Employee Development

### The Hip Haus presents: [Professionals Networking Event](https://thehiphaus.com "https://thehiphaus.com")! Hosted at Mademoiselle ### \*\*\*\* What is The Hip Haus? \*\*\*\*The Hip Haus is an organization that exists to empower young and experienced professionals alike in the GTA and help the growth of local business. As professionals (especially post pandemic world) it is sometimes difficult to network with other like minded individuals, get good career advice or simply make connections with others you may be able to help or get help from. The Hip Haus is committed to providing social gatherings in an atmosphere where such networking can take place. \*\*\*\* Who Should Attend? \*\*\*\*The Hip Haus events are ***19+***. The focus however is the growth and development of professionals in the GTA. It doesn’t matter if you are a business owner, have a job, are looking for a job, recently graduated university/college, still in university/college, looking for others to launch a new idea or just want to meet other professionals, our events are for you. Remember that Industry is Industry. One is not better than the other to The Hip Haus. We are expecting a diverse range of industry professionals. Our events in clude professionals from Tech & AI to Entrepreneurs, Musicians, Artists, Bankers, I.T Professionals, Accountants, Investors, Advertising/Marketing Professionals, Bloggers, Authors, Lawyers, Doctors, Dentists (This List Can Clearly Go On). ALL ARE WELCOME! \*\*\*\* What to Expect at Our Events? \*\*\*\*Bring Business cards or have your LinkedIn QR code at the ready. Networking! That is the key to these events. Sure it can be a great place to hang out and have a beer with a few friends but it is important to come with an open mind to meet new people and make new connections. Build your network of friends/colleagues/advisors to help yourself as well as them. The Hip Haus wants the professionals of the GTA to come together to help foster personal and professional development. \*\*\*\* Dress Code! \*\*\*\*This is a tricky one. There is NO strict dress code but remember this; you are meeting professionals in an informal manner and we all know first impressions last forever. Come dressed in a way that would allow you to be comfortable and professional according to your industry. Consider This…would a professional musician/artist necessarily dress the same as an investment banker at work? Be who you are or who you want to be. #YoungProfessionalsNetworking #ProfessionalsNetworking #EntrepreneurNetworking #FounderEvents #FounderNetworking #AINetworkingToronto #TechNetworkingEvents #YoungProfessionalsAI #EntrepreneursAI #AIandTechToronto #NetworkingEventsGTA #IssabellsToronto **\*\* Let's Get Social!\*\*** WEB: [www.thehiphaus.com](http://www.thehiphaus.com/ "http://www.thehiphaus.com/") [INSTAGRAM](m/thehiphaus/ "m/thehiphaus/") \| [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/thehiphaus "https://www.facebook.com/thehiphaus") \| [TWITTER](https://twitter.com/thehiphaus "https://twitter.com/thehiphaus")

In 2026 you need to do more than build and hope they will come - you need a repeatable growth engine. Join Startup Grind Toronto at The Village Hive, Yonge and Eglinton for a deep-dive into the playbooks driving customer acquisition today. What we’ll cover: What’s actually delivering ROI right now. Tactical growth for startups without a VC-sized budget. Turning cold leads into loyal users. The Agenda: 6:00 PM: Doors Open & Pre-Panel Networking 7:00 PM: Expert Panel & Audience Q&A 7:45 PM: The Mixer (Drinks, snacks, and curated networking) Who should attend? Founders, funders and growth operators looking for actionable tactics and high-level connections in the Toronto ecosystem. Join us to fuel your growth. Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsor We are excited to welcome SwiftAds.io as our official event sponsor. SwiftAds is an AI-powered marketing copilot designed specifically for startups and agencies. By automating the heavy lifting of ad creation and campaign optimization, SwiftAds helps founders scale their growth without the overhead of a traditional agency. About Our Venue Partner The Village Hive is a community-driven coworking and event space for founders and startups. With three GTA locations (Markham, North York, and Midtown), they offer memberships, professional offices, and meeting spaces designed to spark collaboration and support business growth at every stage. Agenda --- Moderators Ankur Sethi - Winner Capital (Founder and General Partner) Ankur Sethi is the Founder and General Partner of Winner Capital, a Toronto-based early-stage venture fund backing the next generation of North American consumer technology companies. He has over 17 years of experience as a consumer tech operator, having built and scaled three companies from inception to $100M+ in revenue, with one reaching a valuation above $2B. His investment the… Daria Tilikanova - Winner Capital (Startup Coach and Mentor) Daria Tilikanova is a business and startup coach who helps founders and service-based entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clear strategy, strong positioning, and predictable revenue systems. Originally from Russia, she founded and sold two education companies before moving to Canada, where she shifted into full-time mentoring for early-stage and growing foun… Host Lydia Emanuel - Startup Grind Toronto (Events Lead) --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Partners Winner Capital (https://winner.capital) Winner Capital is an early stage to growth stage syndicate fund investing across North America The Village Hive (https://www.thevillagehive.ca/) The Village Hive is a premier coworking and event space designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote teams who value community over cubicles. Offering a mix of flexible hot desks, private offices, and professional meeting rooms, the Hive provides a high-energy environment that fosters collaboration and growth. --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-toronto-presents-growth-decoded-winning-customers-in-2026-panel-discussion-amp-mixer/.

I get a lot of messages from people who want to connect for different reasons—partnerships, potential investment, help building a leveraged business model, or job opportunities. This meet-up is a casual but **structured** way to meet in person, quickly understand what you’re working on, and determine clear next steps. ### **📍 Location** **Second Cup** 4841 Yonge St · North York, ON ### **🕓 Time** **Tuesday, February 18** **5:30 PM – 7:00 PM** *** ## **💵 Attendance Fee (Important)** * **Free for job seekers only** (if your primary purpose is employment). * **$10 for business-related attendance**, including: * business model feedback / guidance * partnership discussions * investment-related conversations * strategic support / “how do I move forward?” planning *If you’re coming for both job + business advice, it’s considered business-related and the $10 applies.* *** ## **✅ RSVP (Required)** Please RSVP so I can plan seating and manage time fairly for everyone. *** ## **What this meet-up is (and isn’t)** **This is an intro + screening session** designed to: * meet you briefly * clarify your direction * identify fit * suggest the next best step **This is not** a full consulting session, a guaranteed job interview, or a promise of investment/partnership. Those decisions happen after follow-up, if there’s a fit. *** ## **Format / Timeboxing** To keep it fair, conversations will be **timeboxed (approximately 5–10 minutes per person)** depending on turnout. *** ## **What to bring (typed + prepared)** ### **If you want help with a business model** Bring a **typed 1-page plan** (rough is fine) including: * what the business does * who the customer is * how it makes money * what you’ve done so far * what you need help with right now ### **If you’re looking for a job** Bring **two printed copies** of your resume. ### **If you want to partner with me** Bring a **typed outline** including: * your concept (clear + simple) * **your responsibilities** (what you will personally do each week) * **your expectation of my responsibilities** * what success looks like (timeline + goals) ### **If you’re seeking investment (or want to discuss it)** Bring a **typed summary** including: * what traction you have (sales/users/LOIs/partnerships—anything real) * how much capital you’re seeking * exactly how the funds would be used * why you’re the person/team to execute *** If this sounds like you, join me at **Second Cup on Feb 18 from 4:00–5:30 PM**. If you are looking for a job, please use the meetup messaging feature to message me and I will add you to the event.

SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE! If you’re interested in improving your public speaking and leadership skills at an entertaining, educational and inspirational meeting, please visit us … it’s free! We meet weekly on Wednesday evenings. The location or link will be sent to those who confirm attendance. Brainwave Speakers Toastmasters club is a place where strangers become friends, where new ideas and experiences are shared. With a wide variety of ages, backgrounds and experiences, our members are an interesting and diverse group. Regardless of whether you are a professional, student, stay at home parent, job seeker or a retiree, you will find something of value at Brainwave Speakers Toastmasters club. Please feel welcome to visit us! Contact our Vice President of Membership at karen.goodyear333@gmail.com for details.

🥊 **Boxing Fundamentals (16+) at the Miles Nadal JCC** Ready to build strength, sharpen your skills, and break a sweat? This no-contact beginner program introduces essential boxing fundamentals including stance, footwork, punches, bagwork, partner drills, and conditioning — all in a supportive and inclusive environment. No sparring involved. Perfect for new boxers or anyone looking to develop a strong foundation while improving fitness and confidence. 👊 **Led by Coach Nick Radionov — former Ukrainian National Olympic Boxing Team member, Level 3 Boxing Ontario–certified coach, and multi-time world kickboxing champion.** 📅 **Program Details** 📍 **Location:** Miles Nadal JCC — 750 Spadina Ave. (enter via Spadina doors) 📅 **Winter 2026 Session** 💻 **Registration required in advance** 👉 **[Register online](https://app.amilia.com/store/en/miles-nadal-jcc/api/Activity/Detail?activityId=y7mKB98)** ☎️ Or call **416-924-6211** 🎟️ **Fees** • Full program session registration available • Prorated pricing if joining after the start date • Drop-in options may be available (space permitting) 💥 **What You’ll Learn & Benefit From** 🔹 **Learn the Basics** — Develop proper form, movement, and striking technique 🔹 **Build Strength & Stamina** — High-energy conditioning in every class 🔹 **Train with Confidence** — Beginner-friendly instruction in a welcoming environment 🔹 **Hands-On Skill Development** — Bagwork & partner drills (no-contact/no sparring) 🧤 **What to Bring:** Handwraps, boxing gloves, indoor athletic shoes, and a water bottle. 🔥 Join us and build skill, strength, and confidence — one round at a time!

PLEASE CONTACT Jason at 905-308-4100 FOR DETAILS.

**Visitors are always welcome!** Drop by and experience a Toastmasters club first hand. Brainwave Speakers is an open club Toastmasters Club. Everyone is welcome. If you are committed to growing as a speaker and leader, and want to do it in a supportive social atmosphere, we'd love to meet you! **Meetings are every Wednesday 6:45 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.** Please arrive by 6:30 p.m. for a social/networking session. Directions and information can be found at https://1001005.toastmastersclubs.org/ Contact us at vpm-1001005@toastmastersclubs.org

This is a practical, supportive **burnout recovery conversation** — not therapy, not a sales pitch, and no fixing required. I mean… c’mon now. Seriously. When is “enough is enough,” if not now? Running in circles. Avoiding thinking because thinking hurts. Not changing daily routines because *what if?* Hi, I’m **Siniša**, a Toronto-based, Rhodes Wellness College-certified life coach. I help everyday people move from exhaustion and autopilot toward feeling more aligned and energized again. This is a **free, in-person, 45-minute small-group session** focused on clarity and practical shifts — not emotional dumping and not motivational hype. **You’ll learn to:** * Reduce the burnout spiral and protect your energy (without overhauling your life); * Learn how to hear and trust your inner guidance — yes, regular humans have this too; * Create better alignment between your daily life and what actually matters (because not everything does); * Leave with personal, actionable steps you can use immediately. This is a **guided conversation**, with space to listen, reflect, and share briefly if you choose. You’re welcome to step in or out as needed. Perfect for busy professionals, tradespeople, stay-at-home parents, creatives, overthinkers, procrastinators, and anyone stuck on autopilot — flying straight toward the mountain. Expect a grounded, respectful, lighthearted space with real takeaways you can use right away. *This is a calm, respectful discussion intended for adults who are able to self-regulate and participate considerately in a shared public space.*

[Summary] This meetup is for those who are interested in code, web development, design, cloud, or AI. All levels are welcome, so feel free to bring your laptop and discuss what you are working on or what you are learning. You can share your projects and ideas with other participants freely. There are outlets and WiFi, drinks are about $5 for tea, they take card only. [Price] Attendance is FREE. But you need to buy something from the venue. [Policies] \- We do not tolerate harassment of our members \- We remind users that that this meetup is intended for networking and hobby development\, and any attempts at using this meetup event as a dating platform will not be not be tolerated Further information: https://torontostack.exchange/

Let's meetup for some casual food and drink. Talk some Tech and Business and meet new contacts. Feel free to share the latest projects you are working on. Or just make some new friends to kick back within this great city.

**Want to help bring your city’s community together?** We’re looking for local hosts to organize small group lunches, evening drinks, mixers, movie get-togethers and curated experiences. **No experience necessary,** just a friendly attitude, some local knowledge, and a willingness to meet a few new people. After each event, we’ll send a short feedback form so we can improve and support you. The host will also be able to provide feedback so we can learn what worked and what didn't. **[Click here](https://form.questionscout.com/6926c9ab87a828a5c11a79fc)** to apply and get started: if you’re selected, we’ll reach out for a quick screening call.

**Come join us for the Area 43 International Contest from 6:45 pm- 8:30 pm!** **This meeting will be in person.** **Guests are welcome.** * Hear fantastic speakers in a fun and friendly environment * Learn & ask questions about Toastmasters * Meet people committed to self-improvement * Enjoy a fun and exciting evening Note: This will not be a regular meeting. The meeting will be devoted to the contests. Our regular meetings will resume online on February 26. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* The Gavel and Glass Toastmasters Club, Located in North York Ontario, was founded in May 1955 and is still going strong! We have a diverse membership with people from different backgrounds, professions, and speaking abilities. Gavel & Glass Toastmasters invites you to join their in-person meeting every other week at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church, 1 Greenland Rd., North York, ON Please plan to arrive at 6:45 pm to set up the meeting, introduce guests, and be ready to start at 7:00 pm sharp. Guests are always welcome!

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Spec-Driven Development with GitHub Spec-Kit: From Intent to Implementation* Spec-driven development flips the traditional workflow on its head: instead of code being the source of truth, the specification becomes the backbone of design, collaboration, and delivery. In this session, we’ll explore how GitHub Spec-Kit enables teams to treat specifications as first-class artifacts—living documents that drive architecture, implementation, and verification. You’ll learn how Spec-Kit helps teams clearly express intent using structured, version-controlled specs that live alongside code. We’ll walk through a practical workflow that starts with defining system behavior and constraints, then progressively refines those specs into testable, automatable outcomes. Along the way, we’ll show how specs can reduce ambiguity, improve cross-functional collaboration, and make design decisions explicit before a single line of production code is written. This talk will cover: --What spec-driven development is (and what it isn’t) --How GitHub Spec-Kit fits into modern developer workflows --Using specs to align product, engineering, and AI-assisted development --Real-world examples of turning specs into implementations with confidence Whether you’re building greenfield systems, integrating AI into your stack, or trying to reduce costly rework, spec-driven development offers a scalable way to move faster without sacrificing clarity. Attendees will leave with concrete patterns and a clear mental model for adopting GitHub Spec-Kit in their own projects. **YouTube Link** TBA

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

How to be a Better Communicator Communication is everything in life Sunday, 23 February at 2pm. You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

**Web Design Decoded: Tools, Practices, and Proven Processes:** **Semantic HTML** At WebDev Columbus, we are exploring some of the most important topics of professional high-end web design and page building. Primarily focused on site building in the WordPress environment, our group explores tools, tips, and techniques for building the best WordPress sites possible. Additionally, we focus on disciplines and technologies that take website design from visually appealing to optimized spaces for delivering you and/or your client's message effectively and with a nod towards extended reach. Each session combines practical demonstrations with real-world insights, giving you actionable knowledge you can apply immediately. Whether you're a seasoned developer looking to enhance your design skills or a newcomer wanting to understand design best practices, this series offers valuable insights for every skill level. **What to expect:** * Hands-on demonstrations of popular design tools * Best practices for design-to-development workflows * Tips for creating responsive, accessible designs * Real-world problem-solving scenarios * Interactive Q&A sessions * Networking opportunities with fellow developers **Each meetup features:** 60 minutes of focused presentation 30 minutes of live demonstrations 30 minutes for questions and discussion **See you there!** Our casual, collaborative environment encourages learning from both presenters and fellow attendees. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and connect with Central Ohio's web development community! **Stay tuned for specific session topics and dates.**

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates for this series are simply placeholders at the moment. We are working on our 2026 schedule, and adjustments are forthcoming. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee. 3. Each class from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective is a separate entity. **Introduction:** Our Page Building with Bricks web development class provides detailed instruction for using Bricks Builder, a visual site builder for WordPress, to create and manage websites. Widely considered by many of the world's leading web developers to be the most complete page builder on the market today, Bricks Builder offers a wide range of features and comprehensive tools. Our Bricks Builder web development class provides detailed instructions on utilizing the toolset. The series of courses covers the core features of Bricks Builder, enabling users to design and develop responsive, visually appealing websites. Moreover, the courses are oriented to reinforce a focus on professional, scalable web development. Throughout the series, we focus our page-building instruction on the semantic and structural integrity of the pages in a responsive world. By the end of the 10-class series, participants will have a fundamental understanding of proper web page and website development. **The breakdown of the 10-class series is as follows:** * Class 01 - Survey of Page Builders / What Bricksbuilder Does For You * Class 02 - Boxes, Boxes, Boxes / Sections / Containers * Class 03 - Static Units / Relative Units / Responsive Development And Math Functions * Class 04 - CSS Variables And DRY Development / Classes And Global Styling * Class 05 - CSS Grid And CSS Flexbox * Class 06 - Responsive Development / Breakpoints And Media Queries * Class 07 - Effective Use Of Color / Effective Use Of Images * Class 08 - Beginning To Think Dynamically / Using Templates And Components * Class 09 - Dynamic Styling / Data Attributes And Attribute Selectors * Class 10 - Pseudo Elements / Programmatically Styling With Pseudo Classes Throughout the class sessions listed above, we cover the following key areas of web development with Bricks Builder: * **Introduction to Bricks Builder Interface:** * Familiarization with the builder's layout, including the toolbar, panel, and canvas, and understanding how to navigate and interact with its various components. * **Visual Site Building:** * Techniques for creating layouts using Bricks' drag-and-drop interface, incorporating sections, rows, columns, and elements to build page structures. * **Styling and Design:** * Utilizing Bricks' styling options to customize elements, apply global CSS classes for consistent design, and leverage features like Flexbox and CSS Grid for responsive layouts. * **Dynamic Content and Custom Fields:** * Integrating dynamic content from custom post types and custom field plugins (like ACF, Meta Box) to build data-driven websites. * **Template Building:** * Creating and managing reusable templates for headers, footers, post type layouts, and other site-wide elements. * **Performance Optimization:** * Understanding how Bricks Builder contributes to fast-loading websites and implementing performance best practices. * **Advanced Features:** * Depending on the class level, it might delve into advanced topics such as conditional logic, interactions, and custom code integration to enable more complex functionality. The series aims to equip participants with the skills to efficiently build, customize, and maintain WordPress websites using Bricks Builder, catering to both beginners and experienced web developers.

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.