Inspiring Speakers at Hopeful Economics: Leadership & Innovation Summit

Check out the latest keynote speakers we have confirmed for Hopeful Economics: Leadership & Innovation Summit. To see the full speakers list visit our website.

Hopeful Economics:Leadership and Innovation Summit, which explores themes of economic reconciliation, social enterprise, entrepreneurship, community benefit agreements and local impact investing, is being co-hosted by Simon Fraser University’s Community Economic Development Programs and the City of Vancouver April 21-22, 2017 in downtown Vancouver.

Register for Inspiring Speakers at Hopeful Economics here

Keynote Speakers

Gulalai Habib has been working with displaced populations for over 25 years. She works with the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., is on the board of directors of the Women’s Economic Council and Common Thread Workers Co-operative. Gulalai will speak on the changes in refugees’ experiences in Canada since 2000, and the pressing need for social innovation and holistic approaches to ensure immigrant and refugee success in Canada.  

Charlene Aleck is a granddaughter of Chief Dan George, a mother of four and a grandmother. She’s an elected Councilor for the Tsleil-Waututh Nation (TWN) and a spokesperson for the TWN Sacred Trust Initiative. Charlene is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the land and water her people have stewarded since time immemorial. Charlene will present the Tsleil-Waututh’s vision for their economic future. TWN does not view economic development separately from social, ecological or spiritual development.  TWN is leading the opposition to Kinder Morgan Pipeline on behalf of the members of TWN, Squamish and Cold Water. TWN is also developing several long-term economic projects including restoration of shellfish beds in the Burrard Inlet and TWN Wind Power.

Danielle Levine is CEO of social enterprise Kanuu Indigenous Innovation Society and serves on the board of the Vancouver Native Housing Society. Most recently she ran the Ch’nook Indigenous Business Education program at UBC’s Sauder School of Business where she taught business, coached and inspired Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs from across Canada. She has also taught business and has been a business advisor at other post secondary institutions and consulting firms in B.C. Danielle’s presentation will outline social enterprise opportunities that have the most potential for large impact in the area of economic empowerment and reconciliation.

Sean Markey is an associate professor with the School of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU). He is author and editor of six books and numerous articles, reports related to sustainable community and regional economic development, rural and small town development, and sustainable infrastructure. In addition to his academic roles, Sean teaches with the SFU Community Economic Development Program and serves on the board of directors of the Vancity Community Foundation and the Silva Forest Foundation. Sean’s talk will highlight ecosystem conservation planning efforts in the Still Creek watershed, drawing connections between healthy ecosystems and healthy economies.

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