Speakers for Future Ready 2021 announced
On February 3rd, 2021, the Pilon School of Business and Royal Bank of Canada will be hosting Future Ready 2021. During this virtual conference, students will have the opportunity to participate in an interactive panel discussion that will focus on the future of work, skills that are important for future jobs, and how COVID-19 has impacted the job search process as well as education.
Following the Panel Discussion, students will take part in four Breakout Sessions covering topics such as mental wellness, work integrated learning, skills development, and networking. There will also be a chance for participants to ask questions during the Q&A sessions and live polls.
Check out the list below to learn more about who will be speaking at this conference.
Future Ready 2021 Speakers
Future of Work Panelists

Sam Effah
RBC Olympian
Moderator
Sam represented Canada at 3 World Championships, 3 World University Games, and 2 Commonwealth games. As a 2-time Canadian Champion in the 100m, he was also cast on The Amazing Race Canada season 7. At RBC, Sam works on the Youth Strategy and Innovation team.

Vinay Paramanand, MBA
Relationship Manager, Futurpreneur Canada
Panelist
Vinay has over 10 years of experience in business consulting, financial services, and people management. He is a Financial Educator, Mentor, Business Coach, and Co-Founder of Chango.

Kehkashan Basu
WXN Award Recipient
Panelist
RBC Future Leader, 20 year-old Kehkashan Basu is a global influencer, environmentalist, TEDx speaker, and champion of women and children’s rights. The only Canadian to win the International Children’s Peace Prize, she is a Forbes30under30 for Education and a UN Human Rights Champion. Kehkashan is the founder of Green Hope Foundation, that works at a grassroots level in 16 countries empowering young people from vulnerable communities.
Workshop #1 – Mental Wellness

Ally Geist
Jack.Org
Ally is a graduate from Dalhousie University with a BA in Theatre Studies and French and has a Publishing Certificate from Ryerson University. She was a Jack Talks speaker for several years, travelling around Ontario and Nova Scotia to give Talks in English and in French. She is a publishing professional and communications specialist and currently she is a Grant Writer at jack.org.
Workshop #2 – Work Integrated Learning

Brien K. Convery
National Director, Early Talent Communities and Inclusive Recruitment
Brien helps engineer people-centric recruitment strategies that are focused on the attraction and engagement of early talent and recruitment of Women, BIPOC, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and Persons with Disabilities. He is a multi-award winning student experience maker and podcaster, and has been featured in American Banker, Dell Technologies, The Financial Pipeline and more.
Workshop #3 – Skills Development

Don Lam
Early Talent Acquisition Coordinator, RBC
Don joined RBC in 2019 as a Career Edge Intern supporting the Inclusive Recruitment and Early Talent Acquisition teams. He successfully secured a full-time offer shortly after and is currently part of Early Talent’s Corporate Functions portfolio. Don holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University, with a major in Law & Business and a minor in Human Resources Management.
Workshop #4 – Networking

Tracy Luca-Huger, MA, CC
Director of Partnership Networks, Mentor Canada
Tracy has over 20+ years of leadership and consulting experience. She is a regular contributor to the work of the Alberta Mentoring Partnership and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. Tracy holds an MA in Counselling Psychology and is a certified Canadian Counsellor.
Event Agenda
- 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Welcome & Introduction
- 11:15a.m. – 11:20 a.m. – Housekeeping Rules, Future Launch Video
- 11:20a.m. – 12:05 p.m. – Panel Discussion on Future of Work
- 12:05 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Break
- 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Breakout Sessions in Rotation:
- Workshop 1: Mental Wellness
- Workshop 2: Work Integrated Learning
- Workshop 3: Skills Development
- Workshop 4: Networking
- 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks & Survey
Make sure to register early to reserve your spot!