Advocacy: The Power of Persuasion & Influence in Business

Mohamed is the founder and President of Unique Accounting Services, an Accounting and Bookkeeping firm that helps Canadian small and medium sized businesses with their bookkeeping, accounting, strategic planning and taxation needs under one roof. With over 15 years’ experience providing these services to businesses of all sizes, Mohamed is the go to person for accounting and taxation. He is connected to all leading professional associations in his industry, to ensure he meets the highest standards of his profession, and enabling him to keep up to date on all aspects involved and any industry changes. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) since 2016, served as the Secretary/Treasurer on the BACD board from May 2017 to May 2021, and is serving as the Chair since May 2021. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade since January 2021. Mohamed volunteers his time in the preparation of income tax returns through the CRA’s Community Voluntary income Tax Preparation (CVITP) clinics, working with charitable organizations. Mohamed and Unique Accounting Services are multi award winners of Toronto Star and Oshawa-Whitby Readers Choice Awards, as well as being recognized internationally (Canadian Business Awards, Worldwide Finance Awards). Mohamed is a contributing author of “The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit”, a best selling book geared towards business owners and entrepreneurs.

To Andrea, an inclusive province means equality of opportunity – ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their age, race, sex, gender identity and orientation, or religion, has the chance to pursue and achieve their goals and aspirations. As the Manager of Public Affairs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, she works to advocate on behalf of Ontario’s business community. Andrea believes that business is an invaluable partner in building a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous society. In the past, Andrea has contributed to driving equity, diversity, and inclusion within the STEM sector, amplifying the lived experiences of equity deserving groups and providing organizations strategies to promote psychological safety, belonging, and overall wellbeing. Andrea holds a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and is a 2021-2022 DiverseCity Fellow. Andrea is an avid yogi and enjoys connecting with nature in her spare time.

A graduate of Durham College’s Paralegal program, and former Director of the Durham College Student Association, Peter joined the college’s team in 2018. Passionate about life-long learning and the student experience, Peter works across departments to collaborate on strategic projects, and advocate for post-secondary education supports. Peter has previously served on the board of directors of Victim Services of Durham Region. He is currently studying his MBA at McMaster, which will finish in the summer of 2023. As an advocate for post-secondary, Peter sits on the advocacy committees for three local boards of trade, Colleges Ontario and is co-chair of the advocacy committee for Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan). He lives in Scugog with his wife Emma, where they enjoy supporting local businesses, especially restaurants during patio season.

Kassandra King has been with the Lenbrook Canada Solutions team for about 2.5 years. She is a graduate of the University of Guelph, Spring of 2020, with a Bachelor of Commerce, honours program.

Daisy is a Strategic Business Executive with more than 25 years of expertise in the staffing, professional services, automotive and non-for-profit sectors. Daisy has continually developed high performing teams with a focus on service excellence. She is passionate about developing future leaders, optimizing talent and believes success lies in building a great team and strong authentic brand. Currently a part-time CFO for Computait Consulting and the owner of Express Employment Professionals, Pickering location. A forward-thinking, people-first firm that believes that relations come first. Express is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm, focused on driving business value and enhancing the employee experience; servicing GTA and Durham regions. Thoughtful, yet direct, Daisy brings transparency, responsiveness and a little bit of humour to her client and candidate relationships. Daisy loves traveling, reading, mentoring, is actively involved in her community and lives in Toronto with her husband.

Michael Radoslav is the communications manager for MP Mark Holland in Ajax, and also works remotely on the communications team with the Government House Leader’s Office in Ottawa. Growing up as a lover of the written word, he turned writing into a career from journalist to communications specialist. He also strives to help the community, and has a particular interest in helping students find their path. From being a Student Ambassador to prospective students during his time at Wilfrid Laurier University, to helping oversee a Youth Council in Ajax at MP Holland’s Office, Michael enjoys helping youth fulfill their potential.

Jacquelynn is a 34-year full-time Realtor serving the Durham & Clarington Areas. Jacquelynn is a proud sponsor of many sports, community, and charitable events, APBOT Business Person of the Year, and continues to be a top producer in her brokerage.