As the driving force behind Luminara Academy, Michelle Machado,  brings nearly two decades of global academic and senior leadership experience from multiple world-renowned universities across Australia, Hong Kong, UK and Canada. These include Deakin University, University of Melbourne and Monash University (Australia), University of Hong Kong, University of Birmingham (UK), University of Warwick (UK), Schulich School of Business (York University Canada) & School of Medicine (Toronto Metropolitan University). 

Her unique insights into the educational, academic, and administrative processes serve as an invaluable guide for aspiring students and professionals across all disciplines. Michelle is committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders with the ‘soft’ but core skills necessary to succeed and lead in tomorrow’s world. Don’t miss the chance to benefit from the insights of a seasoned global educator, right here in Toronto! 

Michelle holds an MBA and a Ph.D in Education. 

Hollis Sinker is the Executive Director of Schulich’s Centre for Career Design where she leads a diverse team of professionals committed to empowering Schulich students and alumni with the requisite skills and perspectives necessary for achieving success in their careers. With a tenure dating back to 2016, she has held various senior positions within the faculty, initially specializing in recruitment and student service leadership roles within the division of Student Services & International Relations.  

Prior to her transition to higher education, Hollis’ early career spanned the experiential and sponsorship marketing industry, where she worked with clients such as TD Bank, Coca-Cola, and Sony Pictures. She also had the pleasure of helping corporate teams stay connected, engaged, and performing at their highest potential via her role at The Second City Works, the corporate education and entertainment arm of the world-renowned Second City comedy theatre. 

Hollis holds an MBA (2015) from Schulich and an HBA (2008) from the Ivey Business School. 

Robyn Parr is the Executive Director, Office of Vice-Provost, Students at the University of Toronto. She has spent more than 20 years in the education and non-profit sector with roles spanning change management, student policy, admissions and recruitment, and an executive level role at Canada’s top university. Robyn has served in multiple officer positions, including President, of the Ontario University Registrars’ Association (OURA).

Her diverse experiences working with students and youth is rooted in her belief that everyone can add value and make a positive impact on others.  Robyn enjoys helping people thrive as leaders and draws from her own experiences of resiliency to teach others. 

Robyn is known to be a dedicated change leader who lives by her values, while consistently prioritizing the student experience.

She has an MA (Leadership) from the University of Guelph, is a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt practitioner.

Colleen Stevenson is an Academic Coach and the founder of Choose your University, where she works with future and current university students as they make decisions and level up their skills for university success.

Prior to starting CYU, Colleen worked in student affairs, including academic advising, scholarships and awards, admissions and curriculum development.

She brings over 15 years of experience in this space. Currently, Colleen works with students and their supporters to provide a more compassionate and less stressful start to University.

She is also currently pursuing her PhD in higher education at the University of Toronto. 

Meet Abena Perryman, half of the visionary force behind Andrew Perry Marketing. As a Managing Partner, Personal Brand Strategist, and Speaker, Abena brings over 25 years of experience in guiding purpose-driven organizations through the ever-changing landscape of business and branding.

Abena’s impact also goes beyond the boardroom. She’s a passionate advocate for social change, drawing from her own family’s experiences to spark meaningful conversations about race and identity.

Her son’s hockey journey and encounters with racism, inspired the poignant children’s book “I Am Big” by award-winning children’s author Itah Sadu, sharing a powerful message of resilience and empowerment.