committed to serving the community

The ERIN Steering Committee was elected by a broad range of Edmonton region service providers and entrepreneurs. This committee represents a wide range of service providers who are invested in the acceleration of Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem. 

At this time, much of the Steering Committee’s work is guided by ERIN’s governance framework.

The Steering Committee and Manager, ERIN are available for questions or to discuss concerns regarding the work of the Edmonton RIN.

 

Reza Enaloui, Chair eRIN Steering Committee, Founder of semitechnics corp.

Reza Enaloui is the Founder of Semitechnic Corp, a company focused on energy management and optimization. He holds a Master’s in Electrical-Energy Systems and a PhD in Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Technologies from the University of Alberta. A certified Project Management Specialist, Reza has a strong background in governance, having served as Chair of ERIN’s Governance Sub-Committee before becoming Chair of the ERIN Steering Committee in spring 2025.

 

Olle Lagerquist, Associate vice president of Industry Solutions, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

As the Associate Vice-President Industry Solutions at NAIT, Olle is responsible for leading the vision, strategic priorities, and alignment across multiple teams that serve industry through applied research and skills development. He has spent the past 16 years working with companies and academics to advance research, innovation, partnerships and collaborations across Alberta, Canada, and internationally.  His favorite activity is to help build effective and collaborative teams.

 

Chris Lerohl, Management Consultant, Campus innovation Consulting Group

Chris Lerohl is the Co-Founder and CEO of both Uproot Food Collective and Honest Dumplings Ltd., where he leads innovative approaches to scaling sustainable food startups. With a background in management consulting through Campus Innovation Consulting Group, Chris brings expertise in startup development, competitive and market analysis, e-commerce strategy, and grant funding. His skill set spans digital marketing, business analysis, and strategic thinking, all grounded in a strong commitment to sustainability and entrepreneurial growth.

 

Ahmad Jawad, CEO, Doceo ai

Ahmad is the CEO of DOCEO AI, a company using artificial intelligence to help school districts make data-driven decisions that support student success. With a background in science and business—including an Executive MBA, certificates from Harvard and MIT, and a DBA in progress—Ahmad previously founded and led Intellimedia for 18 years. A dedicated community leader, he serves on several boards including Technology Alberta, the University of Alberta’s Computer Science Industry Advisory Board, and the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network. He also co-founded the Edmonton Research Park Business Consortium to foster innovation and collaboration in Alberta’s tech ecosystem.

 

Colin Christinsen, THNQ Global corporation

Colin has spent 30 years in entrepreneurship and his current chapter is all about helping others navigate the tricky waters of starting and growing a business. As owner of several of his own businesses in diverse industries including building materials, renewable energies, social enterprise, and technology, he has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs around the world raise millions of dollars and, in many cases, create equity for their families and create better options for themselves, their communities, and changing the world at large. Including developing ecosystems internationally paired with microlending platforms, he currently serves on a few boards and as an Entrepreneur in Residence.

 

Tomi oyende, black business ventures association

Tomi Oyende is a Growth Product Manager at BBVA with a strong track record in the technology industry. She brings expertise in product management, organizational development, and business strategy, along with a passion for public speaking and community impact. Tomi holds a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Ruhr University of Bochum and is deeply committed to leveraging innovation to drive positive change in both the tech sector and social services.

 

Richard Roy, DiscoveryLabs

Richard Roy supports operations at DiscoveryLab, helping to build and strengthen the innovation ecosystem through event coordination, information sharing, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas. In his volunteer role, he contributes to scaling DiscoveryLab’s offerings, including the development of a customized CRM tool to better serve innovators. With expertise in business development, product development, and regulatory support, Richard also brings a strong background in policy and governance, making him a valuable contributor to the growth of Alberta’s innovation community.

 

ALI GOLABCHI, EWI WORKS INC.

Ali Golabchi, PhD, PMP an entrepreneur, innovator, researcher, educator, and advisor working at the intersection of technology, research, and real-world impact. He is the Chief Technology Officer at EWI Works, Associate Director of the Construction Innovation Centre (CIC), and an Adjunct Professor and Instructor at the University of Alberta. Ali brings extensive experience leading cross-sector collaborations that drive scalable, evidence-based solutions across diverse industries. He is passionate about fostering collaboration among academia, industry, startups, and government to drive innovation that is practical, inclusive, and outcomes-focused.

 

Maria Drueco, BelongInclusivity

Maria Drueco is the Founder & President of BelongInclusivity, a tech-enabled nonprofit advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging through research, education, and advocacy. With over a decade of leadership experience across government, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors, she has spearheaded inclusive workforce initiatives and intercultural programs that dismantle systemic barriers. 

Maria also leads Marianatha Tours, a purpose-driven travel company championing sustainability, accessibility, and representation in the global travel industry. An award-winning author of UnHide Yourself, she was recognized in London in 2025 as Inclusion & Diversity Champion of the Year at the International Women in Travel & Tourism Forum (IWTTF) Awards and received two Women Changing the World Awards for Migrant Leadership and Women in Travel, Retreats, and Events. An international speaker and strategist, Maria brings expertise in policy, equity-centered inclusion, and community engagement to ERIN, helping to foster a thriving and inclusive innovation ecosystem in the greater Edmonton area.