Zach Lavarenne is in his final year of the Sexology program at UQAM, where he’s all about tapping into the creative and transformational potential of education. He’s especially passionate about working with boys and young men—helping them build critical thinking, emotional literacy, and the tools to navigate masculinity in all its complexity (and messiness) with care and authenticity.

In 2021, he threw his hat into the political ring as a Green Party candidate, driven by a deep commitment to social and environmental justice. When he’s not diving into big conversations about gender or systems change, you’ll probably find him writing music. He’s a singer-songwriter and member of the band Novae, where he explores the power of sound, story, and collective expression.

Luis Alejandro Tapia is an Equity Coach + Consultant for the Center for Strategic Solutions. The son of Dominican immigrants, he brings almost two decades of experience in community and youth development. Luis has facilitated unique programs for a range of NYC agencies and is also the founder of BlackBoyRise. His journey from participant to director to consultant aids him in engaging authentically with youth and their communities. He specializes in harnessing the enthusiasm and skills of those he serves, promoting love, power, and connection through experiential team learning and coaching. Luis is committed to transforming leadership and learning into spaces of justice, equity and freedom. He serves as a social impact and equity consultant, a racial and restorative justice coach and trainer, circle keeper, social justice educator, and facilitator at the intersections of spirituality, justice, healing and liberation.

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Follow Tatiana's writing on Substack @ https://tatianafraser.substack.com/

Carlos Duran is a spiritual guide to 1000's of people around the world. With over 13 years of Amazonian plant medicine experience and a lifetime on the streets, he has navigated the path from gangster to healer. Leading from experience, Carlos places you on an ancestral flight towards living in your highest purpose. He is the catalyst to destroying your limiting beliefs and secret shames. Learn more about Carlos' work @ Savage Encounter

Ryan Carey’s journey has moved from the football field to the battlefield, and now into the quiet, ongoing work of healing. A former professional athlete and Canadian Forces veteran, Ryan now walks alongside others—especially fellow veterans—advocating for brain injury awareness and mental health support. His work is rooted in care, connection, and the belief that even the deepest wounds can begin to heal when we’re met with understanding. Learn more Ryan's work @ Operation Purify