SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 2023

Mark Beckles is the Vice President of Social Impact & Innovation at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). His responsibility for RBC’s Community Investment Programs includes RBC Future Launch, RBC Tech for Nature and RBC Emerging Artists. Through RBC Future Launch, the bank has invested over $390M to impact over 5.5M youth, working with over 500 charitable organisations. He is the National Co-Chair of RBC Mosaic, an Employee Resource Group focused on advancing diversity and inclusion at RBC. He had served as Head of RBC Insurance Advice Centre and as Regional Vice President, Retail Banking.

Beckles sits on the Board of William Osler Health System and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. His accolades include the City of Toronto Bob Marley Award, Harry Jerome Awards, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2016, Mark was named as an RBC Global Citizen, and in 2022 as one of the Most Influential Black Canadians by Afroglobal Television. He holds an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK; had executive studies at the Richard Ivey School of Business, and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D) from Rotman School of Business.

Clement Virgo is one of Canada’s foremost directors. His television directing credits include Empire (Fox), The Wire (HBO), The Madness (Netflix), on which he is also an executive producer, and Greenleaf (OWN), where alongside Oprah Winfrey, he was an Executive Producer as well. Virgo wrote and directed the feature film Brother, based on the award-winning novel by David Chariandy, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. The film won 12 Canadian Screen Awards, including Achievement in Direction and Best Motion Picture, as well as the WGC Award for Best Feature Film.

In 2015, Virgo directed and co-wrote The Book of Negroes, which debuted to record-breaking numbers on CBC in Canada and BET in the USA. It was nominated for two U.S. Critics Choice Awards, including Best Limited Series and four 2015 NAACP Image Award Nominations, including Best Miniseries and Best Writing. His first feature film, RUDE, premiered at Cannes in 1995 and played at Sundance. His films Poor Boy’s Game, and Lie With Me played at top tier festivals including Berlinale and TIFF, selling in over 40 countries. Virgo also sits on the Canadian Film Centre’s Board of Directors.

Rahel Assefa is the Vice President of Marketing at Ethiopian Airlines worldwide. Her extraordinary leadership in marketing has played a pivotal role in driving the airline's highly celebrated success. Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest-growing global airline brand and the largest on the African continent. It has been named Best Airline in Africa by Skytrax for an impressive six times, and boasts a vast network of 131 international passenger and cargo destinations, solidifying its status as a notable global aviation leader.

Assefa's journey with the airline includes roles in sales, commercial planning, and revenue management. She joined Ethiopian Airlines as a college trainee in 1988, following graduation in Management & Public Administration from Addis Ababa University. She was named one of the World's 30 Most Compelling Women in Travel by Premier Travel Magazine, USA. She is a trailblazer and role model, who inspires women and girls worldwide.

Ginelle Skerritt is the Chief Executive Officer of York Region Children’s Aid Society. She has over 30 years of distinguished leadership experience in the non-profit sector. Her previous roles include Regional Director of UNICEF Ontario. Skerritt’s leadership roles at The Neighbourhood Group, Warden Woods, United Way of Greater Toronto, and Tropicana Community Services, have been remarkable. She prioritizes equity and community engagement to create a supportive environment, especially for the success of children.

Skerritt has served on several boards and committees, including United Way/BMO Inclusive Economic Leadership Table, Toronto District School Board Equity Planning Task Force, CAMH Constituency Council, Black Health Coalition, Toronto Black Food Sovereignty Initiative and more. Co-owner of Adinkra Farm, Skerritt is also a published author on traditional savings and credit associations. She receives the prestigious 2023 Leadership Award from the Afroglobal Television Excellence Awards program.

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