Head of External Relations, Canada McKinsey & Company

Alley Adams is a seasoned corporate communications professional and Senior Manager of Communications, Brand and Reputation at McCarthy Tétrault. She is responsible for all external communications and media relations strategy and execution across the Firm, including crisis management, award recognition and executive communications.  

Before assuming her current position, Alley managed communications and digital strategy of Canada’s largest independent wealth management firm, Canaccord Genuity. In her role, she led the launch of an industry-first program that enabled financial advisors to connect with clients on social media ensuring full compliance with capital markets regulatory bodies.  

Adams has also held positions at the Toronto Stock Exchange, assisting financial service and technology companies with their investor relations programs and started her career at Smithcom, working with industry-leading companies on corporate affairs and crisis communications.  

A passionate advocate for type-one diabetes, kidney disease and organ donation, Alley dedicates much of her personal time to the University Health Network, Canada’s largest research hospital, which comprises Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute for Education at UHN, the Multi-Care Kidney Clinic at Toronto General Hospital and the Kidney Foundation of Canada.  

“The hospital has given me the greatest gift of all, a second chance at life. By joining UIC, I hope to accelerate the mission of UHN, ensuring greater innovations, research, funding and ultimately, more lives saved.”

Senior Manager, Strategy & Business Development, Sprott Surgery, UHN

Michelle works closely with the Surgeon-in-Chief in the Sprott Surgery program at University Health Network. Working with clinician scientists, she sees firsthand the extraordinary work that is achieved at UHN.

“I am involved with the UIC so that I can be more directly involved in helping to further this work; work that makes an incredible impact on the lives of many patients.”

Urologic Surgeon, sub-specializing in Functional Urology

Dr. Dean Elterman is an Associate Professor of Urology at the University of Toronto, sub-specializing in functional urology. His clinical and research interests include voiding dysfunction, particularly sacral neuromodulation, benign prostate enlargement and men’s health. He is the Medical Director of the Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Functional Urology Fellowship Director at UHN. Dr. Elterman trained at the University of Toronto (MD, Urology Residency), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (Fellowship), and New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center (Fellowship, MSc Clinical Epidemiology). He is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of novel technologies for benign prostate enlargement (BPH) and sacral neuromodulation. He lectures and teaches globally and is passionate about improving the quality of life for patients with difficult to treat urologic conditions.

“UHN is the top hospital in Canada and amongst the best in the world because of its people and supporters. I’m excited to be a member of the UIC to help build our programs and foster the invaluable relationships that sustain our innovation. The UIC brings together people who are passionate about the health of our communities locally and the global impact we can have collectively.”

Director, Change Management, Global Human Resources, Scotiabank 

Vernette Eugene brings with her over a decade of Canadian and International experience in the financial services industry. In her current role as Director, Change Management at Scotiabank, she oversees the change management and design thinking approach on all large projects within the Global HR Portfolio.  

Vernette has extensive experience working with community organizations including UNESCO, the Canadian Red Cross, Pathways to Education Canada, TRIEC Mentoring Partnership and The Black Business and Professional Association.  As an advocate for social inclusion, Vernette is the co-founder and former co-Chair of the Scotiabank Black Employee Network, spearheading the Bank’s first global recognition of Black History Month in February 2019, and providing regular consultation on the organization’s overall diversity and inclusion strategy. With a passion for financial literacy, education and empowerment, she is a contributing writer to publications like, SHE Caribbean, a Magazine dedicated to the Caribbean woman, a personal finance blogger, and a Mentor to young people and new immigrants to Canada. Vernette is also an entrepreneur and holds an MBA in Innovation and Technology from Schulich School of Business. 

“I aspire to positively contribute to my community in any way possible, and the UIC is an incredible opportunity to give back to the others in a meaningful way. I am delighted to be part of this brilliant group of professionals who are working together to support and advance a significant cause.”

Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns

“How will I make an impact? This is a question that I ask myself every day. I am a husband, father and a promoter of humanity. My life is not perfect, but I am very grateful for where I am in my journey. Volunteering and giving back is a notion that most think is commendable, but few actually get involved. I decided to stop talking about how I want to contribute to the greater good, and just get started. UHN has provided the vehicle for our collective to give back, and really make an impact. I am honoured to be involved with this initiative, and hope to make a difference in the greatest city and country in the world.”

Co-founder & Partner, Diner Agency

Jack is a serial entrepreneur and an established marketer. Having sold his first 2 companies by age 25, Jack has led marketing programs and initiatives for countless brands across Canada and the US. Alongside his business partner Maleah, Jack has rapidly grown Diner Agency to service some of Canada’s top companies and represent sought-after talent from coast to coast.

“I’m excited to be part of UIC because I believe strongly in giving back and lending your expertise to organizations that are making the world a better place. When the chance to support one of the best hospitals in the world came up, I knew I wanted to help inform Canadians about the excellence in our own backyard.”

Portfolio Manager & Wealth Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities

“Thanks to the exceptional care and effort of the doctors and nurses at Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals, I am alive and get to enjoy every day as a gift with my family. For me, becoming part of the UIC to support and raise awareness is a natural progression.”

Volunteer & grateful patient

“There is no better way to give back to our community than by volunteering with UHN. By raising awareness and fundraising for this incredible institution we can ensure that our parents, ourselves, and one day, our children, will have access to the most innovative and comprehensive healthcare in the world. I got involved with UHN shortly after I was operated on for a benign brain tumour. Through my treatment, I discovered that my surgeon lead the world in developing techniques to remove tumours like mine in the most minimally invasive way possible. Now I know that my surgeon is just one of the many doctors at UHN that are striving to make real differences for their patients. It was an easy decision to get involved with UIC, as I want to do everything I can to ensure the doctors at UHN have all the support they need to continue to develop and implement the best possible treatments for their patients.”

Vice President, Connor, Clark & Lunn Private Capital Ltd.

By introducing affluent Canadians, their families, and foundations and other not-for-profit organizations to CC&L Private Capital’s discretionary wealth management services, Candice provides a confident approach to guiding her clients towards their long-term financial goals.

Prior to joining CC&L Private Capital, she had roles at Pembroke Private Wealth Management and HSBC Global Asset Management. Candice focuses on helping charitable foundations and high net worth clients—including women, entrepreneurs and families—achieve their long-term financial goals. Strategic philanthropy is also an important part of her practice and she is passionate about working with clients to identify values and areas where philanthropy can play a role.

Candice understands the importance of giving back to the community, and is a current board member of the University of Toronto Alumni Association. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, golf, tennis, and hiking with her family and golden retriever, Sadie.

“I’m excited to be part of the UIC community and continuing my own philanthropic journey with the Toronto General and Toronto Western hospital community after all the wonderful care that my family members have received. The UIC is the perfect avenue to make learning about health care fun with an amazing group of supporters!”

Shraddha Kothari Walker grew up in Toronto, attending the Bishop Strachan School (BSS) before going on to study political science and economics at Queens University. 

Through over a decade at Thomson Reuters (now Refinitiv, a LSEG company) Shraddha entrenched herself as a leader across the organization, driving various strategic global initiatives in Sales and Customer Operations, and managing international teams. She currently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of Centre Street Enterprises, a privately held investment and advisory firm focused on family offices and private corporations. 

A firm believer in the importance of community engagement and giving back, Shraddha has served on the Old Girls Executive Committee at BSS, and the Operanation committee for the Canadian Opera Company. For UHN, she currently co-chairs LIVE it UP! in support of the Transplant program, and serves on the Event Committee for Diwali – A Night to Shine, a signature event that has raised over $10-million for the TGWHF. She is also Treasurer/Chair of the Finance Committee on the Board of Directors for the Necessary Angel Theatre Company, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Koffler Centre of the Arts.  

Shraddha lives in Toronto with her husband, Adrian, and their two young children, Sophie and James. They love going to the theatre, cooking and baking, travelling the world, entertaining friends at elaborately themed events, and bringing people together to reinforce a sense of community.   

Vice President, Crestview Strategy

Dan joined Crestview Strategy in January 2017 after five years with the McGuinty and Wynne governments at Queen’s Park. During his time at the Government of Ontario, Dan served as director of communications to the Minister of Energy, as well as senior legislative and issues advisor to the Minister of Finance.

In these roles, he provided strategic leadership on some of the most challenging files in the government, including the 2013 and 2014 minority government budgets, the Hydro One initial public offering, the announcement of refurbishment at Bruce and Darlington Nuclear Generating Stations, an electricity trade agreement with Quebec, and the Ontario Fair Hydro Plan.

A Woodstock, Ontario native, Dan also served as the Ontario Liberal Party candidate in Oxford County for the 2014 General Election. He holds an Honors degree in Political Science from Huron College at Western University, as well as a Master’s of Science in International Relations from the University of Amsterdam.

“Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals are on the cutting edge of game-changing innovation. I’m excited to help tell that story to Toronto’s next generation of community builders and donors.”

Co-founder & Head of Research & Innovation, Willful

Kevin is the co-founder and Head of Business Development at Willful, an estate planning platform that makes it easy, affordable, and convenient to create a will online. He started Willful after a family member’s passing showed him how difficult it is to plan for death and wrap up someone’s life in a digital age. His mission is to ensure every Canadian adult has protected their family and planned their legacy by creating a solid estate plan. Prior to starting Willful, Kevin worked in construction and project management. He is a member of the #Tech4SickKids advisory board at SickKids, and is excited to bring his experience to the UHN Impact Collective. His hobbies include golf and traveling, and he has visited six continents.

Vice President – Clinical, University Health Network
Surgical Oncologist and Minimally Invasive Surgeon, University Health Network

Dr. Quereshy is the Interim Vice-President and Site-Lead of Toronto General Hospital and Surgical Oncologist within Princess Margaret Cancer Centre at UHN. His specialty interest focuses in gastrointestinal malignancies and specifically, colorectal cancer. Dr. Quereshy completed his residency training in general surgery, and his fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Toronto. He received his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) at the Rotman School of Management. He subsequently pursued advanced robotic colorectal fellowship training at the Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong. His academic interests center on operations management and systems efficiency, with the aim of improving cost effectiveness and quality of care. Dr. Quereshy has previously served as medical director of the operating room at the Toronto Western Hospital, as the site lead for gastrointestinal malignancies at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and is an associate professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto.

Rinomato Group of Companies

Always a curious, artistic and precocious youngster, by the age of 16 Veronica Rinomato enjoyed a level of celebrity which very few people can boast. Recognition of her talent from the Family Channel as a gifted singer and skilled songwriter propelled her to success across both the U.S. and European markets. This included multiple Top 5 singles on the Canadian Top 40 Pop Chart; two #1 Dance Radio Song chart toppers, as well as earning top prize for ‘Song of the Year’ in Belgium. Among other accomplishments, Veronica has had the privilege of working alongside numerous seasoned musicians, songwriters and producers from around the world, while personally accumulating more than 75 million streams of her music to date.  

Veronica was inspired by the hard work, passion and success her late grandfather and business acumen Tony Sr Rinomato instilled in his family. Intrigued by his accomplishments in construction and his appreciation for the land development industry, Veronica has chosen to follow in his footsteps and pursue the opportunities that gave this most beloved “Nonno” his zest for life. This esteemed patriarch gave birth to a respected family business that has been instrumental in developing land across the GTA for over 65 years. 

Grateful for the knowledge and experiences garnered over the years from a wide breadth of professional working relationships, Veronica has partnered with her father as they draw new life into Etobicoke. Veronica flourishes when it comes to renovating tired old houses and in turn welcoming fresh, innovative designs the owners are thrilled to call their home. This enterprising young woman has welcomed the challenge of her new role as a Property Manager with Tonlu Properties, which oversees more than 250 tenants and upwards of 2 million square feet of industrial, commercial and office space. Veronica’s inquisitive nature, artistic flair and willingness to overcome challenges while enthusiastically embracing the opportunities presented ensures continued success in the endeavors she explores. 

President, Hotspex Media

“Fortune favors the brave.” With that mantra, Josh co-founded one of Canada’s fastest growing digital media companies and was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the year nominee. His company was also recognized as a Top 100 Growth Company (#24) and credited with awards in digital story telling and innovation. With a strong focus on business results and client success he led his company to an acquisition in late 2018 by one of North America’s most innovative research and insights firm. Now overseeing a media team that is leading the way in cognitive behavior targeting to place ads in greater context, he works with advertisers all over the world to help their media dollars work harder and make advertising more relevant and enjoyable for consumers.

“I am so humbled to be part of the UIC. I think legacy is everything and it’s important to show my kids that you have a responsibility to give back and help those less fortunate. As a group we want to bring awareness to the causes and research that typically aren’t as promoted. With this group of brilliant and accomplished people and the incredible team at the foundation I know we can not only achieve our goals, but surpass them.”

Vice President, TD Securities

Kay is a Vice President in Investment Banking at TD Securities. She enjoys participating in the community and is passionate about driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Canadian health care.

“We all have someone we love who has been touched by the healthcare system. I am excited to be a founding member of the UIC and help engage like-minded philanthropists to create awareness about and support UHN.”

Investment Analyst & Legal Counsel
Forthlane Partners

“I chose to get involved with the UIC after seeing first-hand some of the breakthroughs that have been achieved at UHN, especially as they relate to neurological care and stroke rehabilitation. When we are healthy, we tend to get caught up in our everyday lives and do not realize the importance of these issues and the funding required to overcome them. I want to be a part of sharing news about the efforts and achievements of the hospitals while also keeping my peers aware of emerging medical issues and what is required to overcome them.”

Senior Vice President, Palm Holdings

Having spent just under a decade managing Palm Holdings capex division, Anish went on to found Palm Construction, a full construction management subsidiary, which has been responsible for numerous developments with brands such as Marriott, Starwood, IHG, Hilton, Best Western and Choice Hotels. Anish and his team oversee all construction and development related activity including design, MEP, architecture and procurement. Through this process Palm Holdings has won numerous awards such as Marriott’s best development project of the year 2015, IHG Developer of the year 2017 as well as numerous nominations for Gold Key awards at BDNY. Anish also oversees planning and land development for Palm Holdings real estate across North America and the UK.

Anish is a board member in all Palm Holdings businesses actively taking part in all investment decisions, new ventures, operations, governance and strategy. He is also an active board member of the Residences at the Ritz Carlton Toronto and has been awarded Top 30 under 30 by both Hotel Management in the United States and Hotelier Magazine in Canada.

“It is an unfortunate reality that at some point you or someone you love will end up in hospital. My goal is to help make a positive impact on that experience in any way I can.”

Strategy & Planning Professional
Associate Vice President, Canadian Tire Corporation

Nurin is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of global experience working across industries in strategy, planning, and business transformation functions. Nurin has a passion for healthcare issues and worked for over 10 years in the healthcare industry. Nurin has an undergraduate business degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, and an MBA in Health Industry Management from the Schulich School of Business. She is also a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Health Executive (CHE).

“I joined the UIC because of my desire to support University Health Network – it plays such a pivotal role in the community, especially during COVID.”

Director, Client Relationships at Infotek Consulting Services Inc.

Adriana Wilk grew up in Etobicoke and Oakville, going on to graduate from Western University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in French and minoring in Philosophy, while completing a certificate in Business and French Translation.  Over the past decade, Adriana has built her career in IT consulting through combining her innate ability to forge relationships with her natural curiosity and knack for problem solving.

It is Adriana’s passion for helping shape community-centric organizations that led to her beginning to volunteer. She is currently a member of the UIC Event Planning, Women in Philanthropy and the UHN Collective. She has also volunteered with the Toronto Public Library Foundation as both volunteer and co-chair of their annual Hush Hush event, and with the WE Charity as a volunteer in Toronto and Kenya in support of community initiatives.  

Adriana loves immersing herself in travel – from sea to mountains- and is inspired by different cultures, landscapes, architecture, local art galleries, restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She finds solace in running, hiking, sailing, music, reading and snowboarding. 

“After experiencing a concussion in 2011, my passion for philanthropy towards health-focused initiatives began as I quickly learned to fully appreciate the downstream effects head trauma has on overall wellness. Optimal health and prevention is an education process and our willingness to learn about the mind/body connection through its layers- structurally, chemically and psychologically- can be life changing. UHN has made incredible strides surrounding the innovations in neurological care and brain research. The more we can understand how to optimize health individually, the more we can be and offer to others. I am excited at the opportunity to work with a group that’s empowered to bring the hard topics of science to the dinner table in layman’s terms and give back to a hospital network that’s made a positive impact on many peoples’ lives.”

Broker/Owner – RE/MAX Wealth Builders Real Estate

Alex is the founder of RE/MAX Wealth builders Real Estate and Torontopenthouseliving.com. He was inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and earned the Lifetime Achievement award all before the age of 35. The focus of his business is to help people build financial freedom through condo investment. The newly launched Torontopentthouseliving.com informs and educates empty-nesters on the benefits of condo living in Toronto.

“I got involved with UHN because I lost my father to depression early in life and because of that, I learned the value of a strong health organization. I am now in a position where I can use my business skills to help promote and support UHN and the groundbreaking work they do.”

Research Institute Director of The Institute for Education Research (TIER);

Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto;

Education Scientist & Associate Director, The Wilson Centre, The University of Toronto at UHN

Dr. Wood’s research program at UHN explores the development of expertise in the health professions. As a cognitive psychologist, she is interested in the mental representation of diagnostic categories, how different forms of knowledge are used in problem-solving, and how education supports the cognitive architecture necessary for practice. The aim of her research is to fundamentally change how teachers and education researchers think about knowledge across the health profession in order to transform healthcare practice through education.

“I am thrilled to join the UIC. This is an amazing opportunity to bring science to the community and work together to change the future of healthcare.”