Dr.Rafik Loutfy

Dr.Loutfy joined Ryerson University in July 2013 as Innovator-In-Residence, and became the inaugural Director, of the Centre of Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship in the Faculty of Engineering & Architectural Science, in July 2014. He had a 30 years long and distinguished career with Xerox Corporation. Loutfy joined Xerox in 1974 as a researcher and held a variety of project and managerial positions at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada (XRCC) including Centre manager. He was appointed vice president in Xerox’s Corporate Research & Technology organization in 1991 and held a variety of VP positions, including vice president of strategy planning and innovation. Loutfy became a corporate officer in 1997 and served as the chief technical officer (CTO) and senior vice president of Xerox Business Group Operations, and vice president of the Wilson Center for Research & Technology in Webster, New York – one of Xerox’s largest research centers, and Director of Corporate Business Strategy.

Dr.Loutfy possesses a BSc and MSc in organic chemistry from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, a PhD in Photochemistry from the University of Western Ontario, and a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Toronto. He holds 32 US patents and has published more than 178 scientific articles.

Nancy Seifi

Nancy Seifi is at the forefront of nurturing international entrepreneurial talent through a wide array of programs. She is acknowledged as a Venture Capitalist by the National Venture Capital Association in the U.S. Furthermore, she is accredited in Corporate Finance and Sustainable Capitalism from Berkeley Law School, University of California. She is the founding general partner of Rochester Green Capital, the first Canadian-U.S. accelerator/VC based in Rochester. And Founding board of National American- Canadian Investment Council. Additionally, she has led the Canadian Society for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for over a decade and is an official partner of the United Nations Global Impact.

Nancy has dedicated several years to advancing a sustainability-focused approach to venture capital. Her responsibilities include implementing strategies around deal flow, due diligence, and sustainable investment. Her passion for innovation and entrepreneurship is well-known. Nancy has authored over 12 journal articles and chaired more than eight international conferences, working closely with Canadian universities. Her significant achievements have been honored with various awards, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) award.

Nancy completed her Professional Sustainable Business Strategy diploma at Harvard Business School and is currently enrolled in the Sustainable Investment program there. She earned an MSc in Material Chemistry and a Master of Engineering in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Toronto Metropolitan University. Additionally, she has a diploma in immigration consulting from Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada. Nancy has held executive roles in multiple events, including the Career Fair at the University of Toronto and the International Talent to Talent Conference at Toronto Metropolitan University. She was awarded the Connect Grant from NSERC in 2018 and 2017, along with the Canadian Merit Award in 2012. Nancy is a board member for the Chemical Institute of Canada, Toronto Chapter, and the CEO of the Canadian Society for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has been part of the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and the Government Affairs Committee since 2016. Currently, she is studying contract law at Berkeley Law School and pursuing a Master of Law in international law at Golden Gate University.

Paria Oskoi

Paria Oskoi is a regulated member of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CCIC) with membership ID R416799 in good standing with over 20 years of work experience and is recognized as an experienced authority on Canadian immigration matters.

She is a founding director of Persis Professional Services Inc. (Persis) and has served as President of the Iranian Canadian Association of Immigration Consultants (ICAIC) from 2013 to 2016. She is currently the Immigration Citizenship Academia Nexus (ICAN) president, which provides training and mentorship to immigration consultants.

Mrs. Paria Oskoi’s immigration practice focuses on economic class and business immigration. She is a recognized expert on Business Immigration and is frequently published in a local weekly paper named Atash (atash.ca).

With over 20 years of professional experience, she has helped businesses and individuals use Canadian immigration programs for successful immigration and settlement in Canada. She has assisted many start-up projects under Canada’s start-up program, from idea validation to marketing and sales. These projects include Kartos, FTH Technologies, PoilWater, Asia Rayan Tech, Autism VR, WarmShield, RoFoot, ZAG Hand Robot and ASAD.

In addition, she has attended meetings as a subject matter expert with senior federal and Ontario officials to discuss immigration issues.

Majid Tayefeh

Majid Tayefeh completed his Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at McMaster University. Besides, Majid Tayefeh has another Master’s in Civil Engineering. He was also awarded to obtain a scholarship at McMaster University. Both Technical and business perspectives provide the opportunity for Majid to work in the Innovative Construction Industry and also Start-ups. Therefore, Majid has a good understanding of processes involved in a core industry and, at the same time, understands how a start-up culture works. Moreover, Majid is the co-founder of an award-winning startup at McMaster, Connecting 3c Inc. which connects 3 pillars on a single web-based Platform by using their live locations.

Elizabeth Lo Serro

Elizabeth Lo Serro is the co-founder of Late Night Labs, a space to play and learn by doing. Elizabeth also currently facilitates, develops, and consults on design thinking workshops for the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. She has worked extensively within the Ryerson community through her work on Ryerson Sales Initiative as an executive founding member and mentorship of students in various competitions and events, amongst other projects. Elizabeth was most recently selected as a finalist for the Sleight New Venture Competition in March 2020 for her co-founded company, Circle Shop. Elizabeth has a background in business, design thinking, entrepreneurship, leadership, strategy, facilitation and project management. Elizabeth is a jack of all trades. Her passion lies in always learning, exploring and solving problems. Her diverse interests and ability to bring information together in unique and insightful ways allows her to bring a fresh perspective to spotting opportunities and creating innovative solutions. Areas of great interest in her work and research include education, health, food and self development. Elizabeth has a B.Comm in Global Management from The Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. She has travelled around the world to learn about design thinking and innovation.

Ali Eshtiaghi

I am a graduate in English Language and Literature and Philosophy from the University of Toronto. I own extensive experience in teaching international Business, Business Management, Business Administration, Business Leadership. Apart from my extensive teaching experience, I have been an international agent for different international companies for a number of yours both in Canada and various companies.

Mahdi Meshkani

Mahdi Meshkani is an entrepreneur with startup knowledge. Besides, Mahdi Meshkani completed his Master’s degree in commercial adverting management.
He launched several startup in his country and those projects provided the opportunity for Mahdi to work in the Innovative Idea and also Start-ups. Now he is Owner of Negarine Advertising Agency and Negarine publishing too.
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