What to Expect From Maclean’s Ideas Summit: The Year Ahead

Youth x Power x Truth presented by Uber Canada

By Mitchell Fox

February 14, 2025

The Maclean’s Ideas Summit: The Year Ahead is taking place on February 26 in the Terrace Room of the Gardiner Museum. It will be a deep dive into the intersection of youth, power and truth, with insights on what it’ll take for a young person or a new business to get started and make a difference in Canada in 2025.

The event will be hosted by Maclean’s and presented by Uber Canada, in partnership with Microsoft Canada, Mastercard Canada, the King’s Trust Canada and George Brown College. Guests will be welcomed for an evening of empowerment, networking and guidance featuring some of Canada’s top CEOs.

Join influential community members and thought leaders for an interactive experience featuring guest speakers, an expert panel and networking opportunities, bringing together some of the top names in business to tackle these pressing questions and offer a glimpse into what’s in store for Canadians in 2025. Here’s what you can expect:

The night will start out with networking and refreshments beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by opening remarks from Maclean’s editor-in-chief Sarah Fulford.

Keynote Fireside Chat

The event will kick off with Maclean’s publisher Jason Maghanoy in conversation with Chris Barry, president of Microsoft Canada. In this fireside chat, they’ll explore what is ahead for Canadian businesses, and what young people can do to reach their potential in an ecosystem infused with artificial intelligence.

Meet the Speaker:

Chris Barry, president, Microsoft Canada

Chris Barry is the president of Microsoft Canada. He brings over 20 years of experience with Microsoft and has held a collection of leadership roles within sales and marketing in Canada and across the globe. Most recently, he has been the chief operating officer for Microsoft’s Industry Solutions business. Barry is a member of the board of directors for Toronto Global, a firm that specializes in connecting global entities to Toronto.

Keynote Conversation: Fintech & Financial Empowerment

Next up is a panel discussion featuring two of Canada’s biggest names in growth and marketing, Mastercard’s Balinder Ahluwalia and Rachel Wong, co-founder of Monday Girl. They’ll discuss the biggest challenges facing young Canadians right now and the solutions offered by the world of business and technology.

Balinder Ahluwalia, interim head, senior vice-president, group head of market development and digital partnerships, Mastercard, Canada

Balinder Ahluwalia is the interim head and senior vice president of Mastercard Canada. Now leading the company’s strategic vision, he has held a variety of leadership roles with the company in areas such as data, finance and marketing. Ahluwalia holds a master of business, entrepreneurship, and technology from the University of Waterloo and a BA in psychology and political science from the University of Windsor.

Rachel Wong, co-founder, Monday Girl

Rachel Wong is the co-founder of Monday Girl, a private members club dedicated to helping the next generation of women and non-binary leaders in business. With a focus on networking and community, the club offers mentorship from women at the top of companies such as Google, Deloitte, Nike and Sephora and has reached over 350,000 people. Wong is well-acquainted with start-ups and overseeing growth, as she helped launch Uber Eats in key Canadian markets during her time at Uber.

Marquee Thought Leadership Panel: Youth x Power x Truth

Next up will be a Thought Leadership Panel hosted by Maghanoy and featuring leaders of some of Canada’s best and brightest in business and innovation. Speakers will provide their expertise in technology and start-ups, networking and empowerment as they discuss how young people can navigate a digital landscape marked by instability, polarization and information overload.

Meet the Panellists:

Siri Agrell, CEO, Betakit

Siri Agrell is the chief executive officer for BetaKit, a Canadian publication covering start-ups and tech innovation. She has worked in the highest levels of technology, as well as government and journalism. She started out as a journalist with the Globe and Mail, the National Post and the Ottawa Citizen before moving into communications and intergovernmental relations roles with the mayor of Toronto and the premier of Ontario respectively. She led technology incubator OneEleven before moving to BetaKit.

Farah Mohamed, CEO, the King’s Trust Canada

Farah Mohamed is the chief executive officer of the King’s Trust Canada, a national charity devoted to helping young people become more employable in the face of barriers. Reflecting on her journey of coming to Canada as a refugee from Uganda, she has put her focus on galvanizing decision-makers through practical solutions. She served as a senior adviser to Canadian politicians, founded G(irls)20 (now FORA), was CEO of the Malala Fund from 2017 to 2019 and contributes as a board member to organizations such as RefugePoint, Apolitical and the Harbourfront Centre. Her decorations match her achievements. Mohamed is a recipient of the Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal and was one of BBC’s Top 100 Women, among other awards.

Sevaun Palvetzian, president and CEO, UNICEF Canada

Sevaun Palvetzian is the president and chief executive officer of UNICEF Canada, a humanitarian organization dedicated to the survival and potential of children. She is a senior fellow at the Munk Centre of Global Affairs and Public Policy and has experience at high levels of the public, corporate, NGO and charitable sectors. She has been chief communications officer at Rogers Communications, CEO of CivicAction—a leading Canadian civic engagement organization—and filled various leadership roles with the Ontario government.

Dr. Gervan Fearon, president, George Brown College

Dr. Gervan Fearon is an acclaimed economist, scholar and teacher. His experience in education includes serving as president and vice-chancellor at Brock University as well as Brandon University, dean at the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University and associate dean at York University, before becoming president of George Brown. His work in improving social and economic mobility through education is exemplified in his work as chair of the external reference group for the federal government’s Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, as co-founder of the Canada Caribbean Institute and as a board member with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Health and Ingenium. He has received the Order of Ontario, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum and Diamond Jubilee Medals, as well as the Michaëlle Jean Foundation Influencer Award.

Live Audience Q & A and Closing Remarks

Jason Maghanoy will then host a live question and answer session with the audience, guiding further discussion with the panel before inviting everyone to enjoy the rest of the evening in good company.

After Party and Networking

An after party featuring refreshments and canapés will close the event, offering attendees the opportunity to network amongst featured speakers and fellow guests. This offers a great opportunity to connect with others passionate about Canada’s future in technology, innovation and change-making.

General admission is $25 per ticket, while Toronto Life Insiders can purchase tickets for a discounted price of $15. Capacity is limited, so reserve your spot today to be part of this illuminating exploration of what youth can do to empower themselves in 2025.