University of Guelph-Humber

Takara Small, an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur and speaker, is a host and producer for CBC Radio, technology columnist for CBC’s Metro Morning and MaRs Magazine and contributor to CBC News, The National and This is Canada Tonight. She has also produced the Globe and Mail podcast, “I’ll Go First,” which in 2018 was named Canada’s #1 tech podcast by Apple Canada. She founded and oversees VentureKids Canada which provides free coding classes and startup workshops to youth living in low-income and underserved communities. In December, Takara was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by WXN, which champions the advancement and recognition of women leaders.

Charmain Emerson is a strategic communications executive and consultant with nearly 25 years’ experience in the media industry. She is co-founder and communications lead for the Black Opportunity Fund, an organization dedicated to combat anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in Canada by creating a long-term and sustainable pool of capital to provide social and economic empowerment to Black communities. A committed advocate for more diversity in the workplaces and boardrooms of Canada, she serves on a number of boards including the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, the 100 Strong Foundation and Soulpepper Theatre.

Sharlyn Carrington, MCM, director and founder of Content Strong Communications, is an award-winning creative communications strategist. Her wide experience in the public and private sectors includes developing integrated campaigns and providing communications advice to more than 12 Ontario Government ministers, two premiers and programs that support underrepresented and vulnerable populations. As a diversity advocate, writer and speaker, her research and lived experience contributes to a robust conversation about the lack of diversity in public relations and effective avenues for change. Sharlyn is also co-founder and committee chair of the soon-to-be-launched Ubora Network, which will work to elevate the profile of excellent Black communicators in public relations.

Danielle Murray is a compositor for visual effects and animation with Wildbrain Studios in Vancouver. She describes her job as “making the impossible a reality,” integrating CGI into live-action takes. A graduate of the University of Guelph-Humber’s Media Studies program, she has contributed to movies including Men in Black International, Spider-Man: Homecoming and The Willoughbys, and to television productions including Raising Dion, The Man in the High Castle and Grey’s Anatomy.