Creating Connections 5.0 Keynotes

Creating Connections 5.0 has three inspiring Keynote Speakers to share with you over the course of the conference. Our Keynotes come from a diverse background of science, applied science and academia, and each have unique experiences and voices surrounding diversity in STEM.

Opening Keynote

Jill Earthy, Chief Growth Officer, FrontFundr | Jill Earthy is passionate about the economic advancement of women, and innovation. She is currently the Chief Growth Officer of FrontFundr, an online investment platform connecting entrepreneurs and investors.

As a community leader and active mentor, Jill serves on the Board of Governors for Simon Fraser University (SFU), and as Board Chair of the Women’s Enterprise Centre. She is Co-Founder of the WEB Alliance, a collective of over 25 Women’s Business networks in BC. She is also Co-Chair of We for She: Championing the next generation event, a WEB Alliance initiative to create actions for the economic advancement of women. She is well recognized for her contributions to the community and was recently named one of the 35 Most Influential Women in BC by BC Business Magazine.

Afternoon Keynote

Kathy Kinloch, President, British Columbia Institute of Technology | Kathy Kinloch is President of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) — Canada's premier polytechnic institution — a position she has held since January 2014.

Kathy is recognized for leading organizational renewal in complex environments. Through a number of senior leadership and executive roles, she has spearheaded change initiatives in the post-secondary as well as government and health care sectors.

At BCIT, she is focusing on efforts to broaden and deepen BCIT's partnerships with business, industry and community, here in B.C., across Canada and globally.

Acknowledgements of Kathy’s accomplishments include: 2015 and 2016 Top 50 Power List, Vancouver magazine; 2015 and 2017 Most Influential Women in Business, BC Business magazine; 2016 Woman of Distinction, YWCA Metro Vancouver; and 2015 and 2016 Top 100 Public Sector Leaders, WXN ranking of Canada’s Top 100 Women, among others.

Kathy’s Board positions include Executive Committee of the Board, Business Council of BC; Canadian Business Higher Education Roundtable; Director, Polytechnics Canada; and Board member, Surrey Hospital and Outpatient Centre Foundation Board.

Closing Keynote

Wyle Baoween, CEO and Co-Founder, HRx Technology Inc. |  As CEO and Co-Founder of HRx Technology, Wyle is focused on disrupting traditional hiring practices. In 2016, Wyle launched HRx, which provides technology solutions and services for unbiased hiring (commonly referred to as blind hiring).

Prior to HRx, Wyle worked for over 10 years in consulting and project management, primarily focused in the areas of process improvement, technology and strategies for change management. He worked in the marine, transportation and construction industries with local and international clients.

Wyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Masters of Business Administration and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). In 2014, Wyle was appointed to the role of Ambassador for the University of Victoria’s Business School and in 2015 he was recognized as one of the University’s 25 Alumni to Watch.

Wyle speaks regularly on the issues of entrepreneurship, recruitment and unconscious bias.