Sustainable Peace: Social Justice and the Fight Against Inequality
In a world where social inequalities persist and are becoming more complex, it is crucial to explore how entrepreneurship can become a driver of social justice. This panel will bring together committed entrepreneurs and experts, who will share their perspectives on innovative solutions to reduce disparities and create positive social impact. Moderated by Gabriel Bran Lopez, Founding President of Youth Fusion, Albert Lalonde, Co-founder and Director of Research at the Future Generations Tribunal, will discuss how social justice can become the foundation of true and lasting peace. Julie Savaria, Founder and CEO of Masla Empathy Lab, will discuss the role of empathy in creating inclusive and equitable solutions. Mariame Touré, co-founder of Black Girls Gather, will highlight the importance of diversity and inclusivity in ensuring that social initiatives benefit all communities, particularly those in marginalised situations.
Speakers
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Mariame TouréCo-Founder, Black Girls GatherMariame Touré
Co-Founder, Black Girls Gather
Mariame recently began her legal career as a litigation associate within the firm McCarthy Tétrault. She completed her Bachelor of Civil Law degree at the Faculty of Law of Université de Montréal in 2022. Prior to her legal studies, Mariame completed a DEC in Pure and applied sciences at John Abbott College with honours in English. Passionate about her work, Mariame has always been able to combine her academic success and her numerous commitments as a community volunteer. By involving herself in various committees at her faculty, notably the Black Law Student Association of Université de Montréal, she has been able to positively impact student life and improve her faculty’s equity, diversity and inclusion practices. In 2020, especially, she and her colleagues created an entrance scholarship for black students pursuing legal studies at her university. Having had the opportunity to serve on the board of directors of the West Island Black Community Association at a young age, Mariame has developed an interest in corporate and organizational governance. Guided by her innovative spirit and sense of leadership, she took the initiative to co-found a book club in her community dedicated entirely to the empowerment and representation of black girls in literature. Her initiative Black Girls Gather (A Book Club) has earned her several awards including a recent nomination in the Jeune Chambre de Commerce de Montréal’s Arista contest as a young leader in regard to social responsibility in Quebec. Aside from her interests in legal issues and volunteering, Mariame cultivates a passion for soccer, dance and traveling.
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Gabriel Bran LopezFounding President, Youth FusionGabriel Bran Lopez
Founding President, Youth Fusion
A Québec social entrepreneur recognized in Québec, in Canada and elsewhere, notably in France, Gabriel founded Youth Fusion in 2009 to reduce school dropout rates among youth and contribute to education systems through experiential learning. A former president of one of Québec’s largest youth business networks (Jeune chambre de Commerce de Montréal), Gabriel also cofounded Robotique FIRST in Québec and France. Gabriel has received many prestigious awards, including the Ordre de l’Excellence en Éducation, an award presented by the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (2023), the Meritorious Service Medal, a decoration presented by the Governor General of Canada (2019), and numerous high distinctions from the business world. Over the past 15 years, its initiatives have created more than 2 500 jobs, contributed to the perseverance of over 120 000 students in some 750 schools, and mobilized more than 200 companies and institutions to raise and invest over $50 million in the school network throughout Québec, including 23 Indigenous communities. Today, Youth Fusion is present in Canada and France, and has tested successful pilot projects in Senegal and Italy.
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Albert LalondeCo-founder and Research Manager, Future Generations TribunalAlbert Lalonde
Co-founder and Research Manager, Future Generations Tribunal
Albert Lalonde is a climate and social justice activist involved in a variety of struggles in their home city of Tiohtià:ke, colonially known as Montreal, as well as internationally. As a jurist, they work as the Research Manager for the Future Generations Tribunal, a new global institution aiming to craft and establish the collective rights of those yet to come through worldwide regional deliberative assemblies composed of children and youth. Albert has been a co-spokesperson and lead organizer for the Quebec student climate justice movement since 2019. Along with 14 other young people, they are a plaintiff against the Canadian government over its responsibility for causing the climate crisis (La Rose v. Canada).
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Julie SavariaFounder and CEO, Masla Empathy LabJulie Savaria
Founder and CEO, Masla Empathy Lab
Julie is the founder of Masla Empathy Lab and JEDI Kids.
A biochemist by training, Julie worked for over five years in the field of clinical research, studying the effect of environmental contaminants on children's development, before obtaining an MBA from McGill University. It was during her MBA that she deepened her expertise in social impact and design thinking, while understanding the potential for the public, private and social sectors to work together to contribute to relevant and sustainable solutions.Julie has also worked for forward-thinking businesses, from Fortune 500 companies to foundations, such as Emzingo, a B Corp specialising in leadership development and social impact consulting, where she was responsible for global engagement, internal coaching and the Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) working group, as well as Ashoka Canada.
In 2020, she founded Bindia Savaria Consulting, now Masla Empathy Lab (a certified B Corp company) to help organizations launch, deepen or establish their JEDI strategy or program, and JEDI Kids, a platform dedicated to helping caregivers and anyone raise the next generation of inclusive and caring children.Julie is also a TEDx speaker, certified integral development coach, panelist, podcaster and published entrepreneur. In her spare time, Julie spends time with her family and horse, and volunteers as a board member for Simple Generosity and start-up Eeva.