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Queer Founders Night
Join us for BEC’s first-ever Queer Founders Night ?
An evening all about connection, community, and real conversations.
? Panel Discussion: Hear directly from Queer founders as they share their journeys—the wins, the challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Expect honest insights, fresh perspectives, and stories that stick with you.
? Information Booths: Explore resources, meet organizations, and discover opportunities designed to support and uplift Queer entrepreneurs, business owners and creatives.
Whether you’re building something of your own, dreaming up your next move, or just want to be in a room full of inspiring people—this night is for you.
Founders are the spark-makers—the ones who turn “what if?” into something real. They build, create, and carve out spaces where ideas (and people) can thrive. Whether it’s launching a business, starting a passion project, or bringing community together, it all takes boldness, heart, and a whole lot of showing up.
That same energy lives loud and proud in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—where creating, leading, and simply being can be powerful acts of resilience and joy.
ABOUT THE PANEL
Moderator
LISA ALEXANDRA (she/her)
Lisa Alexandra (she/her) is a multi-faceted & multi-passionate entrepreneur, founder, mother & creative. She started her first business in 2015 that led her to being a sought after travelling yoga teacher, specializing in programs for children & youth. She published her first children’s book in 2017 and was named one of Brampton’s Top 40 Under 40 in the same year. In 2020 she took the leap of faith into brick and mortar by opening The Aura House; a Rainbow Registered yoga, pilates and event space in Downtown Brampton. And she is excited to go back to her movement roots as a dancer, introducing dance-based pop-ups, programs and workshops for people of all ages through The Aura House this coming fall. As a co-founder of E.Q.U.A.L. Peel, Lisa is delighted by the opportunity to empower queer unity and leadership in Brampton.
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Panelist
RICKY VIVEIROS
I began my career in hairstyling at 17 and became licensed by 19. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a passion for helping people feel confident, seen, and able to express their identities authentically. In December 2019, I co-founded Hair Lab & Co. with two business partners—just months before the COVID-19 pandemic. Building a business through such an uncertain time demanded resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose, values that continue to shape how we operate today.
As an entrepreneur in Brampton, my journey has also been deeply personal. Early on, I often felt I had to carefully navigate what parts of myself felt acceptable in professional spaces. Over time, I became more grounded in who I am, and that confidence now informs how I lead—with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen and valued. I believe Queer founders bring a unique resilience and emotional intelligence to business, shaped by a lifetime of navigating complexity, building connection, and leading with authenticity.
Alongside my work in the beauty industry, I am also a high school teacher in technological education. I bring real-world industry experience into the classroom to create hands-on, relevant learning opportunities that connect with students in meaningful ways. My teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusion, identity affirmation, and helping young people recognize the value in their own stories, talents, and potential.
I am also a co-founder of Equal Peel, a grassroots initiative focused on community-building, visibility, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across the region. Through this work, I aim to help create spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging and where diverse identities are not only accepted, but celebrated.
I am passionate about building stronger support systems for Queer entrepreneurs and leaders in Brampton and across the GTA—through mentorship, intentional investment, and spaces where community and business intersect. To me, success means sustainability without compromise: creating impact while remaining fully aligned with who you are. Across all of my work—as a stylist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate—I am committed to helping others thrive through authenticity, care, and connection.
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Panelist
JASMINE SARITA
Jasmine is a passionate queer indo Caribbean creative who has been specializing in the design process and creation of Jewellery since late 2019. Drawing from her queer Caribbean heritage she creates handcrafted jewellery and accessories rooted in nature, culture, and personal ritual. Her work invites wearers to adorn themselves with intentional pieces that honor where we come from and who we’re becoming. What started as a little hobby to pass the time during the pandemic has turned into a full time business for her.
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Panelist
GARDENIA FLORES
Gardenia Flores is a marketing, brand and communications professional with a passion for data and the arts. She began her professional career in executive recruiting in capital markets, during which she was the third team member at a start-up executive recruiting firm. Following the 2008 financial crisis, she pivoted to a career in advertising, where, among many other achievements, she re-branded the Institute of Canadian Agencies twice and launched the Effie Awards in Canada. In her non-work time, she was a founding collective member of the Toronto Queer Film Festival, where she designed the initial brand identity and festival catalogue. When TQFF incorporated as a charitable organization, she served as an initial board member. At the end of the Covid pandemic, she joined the Brampton Arts Organization (BAO), then known as the Arts, Culture & Creative Industry Development Agency (ACCIDA), as the third team member. There, she has developed, rolled out and managed BAO’s brand identity and public voice. In four short years, she has grown BAO’s audience from 500 attendees to over 5500 attendees and taken its Instagram from 3000 at the end of 2021 to over 11,000 followers as of today.