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Helen Siwak: EIC & Publisher’s Message – Issue #07 – Web Summit Edition

There are moments in a city’s story when everything changes—when an idea, an opportunity, and a relentless team of visionaries converge to create a lasting legacy. For Vancouver, Web Summit is that moment. Securing this global event was not just a coup for our tech ecosystem; it was a declaration that our city belongs on the world stage as a hub of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial grit. The magnitude of this achievement cannot be overstated. Web Summit brings the world’s brightest minds, most ambitious startups, and most influential leaders to our doorstep, sparking conversations and collaborations that will shape industries for years to come.

In this special edition of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, we celebrate the extraordinary people who made this possible—and those who continue to push boundaries in business, technology, and beyond.

You will meet Kassandra Linklater, who shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a dedicated team traveled the globe to bring Web Summit to Vancouver. Mary Carmichael of Momentum Technology discusses how she helps organizations transform technology risk into business-aligned strategy, creating clarity and resilience in a fast-changing world. Ali Alame of Cybersystem takes us from his beginnings in war-torn Lebanon to his mission of safeguarding critical systems today. Irina Manolescu of MIV Advisory reflects on a career devoted to excellence in IT governance and global citizenship, while Margaret Dibor of Etutekilab brings her expertise in enterprise security and data privacy to light.

We also feature Laith Sarhan of Sarhan Data Law, a thought leader at the forefront of AI governance and privacy law, and Amarjeet Kaur of Yali-Cybershield, whose global experience in cybersecurity and digital transformation is reshaping how organizations approach risk. SR&ED Expert at Ryan CPA, Kevin Koziey also shares insights on Growth Nexus, his collaborative platform for business growth, while Neel Singh, Brady Dahmer, and Mark Funston introduce us to Tropoly, a bold new advisory redefining strategy and brand. Finally, we spotlight Lyndsay Malchuk, a globe-trotting capital markets presenter who amplifies the voices of CEOs, innovators, and change-makers.

This issue would not have been possible without Ritchie Po, who stepped up as guest editor and curated an inspiring lineup of personalities whose stories embody the entrepreneurial spirit. Ritchie, your vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence have elevated this edition in remarkable ways.

To our readers, welcome to this Web Summit special issue. Let these stories ignite your imagination, spark new ideas, and remind you of the limitless possibilities that await when innovation meets purpose.

Helen Siwak
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Collaborator: This story is created in collaboration between Helen Siwak and the featured subject. As the founder and publisher of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Helen works closely with entrepreneurs to share their paths of innovation, resilience, and growth. Each story in this series is co-developed through interviews and first-person insights, blending authentic voices with Helen’s editorial expertise to highlight the remarkable individuals shaping British Columbia’s business landscape.