Fostering a Culture of Inclusion, Accessibility & Equity in Tech and Encouraging Entrepreneurial Innovation
In today’s rapidly evolving digital economy, building a truly inclusive, accessible, and equitable tech ecosystem is more than a moral imperative — it’s a catalyst for innovation, resilience, sustainable growth, and economic success!
While many DEI programs have helped shift the landscape, the rollback of some of these initiatives makes it even more urgent to reinforce and reimagine our collective commitment to inclusion, equity, and accessibility! Yet, significant barriers persist, particularly for BIPOC communities, immigrants, refugees, seniors, and other overlooked groups who continue to face limited access to entrepreneurial opportunities and leadership roles in tech.
Fostering a Culture of Inclusion, Accessibility & Equity in Tech and Encouraging Entrepreneurial Innovation brings together current changemakers to examine how we can dismantle systemic barriers and intentionally create pathways for diverse talent to thrive.
We are officially part of Toronto Tech Week 2025, a weeklong citywide collection of events to connect and celebrate the builders. June 23 → June 27, 2025 | torontotechweek.com.
Through dynamic panel discussions featuring Surranna Sandy, CEO of national charity Skills for Change, Judy Galvez, CFO of NationsFirst and Dominic Fergus, co-founder at Gygg moderated by Mélanie Anthony, Communications and Events Consultant, this event will explore real-world strategies that organizations and individuals can implement to ensure technology is designed for all. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how inclusion fuels creativity, how equitable access fosters new ventures, and how accessibility leads to better products and services that serve entire communities. Networking will proceed after the panel conversation.
Join us as we envision a future where innovation and equity go hand in hand — and where no one is left behind in the rapidly growing digital economy.
About Our Panelists
SURRANNA SANDY, MA, MBA, ALM (She/Her)
Surranna Sandy is Chief Executive Officer of Skills for Change, a national charity that equips more than 20,000 immigrants and refugees each year for economic success. She holds a Masters degree in Global Development Practice from Harvard University, the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Credential, an MBA in Human Resources Management, an MA in Leadership and Management from Anglia Ruskin University and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Directors Education Program credential. Her leadership has earned honours such as the Government of Canada 150 Good Neighbor Award and inclusion among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women.
JUDY GALVEZ, CPA, CMA (She/Her)
Currently the CFO at Nationsfirst Technologies, Judy is helping to evolve the space of nature-related markets to support Indigenous-led natural resource and clean energy projects. Judy is an advocate for Web3 technology that bridges the financial gap for Indigenous people and brings in a new era of empowered collaboration and creativity. Judy’s career began in accounting and has evolved to include her love of community and the financial empowerment of everyday people.
DOMINIC FERGUS, BA ( He/Him)
Dom is a Cofounder at Gygg, a platform for seniors to connect and earn by assisting other seniors with task-based work. He is a former Strategy Lead at Dentsu, iProspect and Publicis where he has worked extensively on user acquisition and digital campaigns targeting seniors in Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Dom has also worked with public services and charities on senior care and crisis management.
Panel Moderator :
Mélanie Anthony ( She/Her)
Mélanie Anthony is a former journalist who became a Communications, Events, and Networking expert — passionate about Entrepreneurship and Tech. Since immigrating to Canada, she has been committed to learning about Indigenous cultures, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and Immigrants' Heritage. A dedicated advocate for accessibility, anti-racism and systemic change, Mélanie brings a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion lens to every conversation to drive a broader and lasting impact.
Agenda :
5.30-6.15 pm : Check In and Welcome ( People will be given their food ticket at Check In)
6:15 pm- 7.30 pm : Introduction and Panel
7.30 - 8.00 pm : Q & As
8.00 -9.30 pm : Networking
6ixtyWings Deal :
Each ticket gives access to :
Either a signature combo : 1 lb wings with loaded fries with choice of flavour for sauce : Honey Garlic, Garlic Parm 🔥, Devils Ranch 🔥🔥or Indian Style🔥🔥🔥.
Or a vegetarian option : veg burger with loaded fries or Cauliflower bites with loaded fries with dry Cajun seasoning or sweet chilli sauce.
Happy Hour ( All Event thru) :
All beers and house spirits for $4 include House spirits such as ( Crown Royal, Bacardi, Sky Vodka, Jose Tequila)
About Toronto Tech Week :
Toronto Tech Week is a weeklong, citywide collection of events to connect and celebrate the tech community. It's an open platform for anyone to join or host events to showcase Toronto globally as a city where anything is possible.