Michele Young-Crook is an Algonquin consultant belonging to the Nijkwiwisens Family and Bear Clan, her grandmother was a member of Nippissing FN. With over 20 years of experience in event planning and community development, she specializes in creating impactful events that empower Indigenous communities across Canada and the USA. As the CEO of Sage3, an Indigenous-women-led firm, her mission is to provide the tools, connections, and capacity-building opportunities necessary for sustainable community growth.
Michele’s expertise stems from her journey in nurturing a national charitable entity from inception with limited resources. This experience honed her skills in diverse roles, ensuring organizational triumph. From fundraising and event planning to the development of accredited educational courses.
Her success narrative is deeply rooted in her unwavering dedication to equipping Indigenous communities, women, and youth with the resources and programs they need to shatter barriers, nurture self-assurance, and enhance their quality of life.
Michele is pursuing an MBA at York St. John University, expected to graduate in 2026.
Bobbie Racette is a tech innovator who is reshaping norms and breaking boundaries – she’s not just participating in the game – she’s rewriting the rules.
As a Metis-Cree, 2SLGBTQIA+ leader, Bobbie has turned personal adversity into a drive for equity. Her deep insights into systemic barriers fuel her efforts to equip underrepresented groups with essential tools and opportunities for success in the workplace and beyond. And it’s working.
Driven by the challenges of job loss and industry marginalization in 2015, and being overlooked, Bobbie seized an opportunity to redefine the role of virtual assistants. Her entrepreneurial drive transformed a personal setback into a blazing enterprise – Virtual Gurus.
Bobbie’s commitment to creating accessible, onshore, and reliable staffing solutions powered by diverse talent has transformed the landscape for entrepreneurs, leveling the playing field for those who might otherwise struggle to compete. She is redefining success for both entrepreneurs and employees alike.
Bobbie has garnered several prestigious accolades, including Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, EY Winning Woman 2022, and Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year 2023. Additionally, she was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 for the Prairies Region and is a 2022 IWF Harvard Graduate.
Bobbie also serves as Chair of the Board for the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation and sits on the Board of the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation.
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Janice Gladue (Asini waciy iskwêw – Rocky Mountain Woman) is a member of the Sweetgrass First Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. She has spent her professional career building and supporting capacity development in Indigenous communities. As a values-driven visionary, she questions the status quo, leads through change, and influences adjustments through her people-focused leadership approach. Janice sees potential where others would see challenges and bridges gaps by creating linkages to opportunities.
Janice is an inspirational leader. The drive she needed to achieve professional success over the years is the same drive she uses to help others realize their potential. Janice has a wealth of knowledge and vast personal and business experience, and she uses her relatability to help people succeed. She often speaks about how, when approaching situations, she must mentally exit the room and come back in using a different door to gain a new perspective. Being able to see many perspectives and dimensions is one of her superpowers. This unique approach has helped Janice contribute to advancing economic reconciliation.