DiverseMinds Committee

As a senior engagement strategist, vintage dance specialist, and award-winning speaker, Kristin Light has split her multi-decade eclectic career between the boardroom and the ballroom. Co-founder of Refvik & Light Productions, her boldly simplistic marketing strategy launched the event company from literal rubble to multi-six-figure revenue in its first full year. During the pandemic, Kristin pivoted to create K•Light Digital Charisma, a uniquely positioned digital marketing consulting agency. Today, Kristin is channelling her lived experience to drive change from within Canada's P3 world – specializing in employee engagement and change management for the Metrolinx-led ONxpress transportation venture, where she is proudly helping shape the future of corporate responsibility through resolute mental wellness and neuro-inclusive initiatives. Kristin’s performing arts career spanned over two decades on both stage and screen. Her choreography skills have been featured in dozens of musical theatre productions, dance showcases, live events, and in more than a few first-dances at weddings. She was co-owner of Toronto’s Bees’ Knees Dance studio, a founding member of the award-winning dance troupe That Swing!, and in constant demand as a jazz-age vintage dance instructor. Kristin made her film debut in Mariah Carey’s 'Glitter' (blink and you’ll miss it!). A chance meeting in late 2019 led to Kristin channelling her 20+ years of stage and emcee experience into the world of inspirational speaking, quickly winning competitions with Speaker Slam International and receiving invitations to speak on multiple stages at events and corporate functions. As a vivacious showgirl and successful entrepreneur, Kristin was perhaps the last person you’d expect to be living with a diagnosed mental disorder. For decades, she kept her struggles with major depression, anxiety, and panic hidden behind a carefully coiffed, sunny exterior. But following a brush with suicide that left her confined to a psychiatric ward, Kristin was forced to confront her illness head-on. She now speaks out to provide real insight and practical strategies that demystify the facts surrounding mental illness and neurodiversity using inspirational (and often hilarious) stories from her own personal and professional life. Kristin lives in Toronto, Canada with her partner Alex, the occasional foster dog, and a bevy of temperamental houseplants.

Ranya specializes in executive coaching for professionals and leaders, as well as coaching for ADHD adults. Her approach is comprehensive, emphasizing your unique strengths and crafting personalized solutions that consider you as a whole person. With over 15 years of experience, Ranya has helped leaders transform workplace dynamics, boost team morale, and enhance overall organizational performance. She holds professional coaching certification and training in counseling psychology, ensuring a holistic approach to her coaching services. Ranya offers ADHD life coaching memberships, workshops, keynote speeches, executive coaching online and in person, and training sessions. Her clients experience significant improvements in leadership effectiveness, team performance, time management skills, daily productivity, team engagement, and performance.