OUR TEAM
BizKids Leadership Team
Board Member
Geena is the Creator and Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV & Founder & President of Sparkly Frog Clan Productions Inc.
Geena is a devoted advocate for Indigenous rights and economic development, with 25+ years of experience serving First Nation communities across Canada. As a proud member of the Shishalh Nation (Sechelt), she is deeply committed to strengthening Indigenous communities through strategic partnerships with industry experts and government bodies.
Geena has helped over 800 Indigenous entrepreneurs grow their businesses and social enterprises, leading to the creation of the Bears’ Lair TV, an entrepreneurial competition show airing on APTN (Season 1 & 2) and CBC Gem (Season 1) where she joins each week as one of four core judges. Bears’ Lair Dream Camps was then created to invest in the future generations of entrepreneurs starting with Indigenous youth, ages 11-18, all over Canada.
Geena's experience and entrepreneurial spirit has had a significant impact in the realm of Indigenous economic advancement. Through her various initiatives, she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous economies and future Indigenous leaders.
Board Member
Joe Deobald is a strategic growth and marketing leader with deep expertise in AI, brand positioning, and business innovation. As a board member, he helps organizations scale, navigate change, and leverage emerging technologies to drive long-term success.
With experience spanning travel, fintech, e-commerce, and automotive industries, Joe has led high-impact initiatives that accelerate revenue and optimize market positioning. His strategic insights and problem-solving approach make him a valuable asset in guiding businesses toward sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Joe is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor who has made a name for himself in the business world by driving growth for companies through innovative marketing strategies and growth processes. He has received several accolades for his contributions, including the BIV Forty Under 40 award, as well as numerous Culture and Marketing awards.
As an entrepreneur and investor, Joe is always looking for ways to innovate and create value. He is committed to using his skills and knowledge to help companies grow and achieve their goals, while making a positive impact on people's lives.
Board Member (Non Voting)
CoFounder/CEO
Leah is the CoFounder and CEO of BizKids, and a sought-after speaker who inspires thousands of people around the world to build their identity on purpose — not by default. Through her work on global stages and in real-world communities, Leah helps individuals of all ages understand that who they are being shapes what they’re able to achieve.
While BizKids supports children in developing strong self-worth, future-ready skills, and emotional resilience, Leah’s work as a speaker expands that mission into boardrooms, classrooms, and personal development spaces across the globe — empowering people to become the version of themselves they admire.
Board Member
Tina is a passionate storyteller, social worker, and community builder who is deeply committed to empowering immigrant communities. Originally from India, Tina brings a diverse perspective, shaped by her experience as a media professional and her work in the social sector. With a master’s in political-Social Science and over 20 years of experience in television broadcasting, she has driven social change through impactful programming in India.
In Canada, Tina Manages the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), leading initiatives that support the integration of newcomers into the community. She is also the Co-Founder of the Immigrant Women Initiative (IWI), a thriving grassroots network focused on breaking barriers for immigrant women and advocating for economic equality, social inclusion, and access to professional opportunities.
Tina’s work is characterized by her strategic vision, empathy, and commitment to social justice. She has collaborated with organizations such as PIRS, MINERVA, and the Women Economic Council, amplifying immigrant women’s voices and fostering empowerment. Tina’s leadership in these initiatives reflects her deep commitment to anti-oppression, equity, and diversity.
Recently, Tina was nominated for the Darpan Magazine Breaking Barriers Award, recognizing her tireless efforts in creating opportunities and dismantling systemic barriers for immigrant women. Her work inspires change, celebrates diversity, and uplifts those who need it most.
Video Production
Dawid is a dedicated Video Producer, channeling his passion into developing Educational Videos for BizKids programming. Dawid has been developing his craft in multiple components of video production for many years and worked with clients in a number of industries.
Alexis has been refining her design skills over the years working with many different businesses in a variety of industries to create both beautiful, and effective, graphic design elements to help build their brands and share their messaging. She has enjoyed bringing her talent to the Build a Biz Kids team and designed many of their graphic design components for their BizKids programming and marketing materials.
Digital Marketing Manager
Obsessed with all things digital, Ayo is a media deep-diver that loves to get into what makes content work. He manages all paid digital marketing accounts & Analytic data for Build a Biz Kids and has taken on management roles leading a team of graphic designers and content writers. He is also the Social Media and Content Lead for Magnolia Marketing Communications and has worked as a postproduction supervisor for two feature films, various branded content, and constantly hits targets in an efficient and timely manner.
Ayo’s experience working as a university faculty for media production allowed him to practice collaborative workflows and making data-driven decisions.
Paul is an enthusiastic web developer dedicated to shaping seamless digital experiences that foster connection and accessibility. With expertise spanning personal blogs, corporate sites, e-commerce platforms, and real estate websites, Paul crafts user-friendly designs that invite engagement and interaction.
His commitment to best SEO practices ensures that every project not only looks great but reaches the communities that need it most. Rooted in our mission of fostering growth and inclusivity, Paul’s work helps bring our vision to life—creating online spaces that inform, inspire, and empower.
Director of Growth
As a seasoned marketing athlete with over a decade of experience, I specialize in crafting and executing data-driven marketing strategies that drive growth and enhance brand visibility. My approach combines analytical rigor with creative storytelling, ensuring that marketing initiatives resonate with target audiences. I’m passionate about leveraging insights to inform strategy and am always eager to explore innovative solutions that propel brands forward.
CoFounder
Braden Ricketts is a passion and purpose accelerator. From his time in artist management to his years as an employment counsellor, Braden facilitates life-changing conversations. His approach is to find the unique genius in everyone and explore how that genius can make the world a better place. Braden works with his sister Michelle Elise Abraham at Amplifyou, a boutique podcast accelerator and management firm where he supports heart-centered coaches on their journey from idea to iTunes.
