Global Shocks, Local Consequences: Building Inclusive Economies in a Volatile World

Marwa Abdou 

Marwa is the Senior Research Director at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Prior to her role at the Chamber, Marwa served as the Advisor to the Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt for Private Sector Engagement where she managed a portfolio of projects totaling USD 3.2 Billion. She also worked directly with and within some of the world’s most renowned multilateral organizations, private sector organizations, and country governments including the World Bank Group, Commonwealth Secretariat, APEC, OECD, Ernst and Young, Nathan Associates and the Asian Development Bank. In addition to leading dozens of capacity and technical assistance projects, consulting on regulatory, legal and policy reforms with these institutions, she has also co-authored a number of publications and working papers.

Eliza Casinather, Founder and CEO, Casi Consulting 

Eliza is an internationally recognized and award-winning leader known for her experience in strategic consulting, digital innovation, and human capital management across the financial services and technology sectors. Her career has spanned major organizations such as the Toronto Stock Exchange and CIBC, where she has consistently driven business growth through inclusive talent strategies and innovative client experiences. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and equity, Eliza serves on the Board of Directors for CARE Canada and advises the Canadian Paralympic Games Committee as well as Women in Aerospace Canada. Her commitment to inclusion extends globally, empowering young women in Sub-Saharan Africa and supporting minority entrepreneurs in Australia.

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah 

Debbie is the Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and communities. Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees, appeared in numerous media outlets, and held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada.