GCVI is happy to announce that we will be having the following Guest speakers on Friday March 8th, 2026
Kween- Kween is a community leader, activist, business owner, and educator. She was named as one of Canada’s top 100 Black Women to watch in 2023. She was recently crowned Canada's national Ms as recognition for her work in the community and in social activism. Her company, The Kween Company, is recognized as a safe space for members of the Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) community and used as a platform to support small businesses, provide mentorship and educate oneself to seek higher knowledge.
Suzie Tompkins: Suzie is the Director of Program and Impact at Girl Guides of Canada, working on Theory of Change. Her career has always focused on empowering youth, particularly girls.
Denise Mansur: Denise is a local entrepreneur who is the owner and fashion designer for Ms Merik Mak. She started the business because she felt the need to connect the two things that she loves the most - art and fashion.
Dawn Matheson: Dawn is a local artist who collaborates and partners with community groups, academic institutions, national broadcasters, art galleries, schools and social service networks, through the mediums of video, audio and installation. She hopes her work encourages mutual caretaking, helps combat isolation and incites social change by bringing people together.
Mehrana Soleimanipour: Mehrana is a GCVI grade 12 student and an international tennis champion who volunteers her time teaching tennis lessons to youth.
Debora Dietrich: Debora is a GCVI grade 12 student who is apprenticing as an electrician and she volunteered her time for organizations that support youth in accessing more opportunities in the trades.
Adeline Palm- Adeline, or “Addy Starr,” Palm maintains a long history throughout what is known as the independent pro wrestling circuit across the globe. Having developed a reputation as a hard-hitting pro wrestler for 20 years, her career has taken her across the globe, having wrestled throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada.