6 minute read
Member Notables
Member Notables
Local Google Executive departs for Venture Capital Firm
Steven Woods, the former head of Google’s engineering operations in Canada, is joining Canadian venture capital firm Inovia as partner and chief technology officer. According to The Waterloo Region Record, Woods will help manage $1.5 billion in early and growth-stage funds and evaluate deal flow from a technology and talent perspective. Dennis Kavelman, a former chief financial and operating officer at BlackBerry is included among Inovia’s founding partners. Woods was hired by Google in 2008 and departs as the local workforce exceeds 1,300 employees compared to six when operations commenced in Kitchener during 2005. He has also been a keynote speaker at past Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce events. We commend and thank him for many years of service to both local businesses and the community.
New Dean of Social Work Appointed at WLU
Wilfrid Laurier University has appointed Kathy Hogarth as their new dean of the Lyle S. Hallman Faulty of Social Work effective for September 1, 2021. Dr. Hogarth is currently an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo, as well as a special advisor on anti-racism and inclusivity for the vice-president, research and international. Previously she worked at King’s University College, York University and Laurier as a research and teaching assistant, as well as at the University of Technology in Jamaica. Dr. Hogarth served as vice-president of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education, chair of the anti-racism advisory working group for the Region of Waterloo and was a cofounder of the Black Faculty Collective at the University of Waterloo.
Local Business Owner Appointed to Libro Board of Directors
Stephanie Soulis, founder and CEO of Little Mushroom Catering and Dining Lounge in Cambridge was recently elected as a Board Director of Libro Credit Union. She previously served for six years as an Owner Representative in Waterloo. Stephanie has held leadership positions as Chair of the Kitchener Public Library, Chair of Foodlink Waterloo Region, and the Chair of the Hospitality Program Advisory Committee for Conestoga College. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, Stephanie was the inaugural recipient of the Libro Growing Prosperity Award for Owner Representatives. In 2015, she was awarded the Young Entrepreneur Award in Cambridge, and was inducted into the Waterloo Region Entrepreneur Hall of Fame as the first ever Junior Achievement Alumni of Distinction.
Member Notables
Trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board recently announced the appointment of jeewan chanicka as the new Director of Education to the Board effective August 3, 2021. A news release from the Board indicated jeewan brings a deep commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff and the community, and fostering collaboration across the system to advance student achievement and well-being. His experience leading equity and anti-oppression initiatives across Ontario and internationally will advance the board’s commitment to providing educational excellence to all students. During the past twenty years chanicka has held a range of teaching and leadership positions within the York Region District School Board, the Toronto District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education. He holds a Master of Education degree from York University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Arts from York University.
Director of Equity, Anti-Racism and Indigenous Initiatives appointed by City of Kitchener
Suzanne Charles Watson recently joined the City of Kitchener as Director, Equity, AntiRacism and Indigenous Initiatives. Most recently, Suzanne worked to mainstream equity, diversity and inclusion best practices across the Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in Toronto where she held the role of Senior Project Manager. She has conducted extensive training on equity, diversity and inclusion issues and worked with the Research Institute and Hospital’s Executive teams to embed EDI principles into the organization. In addition to her professional work Suzanne is a strong advocate of volunteerism and mentorship and sits on community and NGO boards in the Greater Toronto Area dedicated to social justice.
Thirty-Five Years of Service for Caudle’s Catch Seafood
Owner Ron Caudle from Caudle’s Catch Seafood in Kitchener would like to thank all their employees, families and many customers who have made the company what it is today. They are a growing company with a strong family succession plan and strategy to diversify and move forward.
The company is very grateful they are able to give back to the community and support many local charities that make Waterloo Region a better place to live. Ron’s exemplary commitment was formally recognized by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce when he was awarded the Annual Michael R. Follett Community Leadership award in 2020.
Caudle’s Catch mission is to enable their employees to make any seafood dining experience the best ever. Ron continues to source products from Atlantic Canada and the Great Lakes to ensure the highest quality to local consumers.
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Your event is unique, and your package should be too. Work with us or your favourite vendors to bring your vision to life. On-site entertainment options like live horse racing and a casino make it easy to work hard all day and then jump into an evening of play.
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LEXUS IS
2021
THE ALL NEW 2021 LEXUS IS
CUTTING EDGE. NEVER CORNERS. The new 2021 Lexus IS writes the next chapter of luxury sports sedans. Developed on the highly demanding Shimoyama Test Track, the IS features a more rigid chassis, sport-tuned suspension, wider stance and precision handling. Available in two naturally aspirated V6 AWD models, and a turbo RWD model, the IS inspires confidence by forging a closer bond between driver and machine. And with a new multimedia system with an available 10.3-inch touchscreen and next generation Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, the IS is as innovative as it is thrilling.
• Bold, refreshed exterior styling emphasizes the athletic nature of the Lexus IS with its newly designed spindle grille and wider lower stance
• New slender headlamps and straight-line type rear combination lamps sporting the Lexus “L” motif
• Increased body rigidity not only helps reduce unwanted noise and vibration, but it also helps improve ride comfort and driving performance • Convenience and connectivity are at your fingertips.
Compatible with standard Lexus Enform Remote,
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• Latest Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 driver assisted technology, with enhanced Pre-Collison and All-Speed Dynamic Radar
Cruise Control, along with other standard safety features
• New Dynamic Handling Package on Lexus IS 350 with
Adaptive Variable Suspension, carbon-fibre spoiler and 19" forged BBS wheels
