DON'T MISS OUR FEATURED SPEAKERS
SUMMIT CO-CHAIR
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
SUMMIT CO-CHAIR
Ignacio Mongrell
Assistant Director, ICUBE University of Toronto Mississauga
Ignacio Mongrell
Assistant Director, ICUBE University of Toronto Mississauga
Originally from Uruguay, Ignacio moved to Canada in 2010 and earned a Master’s of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) from the University of Waterloo.He worked at the Waterloo Accelerator Centre as Director of Client Services where he led the JumpStart funding program and other strategic initiatives. Ignacio also worked at Haltech Regional Innovation Centre supporting clients and community members by managing a range of business advisory programs, including the Haltech HEAT™ startup services program, and specialty programs to support scaleup of high-growth ventures. Ignacio is also an entrepreneur at heart and co-founded and exited a real estate start-up (Apartmint). Ignacio is currently the Assistant Director at ICUBE – and chair of Positive Space at the University of Toronto, advocating for LGBTQ2S+ students, staff and faculty.
Opening Keynote
Minister Evan Solomon
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Minister Evan Solomon
Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Evan Solomon is Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Before entering politics, he was a well-known Canadian journalist, television host, and publisher, working with CBC, CTV, and GZERO Media. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre in the 2025 federal election and appointed to Cabinet by Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he now leads Canada's AI and digital innovation agenda while also supporting economic development in Southern Ontario.
FIRESIDE CHAT PANEL
"Charting the Course on AI & Humanity
Building Trust, Equity & Sustainability in Education"
Room: Rotunda
Moderators: Robert Martellacci
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
Dr. Gina Cherkowski
Executive Director, Werklund Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence Canada Ltd.
Dr. Gina Cherkowski
Executive Director, Werklund Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence Canada Ltd.
Dr. Gina Cherkowski is an educator, researcher, award-winning social entrepreneur, and a national leader in school mental health, social and emotional learning (SEL), belonging, and educational well-being. She is the Executive Director of the Werklund Institute for Social and Emotional Intelligence Canada Ltd., where she leads national initiatives focused on strengthening mental health and well-being, SEL, relational intelligence creating healthy, thriving schools and systems.
Dr. Cherkowski’s work focuses on translating research into practice and creating the conditions that allow students, educators, and leaders to thrive. An International CASEL Fellow and two-time TEDx speaker, she has worked around the globe and across education, research, and community sectors to advance evidence-informed approaches to learning in a complex world.
Her current work explores the increasingly important intersection of AI, mental health, and human skills, with a focus on ensuring that as technology evolves, education continues to intentionally strengthen empathy, critical thinking, creativity, relationships, emotional intelligence, and the sense of belonging that make us uniquely human.
Dr. Michael Fullan
Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto, Co-Director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
Dr. Michael Fullan
Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto, Co-Director of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning
Dr. Michael Fullan, Order of Canada, is the former Dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, and Professor Emeritus of the University of Toronto. He is co-leader of the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning global initiative (www.deep-learning.global).
Fullan served as Premier Dalton’s Special Policy Adviser in Ontario from 2003-2013. He received the Order of Canada (OC) in December 2012 and holds five honorary doctorates from universities around the world. His ‘interim autobiography’, Surreal Change, covers his pre-Covid-19 Pandemic period to 2018. Michael and his colleagues are now working diligently on field-based comprehensive system change in several countries. The goal of this work focuses on the ‘humanity paradigm’ —a deep care and commitment to all living things including equity and equality in the service of helping all humans cope and thrive in complex societies of the 21st century.
Michael Fullan’s latest books are: Spirit Work and the Science of Collaboration (with Mark Edwards, 2022), The Principal 2.0 (2023), and The Drivers (with Joanne Quinn, 2023).
Dr. Chris Kennedy
Superintendent of Schools / CEO at West Vancouver School District
Dr. Chris Kennedy
Superintendent of Schools / CEO at West Vancouver School District
Chris Kennedy is the Superintendent of Schools & CEO, West Vancouver School District, BC
Dr. Chris Kennedy is a renowned educator and leader in the field of educational technology, currently serving as the Superintendent of West Vancouver Schools. With over 25 years of experience in K-12 education, Dr. Kennedy is dedicated to fostering innovative learning environments that leverage technology to enhance student engagement and achievement.
He has been at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into educational practices, advocating for the ethical and effective use of AI tools to support personalized learning and improve educational outcomes. Dr. Kennedy is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing his insights on the transformative potential of AI in schools and emphasizing the importance of equipping educators and students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
His commitment to collaborative leadership and continuous improvement has made him a key figure in shaping the future of education in Canada.
Cross Canada Checkup Panel
Exploring AI Use Cases with C21 Canada & Dell Technologies
Room: KN 137
Moderators: Robert Martellacci & Katina Papulkas
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Strategist, Dell Technologies| STEM & Innovation Dream Builder
Katina Papulkas
Senior Education Strategist, Dell Technologies| STEM & Innovation Dream Builder
Experienced educator who supports digital transformations across Canada with K12 school districts and post secondary institutions. The focus is always on learning amplified through technology. Skilled in Technology Enabled Learning, Education Leadership, Assessment, and Personalised Learning.
As an Education Strategist at Dell, I've had the amazing opportunity to create and lead initiatives like Girls Who Game, Soar with MENTOR, and Data Dunkers. These programs were all about one mission: making space for underserved communities in STEM and empowering students who might not otherwise get the chance to explore technology and data science.
Girls Who Game gives young girls the tools and community they need to dive into technology through gaming, building confidence and skills in a fun, supportive environment. Soar with MENTOR connects students with mentors who help them dream big and discover new possibilities for their future. And Data Dunkers combines the excitement of basketball with foundational data science skills, opening doors to tech careers in a way that's relatable and exciting.
I've seen firsthand how these programs can transform individual students and entire communities, opening doors to learning and career opportunities that weren't there before. I'm passionate about using education and technology to level the playing field and create opportunities for everyone, no matter where they start from. I am also committed to empowering women in STEM and education through these initiatives. Plus, I'm thrilled to be part of an AI-enabled education system that's transforming learning for the 21st century.
Let's connect if you're interested in championing equity in STEM or exploring the intersection of education, technology, and community impact!
Dr. Steve Joordens
Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Dr. Steve Joordens
Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Steve was initially trained as a Cognitive Psychologist who performed research related to human memory and the distinction between conscious and unconscious influences. More recently though, his research has shifted to focus on the effective use of educational technologies in general, and especially to support the develop or core “Skills of Success” like critical and creative thought, effective two way communication and collaboration, and metacognitive awareness. Some of the research is laboratory based, but a lot of it occurs in the context of real classes. The Advanced Learning Technologies Lab that he directs also does research on third party technologies, assessing their efficacy and usability.
Dr. Keri Ewart
University Professor, Wilfrid Laurier University
Jill Kowalchuk
AI Literacy Educator | Program Manager | PhD Candidate, Amii
Jill Kowalchuk
AI Literacy Educator | Program Manager | PhD Candidate, Amii
Jillian Kowalchuk is the Manager of AI Literacy with the Training team at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). Jillian previously worked as a junior high and high school humanities teacher before transitioning out of the classroom. She has also worked as an educational consultant and educational researcher.
Jillian earned a Bachelor of Education at the University of Alberta, as well as a graduate diploma in Interdisciplinary Education from the University of Calgary. She also holds a Master of Education from the University of Toronto in Social Justice Education, specializing in Critical Digital Literacy. Jillian is currently working on her PhD in Curriculum and Pedagogy at the University of Alberta in the Department of Secondary Education, where her research focuses on teachers’ agency in the age of Generative AI.
Karl Hildebrandt
MEd Educational Technology | MFNSS Edu Tech Facilitator | Chair of Manitoba School Esports Association | Indigenous Esports Advocate | Manitoba Métis | Award-Winning Educator
Karl Hildebrandt
MEd Educational Technology | MFNSS Edu Tech Facilitator | Chair of Manitoba School Esports Association | Indigenous Esports Advocate | Manitoba Métis | Award-Winning Educator
Karl Hildebrandt is an experienced educator with expertise in teaching, educational technology, and advanving truth and reconciliation for First Nations communities. He strongly focuses on integrating technology in the classroom and fostering inclusive learning environments. As a middle-years teacher specializing in French and ELA, Karl has worked at educational institutions such as UofM, RRC, and UofW. He holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology from Memorial University, which has enabled him to excel as an Educational Technology Facilitator for the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre and the Manitoba First Nations School System. Karl's efforts have been instrumental in integrating technology into classrooms and empowering teachers and students with digital tools. He also promotes truth and reconciliation by incorporating Indigenous perspectives into curriculum. In addition, Karl serves as the Chair for the Manitoba School Esports Association (MSEA), where he is actively establishing esports programs in First Nations communities, promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and digital literacy skills among youth. Karl Hildebrandt is a dedicated and innovative educator, inspiring positive change and creating inclusive learning environments for students in Manitoba.
Heather Campbell
Director of Education, Rainy River District School Board
SPOTLIGHT KEYNOTE
Room: KN 137
Dr. Lev Gonick
Chief Information Officer
Dr. Lev Gonick
Chief Information Officer
Dr. Lev Gonick is the Enterprise Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Arizona State University (ASU), one of the world's most innovative universities. He oversees ASU's enterprise technology strategy, leading the infrastructure, digital services, analytics, artificial intelligence initiatives, and emerging technologies that support more than 180,000 students, faculty, and staff. In addition to his CIO role, he serves as a Professor of Practice and is a Senior Global Futures Scientist, helping shape how technology can improve higher education and society.
Panel Discussions - Session 1/ Option 1
The State of EdTech—Navigating AI, Screen Time and Mobile Phones for Human Flourishing
Room: Rotunda
Moderators: Dr. Tom D'Amico
Dr. Tom D’Amico
Retired Director of Education, OCSB
Dr. Tom D’Amico
Retired Director of Education, OCSB
Dr. Tom D’Amico is a motivational speaker, education consultant, and workshop facilitator. He is the former Director of Education for the Ottawa Catholic School Board in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As the President of AI Leadership Consulting, Tom now supports senior leadership teams with change management and leadership to implement AI across school districts.
Tom has 35 years of experience in education. An award-winning educator, he received the Prime Minister’s Award for teaching excellence, and was named one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. As a Director of Education he was recognized by his peers with the Distinguished Leadership award. As CEO of the OCSB his district was recognized as the top K-12 EdTech district in Canada for their work in implementing and scaling AI across their district.
Tom has presented across Canada on the topics of educational technology, leadership, education reform, and AI in Education. Tom served as the Canadian co-lead for New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), a global partnership of over 3000 schools across 20 countries focused on education reform and the development of global competencies.
Tom holds an Osgoode certificate in education law; a workplace mental health leadership certificate, a diversity and inclusive management certificate, an executive certificate in conflict management, and safe schools certification.
Tom has been an off-ice official with the NHL for 27 years, and prior to his career in education was the general manager of Ottawa’s professional soccer team, The Ottawa Intrepid.
Geoff Edwards
Superintendent of Learning Technologies Ottawa Catholic School Board
Geoff Edwards
Superintendent of Learning Technologies Ottawa Catholic School Board
Geoff Edwards was appointed as the Superintendent of Learning Technologies since 2019. Previously, he served as a teacher at St. Mark and St. Mother Teresa, as a Vice-Principal at St. Paul and Sacred Heart and as a Principal at St. Paul and at St. Mother Teresa.
Geoff has been a facilitator for the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network (EOSDN) Leadership Academy and he has taught the Principal Qualification Program (PQP) with the Catholic Principals Council of Ontario. (CPCO) Through CPCO, Geoff has also written a curriculum for the Technology Enabled Leading Learning Mentorship component of the PQP. He is currently on the board of the Education Collaborative Network of Ontario, known as ECNO.
Geoff has been the recipient of the Director’s Commendation award for his work in improving numeracy practice and for enhancing his schools’ protocols for tracking and planning for at-risk students. Geoff has his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Memorial University.
Geoff is married to Rebecca; a gifted Contemporary Studies teacher at Holy Trinity High School, and he has two wonderful daughters, Sophie and Hillary.
Geoff has been coaching various sports for over 30 years which has made him passionate about the role of extracurriculars in adolescent development. He is equally passionate about the role of technology to accelerate academic growth and to increase engagement. For students with learning challenges, learning technologies can be the vehicle through which these students can equitably access the curriculum and thus thrive as students.
He is also passionate about his work in leading and coordinating support for students in low socio-economic status situations. This work has been a cornerstone of his career and shapes his education worldview.
Dr. Steve Joordens
Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Dr. Steve Joordens
Professor at University of Toronto Scarborough
Steve was initially trained as a Cognitive Psychologist who performed research related to human memory and the distinction between conscious and unconscious influences. More recently though, his research has shifted to focus on the effective use of educational technologies in general, and especially to support the develop or core “Skills of Success” like critical and creative thought, effective two way communication and collaboration, and metacognitive awareness. Some of the research is laboratory based, but a lot of it occurs in the context of real classes. The Advanced Learning Technologies Lab that he directs also does research on third party technologies, assessing their efficacy and usability.
Randolph MacLEAN
CEO and Superintendent, Anglophone East School District
Harjit Aujla
Associate Director of Education, School Improvement and Equity at Peel District School Board
Harjit Aujla
Associate Director of Education, School Improvement and Equity at Peel District School Board
I am a dynamic senior leader in the field of education. I have spent the last 20+ years advancing my educational background through graduate studies and engaging various professional roles which have equipped me with a unique skillset to help vision and build transformative change in the second largest school district in Canada.
Dr. Marianne Mazzorato
Chief Executive Officer, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Dr. Marianne Mazzorato
Chief Executive Officer, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Dr. Marianne Mazzorato is the Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), where she oversees one of Ontario’s largest separate school systems serving over 73,000 students. She began her career with the board as an elementary teacher in 1983 and progressively climbed the ranks into administrative leadership, serving as a Vice-Principal, Principal, and Superintendent before assuming her current executive role in January 2016 [rocketreach.co, sched.com]. Her leadership footprint also extends provincially, having previously served a two-year secondment as the Chief Assessment Officer for the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
Nationally, Dr. Mazzorato is a member of the prestigious C21 Canada CEO Academy, a pan-Canadian network of progressive school superintendents dedicated to scaling digital innovation and 21st-century learning models [c21canada.org]. Her extensive career in educational leadership, administration, and policy is backed by strong academic credentials, including a Master of Education from Brock University and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Toronto OISE.
Panel Discussions - Session 1/ Option 2
Panel Discussions - Session 2/ Option 1
Human in the Loop: What Responsible AI Scaling Actually Looks Like in a Canadian Classroom
What Responsible AI Scaling Actually Looks Like in a Canadian Classroom
Room: TBD
The Presenter : Rob Long
Rob Long
Partnership Lead for Canada
Rob Long
Partnership Lead for Canada
My passions are around education and how technology can benefit society.
As a Coordinator for the Ottawa Catholic School Board, I am blessed to be able to follow my passions working with teachers and students and technology - it's awesome!
I have worked as a manager in Corporate Social Responsibility for Nortel for over 10 years. It has been a very rewarding career in that it has allowed me to work in many different areas from communications, to marketing, to education, sales, HR, and community relations. As the job has focused on education and technology I have been able to apply my background and passions to my work and it has been a great expereince.
Panel Discussions - Session 2/ Option 2
International Closing Panel
Room: Rotunda
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci
Founder & Conference Chair
Robert Martellacci (MA EdTech) is president of MindShare Learning Technology, Canada’s leading EdTech strategy, news & events company he founded in 2001. Mr. Martellacci is also president & co-founder of C21 Canada—Canadians for 21st Century Learning & Innovation.
Mr. Martellacci is a lifelong learner who is committed to connecting business and education to transform learning in the 21st century to support student success. He completed a transformational learning journey as a mature student earning a master’s in educational technology from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California which inspired the creation of the MindShare Learning Report—Canada’s Learning & Technology eMagazine.
Mr. Martellacci has over 25 years of expertise and thought leadership in education as a former university administrator at York University; he also launched The Learning Company School Division for Kevin O’Leary which was the catalyst to forming his start-up MindShare Learning following the Mattel acquisition.
One of Martellacci’s signature slogans, “until next time, keep the learning curve steep.”
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown
President & Chief Executive Officer, NELSON
Steve Brown has made his mark in Canada and Internationally by leading organizations through digital transformation. His career spans a diverse mix of industry and technology experience from multi-media entertainment, logistics services, automotive, and now to learning solutions.
Since joining NELSON in September 2016, Steve has transformed the vision for this 104-year-old company by reimagining the role and purpose of a publisher in 2017 and beyond. Introducing a matrix driven view to the management culture, and unifying a K20 student-centric business division is at the core of this shift to a cohesive customer focused structure. He has reframed the organization’s digital competency by instituting a technology department comprised of some the world’s best and brightest talent based in Silicon Beach California. Additionally, over the past 12 months the company has engaged in various M&A activities, including the acquisition of one of its largest competitors, as well as signing numerous agency and partnership deals to ensure NELSON offers a world class portfolio of learning solution and for all its markets.
Steve’s passion and commitment to transforming education, and the student learning experience, continues to fuel the innovation pipeline at NELSON.
Dr. Tracey Burns
Chief Research Officer, Senior Analyst, OECD (Seconded) , National Center on Education and the Economy
Dr. Tracey Burns
Chief Research Officer, Senior Analyst, OECD (Seconded) , National Center on Education and the Economy
Tracey has authored numerous articles, reports, books, and book chapters, most recently What Schools for the Future? Leadership for Uncertainty; Trends Shaping Education 2022; Back to the Future of Education: Four OECD Scenarios for Schooling; Education in the Digital Age: Happy and Healthy Children and Educating 21 st Century Children: Emotional Well-Being in the Digital Age.
Previous to her time at the OECD she conducted research on language acquisition in children and newborn infants and was an award-winning lecturer on child development. Tracey holds a B.A. from McGill University, Canada, and a PhD in experimental psychology from Northeastern University, United States.
Maxim Jean-Louis
Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord
Maxim Jean-Louis
Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord
Maxim Jean-Louis is President – Chief Executive Officer of Contact North | Contact Nord, Ontario’s Distance Education and Training Network, headquartered in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Maxim worked in senior management roles for over 15 years at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada’s open university.
He is also a member of the Comité consultatif en matière d’éducation postsecondaire en langue française dans les régions du Centre et du Sud-ouest.
Maxim is a former Chair of the Board of Directors of the World University Service of Canada and of the Optical Regional Advanced Network of Ontario, as well as a past member of Ontario’s Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board, and he served as a member of the Canadian Advisory Mission to support the implementation of the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) by the South African Qualifications Authority. He also served as President of Collège des Grands Lacs, one of Ontario’s three French-language community colleges.
In 2011, Maxim was appointed Special Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities for an Ontario Online Institute, producing a 125-page report and recommendations to the Minister on opportunities for online learning in the province.
Jennifer Womble
Education Leader. Catalyst @Future of Education Technology Conference (#FETC); Editorial Staff @District Administration, @ETC
Jennifer Womble
Education Leader. Catalyst @Future of Education Technology Conference (#FETC); Editorial Staff @District Administration, @ETC
With a focus on spearheading dynamic educational technology initiatives at the Future of Education Technology Conference, Jennifer's role as Conference Chair involves curating content that empowers educators and administrators. Leading a vast array of events, from keynote sessions to interactive workshops, her efforts are centered on enhancing professional development within the tech-education landscape. The pivotal aspect of her position is fostering a collaborative community that thrives on innovation and knowledge exchange.
As part of the editorial team at District Administration, I contribute to shaping the discourse on key education issues. My expertise in curriculum design and staff development, gleaned from extensive experience in education, informs my approach to content strategy. Together with my team, we deliver insightful perspectives that support educators in creating secure, successful, and technology-integrated learning environments.With a focus on spearheading dynamic educational technology initiatives at the Future of Education Technology Conference, my role as Conference Chair involves curating content that empowers educators and administrators. Leading a vast array of events, from keynote sessions to interactive workshops, my efforts are centered on enhancing professional development within the tech-education landscape. The pivotal aspect of my position is fostering a collaborative community that thrives on innovation and knowledge exchange. As part of the editorial team at District Administration, I contribute to shaping the discourse on key education issues. My expertise in curriculum design and staff development, gleaned from extensive experience in education, informs my approach to content strategy. Together with my team, we deliver insightful perspectives that support educators in creating secure, successful, and technology-integrated learning environments.
Fernando Valenzuela Migoya
Co-Chair, EdTech Latam Alliance
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science
Dr. Bonnie Schmidt
Founder and President of Let’s Talk Science
- I am the founder and President of Let’s Talk Science, an award-winning, national charitable organization that I started while completing my PhD in Physiology at Western University. Let’s Talk Science helps children and youth fulfill their potential and prepare for their future careers and citizenship roles by supporting their learning and engagement through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Let's Talk Science has achieved well over 15 million interactions with children, youth and educators since its inception.
- I am very interested in supporting education systems change and led the development of a series of reports that underscore the importance of engaging youth in STEM education. During 2016-18, I also spearheaded Canada 2067, an ambitious, collaborative initiative to shape the future of STEM education. That project led to international opportunities to support STEM learning, including a project with the Inter-American Network of Academies of Science and ongoing work supporting initiatives in Nepal. Canada 2067 findings, and subsequent reports such as the Climate Action Lab, inform Let's Talk Science's work and showcased the critical importance of youth voice.
- An active contributor to the scientific and education communities, I currently serve on the Genome Canada Board of Directors and am a member of the Federal Government’s AI Public Awareness Working Group. In 2020 I was a member of the PISA Expert Strategic Visioning Group to the OECD, which set about developing a new vision for the international science test that is administered in 80+ countries.
- Notable prior volunteer contributions include Chairing the National Leadership Taskforce on Education & Skills for the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC); MItacs Science Policy Fellowship Committee; Ontario Tech University Board of Governors; Ontario Genomics Board of Directors; Founding Co-Chair of the Science and Technology Awareness Network (STAN) and more.
- Committed to governance excellence, I completed the Directors' Education Program at the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto and acquired ICD.D designation.