Maryam Bafandkar is an MSc student in the Department of Applied Computer Science at the University of Winnipeg. She received a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering and Software at Shiraz University, Iran. Maryam has published two papers in the area of artificial intelligence. Currently, she is working on farming automation. For her, improving the efficiency of current agricultural approaches is important for sustainable food production and the environment.

Adina Balint holds a PhD in modern and contemporary French literature from the University of Toronto (2009). Her academic research explores the intersections between literature, cultural studies and visual arts, focusing on questions of transculturalism, subjectivity and the ethics of the self‐other relationship. She published articles on topics such as: the poetics of literary creation, identity and multiculturalism, history and memory, and life experiences in relation to artistic projects. She is associate professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Literature at University of Winnipeg.

Antoine Cantin‐Brault holds a PhD in philosophy from Laval University and University of Poitiers. His academic researches explore the German Philosophy (Hegel, Heidegger, Nietzsche), the Greek Philosophy (Heraclitus, Plato, Aristotle), Metaphysical, Philosophy of Music, Ethics and Politics. He is associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at University of St. Boniface. He is also a columnist in the francophone newspaper La Liberté.

André Lewis is approaching nearly 43 years with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, 22 of them as Artistic Director. He has spent most of his career with the RWB, Canada’s first professional dance company. A native of Gatineau, Québec, Lewis began his dance training in Ottawa before being accepted into the Professional Division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in 1975. He joined the RWB Company in 1979 where he enjoyed an accomplished career as a dancer for over 10 years. In 1996, Lewis was appointed Artistic Director of Canada’s RWB.

Dr. Gigi Osler is the Head of the Section of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery at St. Boniface Hospital and is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Manitoba. When working at St. Boniface Hospital, she is actively involved in the teaching of medical students and residents. Dr. Osler volunteers annually on surgical missions to low and lower‐middle income countries. In 2017, she was awarded the Doctors Manitoba Health or Safety Promotion award in recognition of her efforts to develop and implement programs to support the health and well‐being of doctors.

Diane Roussin is a passionate community leader committed to the pursuit of pimadaziwin (the good life) for all families and children. Her in‐depth knowledge of Indigenous issues and solutions flow directly from her strong sense of identity and worldview. She is a proud member of Skownan First Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg. Diane is the Project Director of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, an ambitious social innovation initiative seeking to create large‐scale systems change for children and families in the Point Douglas neighbourhood. She works primarily in Winnipeg’s inner city for initiatives that promote Indigenous People’s values and ways of knowing and being.

Matt Schaubroeck is the Programming Director at North Forge Technology Exchange. He is a graduate of the Asper School of Business with a focus on entrepreneurship and international business. He works closely with North Forge members to help them commercialize their start‐ups, identify useful resources, and provides coaching to help them achieve their innovation goals. Schaubroeck is also an entrepreneur working in the clean technology and artificial intelligence sectors. His start‐up company, ioAirFlow, is helping improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings.

Anne‐Marie Williot is a trilingual multi‐instrumentalist and singer‐songwriter from rural Quebec who is now based in Winnipeg. Her songwriting brings to light hidden dream territories which murmur in the subterranean wells of our lives. Above ground, she cares for trees as a professional arborist. A honed poet and performer who writes and sings in French, Spanish and English, she is also a skilled carpenter and gardener. Five years ago, Williot began singing and playing the accordion at the St. Boniface Hospital through Artists in Healthcare. She plays regularly in hallways, waiting rooms, and sometimes in patients’ rooms.