Canada

Kaiser H. Naseem, Advisor - Banking & Digital Transformation, International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group, has been appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator H. Naseem will represent Canada in the Global Startup Committee of the Grand Assembly.

Kaiser.H. Naseem@wbaforum.org
A global thought leader, disruptor and innovator with an entrepreneurial flair. As an international development banker I have conceptualized and developed new institutions and business models in challenging environments. My core competencies include New Ventures, MSME Banking, Project Finance, Team Building, Strategy Formulation, Digital Transformation, Change Management, Business Development and Good Governance. I am a strategic thinker with strong ethical standards and focus on results. With exceptional business acumen and broad experience on a global stage I have served on the boards of several international companies and provided strategic advice to senior management and business owners.  With an MBA in Finance from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, an MS in Metallurgical Engineering from Moscow Institute of Steel & Alloys, a certification on “Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption” from INSEAD, and over 35 years of international experience in development banking and finance, I have developed a network of diverse professionals in every corner of the globe whom I leverage to ensure that the UN Sustainable Development Goals are at the center of all business decisions.

Canada

Andrea Sesum, Founder of the Ontario College of Business & Law.

Andrea Sesum is a founder of Ontario College of Business & Law, founder of Women’s Paralegal Association of Ontario, co-founder of Technology Factory, coffee enthusiast, passionate & innovative entrepreneur, educator, board member, author, keynote speaker, venture activator and winner of 2015 City of Toronto Access, Equity & Human Rights "Constance E. Focusing on the professional advancement of women & educational & career advancement of immigrants in Canada, in 2019 I was noted as the CSPN’s Leader in Diversity & Inclusion and most recently in 2020 was nominated for a “Woman of Influence” RBC’ Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award.  Andrea Sesum had immigrated to Canada at the age of 14 as war refugee from the former country of Yugoslavia. She was shy girl, spoke basic English and had big dreams. Today she looks back and knows that big dreams are all she ever really needed then.  With only 38% of women in education having a leadership role it was a tough journey for Andrea to break a glass ceiling. Chances of success were very small just as she was told by her profession’s male counterparts. Never the less, in 2013 Andrea’s passion for education, diversity & innovation set her on a path with no return. Fast forward seven years, Andrea broke every stereotype about leadership roles in education and even more importantly choosing to be an entrepreneur in a profession where a successful outcome was almost impossible.  Today, Andrea is a proud advocate of diversity, innovative education & entrepreneurship. She is proud to sit on variety of government, corporate and nonprofit boards where she can make a meaningful contribution to the society.