Meet our team
Our team of approachable mentors build genuine connections with every client, navigating entrepreneurial journeys through business expertise and experience.
Camila Duarte
Executive Director
Camila is an experienced technical project manager, entrepreneur, and life/career coach with eight years of experience designing, planning, and implementing projects for startup businesses in the technology, marketing, and customer-faced service industries.
Camila aligns technological progress, stakeholder management, and long-term value creation for all clients, and her leadership provides excellent service in digital and social innovation projects across the startup world.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Human Environment and a post-grad diploma in Business Administration from Concordia University in Montreal. Camila is a certified Scrum Master as well as a Life and Career Coach.
When she is not at the office, you’ll find Camila reading, riding her bike, or doing yoga!
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic Planning
- Marketing Communications
- Information Technology
- Coaching
- Community Development
- Networking
- Complex Project Management
Alana Currier
Director of Operations
Alana has been with the Innovation Cluster since 2017 and continues to bring her detail-oriented, organized, and solution-driven approach to ensure that the daily operations of the Innovation Cluster’s two incubators, events, and other programming run seamlessly.
Her responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Booking meetings between clients and partners
- Planning and executing public and private workshops
- Community outreach
- Internal and external event planning
- Managing the Board of Directors
- Assisting in program planning, implementation, and management
- Managing the Startup Visa Program
- Managing AR Makerspace
Alana has a Bachelor of Arts in History from Trent University and a post-graduate certificate in Event Management from Algonquin College.
Areas of Expertise
- Event Planning, Coordination & Execution
- Event Marketing
- Client Relations
- Community Relations
- Organizational Operations
- Program Planning & Management
Zahra Shafiei
STARTup Visa Program Manager
After earning her Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Toronto Metropolitan University, Zahra became an essential pillar of support for international startup founders in Canada, drawing from her own immigrant experience. Proficient in English and Farsi, she seamlessly bridges cultures, assisting founders with business models, cash flow, and market strategies. Off-duty, she enjoys skating, biking, or skiing in the Canadian chill. She loves great coffee, so be sure to enjoy a cup when you visit her office.
Areas of Expertise
- Business model
- Financial Cash-flow
- Go-to-Market Strategies
Ben Dunford
Regional Program Manager
Ben earned his BA in Business Administration from Trent University. His experience in finance, hedge fund administration, business development and corporate services has helped him grow a passion for entrepreneurship. He is a detailed oriented, organized critical thinker who is always looking to help create opportunities for the Peterborough and Kawartha Community.
Outside of the office, Ben enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family.
Ann-Majella McKelvie
STARTup Visa Program Coordinator
Ann-Majella McKelvie is a passionate advocate for gender equality and social justice. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies, which has informed her work in various roles. She has previously worked as the Administrative and Projects Coordinator in the Housing Department at Trent University, where she gained valuable experience in project management and administration.
In addition, Ann-Majella has experience working in the political arena as a Recruitment Supervisor for the Hamilton Centre riding in both the provincial and federal elections. Her commitment to empowering marginalized communities has also led her to volunteer with various organizations.
During her downtime, Ann-Majella enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with loved ones, watching movies and TV shows, and embarking on new adventures.
As a member of the StartUP Visa Program team, she supports the administrative and strategic aspects of the program, connecting clients with experts and advisors and fostering partnerships with potential clients. Her expertise in these areas allows her to make a valuable contribution to the program and its mission to support innovative international entrepreneurs.
Nonnie Dube
Entrepreneurship Coordinator
Nonnie is a passionate digital marketer, branding expert, and entrepreneur dedicated to community service. She holds a BA in Business Administration and Media Studies and has applied her knowledge and skills in key roles such as Loyalty Ambassador at IHG. This position honed her marketing and networking capabilities while enhancing her customer-centric approach.
Outside the professional realm, Nonnie is an avid outdoor enthusiast and a passionate Volleyball coach for high school girls, using sport as a platform for youth empowerment.
Nonnie’s life story is one of resilience and determination. She emerged from poverty in South Africa through scholarships, achieving higher education, and forging a successful career. Today, she’s dedicated to youth empowerment and women’s health and wellness, hoping to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and seize opportunities. Nonnie embodies the principle that every dream is within reach with tenacity, hard work, and a spirit of adventure.
Areas of Expertise
- Digital Marketing
- Branding
- Networking
- Community Service
Peyton Lee
Intern
Studying Business Administration with a finance specialty, Peyton is also on Trent’s varsity golf team. Off the books, he’s passionate about volleyball and hockey.