Speakers for the 2025 Girls in Tech Conference

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Melonie de Guzman

Melonie de Guzman is an IT project manager, digital media leader, and an advocate for women in tech with over 15 years of experience. She has held key roles, including senior producer of CTV.ca, where she led digital initiatives for events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, and Toronto Film Festival. A Canadian Screen Award winner, Melonie co-founded Rogers Women in Tech and serves as a council member of the WomenTech Network. As Director of Events for Lean In Canada, she champions initiatives that empower women to connect, learn, and lead in their careers.

Sheena yap chan

Sheena Yap Chan is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, keynote speaker, strategist, and award-winning podcaster renowned for her expertise in elevating leadership and self-confidence through media. She is the founder and host of the acclaimed podcast, The Tao of Self-Confidence, where she interviews women about their journeys to self-confidence. With over one million downloads, her podcast ranks among the top 0.5% most popular shows globally and features over 800 interviews, including conversations with celebrities and eight-figure CEOs. Sheena's influence extends beyond podcasting. Her debut book, The Tao of Self-Confidence: A Guide to Moving Beyond Trauma and Awakening the Leader Within, published by Wiley, is a Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly bestseller. It is also recognized as one of the top 20 best self-confidence books of all time by Book Authority, the world's leading site for book recommendations. Her work has been featured on prominent platforms such as MindValley, FOX, NBC News, and the Manila Times. Sheena is dedicated to closing the gender confidence gap through her training and programs, aiming to elevate women into leadership roles across all industries. She has delivered impactful speeches for organizations like Live Nation, NASA, and UKG, sharing her insights on self-confidence and leadership.

Alison Simpson

Alison is the Vice President of Human Resources at AstraZeneca Canada, a leading global biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in several core areas: cardiovascular, diabetes, oncology and respiratory diseases. Prior to this role she has worked in a wide range of business roles at AstraZeneca and across two other large global companies Campbell Soup and Procter & Gamble.  Bringing 30 years of experience in total, her roles have included Product Development, Marketing, Commercial Operations and Strategic Planning with her current accountabilities focused on driving the people agenda and growth at AstraZeneca.