Keynote speakers and entertainment
Keynote speakers
Vice President,
Strategy and Planning
Seattle,
Washington
Ollie Babson leads Habitat for Humanity International’s Office of Strategy Management, working closely with the senior leadership team to define, support and implement Habitat’s vision and direction. Ollie has more than 20 years of service in philanthropy, advocacy, organizational management and public policy, and brings to his role a wide range of experience in strategic planning, program implementation, business operations, organizational development, stakeholder management, evaluation and policy analysis.
In addition to managing his own social impact consulting firm, Ollie most recently served as director for strategy, planning and management at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he was a member of the foundation’s senior leadership team and oversaw strategy process, business operations, and measurement and learning for the foundation’s 300-person, $500 million-per-year policy and advocacy division. Ollie also led the Gates Foundation’s community of practice for strategy and planning. Before joining the foundation’s leadership, Ollie was a senior program officer in charge of a $100 million portfolio of international development policy research investments. Earlier in his career, he worked for the Federal Reserve Board in Washington DC, a think tank in South Africa, and the United Nations in Tajikistan.
Ollie holds a BA in economics from Williams College, a Master in Public Affairs from Princeton University, and a JD from Yale Law School. He and his wife Jamie — a community development finance consultant — have two daughters.
Craig Ramsay is an internationally recognized fitness expert, exercise programmer, a notable winner of 'The Amazing Race Canada', and an author who has made a significant impact in the fitness industry. With his unique, effective, and entertaining fitness methods, Ramsay has gained a reputation for transforming bodies and empowering individuals to reach their fitness goals.
One of Ramsay's key strengths lies in his ability to design workout programs that are both challenging and enjoyable. Craig Ramsay understands that exercise should not only be effective but also engaging, ensuring that his clients stay motivated throughout their fitness journeys. By incorporating elements of dance, martial arts, and other dynamic movements into his routines, Ramsay creates an atmosphere that makes fitness exciting and accessible to people of all fitness levels.
Ramsay's expertise extends beyond traditional exercise routines. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to health and wellness, which includes proper nutrition, stress management, and mental well-being. His comprehensive approach helps individuals achieve not just physical transformation but also a positive mindset and improved overall health.
As an author, Craig Ramsay has shared his knowledge and expertise through various books and publications. His writing reflects his passion for helping others lead healthy and active lifestyles. Through his books, he provides practical advice, workout plans, and tips for achieving sustainable results. Ramsay's impact extends beyond his clients. He has been a sought-after fitness expert in the media, appearing on television shows, podcasts, and conferences worldwide.
Entertainment
Eclipse is a 5-piece band specializing in receptions and corporate events. Each member was hand-picked, needing to possess the ability to not only perform, but also entertain, and that’s exactly what they bring to each and every performance. Any band can "play music", but a band that can perform professionally and love what they do will create an energy and that's when memories are made. So, get ready to make memories and dance the night away with Eclipse during this year’s Awards Celebration Gala and Dinner! Meet the members of Eclipse.
Lisette & Tyler are a professional acoustic duo with experience entertaining on cruise ships. They combine their unique styles to create a modern acoustic folk-pop-rock sound, complete with both smooth, soulful vocals & acoustic depth & edge. With live looping, a harmonizer, & a stomp pedal - along with a few more added tricks up their sleeve - you’d be surprised how much complexity this duo can create!
Madeline Doornaert is an alternative/indie and folk artist. In 2020, she released Muddy Water, her debut album of original music. She continues to make her name regionally, receiving airplay on CBC Radio across Canada, performing as a soloist with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and winning BizX Magazine’s 2021 Artist of the Year award.
Florine Ndimubandi, a local Burundian-Canadian artist, has been performing in the Windsor community for nearly six years. Her dedication to performing has been witnessed in numerous musical theatre productions, most recently portraying the character of Big Julie in Arts Collective Theatre's rendition of Guys and Dolls, for which she won Best Musical Actress in the newly acclaimed Windsor-Essex Theatre Critics Choice Awards. Additionally, Florine has been honored to lend her voice to the Windsor Symphony Orchestra on two occasions, the most recent being a family concert called “Singing with Flo,” where she was happy to be accompanied by the Windsor Essex Youth Choir.