As the Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, Abdullah leads the global startup ecosystem.

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Through its world-leading Incubator, Talent Academy and investment fund, DMZ’s global startup ecosystem equips founders with the tools to build, validate and scale impactful startups while producing skilled professionals ready to contribute to the innovation economy through expert-led tech and business courses.

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Committed to leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs, Abdullah has championed several key initiatives within DMZ for underserved founders, including its Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs. These programs provide tailored resources, funding and support to overcome barriers and create a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

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Under Abdullah’s leadership, the global startup ecosystem has significantly expanded its impact by establishing global hubs across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; broadening its support to serve upskilling professionals in tech and business foundations; and launching DMZ Ventures’ investment fund for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups.

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Abdullah serves on the Board of Directors for the Rideau Hall Foundation, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery and the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, Abdullah is a member of the Forbes Tech Council and has previously served as a Board Director for the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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He has previously held roles with the Canadian Armed Forces, Fairmont Hotels, and Marriott Hotels & Resorts. Abdullah holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and MBA and BComm degrees from Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Favourite travel destination?

Havana.

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How do you relax?

Listen to Andrea Bocelli or Drake.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Godfather.

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What is one item you never leave your house without?

A positive mindset.

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Best part about working at the DMZ?

The people and being in the best city in the world.

As the Manager of Partnerships at DMZ, Alex helps facilitate and implement strategic relationships between the founders, partners and the DMZ.

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Alex recently worked for the Career and Co-op & Student Success department at Toronto Metropolitan University. He collaborated with existing and new partners to gain insight into their early talent goals and employment strategies. Alex facilitated on-campus events such as career fairs, resume workshops, TED Talks, mock interview sessions, and off-campus events like hackathons, mentorship programs, and job shadowing. Alex’s expertise in partnership management and his ability to connect employers with students made him a valuable asset to the university.

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Before joining TMU, Alex spent over a decade working with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he played a crucial role in helping fans and corporate partners alike grow their businesses and passion for the team. Specifically, his exceptional relationship management skills fostered strong connections that contributed to the team’s revenue growth and overall performance. Alex built a reputation as a trusted partner and a valuable asset to the organization.

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Best elevator pitch line?

I’m terrified of elevators; I’ve been taking steps to avoid them.

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Cats or dogs?

Dogs - Proud Corgi Owner.

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What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?

Farmer.

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Favourite book?

Racing in the Rain.

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If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza.

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As Sr. Manager of Global Programs, Alix oversees operations across 11 locations, fostering collaboration and efficiency within a diverse global network. With a focus on advisory services and business development, Alix works alongside governments, universities, and NGOs to design innovative programs that drive meaningful impact.
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Committed to helping startups scale globally, Alix connects businesses with the resources, mentorship, and ecosystems needed to thrive. By advancing strategic partnerships and global initiatives, Alix empowers organizations to navigate complex challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
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Outside of work, Alix is actively involved with a Lebanese dog rescue group where she met the love of her life Albi, a blind miniature poodle. Alix is also an avid traveler, with her favourite destinations being Greece and Morocco.

Most used app?

Uber

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What would your dream holiday be?

Giraffe Manor in Kenya

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What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won a million dollars?

A week at Giraffe Manor :)

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What's your true passion?

The environment and ecological restoration!

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Pick two celebrities to be your parents.

Posh and Becks

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Amin is the Global Business Development Lead at DMZ, where he focuses on outreach and qualifying mission-aligned partners to launch revenue-generating, founder-first programs leveraging DMZ’s offerings. Prior to joining DMZ, he worked with startups across MENA, Europe, and North America, specializing in outbound strategy, partnerships, and founder-led sales.

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A passionate traveller, Amin spent five years as a digital nomad and is fluent in both Arabic and English. He has also dedicated time to rescuing and fostering dogs in Lebanon, a reflection of his strong affinity with animals.

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Outside of work, Amin can often be found near the water, on the slopes, or tuning into podcasts. A dedicated coffee enthusiast and motorcycle fan, he spent two years rebuilding his father’s 1985 Suzuki bike—always with a cup of coffee in hand.

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Favourite quote?

"The only way out is through."

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If I could have any superpower, I would choose …

Make dogs live forever.

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Which person, living or dead, would you have dinner with?

Nikola Tesla.

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Favourite food?

Lebanese.

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Your first memory of the DMZ?

 The coffee machine!

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Archie is a proud Torontonian with Cuban and German roots, his life mission is to spread positive vibes everywhere he goes.

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He is easy going, playful and happiest when meeting new people. You can find him following our ED around DMZ or on the lap of new friends while being cuddled – his favourite way to spend the day at the office.

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In his spare time, Archie enjoys a game of tug-of-war or watching the Raptors, from the couch of course. Favourite treat? Dehydrated beef strips with a water mojito on the side!

As a Programs Coordinator, Armin works closely with the Programs Manager to support founders within the DMZ’s programs while driving execution and operational efficiency across the team. Armin plays a key role in ensuring seamless coordination, follow-through, and impact within the DMZ programs team.

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With a background in Electrical Engineering, Armin began his career in the engineering field before transitioning to his true passion, the startup world. He spent several years working as a Product Manager at a tech startup in the IT sector, where he honed his skills in product development, cross-functional collaboration, and project execution.

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During his master’s degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Toronto Metropolitan University, Armin explored a wide range of innovation projects and startup initiatives, further deepening his understanding of how to turn ideas into scalable ventures. He brings a balance of technical insight, operational discipline, and creative problem-solving to projects, helping founders and teams execute effectively and achieve results

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

F1 Driver.

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Favourite movie/TV show?

Mr. Robot.

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Coffee or tea?

Coffee

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Best advice you’ve been given?

Worrying will never fix anything.

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As the Director of Partnerships & Interim Head of Operations, Bibi oversees the operations function, which encompasses administration, finance, human resources, space management, information systems, customer service and events.

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Bibi has a decade of experience scaling startups in a variety of industries, from hospitality, to retail, to logistics and e-commerce. She was the Senior Manager of International Expansion at Sonder, where she helped launch over 35 markets in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

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Bibi was then Chief of Staff at last-mile delivery startup BoxKnight and oversaw their growth until their acquisition by Series C-backed GoBolt. She was most recently the Chief of Staff at MoveMate, a DMZ startup! She’s served as an organizational coach for companies of all sizes, from early-stage startups at the DMZ to household names such as Knix and L’Oreal.

Favourite movie/TV show?

The Sopranos or Parks and Recreation

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Favourite food?

Butter chicken

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Alternative career choice?

Detective or Late night show host

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Last great movie you saw?

Beverly Hills Cop

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What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

The 8 Mile soundtrack CD (censored- to appease my mother)

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As the Marketing and Communications Assistant, Chasya plays an essential role in enhancing DMZ’s presence in the tech industry. Through collaborating with the marketing team to develop diverse marketing strategies and conducting market research, she also aids in content creation for social media management.

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Chasya’s journey in the industry began as a Digital Communications Assistant in her hometown of Scarborough, where she honed her skills in crafting written articles, designing promotional materials, and creating captivating social media content. Through her experience in curating communication and marketing materials, Chasya developed a strong commitment to being the creative voice that unites people through shared passions. She aspires to further enhance her communication skills, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Creative Director. She wishes to continue to be an integral part of creating compelling messages that engage diverse audiences and foster unity. Chasya has a passion for visual arts, and in her free time, she sketches, paints, and explores new artistic mediums.

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Chasya is a 2022 Toronto Metropolitan University alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication.

If I could have any superpower I would choose …?

Teleportation!

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Pick one song to be your non-stop background music?

Break from Toronto by PARTYNEXTDOOR.

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One item you don’t leave your house without?

My AirPods (because I always need to be listening to music)

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Favourite guilty pleasure reality TV show?

Love Island UK.

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Happiness is ______

Summer time in Toronto.

Darren is a part of DMZ’s Programs team, with the goal of helping to build awareness and attract more high-potential founders into the DMZ ecosystem.

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He is a proud graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University and studied Retail Management at the Ted Rogers School of Management. During his time as a student, Darren was an active student leader engaging in a wide range of extra-curricular activities to improve student life and connect students with industry experts and professional opportunities. Darren was the co-founder of a startup that enabled alumni connectivity through online platforms for higher ed institutions. This experience led Darren to start his career with the Ted Rogers School of Management, where he helped to build their alumni department.

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Darren has spent the last few years as a marketer for a youth mental health charity, a cause that he is very passionate about.

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In his spare time, he enjoys trying new restaurants in the city.

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PC or Mac?

Mac. No question.

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Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Aziz Ansari.

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Favourite food?

Sushi.

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If I could have any superpower I would choose…

Flight!

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Favourite childhood book?

Harry Potter.

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As the Programs Execution Lead, Delaram ensures the smooth execution of the Pre-Incubator and Incubator programs and oversees the programs administrative and logistical components. Along with the DMZ team, Delaram aims to foster an environment where startups can flourish and achieve their highest potential.

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Before moving to Canada, Delaram was deeply engaged in the vibrant world of marketing as she dedicated many years to the field. One of the peaks in her professional journey was working with the marketing team at Lufthansa Group, an aviation company with worldwide operations. She developed local yearly B2C marketing plans and managed integrated marketing campaigns in the Dubai Region.

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A pull toward entrepreneurship increased for Delaram, and her focus on entrepreneurship led her to move to Canada. She’s surrounded by a community alive with innovation and gets a thrill from guiding and supporting international entrepreneurs. By building on her previous experience and insights from her Master’s degree, she’s dedicated to nurturing and amplifying fresh ideas.

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Delaram earned a Master’s in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology at the University of Waterloo.

Favourite animal?

I'm a huge fan of penguins! Their sociable nature just warms my heart.

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Describe your desk space.

Looking at my desk, it might seem chaotic, but I promise I've got a system and can help you pinpoint anything you need!

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What is your biggest fear?

My biggest fear? Flying. It's a challenge every time!

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Coffee or tea?

Coffee all the way! It's my daily fuel.

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Favourite childhood book?

Anne of Green Gables.

As Manager of the Centre for Housing Innovation (CHI), Deniz leads government-funded programs to advance solutions in tackling the urgent issues in Canada’s housing industry. She built partnerships with leading organizations, supported CMHC’s Level Up Challenge, and leveraged municipal and government relations to adopt new technologies, materials, and construction approaches.

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With a decade of experience in corporate innovation and program leadership, she began her career at Turkiye’s industry giant, Sabanci Holding, building entrepreneurship programs and designing corporate innovation partnerships. This foundation informs her work at CHI, where she guides companies through multi-cohort accelerator and training programs, helping them navigate product development, commercialization, and industry partnerships.

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Holding a master’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University in Ottawa, Deniz applies her understanding of governance, policy, and regulatory environments to advance housing innovation. Design Thinking training at the Hasso Plattner Institut in Potsdam complements her approach, enabling human-centred solutions to complex sector challenges.

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Originally from Ankara, Türkiye, she moved to Canada in 2021 and now calls Toronto home.

Alternative career choice?

Journalism. To whet my appetite, I write for a Turkish news outlet as a political columnist from time to time.

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Favourite shop:

Indigo. If I’m not taking your calls, you can find me in the coffee table books section.

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If she could learn anything:

I would love to be a hyperpolyglot and achieve fluency in multiple languages.

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Dream dinner guest:

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkiye.

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Favourite childhood book:

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. [Spoiler] I always knew that Snape was a true gem.

Leaning on 10-years of experience working in government, Dove will work with the DMZ team as well as portfolio companies to navigate the Canadian political and regulatory landscape. Dove will also find ways to bridge policy gaps as well as work to source funding and grant opportunities for our portfolio companies.

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Dove is an experienced public relations and government affairs professional with a background in community outreach, stakeholder management, program development, project management, social procurement, and communications. After graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University with a bachelor’s degree in human resources from the Ted Rogers School of Management, Dove worked as a senior advisor for the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Public Services and Procurement, where he focused on operations as well as policy development and implementation.

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Dove played an integral role on the team that secured 2.7 billion pieces of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also assisted with accelerating COVID-19 vaccine dose availability by two quarters from the original forecasted timeline. Prior to these positions, he was an entrepreneur for his start-up, The Player Project, a fantasy sports platform where he oversaw product and business development.

Favourite superhero?

Batman

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When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?  

Some people want to be firefighters, some people want to walk on the moon. I wanted to be the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Favourite food?

I make a pretty awesome tandoori chicken mac and cheese. Bring tums though….

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Coffee or tea?

Tea, always in all ways.

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Favourite vacation spot?

Nashville

Emily manages DMZ’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategies, helping position the organization as a world-leading startup ecosystem. She oversees initiatives that strengthen DMZ’s profile globally – from launching international programs and building corporate partnerships to amplifying the voices of founders through media, brand storytelling, and thought leadership.

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Before joining DMZ in 2020, Emily built her career across tech, education, and tourism – experiences that cemented her passion for supporting students, entrepreneurs, and Canada’s thriving startup communities.

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Emily holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master of Professional Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Favourite travel destination?

Cappadocia in Turkey. Hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky every sunrise. It was the most magical place I've been, hands down.

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What is one item you never leave your house without?

My emotional support water bottle.

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Favourite pizza topping?

Not just for pizza, but for every food - Okazu miso chili oil, if you haven't tried it, you're missing out.

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What is your hometown?

St. John’s, Newfoundland. East coast best coast :)

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

Learning from many brilliant minds - founders and staff both!

Evan works as part of the operations team to support the finance function of DMZ, working under the Manager of Finance and Business Analytics.

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He is from Portlaoise, Ireland, where he graduated from the University of Limerick with a Bachelor of Business Studies. Evan’s experience spans across accounting, purchasing and audit roles. He previously lived in the north of Spain for a few months as part of an exchange program in college. Outside of work, he enjoys playing music and golf. Evan is also a member of a Gaelic Football (Irish Football!) club based in Toronto.

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What is your hometown?

Portlaoise, Ireland.

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Favourite travel destination?

Northern Spain.

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How do you relax?

Playing guitar, Gaelic football, golf.

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Favorite album?

‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory’ by Oasis.

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Favorite TV Show?

Suits.

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Freeman Chow joined DMZ in 2017 as the Finance & Business Analytics Manager. In this role, he oversees all of DMZ’s finances and budgets.

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Freeman’s experience includes nine years working in the healthcare and university sector. Throughout his career, he’s worked at The Hospital for Sick Children, St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University’s Faculty of Community Services where he oversaw project and operating budgets while working closely with the program faculty and key university stakeholders.

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Most recently he was awarded the Larissa Allen Employee Experience Award, which recognizes outstanding work by TMU staff, and completed an MBA with a focus on management and international business.

Cats or dogs?

Yes

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Describe your desk space:

Method to my madness

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Coffee or tea?

Coffee

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What's your go to karaoke song?

Don't rain on my parade - Barbra Streisand

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How do you relax?

Meditate

Heer is currently a Bachelor of Commerce candidate specializing in Business Technology Management, with a proven track record in event planning and development within academic settings. She is passionate about crafting engaging experiences that connect communities and drive conversation. She is building a unique career path at the intersection of law and artificial intelligence, aiming to leverage her strategic and analytical skills in these innovative fields. Outside of her professional pursuits, she channels her creativity into design and is dedicated to fostering professional development for aspiring students.

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Favourite animal?

Sea Otters.
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Favourite joke/a joke to share with the DMZ?

What's a ghosts favourite type of spreadsheet?

A BOO-lean.
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Favourite movie/TV show?

Good Will Hunting

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Favourite guilty pleasure reality TV show?

Selling Sunset.

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Favourite sport?

Hockey.

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As an Operations and Administrative Assistant at the DMZ, Hyewon supports daily operations, front-desk reception, and event coordination while providing professional and responsive service to internal and external stakeholders. Hyewon’s role also involves collaborating across departments on various initiatives, representing DMZ to the startup community, students, and partners.

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Hyewon is currently pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University and has just completed her second year. She has a strong interest in organizing data and optimizing systems to improve efficiency.

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Curious and open to new experiences, Hyewon enjoys stepping outside her comfort zone—especially through social and networking events. She finds inspiration in hearing people’s stories and learning from different perspectives.

A digital invention you can't wait to see come true?

A fully automated self-care booth—a machine that washes, dries, and even applies skincare for you!

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What are you most excited about for this summer?

Outdoor movie nights.

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Happiness is ______.

Going to sleep without worrying about anything in the back of your head.

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Favourite cereal?

Frosted Flakes—very classic.

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If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sundubu-jjigae.

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Ishaa will be working as an Operations and Administrative Assistant at the DMZ. Her role aims to provide front-line support to multiple departments, keeping up to date with new information, providing customer service to internal and external stakeholders, and assisting with events at the DMZ. Ishaa is a second-year sociology student at TMU, as well as Co-President of TMU UX. UX, which stands for User Experience, is all about user-centric design and finding ways to develop ideas that are in the best interest of the consumer. These ideas can be applied to products, systems, or services, and include strategies for continuous improvement. Ishaa hopes to use what she's learned to one day have a company and design her own unique products. In her spare time, Ishaa loves to engage in thrill-seeking activities with friends, compete in design competitions, and shoot 4k videos for her social media.

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One item you don’t leave your house without?

My glasses ( I can't see )

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Alternative career choice?

I would've loved to become an Industrial Engineer!
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Favourite viral YouTube video?

I met ronaldo.

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Coffee or Tea? ‍

None. Hot water with a spoon of honey

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Proudest accomplishment?

Getting to work at the DMZ!

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As the Skills Academy Programs Specialist for DMZ, Jamelia supports the development, and implementation of talent development programming initiatives for target students, entrepreneurs, and startup groups to enhance overall member experience.

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Prior to joining DMZ in 2022, Jamelia had been working to support Ontario’s economic growth through her role at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce; advocating for small and medium-sized businesses in the province.

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Graduating from York University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science and English, Jamelia had the desire to study internationally and broaden her understanding of social policy programs across the globe, completing a Master’s degree in International Social Policy.

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She has a diversity of work experience, having worked in education, for small businesses, NGOs and the city of Toronto. She is looking to apply the skills gained from her background to her role at DMZ.

Favourite superhero?

Batman!

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Favourite quote?

“Do or do not, there is no try.” - Yoda

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What would your dream holiday be?

Maldives.

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First job?

Figure Skating Instructor.

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Who or what inspires you?

My mother.

As the Social Media Coordinator, Joe coordinates all aspects of DMZ’s social media channels, digital brand awareness, content strategy, video, graphic and photo content development.

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Joe is passionate about fostering growth on social channels through emerging content trends and data-driven strategy. Before joining DMZ, Joe worked in the sports social media space for five years with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Canadian Football League. His work in sports has allowed him to tell stories for audiences across Canada. At DMZ, Joe is looking to tell stories globally while promoting the TMU community. Joe is a proud alumnus of TMU’s RTA School of Media with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Production.

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Favourite sport

Hockey

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A digital invention you can't wait to see come true:

Electric planes

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Favourite movie or TV character:  

Tobey Maguire's Peter Parker

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Which person, living or dead, would you have dinner with?

Anthony Bourdain

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One piece of fashion advice?

Buy more used clothing

Jose joined DMZ in July 2018. As the Space & Tech Coordinator, Jose maintains and inspects the DMZ office to ensure the space is functional, which includes troubleshooting, organizing equipment and supporting special projects. He also provides technical support to all DMZ members and staff.

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Jose has worked in the production industry setting up stages and organizing several events. Jose is a McMaster University graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering and Management in Mechatronics Engineering and he enjoys a variety of activities in his spare time including playing soccer, watching musical theatre, playing video games, and reading books.

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Where is your hometown?

Lima, Peru

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What is your favourite book of all time?

The Battle of the Labyrinth

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Favourite travel destination?

Punta Cana

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What is a crazy, but true, fact about yourself?

I have produced a musical.

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

The people and the food.

As DMZ’s Partner Stewardship Lead, Juliesa is responsible for ensuring that the incubator program runs smoothly by handling both the administrative and logistical aspects of the program. She assists with DMZ’s investor relations efforts and provides administrative support to the Director of Programs & Corporate Collaborations.

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Juliesa graduated from the Medical Administration program at Sheridan College, which allows her to excel in supporting the Programs Team. In her spare time, Juliesa likes to get her creative juices flowing by writing songs and creating music through her guitar and piano.

What’s your favourite travel destination?

Jamaica

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How do you relax?

Going to the spa.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

The Lion King

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If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

The ability to read minds.

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What's one thing people know you best for?

My laugh

As DMZ’s Product Development Manager, Justin manages and maintains all information systems for DMZ. He also builds web applications and implements new technology where it is needed to support staff and startups. Justin joined DMZ’s team in July, 2017.

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Justin is a proud Toronto Metropolitan University, Mathematics with Computer Science graduate who graduated with several co-op placements under his belt, including Deloitte’s Chief Technology Office working on database analytics. Justin embodies the qualities of an exemplar TMU Alumnus: natural entrepreneurial tendencies, an asset to this role.

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Beyond work, Justin is a soccer, squash and ping-pong player and enjoys the outdoors.

What’s your favourite travel destination?

Thailand

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What is a crazy, but true, fact about yourself?

I was a top chess player in Toronto in elementary school.

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

My coworkers are good-hearted, smart, passionate, kind and fun.

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

Interstellar

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If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

To fly.

As a Program Lead, Justine is responsible for planning and implementing innovative programs for the DMZ’s startups. She is always available to offer ongoing support and connections to help startups scale their business. Justine recently moved back to Canada from the UK where she spent 5 years helping tech startups scale. Since moving back, she has spent time working for multiple startup support organizations such as the Creative Destruction Lab and HaloHealth.

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Justine started her journey in tech over 6 years ago working for Brainstation as the Campus Manager. It was there that she first grew passionate about helping students and small businesses. She then moved to London, where she managed University College London’s innovation hub for startups alongside corporate partners, Cisco and EDF. Here, she was lucky to work across multiple verticals such as program design, partnerships, sales, and visa support (helping over 80 international startup founders launch their business in the UK).

Which person, living or dead, would you have dinner with?

Celine Dion! I love how quirky she is.

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First record you bought?

Shania Twain - The Woman in Me. Growing up in Calgary, country music was on repeat!

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Favourite childhood book - Robert Munsch- Love you Forever still makes me tear up

Robert Munsch- Love you Forever still makes me tear up.

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Best concert you’ve been to?

Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and The Lumineers at the BST Festival in Hyde Park.

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What makes you laugh the most?

Anything Vaudeville. My partner makes fun of me for having the humour of an 85 year old.

Khadijah Ghauri is passionate about visual storytelling and finding new ways to share stories across digital platforms. Before joining DMZ, she worked as a Photo Editor at The Eyeopener, where she managed contributors, directed shoots, and oversaw visual production for one of Canada’s largest student newspapers. She has also photographed editorials for several student magazines and enjoys working behind the scenes to create compelling content.

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Alongside her creative work, Khadijah has held corporate roles where she strengthened her client relations, communications, and organizational skills.
Now in her fourth year of the Journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Khadijah is eager to pursue a career in public relations and media, blending her background in photography, writing, and digital content creation.

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Favourite quote?

Nothing changes, if nothing changes!!!

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Which person, living or dead, would you have dinner with?

Jennifer Coolidge.

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Pick one song to be your non-stop background music?

Stay Schemin - Rick Ross.

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When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a pop star.

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If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Paris!!

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As a Service and Events Assistant, Linh ensures the smooth execution of events while delivering exceptional support to clients and team members. Born and raised in Vietnam, Linh graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce – International Business from Seneca College. Moving to Canada was driven by her desire to experience life in a multicultural environment and embrace new perspectives.

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For the past two years, Linh has been working in the customer relations industry, where she has learned that people are at the heart of everything. She loves creating positive experiences, making sure every detail is just right, and connecting with others in a way that makes them feel valued. It’s what motivates her to keep growing and take on new challenges.

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When Linh’s not busy at work, you’ll likely find her swimming, painting, or indulging in a little retail therapy—especially when it comes to skincare! Taking care of herself and finding ways to recharge keeps her inspired and ready to tackle new challenges.

As the Public Relations Manager, Luvy acts as the primary media contact for the DMZ, promoting the success stories of DMZ founders, and special DMZ initiatives and activities. Luvy also assists the Marketing and Communications team with communications and promotional materials for campaigns.

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Born and raised in Ottawa, Luvy has a love for public policy and worked for the federal government in the capital for over three years. Before joining DMZ, Luvy was at a boutique communications agency, specializing in impact and community building. This marked the beginning of her work in Toronto’s innovation ecosystem, which left her inspired to continue her career amplifying powerful entrepreneurial stories.

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She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from a conjoint program offered by the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College.

Alternative career choice?

Professional Taste Tester

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When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An Astronaut

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Favourite animal?

Giraffes

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What is your biggest fear?

Frogs

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Best concert you’ve been to?

Beyoncé's Formation Tour in 2016

As the Event Marketing Assistant, Merziya supports DMZ’s Marketing & Communications team in coordinating and executing event logistics, developing marketing materials, and managing communications to ensure successful event outcomes and enhanced stakeholder engagement.

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With over four years of experience in the digital media industry, Merziya has worked on social media coordination, creative direction and marketing projects with brands like Adobe, Discovery Inc, Ford and The Ottawa Senators.

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Born and raised in Dubai, Merziya moved to Canada at the age of 12 and has a unique appreciation for various cultures and backgrounds. Her experience in digital marketing has helped her create successful campaigns and engaging content that resonates with vast audiences. When Merziya isn’t at work, she’s either shopping, travelling or watching trashy reality TV (she’s a sucker for Love is Blind). To balance it out, she is also an avid reader and loves a good suspense-filled novel (her current read is The Stranger by Albert Camus).

Favourite movie/TV show?

Coraline

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Favourite guilty pleasure reality tv show?

...Jersey Shore

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Favourite childhood game?

Guitar Hero (1,2 & 3)

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What do you miss about being a kid?

The lack of responsibility

As the Special Programs Manager, Mostafa manages and oversees special programs related to the priorities of the DMZ, from the development to the implementation stage.

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Mostafa likes to label himself as a jack of all trades / loopholes finder. Mostafa’s career spans several industries. He started off as a humanitarian worker for UN WFP and ICRC and moved to the cement industry. He then worked in heritage real estate before settling in the entrepreneurship and innovation sector.

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In his last role as Partners Success Manager for Plug and Play Egypt, Mostafa orchestrated a 5 countries wide Sustainability and GreenTech hackathon for PepsiCo Middle East covering Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and The United Arab Emirates. He was also supporting accelerated startups in Business Development.

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Mostafa received the Chevening award to do his masters in Creative Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmith’s College, University of London in 2017-2018 and he is passionate about improving organizations and facilitating a sense of community.

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Favourite movie/TV show?

Gladiator, Dark Knight trilogy

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How do you relax?

Washing the dishes, playing with my daughter, and snacking

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Describe your desk space

Chaos

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What’s one thing people know you best for?

I love to connect people

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Favourite restaurant?

Dishoom in London, UK

As the DMZ Startup Legal Support (“SLS”) Lead Nicholas works with Strategic Initiatives to develop processes and procedures, manage partnering law firm relationships, manage a team of law students, and provide the DMZ startups with accessible and comprehensive legal support.

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While pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Calgary, Nicholas not only cultivated a passion for understanding how policy and industry function, but also formed a special connection with innovation specifically. In addition to his studies, Nicholas founded a small software firm, designed to modernize the way students interacted with their campus. While navigating all the necessary ups and downs of founding a startup as a full-time student, Nicholas found himself looking at the technology industry through a burgeoning lens of innovative legal solutions. Provided with the unique insight into the complicated landscape of starting and running a technology firm, coupled with a policy and legal based education, Nicholas was resolved to begin his mission to do all that he could to ease the legal processes and complexities faced by technological innovators in their attempt to drive the Canadian economy forward. After his first year of law school at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Nicholas realized that this is a mission he shared with DMZ.

Favourite quote?

"[Some] see things as they are, and ask “Why?” But I dream things that never were; and ask “Why not?” - George Bernard Shaw

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Have you ever gotten starstruck?

Danny Trejo (the uncle from Spy Kids) has asked me for directions on two separate occasions. I was no help to him either time, and the first time I met him all I could muster was "Wait, are you famous?"

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Piece of technology you can’t live without?

Does Google count? Because Google is my answer.

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First record you bought?

Smash Mouth's album unimaginatively called Smash Mouth.

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Pick one song to be your non-stop background music?

9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.

Noor is a 4th-year Business Management student specializing in Marketing, with minors in Human Resources and Psychology. She has completed four co-op terms, both on and off campus, where she gained valuable experience in communications, external relations, and a range of HR functions.

Beyond her academics, Noor has been actively involved in the TMU community through campus roles and student group engagement. She currently serves as Co-President of BoostHER TMU, a student organization dedicated to empowering women in business.

Outside of school, Noor enjoys spending time with her conure, connecting with new people, and finding creative ways to organize spaces. She is deeply passionate about leadership, community building, and creating meaningful experiences.

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Favourite colour?

My favourite colour changes between mint green and royal blue, but I do gravitate more towards blues.

What has been your best moment this year (so far)?

Definitely stepping up as Co-President for BoostHER TMU because I never thought in my undergrad that I would be so involved in a student group so it makes me really proud to see how much I have broken out of my shell!

Pet peeve?

Slow walkers! I am someone who likes to walk fast and walking around Toronto, it can get so frustrating when people are constantly blocking your way.

Favourite season and why?

My favourite season is Winter. I know a lot of people don't like it but I love the snow and dressing up in cozy outfits.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Definitely lasagna. You get protein, carbs, dairy and vegetables all in one!

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Olivia is DMZ’s Administrative Support Specialist, where she provides admin support to the Office of the Executive Director. Olivia is a University of Toronto graduate from the Book and Media Studies program (with minors in Sociology and Anthropology). Before joining DMZ in October 2017 as a Scheduling Assistant, she spent seven years working in the hospitality industry as a Reservations Agent and PBX Operator at The Hazelton Hotel and Front Desk Agent at Le Germain Hotel.

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Olivia is also an avid reader, enjoys classic films, pilates and being outdoors. As a Cuban expat she speaks fluent Spanish and is a real whiz in the kitchen.

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What is your favourite book of all time?

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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What is a crazy, but true, fact about yourself?

My relatives founded a small town in Ciego de Avila province in Cuba! When registering the town's name, it went unnoticed that there was typo and still to this day the "Fraxeda" town lives on!

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What is your favourite movie of all time?

Anything by Alfred Hitchcock.

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Which person, living or dead, would you have dinner with?

Catching up with all my grandparents. Enjoying a feast!

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Best concert you’ve been to?

The Rolling Stones (June 2019). My dad, nephew and I had a blast!

As Programs Manager, Olivia is responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of entrepreneurship programs tailored to propel tech startup founders towards success. Prior to joining the DMZ, Olivia dedicated 4 years at NEXT Canada, contributing to the success of the Next 36 and Next Founders Programs. Most recently, she spent 2 years in corporate venture capital at Compass Digital Ventures, where she honed her strategic insights into the startup landscape by managing a startup pilot portfolio. Passionate about fostering innovation ecosystems, Olivia is committed to equipping founders with essential tools to reach their goals.

Favourite sport?

Tennis

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Favourite Animal?

Dogs. They bring so much happiness to the world!

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Favourite childhood book?

The Giving Tree

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Alternative career choice?

Architect / Interior Design

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Favourite vacation spot?

Italy. Nothing beats the food

As the Skills Academy Programs Specialist at DMZ, Pouria collaborates with the Skills Academy team and other DMZ teams to assist students, aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders. Through programs and workshops, he and connects participants to skilled professionals and helps them enhance their skills and networks. In all, Pouria supports startups on their path to sustainable growth.

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Despite Pouria’s background in engineering, he’s always had a passion for tech startups. From a young age, he’s been fascinated with the complexities of technology and gained valuable experience in various areas such as product management, marketing, and business development. Pouria’s diverse background has given him a deep understanding of the business landscape and helped support his passion.

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Pouria co-founded teslakala.com, an e-commerce platform specializing in electrical and industrial equipment that achieved impressive growth with an annual expansion rate of over 200% for five years. From seeking further growth and learning opportunities, he moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at Toronto Metropolitan University and is excited to use his skills and experience to contribute to DMZ’s success in innovative and dynamic environments.

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Pouria has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and dual master’s degrees– one in Industrial Systems and Productivity Management and the other in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut

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Favourite movie/TV show?

Friends

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If I could have any superpower I would choose …

Seeing the Future through Time Travel

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Favourite childhood book?

Robinson Crusoe

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Best advice you’ve been given?

Money doesn't bring happiness, focus on what brings you true joy in life

Priyanka recently completed her first year at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. Before law school, she earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. While at Laurier, she led the Women in Leadership Club, where she provided mentorship and organized women-led networking events in collaboration with business professionals. This role sparked her passion for advancing women’s involvement in business and technology, and how these areas intersect with the legal field. Outside of school, Priyanka enjoys Pilates, getting lost in a good book, and discovering new coffee shops—because there’s no such thing as too much coffee.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Boston.

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Last book you read?

Women Talking.

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Alternative career choice?

Food Critic.

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Favourite vacation spot?

New York City or The Algarve in Portugal.

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Favourite restaurant?

Nodo.

As Programs Lead, Rob designs, implements, and evaluates DMZ programming to optimize startup success, directly supporting founders through their journeys with the goal of helping them scale.

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Rob’s passion for education and innovation has been evident throughout his career. He previously taught business at Western University and was able to instruct hundreds of aspiring students and future leaders. As a lecturer he became a published author and responded to plenty of questions (the answer to most of which were, of course, in the syllabus). Rob also has experience in the startup ecosystem, having previously worked with a small team to organize and execute corporate hackathons, conferences, and design thinking workshops. Over the past few years, Rob has dedicated himself to supporting both domestic and international startups, helping to unlock their potential and set themselves up for success.

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Away from work, he often spends his time reading or checking out a new game—recommendations are always welcome!

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If you could be on any reality show, what would it be?

Survivor!

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Favourite cereal?

Multigrain Cheerios

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Best concert you’ve been to?

Black Country, New Road in Toronto

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Best advice you’ve been given?

“Dig in!” - My dad

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Favourite movie?

Tim Burton’s Big Fish

As the Program Specialist for DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs, Rotimi gets to be the ultimate sidekick for brilliant founders, helping them turn their bold ideas into thriving startups! From designing innovative programs to giving real-time advice, Rotimi is all about unlocking potential and guiding entrepreneurs through their epic growth journey.

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Rotimi is a startup enthusiast whose journey has taken him from launching e-commerce ventures in Nigeria to supporting founders across North America. He has worn many hats, from scaling beauty products on Amazon to helping student founders develop business models and take their startups to market. As the Programs Lead for Black Innovation Programs at DMZ, Rotimi is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs and guiding them through their growth journeys. With experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems, he brings a unique blend of operational expertise and mentorship to the table, always eager to help founders succeed. Lifelong learning and innovation drive his work.

As the SkillHouse & Global Programs Assistant, Sakina supports DMZ’s global initiatives by managing the SkillHouse program and coordinating skill-building workshops and startup-focused activities. She also leads outreach efforts to build new partnerships that foster innovation and growth within the international startup ecosystem.

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With a background in program coordination and marketing, Sakina is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that engage diverse audiences and foresees a future in project management or program coordination. Outside of work, she channels her creativity into her side hustle, Clouseau’s Bakery, which she uses to give back by supporting charities like Islamic Relief and Human Appeal.

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A creative at heart, Sakina enjoys keeping busy with a variety of pastimes, from reading murder mysteries and exploring new matcha spots to jewellery making and other exciting projects.

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Favourite quote?
"If you can dream it, you can achieve it." - Zig Ziglar

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Favourite T.V show?
Sherlock.

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What makes you laugh the most?
Hassan Phills.

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Last book you read?
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

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A crazy but true fact about yourself:
I once baked, iced, and decorated 200 milk cakes in one day for an event.

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Sameeha is a third-year law student at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law. She brings experience from the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), where she supported constitutional litigation on gender equality and researched gender-based issues in technology law, strengthening her commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal field. Before law school, she worked at CoinSmart, a Canadian cryptocurrency exchange, where she gained exposure to the fintech world. Passionate about the intersection of law, innovation, and entrepreneurship, she is the founding co-president of the Emerging Companies & Venture Capital Club at her law school. Outside of law, Sameeha enjoys hot yoga, experimenting with new recipes, and finding Toronto’s best matcha spots.

Favourite movie/tv show?

Gossip Girl.

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If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Qatar.
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A digital invention you can't wait to see come true?

A fully realistic virtual try-on for clothes, shoes, and jewelry, etc. while online shopping

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Favourite album?

Care Package - Drake

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Favourite food?

Truffle fries & tiramisu

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Scout takes his role as the Head of Social Committee at DMZ very seriously. This pooch has one mission: to spread endless cheer and create a tail-waggingly amazing work environment.

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With his infectious charm and an uncanny ability to sense when someone needs a little extra love, our startups and staff can always count on Scout to warmly greet them at DMZ. When it comes to team morale, Scout is always on duty. He organizes regular office celebrations, from barkday parties to pupcake bake-offs, ensuring that the smiles never fade.

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With his unwavering dedication to making everyone feel loved and welcomed, Scout is the epitome of what makes DMZ a truly special place to be.

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As the Marketing & Design Coordinator at DMZ, Shameel creates high-quality marketing and communication materials, including websites, reports, and social media assets. Shameel also coordinates marketing activities and campaigns, ensuring they align with DMZ’s objectives and effectively promote our initiatives.

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With an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, Shameel has a strong foundation in marketing and business strategy. In his previous roles at Community Living Ontario and BTNX, he spearheaded campaigns and led significant rebranding initiatives, enhancing his digital design abilities and leveraging marketing analytics and research to improve creative performance. Shameel also has a deep passion for fashion, having launched a brand that not only makes a positive impact but is also sold in large retail stores and has received many media features. His diverse experience showcases his ability to drive impactful marketing strategies and brand innovation.

Favourite album?

If You Reading This It's Too Late - Drake

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One piece of fashion advice?

Proportions and quality of the garment matter more than the brand name

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What song best describes your work ethic?

Hustlin - Rick Ross

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Favourite sport?

Soccer & Basketball

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Most visited website?

Pinterest lol :)

Shane oversees Alumni and Special Programs at DMZ. The department engages DMZ’s growing alumni network to give back to DMZ’s community, along with providing opportunities for them to benefit from DMZ’s ever-expanding global network. In addition, Shane also leads initiatives which exist outside of standard procedure at DMZ.

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Joining DMZ in the Fall of 2012 as a student staff, Shane graduated into a full-time role holding a variety of positions from front desk assistant to an operational coordinator, and ultimately landing on the programs team. Shane has led various programs, including the Validator/Incubator, developing DMZ’s first Accelerator, Playbook, and implementing the programming when DMZ moved from a membership fee model to an equity-based program over the pandemic.

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Shane holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.

What is your favourite book of all time?

Stephen King's Dark Tower Series

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Favourite travel destination?

San Fran

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

The view *swoon*

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How do you relax?

Music concerts, the Raptors, and video games

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What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Can't Hold Us by MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS

Sharleen is a fourth-year computer science student at TMU. A committed techno‑optimist, Sharleen believes technology should empower everybody and has the potential to solve hard, important problems that civilization relies on. Before joining the DMZ, Sharleen worked at the intersection of data, AI, and research: at KPMG’s Ignition Centre on analytics and visualization; in Google’s Computer Science Summer Institute; with Carleton University’s Science of Imagination Lab on applied AI; and at the Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute using machine‑learning techniques  in support of dark‑matter searches. Sharleen also completed an undergraduate math research program at the Fields Institute. At DMZ, Sharleen hopes to help Black founders who empower communities and convert breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.

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If you could stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?

10.

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If you could witness any historical event, what would it be?

MLK's I Have a Dream speech in DC.

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If you could learn how to do anything, what would it be?

How to fly a plane.

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If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

Iron Man.

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What would your dream holiday be?

New Zealand

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Sherif is the Sr. Director, Programs & Global Operations at DMZ, a leading tech incubator that provides high-potential founders with the resources and connections needed to build world-class companies. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, DMZ has a significant global presence with on-the-ground operations in 10+ countries around the world.

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As Senior Director, Sherif is responsible for developing and implementing DMZ’s overall programs and partnerships strategy, both locally and globally.

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Passionate about pushing the envelope, Sherif believes that the best way to drive exponential growth in Canada and across the world is to tap into the startup and innovation ecosystem and bring emerging technological solutions to the forefront.

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During his 14 years with the organization, Sherif has played an integral role in laying the foundation for the incubator’s operating and business development functions. Sherif’s leadership has been instrumental in building scalable processes to expand DMZ’s programming services to new global markets, empowering partners to drive growth within their local startup ecosystems.

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Today, DMZ is a recognized player across the global tech landscape with operations in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, and a network of 1000+ startups worldwide to date.

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Sherif’s insights on the startup and innovation ecosystem can be found in outlets including the Toronto Star, the Logic and Betakit.

Shubreet is a fourth-year Law and Business student at the Ted Rogers School of Management. She currently serves as the President of the TMU Moot Society, a student organization dedicated to equipping undergraduates with the skills and resources needed to excel in oral advocacy. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Shubreet has developed a keen interest in the intersection of corporate strategy and legal practice. She is building a distinctive career at the intersection of law and business, with a particular interest in corporate compliance. In her free time, Shubreet enjoys reading (currently reading Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros), dancing, and exploring the outdoors through hiking.

If I could have any superpower I would choose:

Teleportation!

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Favourite sport?

Soccer.

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Coffee or tea?

(Iced) Coffee.

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If you could be any TV show character, who would it be?

Fallon Carrington from Dynasty.

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Favourite childhood book?

Zoom! By Robert Munsch.

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As a Sr. Programs Lead, Stephen works directly with startups across DMZ to support them on their journey. He also works on planning and executing a wide range of programming aimed at helping founders reach their goals.

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Ever since his university days, Stephen has had a strong passion for the startup space. Whether that be hosting events for fellow students interested in entrepreneurship or joining a seed-stage startup right after completing his Bachelors of Commerce at Queen’s University.

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Having been an avid gamer his whole life, Stephen then moved on to work with different gaming and e-sports startups in the Toronto ecosystem. This eventually led him to join The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation where he helped launch and manage Quest to Conquer Cancer, a brand new charity program working with the gaming community to raise funds for cancer research.

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Other than playing games on his PC, you can find Stephen doing too much research for fantasy basketball, or scrolling through Reddit at the nearest bubble tea shop.

Favourite vacation spot?

For somewhere relatively close, San Diego. But for an extended vacation Bali for sure.

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Coffee or Tea?

Coffee for sure, unless we're talking about bubble tea...

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Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Jimmy O. Yang.

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Last great movie you saw?

Spider-Man: No Way Home was mind blowing.

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If you could be on any reality show, what would it be?

Jeopardy.

As a Startup Legal Strategist, Tanya supports DMZ and its portfolio of startups by providing guidance and support for legal needs, problem solving, and strategic legal solutions.

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Tanya is co-founder of Openly, a certified B-Corp designed to support changemakers achieve social and environmental good. She has more than 20 years experience working across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, where her core contributions have included strategy, applied research and organizational development. She is founding partner of Rhyze, a program designed for and by women entrepreneurs.

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As an entrepreneur and business owner herself, Tanya brings direct insight into what it takes to navigate the complexities and demands of a start-up. Tanya shifted her career in 2022, when she brought her drive and passion for supporting entrepreneurs and the start up ecosystem to the study of law. Tanya holds a Masters Degree in Applied Social Psychology from the University of Guelph. She has a certificate in Impact Investing from Oxford – Saïd Business School and is currently a J.D candidate at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law.

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When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A cross between Robin Hood and Sherlock Holmes.

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Favourite movie?

Bladerunner

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Favourite quote?

"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one."

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What’s the first thing you’d buy if you won a million dollars?

Another pair of Fluevogs.

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First record you bought?

Disintegration, The Cure.

Tess MacDougall joins the DMZ as the new Events & Operations Coordinator. She has over a decade of experience in administration, communications, and project management across Indigenous governance, non-profit organizations, and leadership consulting. She has helped organize a variety of multi-stakeholder events, including community consultation sessions, leadership off-sites and town halls, and ceremonial salmon releases. Tess’ work style blends creative problem-solving with collaboration, helping keep complex initiatives and people moving smoothly. She’s excited to bring both a strong work ethic and a good-humoured approach to the team to support the DMZ’s entrepreneurs, founders, and innovators. Tess holds a Master’s degree in Classics from Queen’s University and a postgraduate diploma in Museum & Cultural Management from Centennial College. Born and raised in Toronto’s east end, Tess has a love for reading literary fiction and magical realism, baking bread, and doing karaoke as frequently as she can.

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Last book you read?

‍Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher.

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Best advice you’ve been given?

Get out of your own way, and do it scared.

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A crazy but true fact about yourself:

‍ I helped dig up a 3000 year old human skeleton on an archaeological expedition.
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What’s your go to karaoke song?

Rasputin by Boney M.
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If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Salad King’s Siam Noodles (4 chilis).

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As the Strategic Projects & Administration Manager, Vanessa leads HR initiatives and administrative functions to support the operational capacity of DMZ. She manages special projects and resources that contribute to DMZ’s strategic goals and priorities.

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Vanessa joined DMZ in 2017 leading the operations team and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives as the Manager, Administration, Diversity & Inclusion. Prior to joining DMZ, she worked in social services and the non-profit sector, where she managed employment programs that supported newcomers and marginalized women with their workforce integration and career development. Additionally, Vanessa has led a public health pilot project to build awareness about Hepatitis B for newcomers.

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With her hometown being Vancouver, Vanessa graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Gender Studies.

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Coffee or tea?

Coffee is always the correct answer.

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If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Teleporting - I can be anywhere at any time.

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If you could learn how to do anything, what would it be?

To learn how to speak any language quickly.

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

The people. It's always inspiring to see the impact they are making in the world.

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Have you ever gotten starstruck?

In the middle of a Vancouver street, John Cho and Karl Urban approached me and my friend asking for recommendations to grab a drink. Unfortunately, we were too slow (or starstruck?) to pinpoint who they were until after they left.

Wendy is responsible for the design and development of business-critical databases, web and mobile applications that provide information and statistics reporting relevant to the monitoring of DMZ’s key performance indicators.

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Prior to joining DMZ, Wendy worked at a company where she was responsible for the management and development of web applications. She worked with clients to understand their needs and implemented customized solutions for them.

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Wendy holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Psychology from the University of Toronto.

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Favourite vacation spot?

Santorini, Greece

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Favourite movie/ TV show?

Lord of the Rings

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Best concert you've ever been to?

The Piano Guys

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A digital invention you can't wait to see come true?

A Holodeck - an immersive technology that can simulate realistic interactive environments

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How do you relax?

Gardening or creating instagrammable dishes

As the Chief of Staff, Weronika is the Executive Director’s right hand in driving DMZ’s long-term strategy forward and ensuring operations run smoothly across all functions. In her role, Weronika connects the dots between all of DMZ’s stakeholders – from staff to university leaders, partners, board members and founders, fostering synergies and ensuring key initiatives are on track for success. She’s all about getting projects to click and turning the ED’s vision into real-deal plans that keep DMZ growing.

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Before joining DMZ Weronika worked as an Elementary School Teacher, where her passion ignited for sparking young leaders’ fire through innovation. Prior to teaching, she worked at a prominent corporate immigration law firm providing executive support to the firm’s managing partner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa. Born in Koszalin, Poland, Weronika’s global perspective is complemented by fluency in both Spanish and Polish. Weronika is DMZ’s ultimate foodie – she’s a big fan of Peruvian ceviche and never says no to a potato chip.

Favourite travel destination?

Lima, Peru

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What is a crazy, but true, fact about yourself?

Taught myself to speak Spanish by listening to a lot of Spanish music.

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How do you relax?

Reading.

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What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Celine Dion - River Deep, Mountain High

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What’s the best part about working at the DMZ?

Meeting so many new people!!!

As a Black Innovation Programs Manager, Yinka designs, implements and evaluates DMZ's programming to ensure successful outcomes. He supports founders as they go through DMZ programs and their founder journeys.

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Yinka's personal mission is to invest his resources to helping others succeed. Consequently, he currently uses his knowledge and skills to help founders take their ideas from zero to one, to infinity. He is a design thinker and venture builder, seasoned generalist and code tinkerer.

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His meandering career journey has taken him from getting a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering to receiving his master's in Design Management. Yinka has taught middle and high schoolers how to solve problems using digital technology, helped Fortune 500 corporates innovate, and now supports programs at DMZ.

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If I could have any superpower I would choose …

Definitely telekinesis, so I can grab the remote without getting up

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How do you relax?

Listening to hard science fiction audio books while doing a menial house chore

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Coffee or tea?

Caffeine-free herbal tea (Ginger and lemon is my go-to right now)

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Alternative career choice?

Barista in a quiet café / bookstore somewhere in Europe

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Favorite cereal?

Harvest Crunch Honey nut granola (milk goes in the bowl first)

As Head of DMZ Japan, Yumiko oversees programs and partnerships in Japan and leads initiatives that connect Japanese and international startups with global opportunities. She works closely with government agencies, corporate partners, and universities to help founders access international markets, secure funding, and scale their businesses, fostering a thriving startup ecosystem across Japan.

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Prior to establishing DMZ Japan, Yumiko was part of the Global Programs team at DMZ’s headquarters in Toronto, where she managed international partnerships and cross-border entrepreneurship programs across the Asia-Pacific region. In this role, she supported the design and delivery of initiatives that helped hundreds of founders expand globally and strengthen innovation ties between Canada and international markets.

How do you relax?
Doing yoga.

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Favourite sport?
Tennis, Swimming, Running.

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What are you most excited about for this summer?
Coming to Toronto!

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Last great movie you saw?
Soul.

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What is your biggest fear?
Cockroaches. I am very happy that there are not many cockroaches in Toronto!

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