Led by Connection, Grown by Many.

SHE/HER

Sophia Ahamed is a Designer, Creative Director and Visual Artist based in Vancouver, BC, Canada. She is the Principal and Creative Director of Monograph&Co, a full-service design studio known for crafting thoughtful, immersive experiences.

Her work has been featured in leading publications including Gestalten, Wired Magazine, Designboom, and more, reflecting her reputation in the global design community. She is also the CoCreate partner for Adobe and Adobe Creative Cloud. 

Sophia is celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and refined aesthetic—hallmarks that elevate every project into a work of art. Specializing in branding and visual art for hospitality, interior, Development, and retail environments, her designs bring a whimsical sensibility that sparks imagination and enhances the guest experience. Each space she touches is layered with intention, personality, and a sense of play.

SHE/THEY

Foxx Cant is a writer, filmmaker, educator and community organizer based in Metro Vancouver. She is the executive producer at Prismatic Fox Media, that provides video and photography production services, and founder and editor in chief of Anomalous Transmissions, a digital publishing company that specializes in the work of trans and non-binary fiction writers.

As a documentary filmmaker she seeks to amplify stories from the margins of society, while her fiction work consists of subversive stories delivered in a fun, colourful and approachable style. Her books, videos and essays have reached tens of thousands of people in over a dozen countries around the world.

SHE/HER

Dr. Jackie F. Steele is a trilingual feminist legal scholar, political scientist and Japan expert. She spent 15 years in global academic research and teaching including as Associate Professor at the University of Tokyo and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of OUP’s Social Science Japan Journal. As an international speaker/subject matter expert on comparative public policy, diversity data, elite parliamentary attitudes, governance ethics, and democratic institutions, she has advised at UN conferences on diverse citizenship, critical public policy and risk governance. She served as Senior DEI Business Partner for Amazon Japan G.K. and realized the dearth of rigorous diversity data used in multinational corporations.

Dr. Steele leads the global enjoi Innovation teams sitting in Japan and Canada in the development of a feminist legal tech SaaS solution and innovation auditing platform that delivers strategic business intelligence to C-suite leaders seeking global competitive edge through the power of their human capital. Driving literacy for over 25 years on ecosystems designs centered upon thought diversity, equitable workplaces and intersectional innovation, in 2021 Jackie was recognized as a “Most Inspiring Japanese Entrepreneur” (APAC Entrepreneur) and celebrated by Youtube x INvolve as a Top 100 OUTstanding Executive 2023 for her advocacy on LGBTQ inclusion and gender diversity in Japan. She is the legal Founder of FEW Japan Not-for-Profit Incorporated Association (2020) in Tokyo fostering intersectional inclusion for diverse women in Japan, is an active member of the Japanese Business Association of Vancouver (Konwakai), and is a longtime investor in Coralus Global (formerly SheEO).

THEY/THEM

Parisa is a financial advisor, educator, and community advocate. Driven by a passion for equity and inclusion, Parisa works alongside queer‑owned businesses and entrepreneurs to help them build healthy, resilient financial lives.

Through workshops, volunteering, and collaborative partnerships, Parisa blends financial expertise with an educator’s heart; making complex topics accessible, practical, and empowering. Their goal: to bring more representation to the financial industry, spark real change, and help others feel confident and seen in their financial journeys.

At REC, Parisa is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build community, resilience, and possibility; so business can be a space of connection and care.

THEY/HE

Parker is a queer creative facilitator, brand strategist, and co-founder of Harc Creative, where he partners with his husband Jarren to help teams unlock their voice and align from the inside out. Their work centres clarity, courage, and human connection—especially for those often left out of traditional business spaces.

Co-founding the Rainbow Entrepreneur Collective came from a deep need to feel less alone. As openly gay entrepreneurs, Parker and Jarren longed for a space where 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners could show up fully, be seen, and share generously. So they built it.

At REC, Parker brings his gift for listening and his passion for voice liberation to create brave, connective gatherings. No panels, no pitches—just honest conversation, mutual mentorship, and circles of care.

Parker believes we do our best work when we don’t have to shrink to fit. Through REC, he’s helping create a world where queer entrepreneurs can lead with heart, share with candour, and shine without apology.

HE/THEY

Tom has over 30 years experience as both a small business owner and as a non-profit and corporate senior leader. His most recent roles in BC included YPO, BC Schizophrenia and Small Business BC. As an individual with lived experience in the 2SLGBTQIA+ and disability communities, Tom has proudly stood committed to fostering a culture of acceptance, equality, and support for all for more than two decades. In British Columbia, we are fortunate to have a rich tapestry of folks who reflect the diversity of our communities. In all of his roles, Tom has worked to ensure that everyone, no matter whom or where, should have access to the same levels of service, dedication and respect. Commitment to inclusion and acceptance makes our province an even better place to live, work, and play. Tom believes in the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and celebrated.

HE/HIM

Jarren is a queer entrepreneur, certified Executive Coach (CEC, ACC), facilitator, community builder and co-founder of the Rainbow Entrepreneurs Collective.

He helped start REC because he knows how isolating entrepreneurship can feel — especially when you don’t see yourself reflected in traditional business spaces. What he wanted (and couldn’t find) was something more human: a place for real conversations, deep connection, and space to show up as yourself. So he got together with a few likeminded folks and built it.

Jarren brings over 15 years of experience in brand strategy, coaching, and facilitation. As co-director of Harc Creative, he works with purpose-led people and organizations to clarify their story, align with their values, and move forward with confidence. Whether supporting senior leaders, creative entrepreneurs, or grassroots teams, he leads with curiosity, care, and deep listening.

At the heart of it all is a belief: business doesn’t have to be performative. It can be connective, grounded, and even joyful — especially when we do it in community.