Foodtech

**Presented in partnership with the Brampton Innovation District and Brampton Venture Zone.** This Black History Month, join **Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) by TMU** at the Library for an inspiring Tech Talk spotlighting Black founders who are turning lived experience into powerful innovation. Moderated by **Marlene Spence**, Founder of *Hope Endoors* and *The CHANCE Centre*, this conversation brings together **Andre Smith**, Founder & CEO of *Flip & Floss*, and **Abdel Ali**, Founder & CEO of *Kiwi Charge* and Director at *BLCK VC Canada*. Together, the speakers will explore how personal challenges — including financial hardship, lack of access, and systemic barriers — became the catalyst for the companies they built. From financial literacy to clean technology and investment access, the speakers will highlight how lived experience can shape meaningful tech solutions and open pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs. At its core, this session is designed to show youth that **their stories can become their superpower** \- and the spark that shapes the future of innovation\. ### Who Should Attend Designed especially for: * **Black youth** who are curious about tech, entrepreneurship, or innovation * **Aspiring and early-stage founders** seeking relatable guidance * **Students, newcomers, and young professionals** exploring pathways into tech * **Community members** looking to celebrate Black excellence and future-focused leadership ### What You'll Take Away Attendees will learn: * How lived experience can become a foundation for innovative startups * Ways to turn personal challenges into impactful business ideas * Practical pathways into tech — with or without a technical background * How to access mentorship, confidence, and early support * What funding looks like for Black founders and why representation matters You’ll leave with the belief that your story, your struggle, and your perspective can help build the future. ### Agenda * 7:00–7:10 p.m. — Welcome & Opening Remarks * 7:10–7:35 p.m. — Fireside Panel with Andre & Abdel * 7:35 to 7:55 p.m. — Audience Q&A * 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. — Networking ### Featured Speakers #### Andre Smith – Founder & CEO, Flip & Floss Andre Smith is the founder of *Flip & Floss*, a social enterprise focused on improving financial literacy and helping families build generational wealth. After immigrating to Canada and experiencing firsthand the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck, Andre turned his personal journey into a mission-driven platform that has since impacted over **30,000 people**. He has been recognized as one of **Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants (2024)** and received the **BMO Obsidi Entrepreneur of the Year – Technology Award (2024)**. Andre’s work demonstrates how discipline, innovation, and purpose can create meaningful change — even without traditional funding pathways. #### Abdel Ali – Founder & CEO\, Kiwi Charge \| Director\, BLCK VC Canada Abdel Ali is the founder of *Kiwi Charge*, a robotics and AI startup redefining EV charging infrastructure in multi-unit buildings by delivering next-generation solutions at significantly lower cost. With a background in venture building and venture capital, Abdel brings a unique perspective to both startup creation and ecosystem development. He is also a Director at **BLCK VC Canada**, where he works to advance equity, access, and representation for Black founders within Canada’s venture ecosystem. Abdel’s journey reflects the power of combining technical innovation with systemic impact. #### Moderator : Marlene Spence – Founder, Hope Endoors & The CHANCE Centre Marlene Spence is a Brampton-based Neurodiversity & Inclusion Coach and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. Through *Hope Endoors* and *The CHANCE Centre*, she leads community-driven programs that help young people — particularly neurodivergent and underserved youth — build confidence, life skills, and real pathways to opportunity. With deep roots in Brampton’s youth ecosystem, Marlene brings a grounded, empathetic lens to the conversation, guiding discussions that centre lived experience, resilience, and possibility.

It’s time to hit the streets for a scenic city walk/run through one of Toronto’s top neighbourhoods. We meet at Dundas Station for a walk through the largest underground pedestrian network in the world - Toronto's underground PATH. This maze of underground tunnels dates back to 1900 when it was built to connect T. Eaton Co. stores on Queen Street. Make it into the city ahead of traffic and get your early morning workout in before work. Join us weekday mornings at 6:15 am and Saturday mornings at 9 am. We meet at your neighbourhood coffee shop. 2026 SCHEDULE **6:15 am,** Mondays / Tuesdays / Thursdays / **Fridays** 9 am, Saturdays \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- DATE Friday, February 6, 2026 TIME 6:15 am - 7:15 am LOCATION(S) Tim Hortons Atrium on Bay 595 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5G 2C2 ONLINE - Download the Samsung Health app after you register and we will send further instructions. EVENT HOTLINE Call or text us at 416-939-4432 EVENT FEE $5 via Paypal or e-transfer. LOYALTY PROGRAM - Every 5th session is free! E-TRANSFER INFO Email: fasci.toronto@gmail.com Question: FASCI TORONTO Answer: PATH020626 Comment: [Name], The Daily Neighbourhood Walk - Toronto PATH (Walk only) - Friday at 6:15 am MU-FASCI-020626 \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- OUR ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS Wayspa. Nike. Sonos. Power Systems. Muscle & Strength. Kitchenaid. Strawberry. Gabriel & Co. **#PATH #TDNWR** **#dailyfitness** #classes #spin #step #salsasocial #morningstretch #lymphaticmassage #events #hobbies #specialinterest Welcome to **Daily Fitness**. We provide the latest news, motivation and support to maintain your fitness and beauty goals. **Head Office: Daily Fitness (FASCI TORONTO), 54 Thorp Crescent, Ajax, ON L1T 0G9 / Phone: 416-939-4432 / Email: fasci.toronto@gmail.com**

**A new format: you choose who you're interested in meeting** This meetup is about getting to know new people and sharing the experience in a small group (4-6 people). We use the LYTT platform to handle group size and balance - so you're not just hoping someone interesting shows up. To apply you will need to create an account at [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/6ixpickle-social) \- it's free\. **The event: Social Pickleball at Toronto's Premier Club** 6ix Pickle is Toronto's first downtown 24/7 indoor pickleball arena. Pro-level courts with electronic scoreboards, instant replay, billiards, ping pong, and a full lounge. It's the kind of place where you come for pickleball and stay because the vibe is just right. Your group books a court, grabs paddles, and dives into doubles. The beauty of pickleball is it's easy to pick up but competitive enough to keep it interesting. Between matches, you're in the lounge analyzing instant replays, trash-talking gently, and realizing this crew just works together. The whole experience runs about 2.5 hours. **The group: LYTT platform** LYTT forms small groups for events and activities you pick. 1\. Click 'Attend' here on Meetup\, then head to [lytt.me](https://lytt.me/meetup/6ixpickle-social) to create a quick profile (photo, a few interests, short bio) 2\. Browse others who applied and select who you'd want to meet 3\. We form groups where the interest is mutual 4\. You get notified when your group is confirmed \- payment happens then 5\. Show up knowing your crew already picked you \- *but no one knows who picked who*, to keep mystery and low pressure Applying doesn't guarantee a spot - but we may form multiple groups or invite you to similar events with other crews. **What's included:** • Court reservation for the group (90 min) • Paddles and balls provided • Access to lounge with billiards and ping pong **Details:** **Cost:** $35 CAD split among group (pay after your group is confirmed). Member discounts available. **Group size:** 4-6 people **Location:** 6ix Pickle, Downtown Toronto (Moss Park area) **Who this is for:** • 27-40ish, give or take • People who love to play (all skill levels welcome) • Those who want to meet people while staying active • Looking for friends, pickleball buddies, or just better ways to spend an evening **Questions?** hey@lytt.me **Proceed to register here:** [https://lytt.me/meetup/6ixpickle-social](https://lytt.me/meetup/6ixpickle-social)

Let's get together, unwind after work, make new friends and play some awesome board games... **Bring your own** or play some of my classics like Catan & Ticket to Ride *(write any game suggestions in the comments as my friend who's coming owns many games)*. Food, drinks, tax & tips are not included, you must purchase something to support the venue. **Cross-posted in other Meetup & Facebook groups** [https://facebook.com/events/s/after-work-board-games/1927915151061487/](https://facebook.com/events/s/after-work-board-games/1927915151061487/)

Hey trail buddies, I heard you'll be joining me for the hike! 😉 The hike is about 8km, so it’ll take us around 2 to 2.5 hours. Check out the [link](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/green-wood-loop) for more info on the trail. **🗓️ & 🕘:** Sunday **Feb.8th, at 10:00 AM**! **Distance**: approx. 8km **Pace**: Moderate, 3.5 to 4km/h **📍Meeting Point:** Ajax, ON L1T 4S5 **Essentials**: Water, snacks, proper hiking boots and poles, and weather-appropriate clothing and **ice cleats!** **Important Reminder:** **📝** By participating in this hike, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the **[Liability Waiver and Acknowledgement of Risk](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfIzC6o_9ncbMGYW8yI1EcD6YaTHDLgwjY6AsxbR3I_YNLHBg/viewform).** If you have not done so, we kindly request that you refrain from participating in this event. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to an enjoyable and safe adventure! · **Dress for the weather!** Prepare for the weather and wear suitable gear for the trail · **Arrive on time!** Please be punctual, as the group will leave on time · **Know your limits!** Choose hikes that match your fitness level

[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/

Join us for a cozy Sunday afternoon of nut-milk tea, vegan treats, and easy conversation at **NUTTEA Toronto**. This is a new **monthly, small-group meetup** designed for people who enjoy a calm pace and an intimate setting—think **tea shop vibes**. Whether you’re coming solo, bringing a friend, or simply looking for a relaxed way to meet other plant-based folks (and plant-curious folks!), you’re in the right place. You don’t have to be vegan to attend—everyone is welcome. Just note that NUTTEA is **100% plant-based**, so everything on the menu is vegan and delicious. ✨ **Spots are limited** to keep the gathering comfortable, so if your plans change after RSVPing, please update your RSVP so someone else can join. 📍 Venue **NUTTEA Toronto** 637 Bloor Street West NUTTEA Menu: [https://nuttea.net/](https://nuttea.net/) We’ll be sipping their signature **nut-milk teas** and enjoying baked goods from **Bad Attitude Bread**—one of Toronto’s favourite vegan bakeries. Expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere and the perfect setting for a long, unhurried chat. 📅 Event Details **Sunday, February 8, 2026** **12:00 PM – 3:00 PM** No cover charge — just please support our host by purchasing a drink and/or treat. ✨ What to Expect • A small, friendly group • Cozy nut-based teas, lattes, and vegan pastries • A relaxed, sit-down meetup made for conversation • A welcoming space for both regulars and first-timers • A calm Sunday afternoon vibe on Bloor Street ☕ How it works Come in, grab a drink or snack, and settle in. We’ll have **name tags** to make intros easy, and the rest is simple: chat, connect, and enjoy. Conversation can be anything from: • favourite vegan spots in Toronto • recipes and food finds • plant-based living (or curiosity about it) • travel, work, hobbies, books, life stuff • animal rights, sustainability, or whatever’s on your mind No pressure, no agenda — just a cozy place to meet good people ❓ Questions? Message the event hosts anytime — we’re happy to help.

**People Analytics 101: Making Sense of Compensation Data** Compensation data is one of the most widely used and widely misunderstood forms of people analytics. The session will cover where compensation data comes from, including market pricing data, internal payroll data, and benchmarking sources, and how companies think about structuring and analyzing that information. We will explore how compensation data is leveraged to set salary ranges, manage internal equity, support hiring and retention, and align pay with business strategy. A portion of the session will address common data challenges and limitations, such as market noise, inconsistent job matching, and incomplete datasets, while keeping the primary focus on practical use rather than technical depth. The session will also look ahead at where the space is going, including the growing impact of pay transparency laws, expanding pay equity requirements, and emerging regulations in the US and Europe that require organizations to report on gender and pay gaps. The goal is to give attendees a clear mental model for how compensation analytics works today and why getting it right is becoming increasingly critical. (note: we are back at Rev1 this month!) **About Our Speaker** [Alex Moore](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexscottmoore/) is the founder of [Moore Cooperative](https://moorecooperative.com/), where he advises organizations on compensation strategy, pay equity, and people analytics. His work focuses on helping organizations like the Ohio Supreme Court design, analyze, and communicate compensation systems that are data-informed, defensible, and aligned with organizational goals. Alex lives in Granville, Ohio and has three little kiddos. More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Join members of the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. There _might_ be a little snow, but there _will_ be effectively infinite serve-yourself coffee, so it evens out if you ask me. Just a reminder, while the other locations are great too, we’re at the Lane Ave one this time.

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Our group, KIND MEALS, will be picking up the tab for pizzas, at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT SLICE, on Sunday, February 8th from 12-2pm. We will be trying out MIKEY'S Vegan Fake-ass BBQ Chick'n pizza and Vegan Fake-ass Pepperoni pizza, as well as some other special vegan pizzas that are served there. All the vegan pizzas are covered with Selfish Cow vegan cheese. The pizza is free, drinks on your own. Join us to learn more about **[KIND MEALS](https://kindmealscolumbus.org)** (a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Cols. Ohio, providing hunger relief services to those in need). All of the food we serve is fresh and vegan! If you love working with community, being of service, looking to hang with some fun like-minded people, and just love to socialize on a Sunday afternoon, join us for some FREE vegan pizzas at MIKEY'S LATE NIGHT on 4th and Main. Mikey said the more the merrier!

Join us for an interactive Bombay Gin Cocktail Class at TownHall — a fun, social experience designed to bring people together over great drinks, great food, and great conversation. During the class, you’ll learn how to craft several different Bombay Gin cocktails, guided by a master mixologist in a relaxed, high-energy setting. This isn’t a lecture — it’s hands-on, engaging, and built to spark connection, laughter, and good vibes. Whether you come solo or with friends, this experience makes it easy to meet people, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and unwind mid-week. ✨ What’s Included (A Ton 😁) • Multiple Bombay Gin cocktails • Interactive cocktail instruction • Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall • A lively, social atmosphere 🍸 Sponsored by Bombay Gin 🍽 Food & appetizers sponsored by TownHall Must be 21+ to attend $20 fee per person