#BridgeTheDivide
Let’s Get Digital
Let’s Get Digital was created to connect young people with opportunities to build skills and knowledge to excel in careers in the technology sector and accomplish daily goals.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 35 living in the Greater Toronto Area and interested in breaking into the digital sector, this initiative is for you!
We live in a digital age, so we need digital skills.
Let’s Get Digital will have three in-person workshops plus drop-in virtual debrief sessions for tailored support
WORKSHOP 1
This introductory session is designed for young and seasoned professionals at all levels of digital literacy—whether you're just starting out or have advanced skills. It's an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and enhance your understanding of emerging trends and essential skills in the evolving job market.
Empower Your Journey from Learning to Getting Hired
CHARLOTTE NURSE
Director of Programs Canada Learning to Code
Charlotte Nurse is an educator, facilitator, and management and career development coach and consultant based in the Treaty 13 territory now known as Toronto.
With over 15 years of leadership experience across various industries including fashion PR, education, and tech, Charlotte is a passionate sponsor, mentor, coach, and advocate for self-actualization and development in the workplace. Charlotte’s goal is to support diverse clientele realize their full potential while honouring their unique lived experiences and complex identities
MICHAEL FRANCIS
Software Developer IBM
Michael Francis Keynote speaker with over 30,000 combined audience members and a Staff Software Developer for IBM Concert. He has completed 5 internships with IBM and has been with IBM full-time for nearly 3 years. He loves teaching and is always exploring new ways to help with early career development in technology.
WORKSHOP 2
This workshop will provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions and achieve your financial and career goals. In the second part of the session, we explore how to harness the power of artificial intelligence (i.e. ChatGPT) to advance your job search and optimize your workflows for greater productivity.
Mastering Financial and Digital Literacy for Career Success
ZHANÉ STIMPSON
Youth Engagement Associate Wealthsimple
Zhané Stimpson, associate of youth engagement at Wealthsimple Foundation is a dedicated financial literacy advocate, content creator, and educator committed to empowering young adults with accessible and engaging financial knowledge. Based in Toronto, Zhané uses platforms like TikTok and Instagram to make finance relatable, focusing on money mindsets, budgeting, and credit management. Zhané’s vibrant content blends humor, education, and real-life insights, making financial literacy approachable and inspiring for their diverse audience.
SAMIR AZIZI
Chat GPT Wizard SmartCloser AI
A seasoned Marketing and Public Relationships Consultant, Samir specializes in crafting and executing impactful media relations strategies and PR campaigns that resonate in the digital marketing and cryptocurrency sectors, particularly in Canada and the rest of North America.
DR. JENNIFER BRAWN
AI Implementations and Applications SmartCloser AI
Jen is a Harvard & Oxford educated, published neuroscientist with experience in the technology sector, including applications of AI across a wide variety of domains. She is an experienced technology and business consultant who is passionate about operational efficiency and process optimization.
WORKSHOP 3
This session will introduce young professionals and entrepreneurs to key practices, techniques, and opportunities to advance your business within the competitive market.
Business and Cybersecurity Essentials for Entrepreneurs
MANISHA PRASHAR
Co-Founder Defence Station
Manisha has worked in cyber security for more than 6+ years with different companies including Nasdaq, Deloitte, Uber, startups and many more. She recently got the Hall of Fame Award from Microsoft where she reported an important security vulnerability in Microsoft. Manisha has taught programming and cyber security in different educational institutions including Bitmaker (General Assembly) and University of Toronto.
LAURA SCARLETT
CONSULTANT Nobellum
Laura Scarlett is a neurodivergent, multi-award-winning executive and Top 100 Global Finance Influencer. She plays a crucial part in the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem as a consultant for BDC and as the Startup Success Lead at Nobellum. She has advised hundreds of entrepreneurs, leading them to win pitch competitions, gain new B2B contracts and obtain angel and venture financing. Laura is an enigmatic speaker on a mission to empower diverse founders by encouraging more investment toward under-allocated groups in Venture Capital.