Crafting Narratives That Drive Change

Theodora Jean is an award-winning communications strategist and the Founder of Coldwater Communications, a boutique PR agency recognized three years running as Small Agency Team of the Year. With over 18 years of experience in public relations, she leads high-impact, cross-sector campaigns spanning tech, government, non-profit, and entertainment, helping organizations tell impactful stories and navigate complex communications landscapes. She was recently honoured with the 2025 Entrepreneurial Leadership Award from the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and has served in leadership roles with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and CPRS Vancouver. Theodora holds a Master’s in Communication from the University of Ottawa and an undergraduate degree from Queen’s University. She has also completed executive education at Harvard Business School focused on leading professional service firms and entrepreneurship.

Peter is a senior leader in crisis management and strategic communications with experience across corporate, municipal, provincial, and post-secondary sectors. He has advised senior executives and elected officials, led major communications and issues-management initiatives, and supported high-profile individuals and organizations.His experience includes crisis response for large-scale international and multi-agency events, including the 2002 G8 and 2025 G7 summits in Kananaskis, Alberta. Peter is known for sound judgment, political acuity, and a diplomatic, discreet approach focused on resilience, reputation, and stakeholder trust.

Chris Malmo is a communicator and writer with a passion for public policy. With a background in journalism and communications management, Chris has worked on energy and digital policy projects, contributing to publications like Vice News. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University and has extensive experience in strategic communications across multiple sectors.

Fiona Forbes is a recognized Canadian television host and producer, known for her engaging style and insightful interviews. With over two decades of experience, Fiona has hosted award-winning talk shows and collaborated on various media projects. She is also an advocate for charitable causes and remains a prominent figure in the Canadian media landscape.

Jaclyn Cummings partners with talent and brands to deliver impactful communications results. Known for her work with high-profile clients like Russell Wilson and Ciara, Jaclyn has a background in marketing and PR strategy, with experience in expanding brands like Lyft and Saje Natural Wellness.

Yasmine Shemesh is a versatile writer and music journalist based in Vancouver with a degree in English from Simon Fraser University. She excels in crafting compelling narratives and clear messaging across industries, including fashion, marketing, travel, and hospitality. As a music journalist, her work has been featured in major publications like Billboard, ELLE Canada, and the GRAMMYs. Yasmine has served as the music editor at the Georgia Straight and sits on the juries of the Polaris Music Prize and Prism Prize. She was included in Invisible Publishing’s Best Music Writing of 2023 list.

With over 25 years of experience in public policy and regulatory affairs, Jay Schlosar is dedicated to building strategic partnerships and advocating for solutions-driven public policy. His 15-year tenure in the B.C. provincial government includes senior roles in the B.C. provincial government, including roles as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Premier and Assistant Deputy Minister of Local Government and Inspector of Municipalities. Jay has also spent the last decade in the private sector, leading community and Indigenous relations at Teck Resources. He holds a Master’s in Political Science from the University of Victoria and an Executive Diploma from Columbia University (New York).

Danielle Alfaro is a seasoned Corporate Communications and Public Relations professional who has been with Coldwater Communications since its inception. With experience spanning B2B tech, PR agency, non-profit sectors, and the arts and entertainment industry across Canada and the US, she specializes in strategic communications, media relations, and executive communications.

Jack Branswell is a senior communications leader with 15 years of strategic communications and media relations experience at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. As Director of Strategic Communications and Director of Ministerial Events and Media Relations, he managed communications for complex, high-profile files, including Canada's response to the fall of the Afghan government and the outbreak of war in Ukraine. He also brings extensive internal communications experience and a strong understanding of government and politics, having worked closely with multiple ministers' offices. Before joining the federal public service, Jack spent 25 years in journalism as a reporter with The Canadian Press and later as a manager and deputy editor with CanWest and Postmedia.

Miguel Eichelberger is a communications strategist, writer, and leadership and culture consultant who has coached and written for CEOs, professors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and organizations including Ducks Unlimited, YVR, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Variety — The Children's Charity of BC. His work, both as an author and ghostwriter, has appeared in The Globe and Mail, The Hill Times, BC Business, Forbes, and more. He holds a BA in English from the University of Calgary and was nominated for a 2022 UBC President's Award for Innovation and Creativity in Communications for his work with the UBC School of Biomedical Engineering. In 2026, he received a Certificate of Recognition from Member of Parliament Wade Chang for his work with Variety BC. He is also an accomplished author and poet.

Joanna Brady is a communications professional passionate about creating meaningful impact through strategic communication and community engagement. She holds a bachelor's degree from UBC, where she completed a double major in Political Science and History. Drawing on her experience in project coordination, grassroots nonprofit work, and community-based volunteer initiatives, Joanna brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to building connections, supporting collaboration, and driving positive change.