Year: 2026

Alistair Howes

Alistair’s ambition is to utilize local food production as a catalyst for transforming our society’s relationship with the environment. Throughout his philosophy degree at UVic, Alistair fell in love with Victoria’s cycling infrastructure and culinary scene. His previous experience in fine dining and urban farming opened Alistair’s eyes to the… Read more

Stan Cook

Stan Cook Jr. is a seasoned professional with an extensive background in the Tourism industry. With 35 years of experience, offering soft adventure and cultural experiences in Atlantic Canada. Besides his full-time job as founder and president of Rock+Water Stan Cook Travel, he has spearheaded the Sustainable Tourism movement in… Read more

Brett Soberg

Visionary eco-tourism leader, seasoned mariner, and conservation advocate with nearly three decades exploring the coastal waters of British Columbia. As Co-Owner and Head Captain of Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours, he has co-built a purpose-driven organization blending world-class wildlife experiences with a deep commitment to sustainability, education, and regenerative… Read more

Laura Griffith-Cochrane

Laura likes limpets. And nudibranchs. And rockfish. In the Ucluelet Aquarium, Laura has worked as a biologist and story teller for nearly two decades. As the Executive Director, Laura strengthens and grows connections between us and the interwoven species and systems that support us all. As the first collect-and-release aquarium,… Read more

David Roberts

When I was the General Manager of Pacific Northwest Transportation Services, a Victoria-based bus company and division of SSA Marine, I led our team on a transformative journey rooted in social and environmental responsibility. Our team embraced a bold vision: to redefine what it means to be a transportation provider… Read more

Ian Stone

In 2010, Ian eagerly returned home to Newfoundland and Labrador from western Canada to join Gros Morne National Park. Deeply rooted in the province’s strong sense of place, he has become a passionate advocate for Newfoundland’s people, culture, and natural beauty. Inspired by life in Gros Morne, Ian and his… Read more

Raj Behari

Here to help build the Circular Economy. Spent the last decade working with chemistry and biotechnology in the Prairies. Now I shuck oysters and build capacity for rapid composting and organic fertilizers across Canada. Read more here: https://www.timescolonist.com/islander/shell-company-victoria-venture-aims-to-harness-the-power-of-oyster-shells-10943218 It hasn’t been a linear path to building circular models. Let’s feed… Read more

Cindy Conti

Cindy began her career over 20 years ago in the tourism and hospitality industry progressing through operational roles in hotels, ski, and resort organizations before transitioning into Human Resources. She provides strategic leadership direction in Human Resources, including talent management and organizational effectiveness. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Arts in… Read more

Jared Qwustenuxun Williams

Jared “Qwustenuxun” Williams is a Hul’q’umi’num language speaker, Indigenous chef, Salish culture educator, and consultant from Quw’utsun. Raised in Salish culture by his father and late grandmother, he carries forward teachings of traditional harvesting, Indigenous foods, and community history. After a decade in western kitchens, Qwustenuxun returned home to cook… Read more

Gwendal Castellan

Gwendal’s professional career started in Geomatics & remote sensing looking at the world through the eyes of satellites in an office without any windows. He devised a project that took him from Patagonia to the Northwest Territories. Gwendal landed at Destination Vancouver in 2012 where being part of a holistic… Read more