Rise & Inspire: A Future Forward Breakfast
JA Central Ontario's Signature Fundraising Event
November 4, 2026 | 7:30–10:00 AM
SixtyEight, 68th floor event space in Scotia Plaza
Photo by: Henry Lin from 2025 Rise & Inspire
Building Opportunity in a Changing Economy
JA Central Ontario is a youth-serving charity that equips young people with skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leadership, reaching over 50,000 youth each year.
This signature fundraising event will bring together 200 business leaders and professionals from across the Greater Toronto Area. Anchored by expert insight and real-world perspectives, a keynote speaker and panel discussion will explore how economic change is reshaping careers, skills, and pathways to success, and how business, education, and community leaders can work together to build opportunities and help young people thrive in the future of work.
Date
November 4, 2026
Time
7:30–10:00 AM
Address
Scotia Plaza, 40 King St. W., 68th floor, Toronto, ON M5H 1C4, Canada
Agenda
7:30 AM – Registration & Networking
8:15 AM – Breakfast with keynote & Panel Discussion
9:45 AM – Closing Remarks
Guest Speakers
Bruce Sellery – CEO, Credit Canada
Bruce Sellery is a personal finance expert and the CEO of Credit Canada, the country’s first and longest-standing non-profit credit counselling agency. He appears regularly on Breakfast Television, delivers a national money column on CBC Radio, and speaks at events from coast to coast.
Mark Patterson – Executive Director, Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University
Mark Patterson is Founder & Executive Director of Magnet, a centre of innovation dedicated to helping employers, workers, and communities adapt to a rapidly changing economy. A recognized leader in workforce innovation, he champions human-centred approaches to AI that helps organizations build inclusive, future-ready workforces.
Micole Mathew – President, JA Central Ontario Alumni Association
Micole is President of JA Central Ontario’s Alumni Association and Company Program Advisor who has experienced JA from multiple perspectives, as a student, 2023 Canadian Company of the Year winner, international competitor and now mentor. She’s currently studying Engineering Physics & Management at McMaster University and continues to support the next generation of young people.
Nethra D. – Student, JA Central Ontario Company Program
Nethra is a young entrepreneur, public speaker, and advocate with a passion for helping others find their voice and pursue new opportunities. A University of Toronto Schools student and co-founder of StyleMe, she’s also a WIDPSC World Finalist, ranked among the top 10 globally in Persuasive Speaking.
Photo by: Henry Lin | 2026
Why Attend & Support
Invest in the next generation of leaders
Join business and community leaders for an inspiring morning in support of youth futures.
- Hear directly from youth and alumni who are building bold futures, thanks to learning experiences made possible by your support.
- Gain insights from changemakers during a dynamic keynote and panel discussion.
- Connect with purpose alongside others who care deeply about youth potential.
- Make a meaningful impact: give youth access to learning experience that help them build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to step confidently into the future.
- Experience it all at SixtyEight, the stunning new private event space on the 68th floor of Scotia Plaza.
Questions? Email Tina for more information.
