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 Keynotes & SPARK Talks

 

 

Futurist & Humanist, Author, CEO The Futures Agency, Zurich / Switzerland http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Gerd LeonhardFuturist & Humanist, Author, CEO The Futures Agency, Zurich / Switzerland <div class="ExternalClassD587E2F96EFF400DAA2D048BA0A1A3B1"><p>Gerd Leonhard is a hunter and gatherer of human values from the future. From culture and society to commerce and technology, Gerd brings back the news from the future so business and society leaders can make better choices right now. In his latest book, Technology vs. Humanity, Gerd explores the key ethical and social questions which urgently require an answer before we increasingly abdicate our very humanity. For organizations in the grip of disruption, Gerd supplies visionary insights and concentrated wisdom that inform key decisions makers today. A musician by origin, Gerd Leonhard has now redefined the vocation of futurist as a new humanist. </p><p>Gerd was listed as one of the top 100 influencers in technology by Wired magazine (2015). His clients include over 200 companies and organizations in 50+ countries, including Google, IPG, UBS, Roche, WWF, Cisco, KPMG, Accenture, Nestlé, Unilever, US Social Security Agency, the BBC, Universal Studios, the EU Commission and many more. <a href="https://zwcblog.org/2018/06/12/futurist-gerd-leonhard-announced-as-2018-zero-waste-conference-keynote/">Find out more by visiting our ZWC Blog</a> </p> </div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/GerdLeonhard.jpg, Gerd LeonhardGP0|#25c9bdb3-f9cf-4ed3-b931-94004f64ccc1;L0|#025c9bdb3-f9cf-4ed3-b931-94004f64ccc1|Gerd Leonhard;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteGerdLeonhard
Founder & Chief Disrupter, Unschoolhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Leyla AcarogluFounder & Chief Disrupter, Unschool<div class="ExternalClassC71C845D9D77462E85AD8E24C4DAC24C"><p>Design disruptor, creative boundary pusher, and cultural provocateur, Dr. Leyla Acaroglu (A-jar-a-loo) embodies the innovation that instigates positive environmental and social change. </p><p>A designer, social scientist, and sustainability expert, Leyla is internationally recognized as a leading force in the movement for design being used as effective catalyst for positive social and environmental change. She is the developer of the Disruptive Design Method and founder of the award-winning experimental educational initiative The UnSchool of Disruptive Design. </p><p>Leyla was awarded 2016 Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme, and is an internationally respected keynote speaker and trusted expert, having led thousands of hours of workshops, lectures, activations, and educational experiences around the world. Leyla was a visiting scholar at NYU and an Innovator in Residence at the Center for Social Innovation NYC. She was also an invited Artist in Residence with Autodesk and managed the development of ‘Greenfly,' one of the first online life cycle assessment tools for designers. Leyla is regularly invited to provide her professional opinions on radio and TV, having been a regular judge on the ABC TV show The New Inventors, along with a host of international programs. <a href="https://zwcblog.org/2018/07/24/designer-and-disruptor-dr-leyla-acaroglu-confirmed-for-zwc18/" target="_blank">Find out more by visiting our ZWC Blog</a></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/LeylaAcaroglu.jpg, Leyla AcarogluGP0|#22951f52-27ea-48bb-a275-f220ba6c8c92;L0|#022951f52-27ea-48bb-a275-f220ba6c8c92|Leyla Acaroglu;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteDr. Leyla Acaroglu
Professor of Integrated Value & Chair of Sustainable Transformation, Antwerp Management Schoolhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Wayne VisserProfessor of Integrated Value & Chair of Sustainable Transformation, Antwerp Management School<div class="ExternalClassFB9CF7C146B94DEFB4E0B9307B8B375F"><p>Dr Wayne Visser holds the Chair in Sustainable Transformation and is Professor of Integrated Value at Antwerp Management School. He is also Fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Director of the think-tank and media company, Kaleidoscope Futures, Founder of CSR International and Board Member of Migrant Entrepreneurs International. </p><p>Dr Visser previously served as Director of Sustainability Services for KPMG and Strategy Analyst for Capgemini in South Africa. His work as a strategy analyst, sustainability advisor, CSR expert, futurist and professional speaker has taken him to 75 countries in the past 30 years to work with over 150 clients.</p><p>Dr Visser describes himself as a professional idea-monger, storyteller and meme-weaver. He sees his mission as helping to bring about transformative thinking and action in business and society. He believes that we all need to be purpose-inspired to make a positive difference. <a href="https://zwcblog.org/2018/08/07/closing-the-loop-filmmaker-dr-wayne-visser-confirmed-for-zwc18/" target="_blank">Find out more by visiting our ZWC Blog</a> </p><hr /> <p>In his remarks, Dr. Visser referred to the film, Closing the Loop, to learn more please visit at <a href="http://www.closingtheloopfilm.com/">www.closingtheloopfilm.com</a>   </p><p>The trailer to the film can be found here: <a href="http://www.closingtheloopfilm.com/trailer">http://www.closingtheloopfilm.com/trailer</a>  </p><p>And if you are interested in hosting a viewing of the film, please visit: <a href="http://www.closingtheloopfilm.com/hosting/">http://www.closingtheloopfilm.com/hosting/</a>. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/WayneVisser.jpg, Dr Wayne VisserGP0|#76c5c121-138e-431a-8cc1-7a3d7b0d53c8;L0|#076c5c121-138e-431a-8cc1-7a3d7b0d53c8|Wayne Visser;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteWayneVisser
Professional Gastronaut and host of Food Network’s The Surreal Gourmethttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Bob BlumerProfessional Gastronaut and host of Food Network’s The Surreal Gourmet<div class="ExternalClassBB890A5ECBFD42AB8A1DD8507E00F496"><p>Bob Blumer is a professional gastronaut with an adrenaline addiction and a passion for wasted food. He has created and hosted three award-winning TV series that have aired in over 20 countries, written six acclaimed cookbooks, and broken eight food-related Guinness World Records. </p> <p>In his books and appearances around the globe, Bob transforms ordinary ingredients into wow-inspiring dishes through simple cooking methods and whimsical presentations that have become his culinary trademark. Publishers Weekly summed up his most recent book Glutton for Pleasure as: “equal parts memoir, lavish art book, multi-genre soundtrack and culinary tour de force”. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/BobBlumer.jpg, Bob BlumerGP0|#21495b71-7410-408d-9b64-aa0fc143662d;L0|#021495b71-7410-408d-9b64-aa0fc143662d|Bob Blumer;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SPARK talkBobBlumer
Director of Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy at SITRAhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Mari PantsarDirector of Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy at SITRA<div class="ExternalClassA35145E317AE40D9BBEB99A2BCA69275"><p>Mari Pantsar leads the Carbon-neutral circular economy theme in Sitra - the Finnish Innovation Fund - an independent public foundation which operates directly under the supervision of the Finnish Parliament. She steers the strategy of the theme and is responsible for ensuring that all activities related to it direct Finland towards a more ecologically sustainable and competitive society.</p><p>Mari has two decades of experience managing the development of cleantech and circular economy initiatives in the private and public sector, with several companies and their boards. She has a doctorate in philosophy and holds the title of docent at the University of Helsinki and at Lappeenranta University of Technology.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MariPantsar.jpg, Mari PanstarGP0|#72659b47-0a6b-46e4-9d31-97b4ea3b9968;L0|#072659b47-0a6b-46e4-9d31-97b4ea3b9968|Mari Pantsar;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteMari Pantsar
CEO & Founder of Miniwiz http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Arthur HuangCEO & Founder of Miniwiz <div class="ExternalClassAD3B043BFAB24217B977A61051510912"><p>Arthur is a structural engineer, architect, innovator of loop economy building material solutions and specialized in post-consumer trash recycling applications to help to accelerate the shift to a close-loop economy. In 2005, He founded Miniwiz, an internationally operating company based in in Taiwan, Shanghai, Berlin and Milan, and dedicated to upcycling and consumer trash and industrial waste.</p><p>Under Arthur Huang’s leadership, Miniwiz received the “Technology Pioneers 2015” title by the World Economic Forum, recognizing the potential of the emerging industry that Miniwiz is leading and the positive impact of its activities on the state of the world. Arthur also was selected as a 2016 National Geographic Explorer. <a href="https://zwcblog.org/2018/06/26/circular-economy-pioneer-arthur-huang-confirmed-for-zwc2018/" target="_blank">Find out more by visiting our ZWC Blog</a></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/ArthurHuang.jpg, Arthur HuangGP0|#3284f0a2-410a-4ee9-b06f-2916370c8e31;L0|#03284f0a2-410a-4ee9-b06f-2916370c8e31|Arthur Huang;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SPARK talkArthurHuang
Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotlandhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Iain GullandChief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland<div class="ExternalClass4411D6E99F4E47B5A17F8FC45C1EBB50"><p>​Iain is Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland and previously led its predecessor programme, WRAP Scotland.</p><p>Zero Waste Scotland leads on the delivery of the Scottish Government's Circular Economy strategy and other low carbon policy priorities, and is at the forefront of efforts to create a resource efficient, circular economy.</p><p>Iain has more than 25 years' experience in sustainable resource management, including initiating recycling systems in the public and third sectors.  He is the current President of the Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+) and he is a member of a number of Scottish Government strategic groups including the Economy and Environment Leaders Group, the Board of the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and the Expert Panel on Environmental Charges.  He was voted the 'most influential person in the UK waste and resource efficiency sector' in 2014 by Resource Magazine, and he was granted Fellowship of Chartered Institution of Wastes Management in 2016.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/IainGulland.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/IainGulland.jpgGP0|#955a6af3-e4c2-4e88-8ec9-fa91421c2e39;L0|#0955a6af3-e4c2-4e88-8ec9-fa91421c2e39|Iain Gulland;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteIainGulland
Consul General of the Netherlands in Vancouverhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Henk SnoekenConsul General of the Netherlands in Vancouver<div class="ExternalClassF06B2ADAF11F470D9E8442535BC5286A"><p>Henk Snoeken is Consul-General of the Netherlands in Vancouver and is the government’s representative in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and the North West Territories.</p><p>Before taking up his position in Vancouver, he had various positions in Dutch ministries. The latest were: Deputy Director for National Spatial Planning (2010-2014) and Deputy Director for International Relations (2014-2018) at the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment in the Netherlands.. </p><p>As a policymaker he has been working in the field of spatial planning, water management, logistics and sustainability, as such he has been involved in various Zero Waste and Circular Economy initiatives and was involved in setting up the Holland Circular Hotspot initiative.</p><p>In the field of international relations, his focus was on climate policy, public-private cooperation and economic diplomacy. Mr. Snoeken was involved in various international trade missions focused on the Waste sector, eg to China, Indonesia and California. This has led to new international government cooperation and policy making between the Netherlands, China and Indonesia. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/HenkSnoeken.jpg, Henk SnoekenGP0|#862c3656-cafc-493a-b323-e392f8cdf85d;L0|#0862c3656-cafc-493a-b323-e392f8cdf85d|Henk Snoeken;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteHenkSnoeken
Deputy Minister of Environment & Climate Change Canada http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Stephen LucasDeputy Minister of Environment & Climate Change Canada <div class="ExternalClassB78BB9A899DE4CB492D5B796B8E51260"><p>​Dr. Stephen Lucas was appointed Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on January 23, 2017.<br>As Senior Associate Deputy Minister (Climate Change) from June 2016 to January 2017, Dr. Lucas led work in support of the development and adoption of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. </p><p>Before joining ECCC, Dr. Lucas was Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Plans and Consultations and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Privy Council Office. From 2013 to 2014, he was Assistant Secretary, Economic and Regional Development Policy, at the Privy Council Office.</p><p>As Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Policy Integration at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) from 2009 to 2013, he was responsible for strategic policy development related to energy, mineral and forest resources, climate change and clean energy and international and intergovernmental relations. Prior to that, from 2007 to 2009, he was Assistant Deputy Minister, Minerals and Metals Sector, at NRCan, where he provided leadership on innovation, green mining and corporate social responsibility.</p><p>Dr. Lucas was Director General in the Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) at Health Canada from 2003 to 2007, Senior Director at NRCan for Science, Innovation, Regional and Aboriginal Affairs from 2000 to 2003, and Director of Policy Planning and Coordination in the Earth Sciences Sector at NRCan from 1998 to 2000.</p><p>Dr. Lucas started his career as a research scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada in 1988.. He has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geological Engineering from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. in structural geology and tectonics from Brown University.</p> </div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/StephenLucas.jpg, Stephen LucasGP0|#9752a406-2490-4bdb-8cf1-bed68b975ed0;L0|#09752a406-2490-4bdb-8cf1-bed68b975ed0|Stephen Lucas;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6KeynoteDr. Stephen Lucas

 Speakers

 

 

Chief Operating Officer, Globe Serieshttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Nancy WrightChief Operating Officer, Globe Series<div class="ExternalClass4DC2C93B4E8B43319F9B72BBED02C063"><p>Nancy has served as Chief Operating Officer of GLOBE Series since 2015 where she’s been responsible for the overall operations of the company and the events portfolio. Her strength in partnership building and corporate engagement have led her to connect with thousands of senior corporate and government leaders over the course of her career. Winner of Canada’s Clean50 award for 2017, she curates partnerships for GLOBE Series that catalyze innovation, advance the sustainable economy transition and transform business practices. </p><p>Previous to 2015 Nancy spent two decades building the GLOBE Foundation, a not for profit environmental business foundation with a mandate to promote the business case for sustainable development. Created in 1993, the Foundation became one of the most widely recognized business Foundations in Canada. Through her roles in marketing and operations, she helped build GLOBE Forum into one of the most famous brands of sustainable business conferences in the world.</p> </div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/NancyWright.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/NancyWright.jpgGP0|#596d669f-a9a0-43f7-b7a6-588a5209217a;L0|#0596d669f-a9a0-43f7-b7a6-588a5209217a|Nancy Wright;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerNancyWright
Director of Cities and Communities & Policy Director of Circular Economy, Smart Prosperity Institutehttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Stephanie CairnsDirector of Cities and Communities & Policy Director of Circular Economy, Smart Prosperity Institute<div class="ExternalClass9EF183E1FBF3478BAFEB1321B765CDE9"><p>​Stephanie Cairns has worked on Canadian environment, economy, and fiscal policy research initiatives for 25 years, helping senior policy makers distill expert advice, synthesize emerging best practices, and plan new initiatives. She has been a consultant or board member with many of Canada’s leading environmental think tanks, and a policy advisor in the PMO and to federal and provincial cabinet ministers. Based in Victoria, BC, she currently works with the Smart Prosperity Institute, Canada’s leading source of research and policy insights for a stronger, cleaner economy. She is trained in cleaner production from Lund University, Sweden.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/StephanieCairns.jpg, PictureGP0|#81de10e9-0e3a-4bcd-9676-4b234fe9c5f2;L0|#081de10e9-0e3a-4bcd-9676-4b234fe9c5f2|Stephanie Cairns;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerStephanieCairns
Co-Founder and CEO of Smarter Sortinghttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Chris RipleyCo-Founder and CEO of Smarter Sorting<div class="ExternalClass48B8B362F5A44EE0A7370B231AF9D682"><p>​Chris is the Co-Founder and CEO of Smarter Sorting. A true visionary, Chris is passion is driven by an obsession with problem solving, and deep seated frustration with the every-day waste and inefficiency that characterizes modern resource management.  Having spent his career listening to magical solutions that might solve problems “later,” you could say that Chris is a visionary with no time for vision, instead choosing to focus his life and his career on the unlimited number of problems that can be solved right now.His passion is undergirded by decades experience manufacturing paint, building technology and running data analytics firms. It’s this unique knowledge set, ranging from the chemical to the regulatory to the technical, that allows Chris to see opportunities and imagine solutions invisible to many in the world of waste and recycling.</p><p>When not obsessing over work, you’ll find Chris enjoying himself in, near or on water.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/ChrisRipley.jpg, PictureGP0|#27037cfc-3821-4df3-805f-28fd027643ca;L0|#027037cfc-3821-4df3-805f-28fd027643ca|Chris Ripley;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerChris Ripley
Founder & CEO - Nadahttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Brianne MillerFounder & CEO - Nada<div class="ExternalClass216526A0D65047079837190AEB2EBC39"><p>​<span aria-hidden="true"></span>​Brianne is a marine biologist turned entrepreneur with a passion for driving positive change. As an expert in zero waste living and local food systems, she loves connecting people to their environment and coming up with creative solutions to complex conservation problems. Having seen firsthand the impacts of our current food system on the oceans, Brianne is committed to revolutionizing the food system from the ground up so that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the world’s oceans. Brianne is the founder of Nada, a package-free grocery store on a mission to inspire people to change the way they shop for groceries. She is a United Nations #notwasting ambassador, sits on the Vancouver Food Policy Council, and is a 2018 SheEO venture winner.<span aria-hidden="true"></span></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/BrianneMiller.jpg, Brianne MillerGP0|#a6051025-d21d-459f-b0c9-304fb0d2ed2a;L0|#0a6051025-d21d-459f-b0c9-304fb0d2ed2a|Brianne Miller;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerBrianneMiller
Founder & CEO, ChopValue Manufacturing Ltd. | Recycled Chopstick Productshttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Felix BockFounder & CEO, ChopValue Manufacturing Ltd. | Recycled Chopstick Products<div class="ExternalClass51831046CE754AECA1EACE71205A9C5F"><p>​Felix Böck knocks on wood for a living, and lately, his friends can find him counting chopsticks in Vancouver. ChopValue Manufacturing Ltd., has allowed Felix to discover a way to connect his expertise and research focus on bamboo composite materials within the Vancouver community while doing his PhD at the University of British Columbia. Motivated to create global impact in the bamboo industry, he has gained experience by working on projects in over 20 countries with his firm CrossLink Technologies - where ChopValue originated as a product development exercise.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/FelixBock.jpg, Felix Böck GP0|#dc698e1c-5f74-4751-8eef-92e9a84825d4;L0|#0dc698e1c-5f74-4751-8eef-92e9a84825d4|Felix Bock;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerFelixBöck
CEO, FoodMeshhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Jessica ReganCEO, FoodMesh<div class="ExternalClass683E9592390A4F7BBCE3D2F7B2E40C80"><p>Jessica is a 4 times entrepreneur, a certified B Corp consultant, and strategist for social impact businesses. For 12 years, Jessica has consulted for start-ups, non-profits, Fortune 100 companies, and all levels of government, including the United Nations, in areas of community economic development, and sustainability. </p><p>Since 2007, Jessica has served as the Vice-Chair of KASOW, a Kenyan-based social enterprise concentrating in areas of food security, health and education. And locally, Jessica serves on the Vancouver Food Policy Council, while developing her start up, the Mesh Exchange, a software company developing platforms to power the circular economy.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/JessicaPautsch-Regan.jpg, Jessica ReganGP0|#7a9ac37e-3cfb-4d50-ba8a-85509429898b;L0|#07a9ac37e-3cfb-4d50-ba8a-85509429898b|Jessica Regan;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerJessicaRegan
Co-Founder and Executive Director, One Earth and Board Member, NZWChttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Vanessa TimmerCo-Founder and Executive Director, One Earth and Board Member, NZWC<div class="ExternalClass15D2773895924CE3ABD715D13A7705E9"><p>Dr. Vanessa Timmer is the Executive Director of One Earth, a Vancouver, Canada-based environmental ‘think and do tank’ creating and imagining sustainable ways of living in cities and around the world. One Earth collaborates with partners to transform how people live their lives – what they need, what they consume and produce, and what they aspire to – enabling everyone to live good quality of lives within their fair share of our planet’s resources.</p><p>Vanessa is also a Senior Research Fellow at Utrecht University with Pathways to Sustainability, the Urban Futures Studio, and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. She holds a Doctorate and studied at Queen’s University, Oxford, UBC and Harvard. Vanessa sits on the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee for the United Nations 10YFP Sustainable Lifestyles Programme. In Canada, she is a Board member of the National Zero Waste Council and of the Vancouver Foundation Partnership Committee. </p><p>This year she received the 2018 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Environmental Sustainability.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/VanessaTimmer.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/VanessaTimmer.jpgGP0|#e57534c8-34ab-45e5-8ae5-625421dc6c0c;L0|#0e57534c8-34ab-45e5-8ae5-625421dc6c0c|Vanessa Timmer;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerVanessaTimmer
Lecturer, National School of Public Administration, University of Quebechttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Guillaume LavoieLecturer, National School of Public Administration, University of Quebec<div class="ExternalClass30195DCDD31D43CCBE23576ADBD4B33E"><p>​A public policy entrepreneur, Guillaume Lavoie is one of Canada’s most visible experts in the collaborative economy and its impacts on public policy and urban affairs. A former city councillor in Montreal, he authored Canada’s first by-law to regulate the sharing of private spaces. He is also a lecturer on the collaborative economy and public policy at the National School of Public Administration (ÉNAP), and delivered 180+ speeches on the topic, in Canada and abroad. In January 2018, he was appointed Chair of the Quebec government task force on the collaborative economy.<br></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/GuillaumeLavoie.jpg, /speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/GuillaumeLavoie.jpgGP0|#2fabe462-068b-49e5-9a22-15bd54601aa7;L0|#02fabe462-068b-49e5-9a22-15bd54601aa7|Guillaume Lavoie;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerGuillaumeLavoie
Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Brendan SealeHead of Sustainability, IKEA Canada <div class="ExternalClass13563511680B4AF58C7D552D456FDD93"><p>​As Head of Sustainability for IKEA Canada, Brendan Seale is responsible for activating the IKEA “People & Planet Positive” strategy across the country – to inspire and enable Canadians to live a healthier & more sustainable life at home, to achieve circular and climate positive operations, and lead towards a fair & inclusive Canadian society.</p><p>Previously Brendan served as Sustainability Advisor with The Natural Step Canada, and worked in communications with Barrick Gold Corporation. He holds an MSc in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability from Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden), and a BA in Communication Studies & Multimedia from McMaster University.</p><p>Brendan’s feet like to keep the company of bicycle pedals, soccer cleats, ski boots, and infectious beats, and he is now a father to two young sons who have given his work a greater depth of purpose.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/BrendanSeale.jpg, Breandan SealeGP0|#c016effc-4be8-47aa-b5af-a24f421ea6ef;L0|#0c016effc-4be8-47aa-b5af-a24f421ea6ef|Brendan Seale;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerBrendanSeale
CEO , Second Harvest http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Lori NikkelCEO , Second Harvest <div class="ExternalClass1BDA6FFD446C492595EFB44852773792"><p>Lori is a vocal and passionate champion of environmental and social justice issues related to food and is sought after for her expertise internationally.</p><p>Lori advised on the development of the provincial Food and Organic Waste Framework with the Ministry of Environment and Conservation and Parks and is the Co-chair of the Food Working Group at the National Zero Waste Council – a leadership initiative that brings together governments, businesses and organizations to advance waste prevention in Canada. </p><p>As CEO for Second Harvest - Canada’s largest Foodrescue organization- she ensures that over 12 million lbs of nutrient dense surplus food is diverted to social service agencies. Her current project is <a href="http://www.foodrescue.ca/">www.Foodrescue.ca</a>, a web-based platform that takes a local and technology approach to rescuing and delivering food.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/LoriNikkel.jpg, Lori NikkelGP0|#b49a957c-8964-4139-8bf4-905d8854b43c;L0|#0b49a957c-8964-4139-8bf4-905d8854b43c|Lori Nikkel;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerLoriNikkel
VP, Legal & External Affairs, Unilever Canada Inc. & Executive Chair, Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance, Inc. http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/John CoyneVP, Legal & External Affairs, Unilever Canada Inc. & Executive Chair, Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance, Inc. <div class="ExternalClass6366E3BB981D4346B66C927722E62ED0"><p>​John is a member of Unilever Canada’s board of directors, the Canadian Leadership Team and chair of the company’s Pension Committee.  </p><p>John is well known for his leadership in corporate sustainability. He is a passionate activator of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, Unilever’s strategy to grow the business, reduce its environmental footprint and increase its positive contribution to society. John is Executive Chair of the Board of Canadian Stewardship Services Alliance, Inc., Chair of the Board of Stewardship Ontario and is a director of Evergreen. In addition, John is Co-Chair of the Partners in Project Green steering committee, a major environmental initiative of the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. John has been recognized for his leadership in corporate sustainability by being named a Clean 50 honouree in 2013 and a Clean 16 honouree in 2018. In 2015, John was appointed as a member of the Ontario Government’s Climate Action Group advising the Ontario Minister of the Environment on effective climate change actions that will help Ontario meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and transition to a prosperous, low-carbon economy. In 2018, John was honoured to receive the Canadian General Counsel Award for Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership.</p><p>John also works closely with industry groups and other organizations. He is Chair of the board of the Look Good Feel Better Foundation and is director and past Chair of Cosmetics Alliance Canada.  <br> </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/JohnCoyne.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/JohnCoyne.jpgGP0|#98102075-86ed-4d5b-b339-ee36f96f72c9;L0|#098102075-86ed-4d5b-b339-ee36f96f72c9|John Coyne;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerJohnD. Coyne
Executive Director, Provision Coalitionhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Cher MereweatherExecutive Director, Provision Coalition<div class="ExternalClassE35263988E184A2A9888389F7B95201F"><p>​Cher is one of Canada's leaders in food manufacturing sustainability. As Executive Director of Provision Coalition, an organization she founded with the country's top food and beverage professional associations, Cher works directly with manufacturers to transform their business culture and operations. An advocate for change and a passionate spokesperson, Cher has dedicated her career to advancing sustainability concepts within the Canadian food industry and sustainability solutions at the firm level. Most recently, Cher has sharpened Provision's focus on the reduction of food loss and waste, responsible sourcing and climate change mitigation, by developing innovative technologies and on-line tools that will modernize facility processing. </p><p>Cher's career has included time with the Guelph Food Technology Centre where she established and directed the Sustainability Consulting Business Unit, and executive positions in environmental economics and policy with the Canadian agri-food think tank, the George Morris Centre. Cher holds a Bachelor and Master's degree in Environmental Economics and Policy. Cher has also been awarded the Canadian Grocer Generation Next award for her leadership, innovation and excellence in sustainability within the food and beverage industry.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/CherMereweather.jpg, Cher MereweatherGP0|#ccd5d1b2-5099-41dc-8668-60bd96c60929;L0|#0ccd5d1b2-5099-41dc-8668-60bd96c60929|Cher Mereweather;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerCherMereweather
Chair, Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee and Chair, NWZChttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Malcolm BrodieChair, Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee and Chair, NWZC<div class="ExternalClass4ED7F1382FCD404983E6FD6F21C54BD2"><p>Malcolm Brodie has been a Board Director and Chair of the National Zero Waste Council since its inception in October 2013. He has also been a member of Council for the City of Richmond since 1996, and following a by-election, he was sworn in as Mayor on October 29, 2001. Mayor Brodie was re-elected on November 16, 2002, November 19, 2005, November 15, 2008, November 19, 2011, and November 15, 2014.</p><p>Malcolm Brodie has been appointed by his Council to the Board of Directors of Metro Vancouver and he currently is the Chair of the Zero Waste Committee and also serves on the Intergovernmental & Finance Committee, the Mayors' Committee, the Performance & Procurement Committee, and the Federal Gas Tax Task Force. He represents Metro Vancouver on the Municipal Finance Authority, and in 2015, was elected as Chair. </p><p>Before election to Council, Mayor Brodie was a practicing lawyer and had a long record of service to Richmond in the volunteer community.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MalcolmBrodie.jpg, Malcolm BrodieGP0|#574e4109-4a0b-492f-8637-88d5edf91862;L0|#0574e4109-4a0b-492f-8637-88d5edf91862|Malcolm Brodie;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerMalcolmBrodie
Assistant Professor, University of Torontohttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Chelsea RochmanAssistant Professor, University of Toronto<div class="ExternalClass9ED44D1EDF414FF5BF6266474838909D"><p>​Chelsea Rochman is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. She received her PhD in Ecology from the University of California, Davis and was a recipient of the Society for Conservation Biology's David H. Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship. Chelsea has been researching the sources, sinks and ecological implications of plastic debris in marine and freshwater habitats for the past decade. She has published dozens of scientific papers in respected journals and has led international working groups about plastic pollution. In addition to her academic research, Chelsea works hard to translate her science beyond academia. She served as an expert witness, testifying in California about microplastics, and presented her work to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, NY, and at the US State Department in Washington, DC.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/ChelseaRochman.jpg, Chelsea RochmanGP0|#7de416aa-c560-47dc-84c7-07732d0cdbda;L0|#07de416aa-c560-47dc-84c7-07732d0cdbda|Chelsea Rochman;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerChelseaRochman
Senior Design Lead, Design for Change, IDEOhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Rhys ThomSenior Design Lead, Design for Change, IDEO<div class="ExternalClassFC245D9AB21A4C17B5CE429AA9570CCA"><p>Rhys Thom is an Organizational Designer and Senior Design Lead at IDEO, focused on helping clients and their companies harness creativity and the tools of design in order to be future fit. Rhys partners with leaders, organizations, NGOs, cities, and even countries to tackle complex challenges through design, spanning a range of topics from circular economy, to urban development, healthcare, and financial services. Together with his clients, Rhys designs the systems, tools, and behaviors that help organizations adapt and routinely innovate. During his time at IDEO, Rhys has co-led an innovation lab in Peru designing solutions for the country's emerging middle class, helped to design a scalable disaster response network that connects and mobilizes veterans across continents, co-founded IDEO's Circular Economy CoLab, and guided leaders of global companies on their journeys to build design and purpose-led organizations.</p><p>Prior to IDEO, he spent seven years at the World Resources Institute (WRI), a global sustainability think tank in Washington, D.C. There, Rhys was the Director of Information and Innovation for EMBARQ, the organization's center for sustainable transport and urban development. He helped to establish and grow EMBARQ's global network of organizations, working with cities and national governments around the world to design sustainable solutions for urban mobility. He also helped cultivate innovative partnerships with organizations like FedEx, Volkswagen, Caterpillar, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Forum for the Future. Rhys served as the founding editor of TheCityFix, a website dedicated to sustainable urban design and transportation that was named one of the top 50 eco-blogs in the world by The Guardian.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/RhysThom.jpg, Rhys ThomGP0|#7c7ec03c-326d-4eca-80ce-64b2a29118f9;L0|#07c7ec03c-326d-4eca-80ce-64b2a29118f9|Rhys Thom;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerRhysThom
National Business Development & Sales Strategist, Cascades Recovery+http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Mikhael MetauroNational Business Development & Sales Strategist, Cascades Recovery+<div class="ExternalClassF4B2C791EDD549EFB0081085878780FD"><div><p><span aria-hidden="true"></span>Mikhael has been a proud member of the Cascades Family for over 15 years. With his undergraduate degree in Strategic Selling & Marketing, Mikhael currently works within the Recovery+ division of Cascades focusing on Business Development and Corporate Strategy. Day in and day out Mikhael has the opportunity to deal with a wide range of customers from different market segments and backgrounds with various types of discarded material recovery needs. “It’s amazing to see how more and more organizations are focusing on sustainability and have put the people power in place to start thinking about better ways to recover more and waste less. For me this is where my focus has been and always will be, working with organizations to help them achieve their sustainability goals through coaching, planning and execution.” Mikhael is focused on creating a world where all materials have a positive end of life – a truly Circular Economy. </p></div></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MikhaelMetauro.jpg, Mikhael MetauroGP0|#8cc9d9de-9ddf-4526-a311-1e4855de6a27;L0|#08cc9d9de-9ddf-4526-a311-1e4855de6a27|Mikhael Metauro;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerMikhaelMetauro
Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadahttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Tom RosserAssistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada<div class="ExternalClassC5A2866E97BB4E119048FC36895723A7"><p>​Tom Rosser joined Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy in January 2017.  He is responsible for leading on major policy issues on behalf of the Department including Cabinet and intergovernmental affairs, development of a national food policy, as well as economic analysis. He is also the Department's Champion for mental health and wellness.   </p><p>Before joining AAFC, he was the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic Policy at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, responsible for policy development, Cabinet and Parliamentary Affairs, communications, economic analysis and trade.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/TomRosser.jpg, Tom RosserGP0|#ee45a12e-2324-4f6f-a36f-a950e3e1d747;L0|#0ee45a12e-2324-4f6f-a36f-a950e3e1d747|Tom Rosser;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerTomRosser
Vice-President, Food and Beverage Industry, OPTELhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Vanessa GrondinVice-President, Food and Beverage Industry, OPTEL<div class="ExternalClass8F021F72934B4595858BE5A6094061DA"><p>​Vanessa Grondin has over 10 years' experience in the food & beverage industry, in multinationals and start-ups alike. During that time, she has held a variety of management positions, mainly in R&D, QA, as well as equipment design. As Vice-President of Optel's Food and Beverage Industry, Ms. Grondin's role is to promote OPTEL's digital traceability solutions, which uses cutting-edge technologies to optimize supply chains efficiency and reduce waste. A technology enthusiast, Vanessa loves to talk about how cloud solutions, AI, IoT, blockchain and various mobile fonctions such as chatbots can improve supply chain efficiency. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/VanessaGrondin.jpg, Vanessa GrondinGP0|#ab18a7ab-2ba3-410d-b581-87db4531ee94;L0|#0ab18a7ab-2ba3-410d-b581-87db4531ee94|Vanessa Grondin;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerVanessaGrondin
Executive Director, Center for the Circular Economy, Closed Loop Partnershttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Kate DalyExecutive Director, Center for the Circular Economy, Closed Loop Partners<div class="ExternalClass98105C80C59F496E9CD05583CA19BE05"><p>​Kate Daly is Executive Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. The Center is a hub for circular business acceleration, investment, and research in packaging, food, the built environment, electronics and apparel & textiles. Kate previously served as Senior Vice President at the NYC Economic Development Corporation, where she oversaw business development programs in sectors including advanced manufacturing, smart cities, cleantech, fashion, tech, and media. Prior to NYCEDC Kate served as the Executive Director of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.  Kate holds a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/KateDaly.jpg, Kate DalyGP0|#4b4405ea-9e39-45a2-b445-8633ad7018ed;L0|#04b4405ea-9e39-45a2-b445-8633ad7018ed|Kate Daly;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerKateDaly
Retail Leader, EILEEN FISHER Renewhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Megan ArnaudRetail Leader, EILEEN FISHER Renew<div class="ExternalClass364AD556C924486791658CD1638E1DAD"><p>Megan leads the Seattle retail division of the EILEEN FISHER Renew take-back program. Under Megan’s leadership Renew has grown into a multimillion dollar business and has been recognized as a major space for innovation. Modelling a circular economy through recapturing product and shifting consumer practices, Megan’s work at EILEEN FISHER Renew inspires her to create customer connection through community, developing a unique experiential retail model. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MeganArnaud.jpg, Megan ArnaudGP0|#13a2fe66-652a-40a8-9852-14a16b45fb15;L0|#013a2fe66-652a-40a8-9852-14a16b45fb15|Megan Arnaud;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerMeganArnaud
Senior Project Manager, Cities Programmehttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Matthew FraserSenior Project Manager, Cities Programme<div class="ExternalClass1F42AD418952451F8C594B03A5BCAA4D"><p>Matthew is driven by the need to realise a new economic model that deliver prosperity within the means of our planet, and acknowledges that cities have a pivotal role to play in catalysing that transition globally. In his role as a Senior Project Manager at Circle Economy, he works together with cities to scope their opportunities and realize innovative and practical circular economy strategies. He also leads the development of digital tools that will allow cities and businesses to harness local data to capitalise on the benefits brought by the circular economy and take the first critical steps toward implementation. Matthew’s background is rooted in sustainability advisory, where he previously tackled complex global challenges like the food system, logistics and mobility, and sustainable consumption. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MatthewFraser.jpg, /speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MatthewFraser.jpgGP0|#0d12f951-6421-41a1-8719-0c2a72c624cb;L0|#00d12f951-6421-41a1-8719-0c2a72c624cb|Matthew Fraser;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerMatthewFraser
CEO and Co-founder, Fairwarehttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Denise TaschereauCEO and Co-founder, Fairware<div class="ExternalClassCC597EFFE977424C95F34CB2AF7A00DC"><p>​As chief executive officer (CEO) and cofounder of Fairware she is responsible for business development, product sourcing, as well as, Fairware’s ethical sourcing and sustainability programs. Denise got the idea to launch Fairware when she noticed how difficult it was to source promotional merchandise that reflected the social and environmental priorities of many of the brands and organizations she admired.</p><p>Prior to starting Fairware, Denise spent seven years as the Director of Sustainability and Community for Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada’s largest outdoor retailer. At MEC, she oversaw the Co-op’s national environmental programs, community grant-making and ethical sourcing programs, and wrote their award-winning first Sustainability Report.</p><p>She is currently a mentor for <a href="http://spring.is/" target="_blank">Spring.is</a>, an accelerator and incubator that is using business as a force for good to empower social impact leaders with the know-how, network and support needed to build a better business. Denise was a member of ETSY’s Manufacturing Advisory Board, a Board Member with the Green Meeting Industry Council and the past co-chair of Vision Vancouver. She has a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/DeniseTaschereau.jpg, /speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/DeniseTaschereau.jpgGP0|#58a3802c-4d60-4bf9-86fa-3dae25b5daf6;L0|#058a3802c-4d60-4bf9-86fa-3dae25b5daf6|Denise Taschereau;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerDeniseTaschereau
CEO & Founder, Think Beyond Plastic™http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Daniella RussoCEO & Founder, Think Beyond Plastic™<div class="ExternalClassE50734FDC3F842BEB32B51CAB0D485BD"><p>Daniella Russo believes that intractable environmental challenges can be addressed by harnessing the forces of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the power of the markets to do good. Since 2009, she has led the development of an innovation eco-system enabling the circular economy incorporating bio-based, bio-benign materials from renewable sources, associated manufacturing, and innovative consumer and business products specifically designed to handle these new materials. </p><p>Daniella Russo is a serial entrepreneur. Her experience includes executive management of businesses from start-up phase through an IPO (such as Frame Technology, Infoseek and others), as well as Fortune-500 companies (Sun Microsystems, and Xerox PARC).</p><p>Daniella Russo is a member of the Founders Board of Advisors at StartX Stanford Student Startup Accelerator. She is an Associate Professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies Graduate Program in International Policy and Management. She serves on the Board of numerous NGOs and businesses. <a href="https://zwcblog.org/2018/07/05/think-beyond-plastic-founder-daniella-russo-confirmed-for-zwc18/" target="_blank">Find out more by visiting our ZWC Blog</a></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/DaniellaRusso.jpg, Daniella Russo GP0|#ccf7b068-1517-4601-81df-a15fe5c60041;L0|#0ccf7b068-1517-4601-81df-a15fe5c60041|Daniella Russo;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerDaniella Russo
Co-Chair of the Circular Economy Working Group, NZWChttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Christina SeidelCo-Chair of the Circular Economy Working Group, NZWC<div class="ExternalClass37BE0D5D7DAF4C0AAED8318FD9EEAAFC"><p>​​Christina holds a Masters degree in Environmental Design (Environmental Science), as well as a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and is currently undertaking her PhD in Engineering Management, with a thesis topic of Assessing Recycling Options using Life- Cycle Assessment. She operates sonnevera international corp., a waste reduction consulting firm, and is the current Executive Director of the Recycling Council of Alberta. Christina loves rural life, choosing to live on a farm near Bluffton, Alberta, where her and her family raise Warmblood horses, and enjoy many other outdoor activities.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/ChristinaSeidel.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/ChristinaSeidel.jpgGP0|#f6629bf5-8cc0-4d32-9d33-6b95379de75a;L0|#0f6629bf5-8cc0-4d32-9d33-6b95379de75a|Christina Seidel;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerChristinaSeidel
Project Manager for the New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundationhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Sonja WeggeProject Manager for the New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation<div class="ExternalClassC57256AE2AE8442C9C5090807E2D76A0"><p>Sonja is a Project Manager for the New Plastics Economy Initiative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. </p><p>The New Plastics Economy is an ambitious three-year initiative to rethink and redesign the plastics system based on circular economy principles. It brings together key stakeholders from across the plastics value chain to change the way we produce, use and reuse plastics, starting with packaging.</p><p>Having a background in Packaging Engineering, Sonja gained some years of hands-on experience in industry before she found a new home on the Isle of Wight.  </p> <p>Find out more about the initiative by visiting <a href="https://newplasticseconomy.org/" target="_blank">https://newplasticseconomy.org/</a></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/SonjaWegge.jpg, Sonja WeggeGP0|#d9787c66-87b3-4fac-bdfa-e677d99705bf;L0|#0d9787c66-87b3-4fac-bdfa-e677d99705bf|Sonja Wegge;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerSonjaWegge
Manager, Accenture Strategyhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Jay ThakkarManager, Accenture Strategy<div class="ExternalClass82A9921ED27B42E4A1C98596ABA56915"> <p> Jay consults global organizations on business strategy, digital strategy, circular economy, and sustainability – often working at the cross-section of business and technology. He advises large organizations on unlocking competitive advantage from the circular economy, shaping business strategy through the lens of growth, profitability, and sustainability, and the role of technology in transforming the way we do business. Jay has helped clients in over 9 countries and across several industries. </p><p>At Accenture Strategy in Toronto, he is a global SMA on circular economy, leads CoE for ESG analytics, and advises on digital transformations. Jay’s client engagements at Accenture are diverse and include Growth Strategy, Business Model Innovation, Product Innovation, Digital Strategy and Roadmaps.</p><p>Jay actively engages on several forums helping shape the sustainability agenda and has closely worked with consortia like UNGC, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), FICCI, FGI etc. in the past. </p><p>When not busy helping transform the ways of business, Jay enjoys spending time in nature and walking trails. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/JayThakkar.jpg, Jay ThakkarGP0|#29251f56-5fbd-4696-a68e-fd47dde7b534;L0|#029251f56-5fbd-4696-a68e-fd47dde7b534|Jay Thakkar;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerJayThakkar
Lead on Food Waste and Loss Strategy for Canada, NZWChttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Denise PhilippeLead on Food Waste and Loss Strategy for Canada, NZWC<div class="ExternalClassA8320BFD17324ADFB5E37D63918B00EB"><p>​Denise supports the National Zero Waste Council on projects, working groups, and organizational development. For the past 4 years, Denise has helped drive forward the Council's work on food waste prevention and reduction, largely through the initiatives of the Food Working Group, and the National Strategy on Food Waste Reduction. Denise is also a Senior Policy Advisor with Metro Vancouver, the regional government that houses the Council. She is a certified planner who has been engaged in community and land use planning, and stakeholder engagement for over two decades, in both Canada and overseas. She has a Master's in Education with expertise in environmental/sustainability education, facilitation and dialogue.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/DenisePhilippe.jpg, Denise PhilippeGP0|#967836dc-53a1-4c9e-a42b-06f634174428;L0|#0967836dc-53a1-4c9e-a42b-06f634174428|Denise Philippe;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerDenisePhilippe
President & CEO PAC Packaging Consortium, Vice Chair National Zero Waste Councilhttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/James D DownhamPresident & CEO PAC Packaging Consortium, Vice Chair National Zero Waste Council<div class="ExternalClass3B31AF212C4C4B5BA597BE337C4238A6"><p>​Jim Downham is a former package manufacturing CEO. Currently he is the CEO of PAC Packaging Consortium and Chairman of LeaderLinx, executive recruiter serving leading packaging companies. Jim is the Vice Chairman of the National Zero Waste Council.</p><p>In 2014 Jim was inducted into the Packaging Hall of Fame; he is a Passionate Sustainability, Circular Economy and Brand Design Leader. Jim is a member of the 2018 Packaging Hall of Fame Commission.</p><p>PAC Packaging Consortium is a nonprofit association that serves global client partners across the packaging value chain to achieve their business objectives. Under Jim's leadership PAC has created several packaging programs including PAC NEXT and PAC FOOD Sustainability Programs; the IFS PAC secure globally recognized food packaging safety standard; intelliPACK, A Smart Packaging Innovation Catalyst; the PAC GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS and the PACed Certificate Program. </p><p>Jim serves on various packaging nonprofit boards and supports students through packaging design competitions and scholarships.   </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/JimDownham.jpg, Jim DownhamGP0|#0abd5541-3210-4170-a468-ef0ced2be588;L0|#00abd5541-3210-4170-a468-ef0ced2be588|James D Downham;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerJames DDownham
Senior Vice President of Operations, Western Canada, Walmart Canada http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Sam WankowskiSenior Vice President of Operations, Western Canada, Walmart Canada <div class="ExternalClass24AC73EC54164BF3BDEDDE38F56C89C3"><p>As the Senior Vice President for Walmart Canada’s Western Canada Operations, Sam is responsible for leading a world-class team while overseeing and executing a strategy aimed at ensuring sustainable value for Walmart’s customers. <br>Since joining Walmart more than 10 years ago, Sam has held a variety of roles across various divisions of the business including managing key hardlines portfolios for Walmart Canada.  Prior to joining Walmart, Sam was held merchandising and marketing roles at Asda, a leading British supermarket retailer. <br></p><p>Sam has a Bachelor of Honours in Business and Quality Management from The Nottingham Business School.  Outside of work he is an avid runner and sports fan. </p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/SamWankowski.jpg, Sam WankowskiGP0|#cecf951d-627b-45a6-b567-66b751a07bed;L0|#0cecf951d-627b-45a6-b567-66b751a07bed|Sam Wankowski;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerSamWankowski
Vice Provost, International, University of British Columbiahttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Murali ChandrashekaranVice Provost, International, University of British Columbia<div class="ExternalClass8796D557C5934979842F0FBDB9E693DA"><p>​DR. Murali Chandrashekaran is the Vice Provost (International), at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, and the Fred H. Siller Professor of Marketing and Behavioural Science at UBC's Sauder School of Business. As Vice-Provost, International, Dr. Chandrashekaran provides leadership in shepherding the University's diverse and complex international activities on both campuses, and in advancing UBC's international strategic priorities.<br></p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MuraliChandrashekaran.jpg, /speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/MuraliChandrashekaran.jpgGP0|#2d07d83a-6399-4f98-ba6f-386a98f6f40d;L0|#02d07d83a-6399-4f98-ba6f-386a98f6f40d|Murali Chandrashekaran;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerMuraliChandrashekaran
IT Architect, Cognitive Business Decision Support, IBM Serviceshttp://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/Garnet MillerIT Architect, Cognitive Business Decision Support, IBM Services<div class="ExternalClassD63243C12985484893F0D5C3AE8CC7FA"><p>​Delivering solutions for IBMs multi-national clients who are focused on becoming digital, Garnet works with both new and established companies who are using innovation to be disruptors to the norms and methods of business in their industry.  Digital business models, focused on customer experience require new innovations in products and the making and delivery of producst and services.  Garnet works with his clients to create a Customer Experience that meets expectations and new innovations and big ideas are the underpinning of these business models.  </p><p>At IBM in Vancouver, Garnet works with IBMs global solution centres in Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Minning, and Mental Health Providers using AI & Machine Learning, Big Data, and Cloud solutions to solve modern business problems.    When he's not at work Garnet enjoys outdoor activities.</p></div>http://www.zwc.ca/archive/2018/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/GarnetMiller.jpg, http://www.zwc.ca/speakers/SpeakerPhotos2018/GarnetMiller.jpgGP0|#ea6e3830-6ff3-4dd6-8ae7-ae71a7c17737;L0|#0ea6e3830-6ff3-4dd6-8ae7-ae71a7c17737|Garnet Miller;GTSet|#c31bcefc-bba8-4775-8a91-82f54b19d6e1;GPP|#2cc199a1-d60b-4e96-a498-1af734dde9a6SpeakerGarnetMiller



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