CHAIR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Barry Leavitt is the Director of Shared Services, ENWIN Utilities, and has an accomplished 35 year career in engineering and management within the tech, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. His passion is supporting and developing the next generation of leaders to realize their full potential. Outside of the office Barry enjoys time with family and playing squash and golf with friends.
Barry Leavitt is the Director of Shared Services, ENWIN Utilities, and has an accomplished 35 year career in engineering and management within the tech, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. His passion is supporting and developing the next generation of leaders to realize their full potential. Outside of the office Barry enjoys time with family and playing squash and golf with friends.
Barry Leavitt is the Director of Shared Services, ENWIN Utilities, and has an accomplished 35 year career in engineering and management within the tech, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors. His passion is supporting and developing the next generation of leaders to realize their full potential. Outside of the office Barry enjoys time with family and playing squash and golf with friends.
Barry Leavitt
ENWIN Utilities - Retired
A computer engineer by trade, Claudius has worked as an entrepreneur since 1991 providing information Systems and technology solutions. Claudius has a passion for developing young black youth through education, culture and sports. He is the leader of the Windsor Chapter of Black Boys Code, is setting up a sports academy for black youth, whilst also working with other business owners to form an alliance of black business owners. His work with Black Boys Code earned him the WEtech Alliance award ‘Tech Mentor’ of the year 2021. Claudius has experience working with international organizations including Hewlett Packard, Accenture, DAF Trucks N.V, Right Track Music software and others.
A computer engineer by trade, Claudius has worked as an entrepreneur since 1991 providing information Systems and technology solutions. Claudius has a passion for developing young black youth through education, culture and sports. He is the leader of the Windsor Chapter of Black Boys Code, is setting up a sports academy for black youth, whilst also working with other business owners to form an alliance of black business owners. His work with Black Boys Code earned him the WEtech Alliance award ‘Tech Mentor’ of the year 2021. Claudius has experience working with international organizations including Hewlett Packard, Accenture, DAF Trucks N.V, Right Track Music software and others.
A computer engineer by trade, Claudius has worked as an entrepreneur since 1991 providing information Systems and technology solutions. Claudius has a passion for developing young black youth through education, culture and sports. He is the leader of the Windsor Chapter of Black Boys Code, is setting up a sports academy for black youth, whilst also working with other business owners to form an alliance of black business owners. His work with Black Boys Code earned him the WEtech Alliance award ‘Tech Mentor’ of the year 2021. Claudius has experience working with international organizations including Hewlett Packard, Accenture, DAF Trucks N.V, Right Track Music software and others.
VICE CHAIR
Claudius Thomas
CEO, Turaco Web
One of the earliest innovators in the automated manufacturing data collection and analysis software field, Paul is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt with diverse experience in financial management, strategy development and deployment, process design and improvement, information technology, and transformational leadership. Paul has served in CFO, VP, Director, and Controllership roles in a multitude of industries.
One of the earliest innovators in the automated manufacturing data collection and analysis software field, Paul is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt with diverse experience in financial management, strategy development and deployment, process design and improvement, information technology, and transformational leadership. Paul has served in CFO, VP, Director, and Controllership roles in a multitude of industries.
One of the earliest innovators in the automated manufacturing data collection and analysis software field, Paul is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt with diverse experience in financial management, strategy development and deployment, process design and improvement, information technology, and transformational leadership. Paul has served in CFO, VP, Director, and Controllership roles in a multitude of industries.
TREASURER
Paul Mancini
CFO, Ottit eCommerce Bookkeeping
Throughout my career I have been blessed with incredible mentors who have helped me become who I am today. At CenterLine, I am encouraged and enabled to apply my technical and leadership skills to help create new products and practices for our industry.
Throughout my career I have been blessed with incredible mentors who have helped me become who I am today. At CenterLine, I am encouraged and enabled to apply my technical and leadership skills to help create new products and practices for our industry.
Throughout my career I have been blessed with incredible mentors who have helped me become who I am today. At CenterLine, I am encouraged and enabled to apply my technical and leadership skills to help create new products and practices for our industry.
PAST CHAIR
Larry Koscielski
VP, Process & Technology Development, CenterLine (Windsor) Ltd.
Aisling is an accomplished tech industry leader with extensive experience, from leading teams in agencies to pivotal roles in Y-Combinator backed SaaS startups. Her background spans coding, user experience, operations, and strategic leadership, while remaining a heartfelt advocate for generalists in tech and women in STEM.
Aisling is an accomplished tech industry leader with extensive experience, from leading teams in agencies to pivotal roles in Y-Combinator backed SaaS startups. Her background spans coding, user experience, operations, and strategic leadership, while remaining a heartfelt advocate for generalists in tech and women in STEM.
Aisling is an accomplished tech industry leader with extensive experience, from leading teams in agencies to pivotal roles in Y-Combinator backed SaaS startups. Her background spans coding, user experience, operations, and strategic leadership, while remaining a heartfelt advocate for generalists in tech and women in STEM.
Aisling Douglas
Chief of Staff to the CTO, Shogun
Chandrika, a seasoned e-mobility Product Manager, crafts electric-vehicle testing portfolio & business strategy at an automotive supplier. With 10+ years of diverse management experience and a global leader who's lived in 3 countries, she's led cross-continental teams. Beyond her corporate role, Chandrika enjoys filmmaking, and dedicates time to United Nations volunteering and community board roles. Passionate about STEM, she mentors aspiring girls and women in navigating STEM careers.
Chandrika, a seasoned e-mobility Product Manager, crafts electric-vehicle testing portfolio & business strategy at an automotive supplier. With 10+ years of diverse management experience and a global leader who's lived in 3 countries, she's led cross-continental teams. Beyond her corporate role, Chandrika enjoys filmmaking, and dedicates time to United Nations volunteering and community board roles. Passionate about STEM, she mentors aspiring girls and women in navigating STEM careers.
Chandrika, a seasoned e-mobility Product Manager, crafts electric-vehicle testing portfolio & business strategy at an automotive supplier. With 10+ years of diverse management experience and a global leader who's lived in 3 countries, she's led cross-continental teams. Beyond her corporate role, Chandrika enjoys filmmaking, and dedicates time to United Nations volunteering and community board roles. Passionate about STEM, she mentors aspiring girls and women in navigating STEM careers.
Chandrika Abhang
Product Manager, eMobility, Webasto Group
Dave has extensive expertise in automation and manufacturing with about 10 years at Ford Motor Company, as well as founding and running his own automation/control systems business based in Windsor for the past 20 years. Recently he has helped start up other companies in various fields as well as invested in existing established companies. Dave has a BASc. (EE), MBA and is a PENG. He is a local Windsorite and tries to support the community whenever possible.
Dave has extensive expertise in automation and manufacturing with about 10 years at Ford Motor Company, as well as founding and running his own automation/control systems business based in Windsor for the past 20 years. Recently he has helped start up other companies in various fields as well as invested in existing established companies. Dave has a BASc. (EE), MBA and is a PENG. He is a local Windsorite and tries to support the community whenever possible.
Dave has extensive expertise in automation and manufacturing with about 10 years at Ford Motor Company, as well as founding and running his own automation/control systems business based in Windsor for the past 20 years. Recently he has helped start up other companies in various fields as well as invested in existing established companies. Dave has a BASc. (EE), MBA and is a PENG. He is a local Windsorite and tries to support the community whenever possible.
Dave Fortin
President, DataRealm
Hector has been leading high-performance teams working with cutting-edge technologies in mobility and other sectors for 20+ years. His expertise in program management, lean-agile, organizational change, and continuous improvement have allowed him to head large organizations across the world. With formal education in business and engineering, he has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. Hector has called Windsor home since 2015.
Hector has been leading high-performance teams working with cutting-edge technologies in mobility and other sectors for 20+ years. His expertise in program management, lean-agile, organizational change, and continuous improvement have allowed him to head large organizations across the world. With formal education in business and engineering, he has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. Hector has called Windsor home since 2015.
Hector has been leading high-performance teams working with cutting-edge technologies in mobility and other sectors for 20+ years. His expertise in program management, lean-agile, organizational change, and continuous improvement have allowed him to head large organizations across the world. With formal education in business and engineering, he has always been passionate about entrepreneurship. Hector has called Windsor home since 2015.
Hector Frias
VP, Global Program Management, Aptiv PLC
Jim is the Dean of the Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology and the School of Media, Art and Design at St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology. During his career, he has led several businesses, and was the President of Marsh Food Services Ltd. and SCM Technologies Ltd. He was also the Director of the Industrial Gas Cylinder Business for the Worthington Cylinder Corporation. He currently runs a real estate investment company. He serves on a number of boards such as Enactus Canada, a learning platform for students who see business as a way to address social issues. He holds a Law degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor as well as a Master’s in Research Methodologies from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Jim is the Dean of the Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology and the School of Media, Art and Design at St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology. During his career, he has led several businesses, and was the President of Marsh Food Services Ltd. and SCM Technologies Ltd. He was also the Director of the Industrial Gas Cylinder Business for the Worthington Cylinder Corporation. He currently runs a real estate investment company. He serves on a number of boards such as Enactus Canada, a learning platform for students who see business as a way to address social issues. He holds a Law degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor as well as a Master’s in Research Methodologies from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Jim is the Dean of the Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology and the School of Media, Art and Design at St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology. During his career, he has led several businesses, and was the President of Marsh Food Services Ltd. and SCM Technologies Ltd. He was also the Director of the Industrial Gas Cylinder Business for the Worthington Cylinder Corporation. He currently runs a real estate investment company. He serves on a number of boards such as Enactus Canada, a learning platform for students who see business as a way to address social issues. He holds a Law degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor as well as a Master’s in Research Methodologies from the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Jim Marsh
Senior Director, St. Clair College
Sanela Stefanovski leads Technology Operations at Rocket Innovation Studio and spearheads the company community and academic partnerships.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Sanela Stefanovski leads Technology Operations at Rocket Innovation Studio and spearheads the company community and academic partnerships.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Sanela Stefanovski leads Technology Operations at Rocket Innovation Studio and spearheads the company community and academic partnerships.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Established in 2019 in Windsor, Rocket Innovation Studio focuses on recruiting tech talent for Rocket Companies (NYSE:RKT). Before joining Rocket Innovation Studio, Sanela's experience was in retail banking at one of Canada’s largest banks, holding significant roles including Manager of Customer Experience and Financial Advisor. A graduate of St. Clair College, she is dedicated to professional growth and Windsor’s tech expansion.
Sanela Stefanovski
Team Leader, Technology Operations, Rocket Innovation Studio
Sheryll is an advocate for new tech grads across Canada. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a B.Comm (Honours Business Administration) and is a Prosci-Certified Change Management Practitioner. Her career spans over 20 years in learning & development and tech & career development/education in both Ontario and Alberta. Sheryll recently moved back to Windsor and looks forward to being a solid contributor to the W-E Tech community.
Sheryll is an advocate for new tech grads across Canada. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a B.Comm (Honours Business Administration) and is a Prosci-Certified Change Management Practitioner. Her career spans over 20 years in learning & development and tech & career development/education in both Ontario and Alberta. Sheryll recently moved back to Windsor and looks forward to being a solid contributor to the W-E Tech community.
Sheryll is an advocate for new tech grads across Canada. She graduated from the University of Windsor with a B.Comm (Honours Business Administration) and is a Prosci-Certified Change Management Practitioner. Her career spans over 20 years in learning & development and tech & career development/education in both Ontario and Alberta. Sheryll recently moved back to Windsor and looks forward to being a solid contributor to the W-E Tech community.
Sheryll Westcarr
Manager - Career Services Advisors, Lighthouse Labs
Stephen has spent 25 years in economic development organizations in Connecticut, Nova Scotia & Ontario. Prior to joining WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, he served as Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and previously held the position of Senior VP, Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Before joining CERC, he was Director Economic Development in Stamford CT. In Halifax, Stephen was a Senior Executive Major Projects for Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development's Investment & Trade Division. Previously he spent 4 years with TD Bank, and later served in sales & marketing functions at different organizations in Canada & Belgium. Stephen has been a part-time lecturer at European University and Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. He received a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completed his MBA at European University in Belgium, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is a member of the International Advisory Committee of IEDC, and a Board member for the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA).
Stephen has spent 25 years in economic development organizations in Connecticut, Nova Scotia & Ontario. Prior to joining WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, he served as Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and previously held the position of Senior VP, Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Before joining CERC, he was Director Economic Development in Stamford CT. In Halifax, Stephen was a Senior Executive Major Projects for Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development's Investment & Trade Division. Previously he spent 4 years with TD Bank, and later served in sales & marketing functions at different organizations in Canada & Belgium. Stephen has been a part-time lecturer at European University and Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. He received a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completed his MBA at European University in Belgium, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is a member of the International Advisory Committee of IEDC, and a Board member for the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA).
Stephen has spent 25 years in economic development organizations in Connecticut, Nova Scotia & Ontario. Prior to joining WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, he served as Executive Director of the Southeastern Connecticut Enterprise Region and previously held the position of Senior VP, Connecticut Economic Resource Center. Before joining CERC, he was Director Economic Development in Stamford CT. In Halifax, Stephen was a Senior Executive Major Projects for Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development's Investment & Trade Division. Previously he spent 4 years with TD Bank, and later served in sales & marketing functions at different organizations in Canada & Belgium. Stephen has been a part-time lecturer at European University and Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax. He received a bachelor's degree in Commerce from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, completed his MBA at European University in Belgium, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. He is a member of the International Advisory Committee of IEDC, and a Board member for the Canada-United States Business Association (CUSBA).
Stephen MacKenzie
President and CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
Steve grew up in east end Windsor and went to school at Riverside High and then to Wayne State University. He has a passion for tech and small business. Wetech is the perfect place to bring these two things together.
Steve grew up in east end Windsor and went to school at Riverside High and then to Wayne State University. He has a passion for tech and small business. Wetech is the perfect place to bring these two things together.
Steve grew up in east end Windsor and went to school at Riverside High and then to Wayne State University. He has a passion for tech and small business. Wetech is the perfect place to bring these two things together.
Steve Truong
Small Business Specialist, Libro Credit Union
Tom began his career in fast-growing start-ups and worked across North America with innovators and builders. At the University of Windsor, the team focuses on building innovation ecosystems to support the research to marketplace pipeline. Innovation and collaboration is the name of the game.
Tom began his career in fast-growing start-ups and worked across North America with innovators and builders. At the University of Windsor, the team focuses on building innovation ecosystems to support the research to marketplace pipeline. Innovation and collaboration is the name of the game.
Tom began his career in fast-growing start-ups and worked across North America with innovators and builders. At the University of Windsor, the team focuses on building innovation ecosystems to support the research to marketplace pipeline. Innovation and collaboration is the name of the game.
Tom Schnekenburger
Director, Research Partnerships, University of Windsor
Wen is the Director of EPICentre at the University of Windsor. Wen joined EPICentre in 2014 as a founding member and the Venture Start Director. She has 20 years experience in IT, project management & entrepreneurship. She co-founded an international gas distribution company in Malaysia and a high-pressure cylinder distribution company in the US before moving to Windsor. Wen has a B.B.A. from University of Toledo and an MBA from University of Windsor. Wen is also a board member at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Art Gallery of Windsor.
Wen is the Director of EPICentre at the University of Windsor. Wen joined EPICentre in 2014 as a founding member and the Venture Start Director. She has 20 years experience in IT, project management & entrepreneurship. She co-founded an international gas distribution company in Malaysia and a high-pressure cylinder distribution company in the US before moving to Windsor. Wen has a B.B.A. from University of Toledo and an MBA from University of Windsor. Wen is also a board member at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Art Gallery of Windsor.
Wen is the Director of EPICentre at the University of Windsor. Wen joined EPICentre in 2014 as a founding member and the Venture Start Director. She has 20 years experience in IT, project management & entrepreneurship. She co-founded an international gas distribution company in Malaysia and a high-pressure cylinder distribution company in the US before moving to Windsor. Wen has a B.B.A. from University of Toledo and an MBA from University of Windsor. Wen is also a board member at the WindsorEssex Community Foundation and the Art Gallery of Windsor.
Wen Teoh
Director, EPICentre, University of Windsor
Amanda Lewan is an entrepreneur with a mission to change culture and inspire innovation. As Co-founder of Bamboo she bootstrapped the co-working space to multiple locations and 1,000+ members. Past events and programs Amanda has launched or co-lead include Backstage Capital’s Accelerator for underrepresented founders, Detroit Startup Week (10,000+conference), and AfroTech Detroit (500+ person conference). She often angel invests and mentors other founders. An expert ecosystem builder, she also consults for foundations, investors, and fortune 500 companies.
Amanda Lewan is an entrepreneur with a mission to change culture and inspire innovation. As Co-founder of Bamboo she bootstrapped the co-working space to multiple locations and 1,000+ members. Past events and programs Amanda has launched or co-lead include Backstage Capital’s Accelerator for underrepresented founders, Detroit Startup Week (10,000+conference), and AfroTech Detroit (500+ person conference). She often angel invests and mentors other founders. An expert ecosystem builder, she also consults for foundations, investors, and fortune 500 companies.
Amanda Lewan is an entrepreneur with a mission to change culture and inspire innovation. As Co-founder of Bamboo she bootstrapped the co-working space to multiple locations and 1,000+ members. Past events and programs Amanda has launched or co-lead include Backstage Capital’s Accelerator for underrepresented founders, Detroit Startup Week (10,000+conference), and AfroTech Detroit (500+ person conference). She often angel invests and mentors other founders. An expert ecosystem builder, she also consults for foundations, investors, and fortune 500 companies.
CROSS-BORDER ADVISOR
Amanda Lewan
Co-Founder and CEO, Bamboo
Jordan is the President and CEO of Picsume, a Windsor-based tech company revolutionizing the way Canadians find employment. He is a serial entrepreneur, launching 10+ companies in hospitality, beverage manufacturing, real estate, marketing and now, tech. Jordan leads his teams with a data driven and financial acumen that can only be achieved through the successes and failures of nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial focus.
Jordan is the President and CEO of Picsume, a Windsor-based tech company revolutionizing the way Canadians find employment. He is a serial entrepreneur, launching 10+ companies in hospitality, beverage manufacturing, real estate, marketing and now, tech. Jordan leads his teams with a data driven and financial acumen that can only be achieved through the successes and failures of nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial focus.
Jordan is the President and CEO of Picsume, a Windsor-based tech company revolutionizing the way Canadians find employment. He is a serial entrepreneur, launching 10+ companies in hospitality, beverage manufacturing, real estate, marketing and now, tech. Jordan leads his teams with a data driven and financial acumen that can only be achieved through the successes and failures of nearly 20 years of entrepreneurial focus.
CLIENT ADVISOR
Jordan Goure
President and CEO, Picsume
Moshood Saka is a 4th-year Computer Science student at the University of Windsor. Prior to becoming engaged in the entrepreneurial space in Windsor, he gained hands-on experience as a Software Engineering Intern. His academic and professional journey has been marked by a focus on practical software development.
Moshood Saka is a 4th-year Computer Science student at the University of Windsor. Prior to becoming engaged in the entrepreneurial space in Windsor, he gained hands-on experience as a Software Engineering Intern. His academic and professional journey has been marked by a focus on practical software development.
Moshood Saka is a 4th-year Computer Science student at the University of Windsor. Prior to becoming engaged in the entrepreneurial space in Windsor, he gained hands-on experience as a Software Engineering Intern. His academic and professional journey has been marked by a focus on practical software development.
STUDENT ADVISOR
Moshood Saka
School of Computer Science, University of Windsor
