Tech Talent Tuesdays - 2025 Series

Welcome to Tech Talent Tuesdays, powered by CITI - a bi-weekly gathering place for Talent in Calgary’s tech and innovation ecosystem.

This event is free to attend and open to the public. To secure your spot, please register. 

Location: KMPG Pitch Stage & West Hall, Platform Innovation Centre

Schedule:

Bi-weekly on Tuesdays 
4:30pm - 5:00pm | Networking
5:00pm - 6:00pm | Presentation, Q&A
6:00pm - 6:30pm | Networking

Light refreshments will be served

Join us for Tech Talent Tuesdays: End of Year Celebration on December 16 — an evening of insights, connections, and opportunities!

This Tech Talent Tuesday will be a year-end celebration social. No formal presentations, just a chance to share memories and reconnect with all the speakers from the year. 

🎤 Featuring:

Benjamin Reeves- Senior Vice President, Data Science | Co-founder, YYC Data Society & YYC Datacon
Ben Reeves is a seasoned data science leader with a background spanning materials engineering, software development, and advanced analytics. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Data Science and is known for designing high-impact data strategies and guiding organizations through complex technical initiatives.
He is also the Co-Founder of the YYC Data Society and YYC Datacon, two major pillars of Calgary’s data community. Ben is passionate about building pathways for emerging talent, fostering curiosity, and creating spaces where people can learn, share, and grow.

Dave Murray - Outreach Coordinator, ICTC (Information and Communications Technology Council)
Dave Murray is an Outreach Coordinator at ICTC and a strong advocate for career transitioners entering the tech space. After successfully pivoting from oil & gas into digital work, he now supports programs that help people navigate the shift into Canada’s tech talent ecosystem.
Dave works closely with learners, educators, and industry partners to make tech more accessible and inclusive. His approachable style and lived experience make him a trusted guide for anyone exploring new career possibilities.

Dan Olesen- Apprenticeship Program Lead, Bow Valley College
Dan Olesen leads apprenticeship and work-integrated learning programs at Bow Valley College, helping learners build practical skills that translate directly into the workplace. He brings a hands-on, learner-centered approach that empowers students to explore new pathways with confidence.
Beyond the college, Dan is deeply involved in Calgary’s tech community, mentoring individuals navigating career changes. His work reflects a belief that talent often comes from nontraditional backgrounds — and that everyone deserves the chance to grow.

Jaime Zaporzan- CEO & Co-Founder, Kindr
Jaime Zaporzan is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kindr, a platform that helps people and organizations drive meaningful impact through smarter project matching and collaboration. With experience across IoT, product development, and startup leadership, she brings a versatile and thoughtful approach to building technology.
She is passionate about creating tools that make community impact more accessible and measurable. Jaime’s work reflects her commitment to innovation, empathy, and designing products that empower others to create change.

Jake Moore- Senior Product Manager, ATB Financial
Jake Moore is a Senior Product Manager at ATB Financial with a career that spans public service, IT consulting, and fintech product leadership. His path reflects a willingness to pivot, experiment, and grow through new challenges.
Jake is known for his strategic thinking and ability to guide teams in building intuitive financial products. His story resonates strongly with career-transitioners and highlights the power of embracing non-linear career journeys.

Kathleen Kelly- Senior Organizational Impact Analyst, YW Calgary
Kathleen Kelly is a Senior Organizational Impact Analyst at YW Calgary, where she uses data to improve service delivery and community outcomes. With seven years of experience in nonprofit analytics, she specializes in translating complex data into meaningful insights.
She is deeply committed to supporting emerging analysts, especially those entering the field through nontraditional routes. Kathleen believes data can be a powerful driver for community wellbeing and equitable decision-making.

Meenu Bhardwaj- Cybersecurity Program Manager, Kobalt.io
Meenu Bhardwaj is a cybersecurity professional specializing in governance, risk, and compliance. Over the past 11 years, she has helped organizations strengthen their security posture and build disciplined, resilient processes.
At Kobalt.io, she manages cybersecurity programs for clients across North America, guiding teams through frameworks and regulatory requirements. Meenu’s journey into cybersecurity is a testament to the power of reinvention, continuous learning, and grit.

Margo Purcell- CEO & Co-Founder, InceptionU
Margo Purcell is the CEO and Co-Founder of InceptionU, where she designs innovative learning programs that prepare people for the future of work. Her background includes leadership development, coaching, and design thinking — all centered on helping people navigate change. At InceptionU, she collaborates with industry partners and learners to build accessible pathways into tech and innovation. Margo brings warmth, clarity, and a learner-first mindset to everything she does.

Mark Lootens- Founder, Elements Athletics
Mark Lootens is the Founder of Elements Athletics and a former Shopify leader with a passion for performance and intentional training. His work bridges the worlds of physical development and tech leadership, helping people build discipline and sustainable habits.
Mark believes in the power of mindset and routine to transform both personal and professional lives. He brings a calm, strategic approach to coaching that empowers clients to unlock their potential.

Manvir Grewal- Co-Founder, The Reporting Hub | Agile Coach & Product Leader
Manvir Grewal is the Co-Founder of The Reporting Hub, a no-code platform used globally to scale Power BI reporting. With more than a decade of experience across startups and Fortune 500 environments, he has led teams through product delivery, Agile transformation, and strategic execution. He is known for blending clarity with practicality, helping teams translate ideas into scalable solutions. Outside of work, Manvir is a coach, father, and passionate community contributor.

Denis Marar- Cofounder & Operations Director, Alberta Educational Centre
Denis Marar is the Co-Founder and Operations Director at the Alberta Educational Centre, where he supports learners through career development and upskilling programs. With ten years of experience in operations and client success, he focuses on helping people access the tools they need to grow. Denis is passionate about education, technology, and community impact. His work is rooted in the belief that encouragement and access can unlock life-changing opportunities.

Sawyer Pahl- Founder & CEO, Pharma Pilot
Sawyer Pahl is the Founder and CEO of Pharma Pilot, an AI-driven platform built for pharmacies across North America. His unconventional approach to building early teams — including attracting over 150 potential co-founders through LinkedIn — showcases his resourcefulness and creativity. Sawyer’s journey reflects what’s possible when determination meets innovation. He brings practical, hard-won insights into building products, attracting talent, and launching startups with limited resources.

Youssef Triki- Software Developer, Punchcard Systems
Youssef Triki is a software developer at Punchcard Systems with global engineering experience and a passion for building thoughtful, scalable solutions. His work spans multiple industries and is rooted in strong technical fundamentals and problem-solving skills.
Youssef is known for his calm, curious approach to complex challenges and his commitment to continuous improvement. He brings a collaborative, user-centered mindset to every project.

Katerina Strelina- Tech Founder with a Global Perspective
Katerina Strelina is a tech founder with a global perspective and experience designing products that support small businesses and community-driven ecosystems. Her work emphasizes accessibility, thoughtful design, and inclusive technology.
Katerina brings a user-first mindset to every project she leads. She is passionate about empowering people through technology and creating solutions that make everyday life easier.

Minaoar Tanzil - Software Development Leader, Krux Analytics
Minaoar is a technology leader with 18 years of global experience driving innovation at the intersection of people, software, and business. He leads software development at Krux Analytics, a Calgary-based scale-up serving mining and drilling companies worldwide.
Previously, at Kona I, he led 150 developers to build a FinTech platform processing $2B monthly for 100M users across Asia. He holds degrees in Software Engineering (University of Calgary), Computer Science (BUET), and Business (IBA). Minaoar is passionate about scaling technology and teams for growth.

Renu Chandarana - Manager, Memberships, Platform Calgary
Renu Chandarana is the Manager of Membership at Platform Calgary and the creator of the Peer-to-Peer Program, which won the 2025 TECNA Innovation Award for Member & Client Services. She began her career as a writer and producer for Canadian television before moving to Calgary and transitioning into the nonprofit sector. Renu has spent the last 15 years applying her storytelling and communications skills to support community programs and innovation-focused organizations.
Her experience includes producing documentary content for national networks, leading communications for nonprofits, and managing program operations at Social Venture Partners Calgary. There, she helped connect business leaders with nonprofit organizations and co-led the Fast Pitch program, teaching participants how to deliver compelling three-minute funding stories. Outside of work, Renu enjoys cooking, writing, traveling, and staying active through fitness and dance.

Sandy McGrath – President and Founder, MIP Global
Sandy McGrath is President of MIP Global, leading the company’s AI, infrastructure, and security innovation strategy. With over 20 years in IT and digital transformation, he’s known for bridging emerging technologies with real-world business impact.
Recognized among Channel Futures’ Top 101 People in Tech for DEI and a CompTIA Top 40 Under 40 finalist, Sandy is committed to advancing the industry. As Board Chair for SAIT’s IT and Network Systems programs, he helps shape future digital leaders while driving secure, AI-driven transformation at MIP Global.

Caileigh Sanderson - Corporate Recruiter, Helcim
Caileigh has built her career around connecting people—a passion she recognized early on as the natural “connector” within her circles. After discovering the field of recruitment through an introduction to employee relations in university, she realized she could turn that instinct for building relationships into a profession. Over the past decade, she has supported a wide range of individuals, industries, and organizations, always guided by a consistent passion for people.

Sharmin Surani - Manager, Talent Investor Experience, Calgary Economic Development
As Manager, talent at Calgary Economic Development, Sharmin Surani's work directly supports the organization's mandate to attract business investment, foster trade, and grow Calgary's workforce. Leveraging over a decade of experience in talent recruitment, management, and development, she specializes in helping companies with strategic pathways to talent. This work is a core part of their mission to shape Calgary’s future workforce and ensure a thriving city

We look forward to seeing you in person at the Platform Innovation Centre for Tech Talent Tuesdays powered by CITI.