Sara Hosseini is a Product Manager at IBM, shaping the development for the Observability portfolio with a focus on automation and AI. She brings deep experience across automation, data, and fintech, having previously worked at Tesla, where she drove payments product initiatives across Tesla’s ecosystem. 

Sara holds a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her technical and product leadership, Sara is passionate about advancing women in STEM and actively advocates for their growth and representation. Outside of her corporate work, she serves as the Managing Director of the MAX Women in Leadership program, where she fosters community building and supports the career development of women.

Farooq Naiyer is a seasoned cybersecurity executive and the current CEO of NKST, a cybersecurity research and collaboration platform. With over 20 years of global experience in cybersecurity, privacy, compliance, and assurance, he has held senior roles including Global Lead for Technology and Cyber Assurance at Munich Re and CISO for ORION. He has also served in C-suite positions across financial institutions in the Middle East and South Asia and worked with Big Four firms. Farooq is recognized for his leadership and innovation, having received the CSO Compass Award in 2010 and the EC-Council’s Presidential Award in 2019. A prominent speaker and educator, he has contributed to academic programs and served on advisory boards for ISACA, EC-Council, and institutions like Durham College and the University of Guelph. His contributions have positioned him as a respected thought leader in the cybersecurity community.

Mr Kent is a Field CTO for Cloudflare, where he helps customers with technology strategies, emerging technologies and IT modernization. Prior to Cloudflare, Mr. Kent has held several CTO positions overseeing technology strategy, product and development, and professional services.  Mr. Kent is a recognized leader in the fields of cloud computing and cybersecurity, having led Cisco’s public sector journey for over a decade in both areas. As Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Idemia and Red River Technologies, he led organizational transformations to support modernizing development and cloud migration while integrating Dev/Sec/Ops.

Bobby is the Global Chief Information Security Officer. Bobby is a seasoned cybersecurity and technology executive with over 25+ years of global leadership experience across the financial, healthcare, and technology sectors. At Manulife, Bobby is responsible for overseeing enterprise- wide cybersecurity strategies, risk management, and digital resilience initiatives. Prior to this, Bobby served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at TMX Group, where I led global information security strategy, technology risk management, information protection, and compliance. I was responsible for leading a multidisciplinary information security team operating across the United States, and Europe. I oversaw. I successfully executed multi-year cybersecurity roadmaps and aligned technology strategies with business objectives to drive impactful outcomes. My passion for leveraging innovative technologies and my ability to navigate complex threat environments have enabled me to become a trusted advisor and leader in the cybersecurity landscape. Bobby holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and have completed advanced leadership programs such as the Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management.

Hendra T. Hendrawan is a cybersecurity strategist with over 20 years of experience in IT and risk management. At Info-Tech Research Group, he advises leaders on security strategy, policy, and governance. His background includes leading security teams in higher education, managing PCI compliance, and overseeing risk portfolios in banking and capital markets. Hendra holds an MBA from Toronto Metropolitan University and dual degrees from York University, along with certifications such as CISSP and CCSP. He is also an adjunct professor at Seneca College and the Fields Institute, University of Toronto, sharing his passion for lifelong learning and knowledge exchange.

Olalekan (Wole) Akinremi is a Partner in the Technology & Intellectual Property and Privacy & Access to Information Practice Groups at WeirFoulds LLP. 

Wole’s expertise spans an impressive range of technology and privacy law spheres. He provides invaluable guidance to clients on matters such as artificial intelligence, privacy compliance, robust data security measures, software integration, outsourcing strategies, cloud computing, and IP ownership. Prior to joining WeirFoulds, Wole was a Partner at a boutique law firm that was heavily focused on Intellectual Property Law and Technology Law. At this firm, Wole served as a Co-Chair of the Technology Law Practice Group. Wole also has extensive in-house experience, as he has held roles as legal counsel at a Big Four professional services firm and two Fortune 500 companies. 

Beyond his legal practice, Wole frequently speaks on technology, artificial intelligence, and privacy law matters. Recently, Wole was a co-speaker at Osgoode Professional Development’s National Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and the Law for Financial Services; where he spoke about the risks and mitigation strategies related to open-source generative artificial intelligence.

Cyprian Kebbianyor is the Privacy and Compliance Officer at GreenShield Canada with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in regulatory compliance and personal information protection. He holds both an LL.B. and an LL.M., bringing a strong academic foundation to his leadership in governance, risk management, and compliance. Throughout his career, Cyprian has established a reputation for building robust compliance frameworks, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring organizations meet evolving regulatory requirements with integrity and diligence. Beyond his professional work, he is passionate about lifelong learning, enjoys reading widely, and gives back to his community through coaching soccer.

Sahil is a data privacy, technology, and AI lawyer on the legal team at Samsung Canada, where he provides counsel on data protection, data privacy, intellectual property, information technology, ad tech, and AI law related issues. Sahil also sits as the Chair of the Board of the Interactive Advertising Bureau – AI and Emerging Technology Committee. Prior to joining Samsung, Sahil worked as a Director, Legal at Postmedia, an Associate at Torkin Manes, and served as in-house counsel for two software companies where he worked with clients to draft, review, and negotiate contracts, advise on legal and business matters, and facilitate the negotiation and closing of commercial, business, and governmental deals and transactions.

Fahad Iqbal is a cybersecurity architect who has been working in the field since the early 2000s, bringing over two decades of experience securing cloud, enterprise, and critical infrastructure systems. He currently serves as a Senior Security Architect at CPP Investments, where he leads initiatives around AI risk management, zero trust, and multi-cloud security. Over his career, Fahad has held senior security roles at TD Bank, Scotiabank, Deloitte, Royal Bank of Canada, Teck Resources, and Saudi Aramco, directing large-scale programs in cloud security, incident response, and compliance. He has overseen hundreds of security architecture assessments across AWS, Azure, and GCP, giving him deep expertise in managing risks at the intersection of AI, privacy, and enterprise technology. Fahad’s contributions have been recognized with national honors including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award and the King Charles Coronation Award at the Senate of Canada. With a career that began at the dawn of modern cybersecurity, he offers a global perspective on how organizations can embrace AI responsibly while safeguarding security and privacy.

Simi Odusanya is a Senior Security Consultant based in Toronto providing Strategic Cybersecurity Services at Mandiant, now part of Google Cloud. Simi has over 8 years of experience, working in various industry sectors including government, financial, insurance, energy and healthcare sectors in Canada, the United States, the Cayman Islands and internationally. Throughout her tenure at Mandiant, Simi has been delivering complex cyber programs including Security Program Assessments, Privacy Programs, Security in Merger & Acquisitions, Cyber Response Readiness Assessments, Security Program Development and Transformation engagements with strategic and short-term outcomes for organizations.

Parul Khanna is a seasoned cyber security professional and passionate instructor in the field of risk management, incident response, cloud security and software engineering. She has a Masters degree in Information System Security Management from Canadian University and holds CISSP, ISSAP, CCSP, CSSLP, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE and CCSK designations. Previously, Parul has worked as a core team member of Cybersecurity Operations Centre at one of Canada’s Big 5 bank. She is a subject matter expert on risk assessments, security control improvements and security solutions. In addition to her professional career, Parul has published a research paper on Doxing at an International Conference on Information Security, Privacy and Forensics held in Montreal. Parul has also served as a board member for the (ISC)2 Toronto Chapter. She enjoys mentoring aspiring professionals and is an instructor for cybersecurity courses at York University, Toronto. Parul also loves to volunteer her time for the WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) community and is a passionate public speaker at cybersecurity conferences.

Professional

 Founder of Zarori, a firm focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Atif brings over 15 years of experience advising healthcare, government, and enterprise clients on high-stakes technology initiatives. His work blends strategic clarity with hands-on expertise in data systems, making him a trusted guide in complex environments. 

Personal 

In early 2025, Atif experienced a series of rare neurological events that altered the course of his life. As gaps in care emerged, he used his background in data, AI, and systems thinking to intervene, analyze, and advocate from within. What followed was not just recovery, but a deep descent into the realities of medicine, technology, and the human body under pressure.

Aneel Syed is a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology, specialized in Data Analytics, Technology Audits and Risk & Controls Advisory. He currently leads the Global Advanced Analytics & AI team at CIBC Internal Audit and has been instrumental in helping shape data analytics strategies, fostering specialized teams and leveraging advanced tools to extract actionable insights. Before joining CIBC, Aneel has worked with numerous financial services organizations internationally and within Canada, including senior roles at EY and PwC. 

Aneel’s qualifications include certifications like CISA, CRISC, CGEIT, CDPSE and PMP, complemented by advanced academic degrees in Computer Science, Business, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. His dedication to leadership extends to his role as a Certified Strategic Interventionist, where he empowers teams and individuals for remarkable success.

Zain Haq is an IT and cybersecurity audit and assurance professional with extensive experience working with both external and internal audit clients. Specializing in the financial services and technology sectors, Zain has a proven track record of integrating data analytics and generative AI copilots into audit testing to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of audit processes. 

Throughout his career, Zain has focused on developing innovative audit methodologies that leverage technologies to provide deeper insights and more comprehensive risk assessments. His work has been instrumental in helping organizations stay ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats and maintain robust compliance frameworks. In addition to his professional practice, Zain has developed and delivered technology audit programs for York University, aimed at equipping industry professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the rapidly evolving audit landscape. 

At this conference, Zain will discuss the practical applications of data analytics and generative AI in cybersecurity audits, sharing his experiences and insights on how these tools can be used to drive more effective and efficient audit outcomes.

Mr. Chadha is a Partner at SAV Associates with over 25 years of experience in assurance, internal audit, and risk advisory. He has led large-scale internal audit and compliance programs for public companies, regulated entities, and public-sector organizations. He previously held leadership roles at PwC, KPMG, Rogers, Deloitte, and major Canadian banks before co-founding SAV Associates. 

Certifications: CPA (Canada & US), CA (India), CIA, CISA, CISM, CFE, CITP, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, ISO/IEC 42001 (The first international standard for an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS))

Lionel Akagah, CISSP, is a bilingual (English-French) cybersecurity professional with an international journey spanning across Africa, Europe, and North America. With over 10 years of experience, Lionel has worked for top consulting firms such as PwC, EY, MNP, and Wavestone, helping improve the cyber posture of over 40 clients globally, and then went on to become the inaugural Director of Cybersecurity for a Crown Corporation in Ottawa, Canada, in early 2025. A natural leader with strong interpersonal skills known for strategic input, cross-functional coordination, and initiative leadership, Lionel demonstrates strong knowledge of Canadian and international IT security standards, trends, and system methodologies. He sits on the board of many cybersecurity organizations and is also an active member of key organizations such as ISC2 (Toronto chapter) and CIOCAN (CISO division). Being human-centered first is crucial to all of his endeavors, and one of his favorite quotes is “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” Lionel is also an avid golf amateur player as well as a wellness advocate (as a Reiki Master).

Mehak Wani is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with extensive experience driving strategies that protect organizations against evolving IT/Cyber threats. She is currently leading the Business Information Security Office and IT Compliance Management at Interac. In her leadership role, she oversees security operations, risk management, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies to safeguard critical assets. She is passionate about empowering teams and bridging the gap between technical expertise and business priorities, she is committed to building resilient security cultures and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals

Daniel Zaman is a technology leader with over 2 decades of experience building cybersecurity programs within Organizations from the ground up. He designs secure-by-default, Zero Trust architectures, uplifts SOC capabilities, and establishes resilient DR/BCP—each governed by clear metrics and business outcomes. Known for translating complex risk into board-ready narratives, he integrates data protection, incident-response readiness, and operational resilience into scalable operating models. Daniel has led high-impact migrations and enterprise transformations, pairing disciplined engineering with pragmatic change management. His leadership includes roles at Holt Renfrew, Staples, Longo’s, and Magna, and he contributes to the profession through CISO community chapters and nonprofit board service supporting education in developing countries and Canadian charities. His north star is practical security that accelerates the business—fewer blind spots, faster recovery, and a culture empowered to verify.

Andrea Knoblauch is a Principal of Security at Softchoice focused on security architecture and strategic frameworks including Zero Trust and Defence in Depth for Hybrid and Cloud environments. Her background includes over 20 years working in the security industry with Managed Security Service Providers, Resellers and Solution providers. She currently works with clients across North America on their security journey and spends her off-time working with industry groups including NIST and the Cloud Security Alliance to advance official Zero Trust education, best practices, and frameworks including involvement in the creation of the Certificate of Competence in Zero Trust (CCZT) and the Cloud Control Matrix (CCM). Andrea was voted one of the Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity in Canada in 2021.

Parul Khanna is a seasoned cyber security professional and passionate instructor in the field of risk management, incident response, cloud security and software engineering. She has a Masters degree in Information System Security Management from Canadian University and holds CISSP, ISSAP, CCSP, CSSLP, CISA, CISM, CRISC, CDPSE and CCSK designations. Previously, Parul has worked as a core team member of Cybersecurity Operations Centre at one of Canada’s Big 5 bank. She is a subject matter expert on risk assessments, security control improvements and security solutions. In addition to her professional career, Parul has published a research paper on Doxing at an International Conference on Information Security, Privacy and Forensics held in Montreal. Parul has also served as a board member for the (ISC)2 Toronto Chapter. She enjoys mentoring aspiring professionals and is an instructor for cybersecurity courses at York University, Toronto. Parul also loves to volunteer her time for the WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) community and is a passionate public speaker at cybersecurity conferences.

Ter Govang is a senior security executive with over 20 years experience leading complex programs. She builds security strategies, algins stakeholders and drives performance across diverse teams and disciplines. She holds CPP®, CCMP™, and CISSP® certifications and is a frequent speaker at high-profile events including the Global Security Conference, ASIS Best Practices, and the NKST Summit Canada.

Raphael Adeyemo is a seasoned risk management and cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience spanning IT risk management, cyber resilience, digital investigations, service delivery, process optimization, strategy, and digital transformation across banking, insurance, energy, technology, and academia. He is the Senior Manager of Technology Risk Management at Manulife, where he develops and executes risk analysis strategies to proactively identify and mitigate risks, enabling informed decision-making and business resilience. As President and Chair of the Board of Directors for the ISC2 Toronto Chapter, 

Raphael has strengthened the Chapter’s presence in Canada through strategic governance, industry partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. Committed to education and thought leadership, he is an adjunct professor at Conestoga College, a Program Advisory Council (PAC) Member at Northeastern University, Toronto. He serves on the Harvard Business Review Advisory Board, contributing to discussions on leadership and resilience. 

Raphael holds a dual MBA from Cornell University and Queen’s University and a Digital Leadership Certificate from Cornell University. His expertise bridges cybersecurity, risk management, and business strategy, making him a key contributor to organizational resilience and industry advancement.

Surinder Surinder Singh Rait is a distinguished IT and cybersecurity executive with more than two decades of experience in developing and executing large-scale security strategies for global corporations. He has a proven track record of building world-class security organizations from the ground up, establishing end-to-end cybersecurity functions that span governance, technology, operations, and strategy. Surinder has successfully designed and led comprehensive information security management teams, built complex Security Operations Centers (SOCs) for both red and blue team operations, and implemented cutting-edge technologies to protect critical enterprise assets. His expertise lies in creating scalable cybersecurity frameworks, driving digital resilience, and aligning security strategy with business objectives across multinational environments. As a frequent international speaker, Surinder has presented at leading cybersecurity conferences, including ISACA CSX (London), ISACA Nordic (Denmark), and EuroCACS (Geneva). His leadership has consistently delivered business value by architecting enterprise-wide security frameworks that integrated ISO27001, NIST, HIPAA, and FISAP, unlocking cross-functional efficiencies and multimillion-dollar savings. He has also shaped cybersecurity strategies for multinational corporations across 120+ countries, enabling organizations to strengthen resilience, optimize costs, and improve the bottom line while supporting business growth. Surinder holds advanced certifications including GSTRT, CISM, CISA, CDPSE™, and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor. He has earned multiple milestones, such as the Ericsson Impact Award presented by CEO and Genpact’s Global CIO Gold Award, and has served as Deputy Board Member for the Cloud Security Alliance, Sweden Chapter.