Linda Espinosa Valencia is an equity, diversity and inclusion consultant and alongside Ana Maria Desmasion Cornejo co-founded Ventura Collective. Ventura Collective is a Latine women-owned equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting collective. Ventura utilizes the Diversity and Inclusion ISO 30415 standard to disrupt the current DEI status quo and enact systemic change in organizations.

Linda holds a Marketing and International Business Degree, a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University and a Diversity and Inclusion Service Management ISO 30415:2021 certification from the University of Georgia. Linda was the first DEI consultant in Canada to be certified to implement ISO 30415:2021 Diversity and Inclusion Framework in organizations.

Linda has lived and worked in Mexico, Canada and the US. Living in these three different settings has taught her that differences are what make places and organizations thrive and diversity must be celebrated. She is fluent in both English and Spanish.

Most recently, Linda joined the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the national representative to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization). She has introduced the first DEI Certification in Canada, based on the International Standard ISO 30415, specifically for DEI professionals.

Learn more @venturacollectiveltd

Deji Majekolagbe, born in 1996 in Lagos, Nigeria, currently resides as a photographer in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His portfolio encompasses a diverse spectrum of photography, including weddings, fashion, street, and portrait photography. Deji's passion lies in capturing the essence of individuals from various walks of life.

In his creative process, Deji emphasizes the importance of simplicity, aiming to evoke emotions, stillness, and vulnerability through his work. His focus is on showcasing the genuine and best versions of his subjects. In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of photography, Deji is dedicated to finding his unique voice, embracing a journey of continual learning, overcoming failures, and persistent experimentation.

Check him out @dejimajek

Lize, originally from South Africa, moved to Canada in 2022 to embark on new adventures and expand her horizons. A crime fighter at heart, Lize is passionate about justice and exploring the complexities of the human psyche. She combined her love for puzzles with her fascination for criminal behaviour, leading to the creation of "Puzzled by Crime" — a project that merges analytical thinking with the exploration of the darker sides of human nature. This creative endeavour aims to stimulate problem-solving skills while fostering conversations around crime, vulnerability, and prevention, encouraging others to find colour and light amidst the darkness.

In addition to her crime-related pursuits, Lize is a dedicated philanthropist, always looking for opportunities to bring positive change to others' lives. Together with a friend, she started a fundraiser "Love and Smile SA" aimed at providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to underprivileged children in South Africa, with the goal of "brightening and broadening smiles one by one." To date, they have raised enough funds to supply oral hygiene products to 650 children, creating lasting, positive effects on the health, confidence, and social interactions of these young individuals. Lize's dedication to uplifting others is at the core of everything she does.

Lize is also an avid traveller, believing that exposure to diverse cultures and experiences enriches personal growth and shapes one's worldview. She values learning from different perspectives and incorporates these lessons into her work, ultimately striving to be a positive influence wherever she goes. Her motto is simple yet powerful: live life to the fullest, find the light in dark places, and make a few people smile along the way. Through her creative endeavours, philanthropy, and enthusiasm for exploration, Lize is committed to leaving the world a little safer and a little happier.

Find out more @lizemels

@loveandsmilesa

https://www.puzzled-by-crime.com/

https://www.gofundme.com/f/love-and-smile-sa/