As Director of the Hopewell Group, I have a strategic role with each Company while providing oversight through a Board structure. The Group’s capabilities include residential land development and home building (Hopewell Residential), commercial land development (Hopewell Development), property and asset management (Hopewell Real Estate Services), warehousing and logistics (Hopewell Logistics), final mile distribution (Ziing Final Mile), property technology early stage venture capital (GroundBreak Ventures), and overall strategic and support services (Hopewell Capital). 

Immigrating to Calgary in 2016, Dedayo is a lawyer and business leader with over 15 years of legal experience across multiple jurisdictions. She holds an LL.B. from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and an LL.M. from The Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, and is qualified to practice law in both Nigeria and Canada.
Dedayo is the Manager, Legal, Governance and Business Services at Coril Holdings Ltd., where she supports the organization across legal, governance, compliance, DEI, Workplace Safety, and Total Rewards & Compensation. Beyond her professional career, she is the author of Solving Sudden Singleness and a Scouter with Scouts Canada. She is passionate about leadership, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact in her community.

Jessica LaCroix joined the Coril Group in 2017 and currently serves as the Senior Vice President, Corporate Services & General Counsel for Coril. In her executive capacity, Jessica actively participates in strategic planning, governance initiatives, as well as human resources and organizational culture management.  In addition, she serves as General Counsel and Secretary for the Coril Board and its associated committees. Prior to joining Coril, Jessica held in-house legal counsel positions with both private and public companies, advising on governance, continuous disclosure, and other legal matters. Jessica graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Laws in 2005 and, in 2022, further advanced her expertise by obtaining the ICD.D designation through the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program.

Onai is a communications professional with eighteen years experience. She brings a rich tapestry of skills and experiences to the CFN board. As an immigrant to Canada, her journey from journalism in Zimbabwe to a senior management role showcases resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of overcoming challenges to thrive in new environments. In Canada, Onai has worked in nonprofit, publishing, media and banking sectors. She is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) and has previously served on their Calgary chapter board. She has also served on the City of Calgary's Immigrant Advisory Table (IAT). With exceptional communication skills and a passion for positive change, Onai is contributing to CFN’s mission and vision, helping drive positive change and foster community growth in Calgary.

A proven leader and trusted peer, with demonstrated experience formulating and implementing strategies to drive organizational development and capitalize on opportunities. Areas of expertise include non-profit board leadership, community investment, stakeholder relations, early childhood education and literacy. 

Communications Leader Media Relations and Employee Communications at the City of Calgary, Jose previously spent 24 years in the news industry in varying senior roles including reporter, columnist, city editor and Editor-in-Chief of the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun. He believes in leading in a positive, respectful and goal-driven manner. A communicator, writer and editor, he is loyal and tireless and relished in the opportunity to serve his community through volunteer work and fundraising initiatives for local charities.

Raeesa Ruparell is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) with 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting and finance leadership. She currently serves as the Director of Finance, West at Coca-Cola Canada Bottling, a role she assumed in 2023. In her position, Raeesa supports strategic operational decision-making, partnering closely with senior leadership to drive financial stewardship, performance, and long-term value creation. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, and now a proud Calgarian, Raeesa brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to positive change and pluralism. She is passionate about women’s empowerment, increasing visibility for minorities, and fostering inclusive communities where diverse voices are valued and heard. Raeesa’s professional and personal values are grounded in accountability, collaboration, and building pathways for equity — qualities she brings to her work as a board member and community volunteer.

Karla is originally from Zagreb, Croatia, and she moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to complete her undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University. Next, she moved to Calgary to pursue her accounting career. Karla started with KPMG in the fall of 2015 and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2018. During Karla’s ten years at KPMG, Karla has specialized in audit, assurance, and business advisory services for a wide range of clients, including real estate, construction, and not-for-profit. Karla has been involved in the local community both through her assistance with firm-sponsored charities as well as in her personal endeavours. Karla is also a CPA mentor and coordinator for KPMG's CFE writers. Karla lives in Calgary with her husband Colin and two amazing children.