Our Speakers

This year’s speakers bring bold ideas shaped by experience, curiosity, and purpose. Each talk explores change; how it begins, how it’s challenged, and how it reshapes the way we see the world.

Together, these voices reflect the spirit of REBORN: renewal, growth, and the courage to think differently.

Ben Newling

Ben Newling explores how scientific ideas take shape once they are shared openly. His work focuses on curiosity, learning, and the power of making complex concepts accessible beyond the classroom.

Professor of Physics at UNB

Camilla Drost

Camilla Drost brings a perspective shaped by curiosity, research, and creativity. She is passionate about exploring complex ideas, bridging technical thinking with human experience, and sharing knowledge in ways that connect beyond the lab.

Master of Science student in Chemical Engineering at the UNB Centre for Nuclear Energy Research

Investor, Speaker and Author

Candi Rose

Candi Rose explores what it means to let go of what no longer fits and step into a more authentic sense of self. Her work centers on growth, healing, and the courage it takes to begin again.

Undergraduate Student in Business Administration

Drashtant Varma

Drashtant Varma explores the role of leadership, advocacy, and representation in shaping inclusive public spaces. His experiences in policy and student leadership reflect a commitment to amplifying voices, driving meaningful change, and engaging communities with purpose.

Earl Hogg

Earl Hoeg focuses on helping people bring their best selves to work by building self-awareness, trust, and meaningful connection. His work explores how understanding ourselves and others can shape healthier workplaces and more human ways of working.

Head of People in Places & founding member of the Future of Work Alliance

Hanna Bordage

Hanna Bordage explores the intersection of science, health, and resilience through both research and lived experience. Her perspective centers on understanding the brain, the body, and the capacity to grow through challenge.

Undergraduate Student in Psychology - Biology

Executive Director of Catalyst Canada

Julie Cafley

Julie Cafley explores how ideas, leadership, and collaboration shape meaningful change across communities and institutions. Her work focuses on connecting people, perspectives, and purpose to build more engaged, forward-looking systems.

Change strategist, facilitator, and speaker

Nicole Paquet

Terri-Ann Richards explores the role of courage in building meaningful success and lasting fulfillment. Through her work as an author, podcast host, and community builder, she focuses on helping individuals lead with intention, confidence, and purpose.

Terri-Ann Richards

With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.

Author, Speaker and Entrepreneur

Yan Simard

Yan Simard explores how innovation, technology, and leadership intersect to shape the way organizations grow and adapt. His work focuses on turning ideas into scalable solutions across industries, while navigating change in fast-moving digital environments.

Chief Executive Officer at Kognitiv Spark