers, aspiring professionals, senior sales and technical professionals through a myriad of professional and personal areas.
BFUTR Speaker Annette Stewart Senior Director RBC
BFUTR Speaker
Annette Stewart Senior Director RBC Annette Stewart is a financial services professional. For close to twenty years, she has worked in financial services firms such as Citadel, Goldman Sachs and is currently at Royal Bank of Canada. Annette has spent her career focused on derivatives regulation, front-to-back trading process, overall firm process improvement, project management, legal trade confirmations & currently working on strategic risk & regulatory initiatives.

Her perspective on finance and leadership is shaped by her experiences as both a financial services professional and involvement in multiple nonprofit organizations. She is currently the President of the Financial Women’s Association.

Overall, Annette has enjoyed new learning opportunities and has grown her career through her love for learning and collaboration. Annette received her undergraduate degree from Texas State University and completed her Juris Doctorate at the University of Iowa College of Law where she participated in the University of Iowa's international law program in France and London. She is also a graduate of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business for her MBA. Annette volunteers on the Board for the FWA, serves on the University of Iowa College of Law Foundation Board, Phi Chi Theta Foundation & participates as an advisor for several non-profit organizations which includes Sigma Kappa. Annette enjoys traveling and free time with her husband, Jeff Fausey, and daughter Paige.
BFUTR Speaker Andrea Johnson Head of Horizontal Architecture JPMorgan Chase
BFUTR Speaker
Andrea Johnson Head of Horizontal Architecture JPMorgan Chase Andrea has over 28 years experience in the banking industry and currently heads horizontal architecture in Consumer and Community Banking operations technology. Her team develops architecture frameworks that guide technology solutions for multi year, strategic initiatives worth approximately $10M in annual investment. Andrea's team's technology solutions have broad reaching impact across the operations enterprise, and span multiple architecture domains: business, technology, and data. Andrea has worked at Chase since 2000, holding various leadership roles throughout the firm. She holds her MBA from Wesley College, is a graduate of Wharton's inaugural class of their Chief Technology Officer program, and a JPMC expert engineer. Andrea enjoys serving the communities where she lives and works. She has held board roles in several nonprofit organizations including Children's First, BDPA Tampa president and the State of DE and Downtown Wilmingtons YMCA. Andrea was responsible for brining Operation Hope to the state of DE, teaching financial literacy to 300+ middle and high school students in impoverished communities.
BFUTR Speaker Allister Goveas VP Cloud and Infrastructure Intact Insurance
BFUTR Speaker
Allister Goveas VP Cloud and Infrastructure Intact Insurance A skilled leader in technology and operations, with a strong passion for utilizing technology to drive change. Known for exceptional leadership skills, ability to motivate and engage team members, and build strong relationships. A self-motivated individual with a consistent ability to learn, adapt, and tackle complex business and technology challenges with a long-term perspective.
BFUTR Speaker Aquarius Workman Head of Cyber Security Planetary Systems AI
BFUTR Speaker
Aquarius Workman Head of Cyber Security Planetary Systems AI Aquarious Workman has 15+ years of experience in cybersecurity, starting at age 14. He served in the US Marine Corps (2012-2017) and has built numerous programs for major corporations. Currently, he is a Cyber Test and Evaluation Researcher at Lockheed Martin, Head of Cybersecurity at Planetary Systems AI, and Chief Cybersecurity Researcher at National Space Cyber Security. His passion for cybersecurity drives his career.
BFUTR Speaker Cheryl-Ann Rodriguez Chief Information Officer Government of Ontario (GovTechON)
BFUTR Speaker
Cheryl-Ann Rodriguez Chief Information Officer Government of Ontario (GovTechON) Cheryl-Ann Rodriguez is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Central Agencies I+IT Cluster (CAC). Her role encompasses managing digital business and enterprise applications, providing professional services across the Ontario Public Service (OPS), and co-leading the implementation and industrialization of AI in the OPS. With over 25 years of IT and leadership experience, her career includes significant contributions in the financial and energy sectors, and since 2010, she has held various progressive roles within the OPS. Cheryl-Ann is also recognized for her dedication to diversity and inclusion, particularly as executive champion for I&IT Talent and Culture initiatives, and as Executive Sponsor for the OPS Women in Tech (WIT) Program.
BFUTR Speaker Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam, MBA Vice President, Strategic Initiative & Change Management, CFO Group RBC
BFUTR Speaker
Cheryl Tjok-A-Tam, MBA Vice President, Strategic Initiative & Change Management, CFO Group RBC Cheryl-Ann Rodriguez is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Central Agencies I+IT Cluster (CAC). Her role encompasses managing digital business and enterprise applications, providing professional services across the Ontario Public Service (OPS), and co-leading the implementation and industrialization of AI in the OPS. With over 25 years of IT and leadership experience, her career includes significant contributions in the financial and energy sectors, and since 2010, she has held various progressive roles within the OPS. Cheryl-Ann is also recognized for her dedication to diversity and inclusion, particularly as executive champion for I&IT Talent and Culture initiatives, and as Executive Sponsor for the OPS Women in Tech (WIT) Program.
BFUTR Speaker Cher Jones Founder Socially Active Training
BFUTR Speaker
Cher Jones Founder Socially Active Training Cher Jones is a highly respected personal branding expert, corporate trainer, and speaker with over 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and broadcasting. Through her company, Socially Active, she offers training programs, workshops, and keynotes known for their practical approach to employee advocacy through personal branding at work. Her training helps professionals excel in their roles, elevate their careers, and amplify their influence both in-person and online. Cher's expertise is sought after by top companies like Lockheed Martin, BNY Mellon, and HP. A 3X LinkedIn Learning Instructor, podcast host, and soon-to-be author, her pioneering insights and infectious energy make her an indispensable branding resource.
BFUTR Speaker Daphne McRae Head of US Technology Solutions PMO TD
BFUTR Speaker
Daphne McRae Head of US Technology Solutions PMO TD
BFUTR Speaker Darva Satcher Director of Engineering GitLab Inc.
BFUTR Speaker
Darva Satcher Director of Engineering GitLab Inc. Darva Satcher, Director of Engineering at GitLab, leverages 25+ years in Software Engineering to lead five teams and two Principal ICs. She excels in AI and DevSecOps, driving impactful tech innovations in code reviews, source code, and IDE features. Her strategic talent management and data-driven decisions foster high-performance teams, delivering transformative solutions in the tech landscape.
BFUTR Speaker Debra Christmas Senior Executive Partner Gartner Canada
BFUTR Speaker
Debra Christmas Senior Executive Partner Gartner Canada Debra Christmas is a seasoned leader in the high-tech field. Her 45 year career has encompassed sales, consulting, support channels and managing all aspects of information technology. Debra is a Senior Executive Partner with Gartner, working with senior executives on executing their strategies, developing their teams, making technology investment decisions and their own personal leadership development. Prior to joining Gartner Canada, Debra was Vice President of Hewlett-Packard Software Technical Sales for North and South America.
BFUTR Speaker Denine Das Vice President, Global Inclusion Scotiabank
BFUTR Speaker
Denine Das Vice President, Global Inclusion Scotiabank
BFUTR Speaker Emile McLean Head of Business Development and Growth Strategy Manulife
BFUTR Speaker
Emile McLean Head of Business Development and Growth Strategy Manulife As a strategic leader, I've driven growth for large companies and startups through focused execution. On the corporate side, I've held senior marketing and business development roles at major financial firms, revamping digital channels and B2B programs to deliver record revenue results. Entrepreneurially, I've co-founded and exited startups in tech and consumer goods.

I currently spearhead disruptive financial services distribution initiatives. I've also founded a business incubator and mentored over 50 entrepreneurs. As an instructor, I teach real-world skills for entrepreneurship and career advancement. My leadership earned me a CEO Award nomination, but I'm most proud of empowering others to achieve their visions.
BFUTR Speaker Efosa Obano Founder & Manager Black Founders Network
BFUTR Speaker
Efosa Obano Founder & Manager Black Founders Network
BFUTR Speaker Eily Hickson VP & Head, Data & AI Strategy Sanofi
BFUTR Speaker
Eily Hickson VP & Head, Data & AI Strategy Sanofi As an AI executive and global leader, Eily has led teams all over the world specializing in Digital Transformation, Emerging Technology, Innovation and Human-Centered Design across consulting, finance, tech, government and healthcare industries. Eily is also a serial-entrepreneur and mentor for BIPoC, Women and Queer Communities to ensure we are building an equitable digital future.
BFUTR Speaker Gayle Campbell CGI Partner | Director, Consulting Services -Banking & Financial Services CGI
BFUTR Speaker
Gayle Campbell CGI Partner | Director, Consulting Services -Banking & Financial Services CGI A technology professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in cloud computing and digital transformation. As Partner and Sr Director of Consulting Services at CGI, Gayle Campbell lead large-scale system integration and cloud initiatives for major financial institutions, driving innovation and business agility.

She has a proven track record of delivering impactful projects, including the modernization of digital banking platforms and cloud-based customer contact centers. Known for her ability to navigate complex organizational environments and manage cross-functional teams, she consistently enhances operational efficiency and customer experience.

An advocate for cloud computing, Gayle empowers organizations to leverage emerging technologies for strategic goals and digital innovation. Join us as she shares insights on the latest trends and opportunities in cloud computing at our tech career conference.
BFUTR Speaker Irene Mukasa Director, Research Communications, Marketing, and Engagement Autodesk
BFUTR Speaker
Irene Mukasa Director, Research Communications, Marketing, and Engagement Autodesk A self-professed brand and marketing connoisseur, Irene has spent decades helping companies build impactful brands through dynamic storytelling. Having led integrated marketing campaigns for a number of organizations in a variety of sectors, Irene has mastered the art of merging human-centered storytelling with the latest brand marketing trends. She currently leads the Research Communications, Marketing, and Engagement team at Autodesk, and runs a communications consultancy for tech start-ups.
BFUTR Speaker Jammie Jelks Product Leader Black Product Managers Network (BPM)
BFUTR Speaker
Jammie Jelks Product Leader Black Product Managers Network (BPM) Jammie Jelks is a proven leader with over a decade of experience managing cross-functional teams and delivering value to businesses and consumers. With experience across multiple industries, Jammie has served as an operations leader, managed well over 30 technical and non-technical projects, and have led the development and enhancement of new and existing B2B and B2C products and features.
BFUTR Speaker Jarryd Boyd Certified Life Coach | Senior Director, Global Comms A Touch of Bold
BFUTR Speaker
Jarryd Boyd Certified Life Coach | Senior Director, Global Comms A Touch of Bold Jarryd Boyd is a Certified Life + Relationships Coach and the Senior Director of Global Communications at the global dating app Hinge. With 10+ years of public relations experience, he helps people communicate and connect with themselves and others more effectively. His approach is rooted in encouragement, insights, and candor so that clients can step boldly toward their futures.
BFUTR Speaker Jerome Parize Partner, Workday PwC
BFUTR Speaker
Jerome Parize Partner, Workday PwC Jérôme is a partner at PwC Canada, leading the Workday Quebec and national Workday Finance teams.

He has also been a project director and architect, putting his extensive knowledge of all the moving parts in Finance at the service of multiple technology implementations. Jérôme is a versatile professional with over 18 years of experience in Financial systems implementation and transformation projects.

Before joining the Workday practice, he was part of the PwC’s Management Consulting team in Canada and France, where he performed finance function diagnostics and benchmarking in addition to designing and implementing financial management solutions such as Oracle Hyperion, SAP, and IBM Cognos.

Jerome is a driven professional who loves to explore new ideas to reimagine the possible and generate impact! An interesting fact about Jerome: he is the father of 4 kids (2 girls and 2 boys); he was born and raised in Guadeloupe (a French Caribbean island), started to work at PwC in Paris in 2012, and moved to Montreal in 2015. And he will be happy to share more about his past experience and additional fun facts about him.
BFUTR Speaker Jean-Marie Olive Chief Information Officer John Hancock - a Manulife company
BFUTR Speaker
Jean-Marie Olive Chief Information Officer John Hancock - a Manulife company Jean Olive is the Chief Information Officer at John Hancock, a Manulife company. A member of the Global Technology and US leadership teams, Jean is responsible for technology strategy and architecture, product design and delivery, operational excellence and optimizing transformation and value creation to be a digital customer leader. Prior to Manulife, Jean was CTO at Best Buy Health where she delivered technology solutions to enable care at home. Jean has spent her career in technology through a variety of engineering, supply chain, digital transformation and leadership positions in the aerospace and defense, healthcare, and energy management segments.

Jean’s passion is wellness, advancing talent in technology and leadership, and inclusion and diversity as a competitive advantage. Jean resides in New Hampshire with her husband Stephen and together they have five grown children. Her interests include traveling, gardening, running, entertaining and lake life.

Jean received her B.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. She is a member of the UConn Academy of Distinguished Engineers Class of 2015 and the Industry Advisory Council. She is the 2024 recipient of the Boston CIO Leadership award.
BFUTR Speaker Jide Adeoye Director, Business Intelligence Goeasy LTD
BFUTR Speaker
Jide Adeoye Director, Business Intelligence Goeasy LTD Jide Adeoye is a results-driven data and business intelligence executive with over 15 years of experience in systems design and analysis, project management, systems integration, data architecture and modeling, decision support processes using various BI platforms, and creation and implementation of data governance and management standards. Jide is currently the Director, Business Intelligence at goeasy and is responsible for overseeing the business intelligence function at goeasy with the aim to create decision support processes and strategies using data that will enable the business to make profitable decisions and grow. He is also responsible for the enhancement and advancement of the business intelligence and reporting centre of excellence that standardizes reporting processes by leveraging existing business processes and will evolve business intelligence reporting and analytics based on the best-in-class practices.
BFUTR Speaker Kham Ward Founder/CEO BLK Men in Tech, Incorporated
BFUTR Speaker
Kham Ward Founder/CEO BLK Men in Tech, Incorporated Kham Ward is the Founder and CEO of BLK Men in Tech, Incorporated. He is also a diversity executive in the tech space where he has designed and implement.
BFUTR Speaker Kris Frazier Head of Markets & Transformation Design &UX Citi
BFUTR Speaker
Kris Frazier Head of Markets & Transformation Design &UX Citi Experienced Design & Experience Strategy leader with a demonstrated history of work in the Financial Services and Telecom sectors. Skilled in enterprise ecosystems, management at scale, partner platforms, leading-edge tech, multi-channel experience ecosystem design, intellectual property, big data and analytics, connected devices, HCI, and Information Design.
BFUTR Speaker Marc Starks US CIO, Commercial and Treasury & Payments Solution BMO
BFUTR Speaker
Marc Starks US CIO, Commercial and Treasury & Payments Solution BMO Accomplished 25-year IT executive skilled at leading the technology product development, delivery, and support of business technology solutions. Offers a unique combination of business acumen, strategic technology vision, and tactical leadership consistently unlocking new value for the organization through technology solutions.
BFUTR Speaker MoShai Gibbs Senior Global Lead, Strategic Partner Marketing Manager Microsoft
BFUTR Speaker
MoShai Gibbs Senior Global Lead, Strategic Partner Marketing Manager Microsoft MoShai Gibbs, with over 14 years of marketing expertise, currently serves as the Senior Global Lead, Strategic Partner Marketing Manager. Known for leadership, relationship building skills and to "Get Sh*t Done" her efforts led to substantial revenue increases and a prestigious Microsoft award early in her tech career. Beyond her corporate achievements, MoShai is deeply committed to community service, particularly in advocating for disability rights and managing guardianship for her brother. Her exceptional balance of professional success, dedication to family, and community support highlights her as a remarkable leader and advocate.
BFUTR Speaker Meloni Boatswain Southeast Regional Director Black in Technology
BFUTR Speaker
Meloni Boatswain Southeast Regional Director Black in Technology Meloni Boatswain is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in the Construction and Technology Industries. Her vast achievements can be witnessed nationwide, as she has managed large-scale projects in various sectors such as hospitality, data centers, commercial, industrial, and aviation. These projects have involved working with the federal government, Fortune 500 companies, and private company holdings.
BFUTR Speaker Nosa Brown Deputy Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism Ontario Government
BFUTR Speaker
Nosa Brown Deputy Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism Ontario Government Nosa Ero-Brown is the Chief Talent Officer for the Ontario Public Service.

Nosa inspires a person-centered approach to developing talent, leadership, and an inclusive organizational culture. She is currently leading the delivery of an ambitious People Plan to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in the Ontario Public Service.
BFUTR Speaker Nouhaila Chelkhaoui Founder & CEO Scale Without Borders
BFUTR Speaker
Nouhaila Chelkhaoui Founder & CEO Scale Without Borders
BFUTR Speaker Patrice Njoh Partner Deloitte
BFUTR Speaker
Patrice Njoh Partner Deloitte Patrice is a Partner in Deloitte’s Technology & Transformation practice and leads our Salesforce Change Management team in Human Capital. As a leader, Patrice is very visible; she is a passionate advocate for belonging, diversity, and inclusion and acts as an advisor on key client DEI programs and co-leads Deloitte’s Black Action Council with CEO Anthony Viel.
BFUTR Speaker Sharon Auma-Ebanyat Research Director-Healthcare Industry Info-Tech Research Group
BFUTR Speaker
Sharon Auma-Ebanyat Research Director-Healthcare Industry Info-Tech Research Group Sharon is the Research & Advisory Director for the Healthcare Industry at Info-Tech Research Group with 10+ years of healthcare operations and management, digital health and healthcare IT. She has previously worked at leading consultancies in Canada, such as Deloitte and Mercer, and large US academic hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and MedStar Health. Sharon holds a Master of Science in Health Administration (MHA) from the University of Maryland, College Park School of Public Health, and an Honors Bachelor of Arts in Health Administration and Policy, with a minor in Sociology, from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
BFUTR Speaker Temi Odesanya Director of Responsible AI Automation Thomson Reuters
BFUTR Speaker
Temi Odesanya Director of Responsible AI Automation Thomson Reuters Temi Odesanya manages teams that build and manage innovative platforms, automation initiatives and implements strategies that ensure strict adherence to regulations and ethical standards across global operations. She has led teams in strategic planning, execution, and the launch of pioneering technologies; including artificial intelligence, automation, and metaverse initiatives. She has spearheaded data literacy programs, passionately promoting the integration of automation and machine learning tools within various sectors to drive innovation and efficiency.

In her role as a educator, Temi imparts her knowledge on machine learning and Responsible AI. her teaching engagements at several esteemed Canadian post-graduate institutions, namely Durham College, Conestoga College, and Concordia University. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom as she regularly shares her insights on global stages, including The Globe and Mail, Evanta—a Gartner Company, Corinium Intelligence, Black Professionals in Tech and recently named Corinium Global Intelligence top 100 global leaders in AI
BFUTR Speaker Wunmi Adekanmbi Founder and Executive Director Immigrant Techies Network
BFUTR Speaker
Wunmi Adekanmbi Founder and Executive Director Immigrant Techies Network Wunmi is the Founder and Executive Director of Immigrant Techies Network and the Founder and Principal Consultant at ReSkill Calgary. She is a pivot-to-tech coach, digital transformation consultant, and innovation ecosystem builder dedicated to activating immigrant talent for economic development across Canada. With over 15 years of experience in education, oil and gas, technology, and innovation, she is a self-starter and experienced designer. She has designed several future-of-work courses, training programs, webinars, workshops, and events. Wunmi is an active player in the Alberta tech ecosystem, where she has delivered several keynote speeches and spoken on and moderated several panel discussions.