The 5th Annual Conference 2009: Keynote Speakers

Michael Lee Chin

Michael Lee-Chin is a graduate of McMaster University with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He entered the financial services industry in 1977 as a financial advisor.  In 1987 he acquired AIC Limited. AIC stands today as the largest privately held mutual fund company in Canada.   Mr. Lee-Chin was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997.  In 2002, he earned the Harry Jerome Award for a decade of achievement and has been profiled in Forbes, Fortune, Canadian Business, Black Enterprise, National Post and Time magazines.

Under his stewardship in 2002, AIC purchased 75% of the National Commercial Bank (NCB).  Today NCB is Jamaica’s largest bank with 52 branches and offices in Cayman and the U.K.  In November 2003, Michael received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from McMaster University in recognition of his business success and philanthropic initiatives, and in July 2004 was honoured by Time magazine as one of Canada's Heroes and one of the country's most intriguing and inspiring citizens.  Also, in 2004, Mr. Lee-Chin received the International Humanitarian Award from the America Friends of Jamaica.  In June 2006, he received an honorary Juris Doctor degree from the University of Toronto. 

Louise Kent

Louise Kent is a gifted musician and passionate young speaker, who fills the room with energy. A world traveler, Louise has explored her way through over 20 countries over five continents, gaining new perspectives and influences for keynote addresses and music. Passion and charisma have allowed her to connect with incredible individuals living in some of the most impoverished communities in the world. Louise speaks and sings about these friendships through her words and music, whether formed in the rice paddies of rural China, deserts of India, savannah of Africa or the streets of Mexican border regions.

Louise joined Free The Children as the International Youth Coordinator in April 2004. She has taken pleasure in supporting thousands of young people to take action and has been deeply inspired by their efforts. She has traveled to developing countries with groups of youth to build schools and to gain a better understanding of the needs of our world.

Craig Kielburger

Craig Kielburger, co-author of Me to We: Finding Meaning in a Material World, is an accomplished child rights advocate and leadership specialist, an award-winning author and a popular speaker. At the age of 12, he founded Free The Children, the world’s largest network of children helping children through education, and the co-founder of Leaders Today, the world’s top youth leadership training organization. Now 25, Craig has traveled to more than 50 countries, visiting underprivileged children and speaking out in defense of children’s rights.

Susan Aglukark

Singer/Songwriter Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique artists, and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada. Susan’s genuine concern for others combined with her political & social awareness, lead many to view her as a role model. She is also rapidly becoming known as an uplifting motivational speaker, able to reach both youth and adult audiences alike.

Alaina Podmorrow

In September of 2006, Alaina Podmorow was so moved by a speech made by writer, journalist, Sally Armstrong who told the reality of how women and young girls were being treated in Afghanistan. Alaina decided right then, that she would make a difference. Her 1st effort was a silent auction. She committed all funds raised, toward paying the salaries of Teachers in Afghanistan. Her efforts raised enough money to pay the salaries of 4 teachers for 1 year!

Alaina felt a strong sense to continue her efforts. She contacted Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan and asked if she could join their organization and call herself “Little Women for Little Women in Afghanistan". CW4W in Afghanistan welcomed her with open arms and thus the beginning of this organization.

Terry Guest

Mr. Guest has had a distinguished career in education. He attended Ridley College and then received his B.A. and professional education from Bishops University.  He taught in independent schools and was the headmaster of three schools, Lakefield College, Sedburgh School, and Bayview Glen.  During his fifteen year tenure at Lakefield, he came to know His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew.  Last year Mr. Guest received the CVO from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, in London, England. This honour is given to recognize service to the Royal Family and is the closest honour to a knighthood that a Canadian can receive.

A past Executive Director of Round Square, Terry Guest and his wife Sue, have been involved in more than 70% of the international service projects that Round Square sponsors.

He loves the outdoors and has traveled extensively in Arctic.  He sails competitively, is a woodworker, and has two sons and three grandchildren.