IEP Conference Overview
Your Canadian career starts here! The 19th Annual Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Conference is a free, one-day event designed to help internationally trained professionals turn potential into progress. For two decades, this conference has been a launchpad for thousands of newcomers seeking meaningful employment in Canada.
The IEP Conference brings together industry leaders, licensing and accreditation bodies, service providers, and educators—all in one place. Through interactive workshops, sector-specific sector hubs with expert panelist, you will gain the insights, strategies, and connections you need to succeed in the Canadian job market.
Expect a full day of:
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building (255 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2W6)
Pragya Porwal, CPA is a Senior Financial Analyst at Revlon Inc. with over eight years of global experience in audit, assurance, and finance. She is a qualified Chartered accountant from India and began her career at Deloitte and later played a key role at Marico India, a leading FMCG company. Since moving to Canada, she has earned her Canadian CPA designation. At Revlon, she excels in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic support. Pragya has deep expertise in IFRS and US GAAP. A former board member and educator, she is passionate about mentorship and knowledge-sharing. Her career reflects adaptability, resilience, and a strong commitment to continuous growth across industries and international markets.
Moderator, Engineering Sector Hub
Mehemed is a Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, with over 26 years of comprehensive experience in transportation engineering, project and program management, and business development across both public and private sectors. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Traffic and Transportation Engineering and is a long-time advocate and volunteer within the engineering community. Mehemed actively contributes to professional associations including the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC), Ontario Traffic Council (OTC), Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC) Ontario, Canadian Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE Canada), Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), and Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). His volunteer work includes mentorship and guidance for new engineering graduates and internationally trained engineers.
Hazem Yahia is a seasoned professional with a civil engineering background and 20+ years of project management experience in residential, commercial, infrastructure, and nuclear sectors. Hazem’s career includes leadership roles at Parsons, EllisDon, and Bruce Power.
A licensed P.Eng. with a Master’s in Construction Management, he also holds PMP and CCP certifications.
As the Founder of Master VDC, Hazem provides engineering, project management, and BIM services in addition to his position as an instructor at Humber College.
He contributed as a guest speaker at different colleges and newcomer centres while supporting international engineers to achieve their P.Eng license and thrive in the Canadian market.
Vince is a professional engineer with strong experience in Engineering, Operations, and Sales Management, developed over a successful 30+ career at StackTeck. With deep expertise in the mold making industry, he is committed to delivering high-quality solutions and exceptional customer service in plastic manufacturing. Drawing on StackTeck’s leadership in injection mold design for thin wall packaging, medical, and closure applications, Vince leveraged a collaborative team of engineers, designers, and technicians to support global clients. His focus on technical excellence and long-term partnerships reflects a dedication to innovation and sustainable performance in the industry.
Karen is a professional engineer and industry leader with over 20 years’ experience driving large-scale transformation, product launches, and agile adoption across financial services, fintech, telecom, and automotive sectors. She is Founder of Altaris Advisory Inc., providing executive advisory and board guidance. A Fellow of Engineers Canada and a 2022 WXN Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, Karen is Past-President of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers and a former Global Ambassador for Canada with the Society of Women Engineers. She is passionate about mentoring internationally educated professionals and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Canada’s engineering community.
Rafael Lepra, P.Eng., is a seasoned chemical engineer with over 40 years of experience across the food, chemical, and asphalt industries. A graduate of a rigorous six-year engineering program, he holds certifications in ISO 9000 Systems, HACCP, and Six Sigma Green Belt.
Rafael has led the design and implementation of equipment, processes, and fully integrated production lines, with a strong focus on safety, maintainability, and food safety. Known for his troubleshooting skills and commitment to continuous improvement, he brings a collaborative approach to engineering—engaging frontline personnel in the design process to ensure practical, user-friendly systems.
Rakesh Shreewastav, Ontario Professional Engineer, Value Management Associate, and Fellow Engineers Canada, currently works for Metrolinx, an agency of the Government of Ontario. Previously, he worked for the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario, delivering major programs and initiatives across the province.
Rakesh has served on the Council of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), including Vice President, board of directors of Engineers Canada, Association Canadienne- Française de l’Ontario (ACFO), and was appointed to the board of The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited (FBCL), as part of the Governor in Council (GIC) appointments made by the Government of Canada. Rakesh is currently the Vice Chair of the FBCL Board.
Moderator, Finance & Accounting Sector Hub
Omar is an audit partner at EY. He is a CPA in Ontario and Peru and has an MBA from the ESADE Business School in Barcelona. Originally from Peru, Omar has over 17 years of progressive experience leading audits for large and complex organizations with operations in developed and emerging markets such as Canada, United States, Australia and China. In 2015 Omar relocated to Toronto where he specializes in mining and renewables leading audits under Canadian and US GAAP requirements.
His experience includes a one-year residency at a global gold producer as a director of financial reporting and corporate accounting looking after the regulatory filings, internal accounting matters and working with the external auditors.
Sundeep Shetty is a CPA-certified finance professional with an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, currently serving as Finance Manager. With a strong foundation in financial planning and analysis, his core expertise includes forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and financial reporting. He is skilled in building advanced Excel-based financial models and decision-making tools that help maximize profitability and mitigate risks.
One of Sundeep’s proudest achievements is his personal and professional journey—emigrating from India as an engineer and successfully transitioning into Canada’s finance industry through dedicated pursuit of both an MBA and CPA designation.
Bernice Francis is a Finance Leader with over 20 years of experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and internal controls across global and Canadian institutions. Currently Director of Finance at Rogers Bank, she oversees financial and regulatory reporting and finance operations while driving process optimization and team development. Her career spans leadership roles at TD Bank, Emirates Airlines, and Ernst & Young, where she built expertise in risk and controls, audit, and cross-functional collaboration. Recognized for delivering accurate, compliant reporting and building high-performing teams, Bernice is committed to excellence, innovation, and strategic financial leadership.
Beverly is currently working with Insurance Career Connections, a division of the Insurance Institute of Canada, which is dedicated to improving the understanding of insurance and educating students and career seekers about careers available in the industry.
You will see Beverly and the Career Connections team moderating panel discussions, presenting at various events on campuses across Canada, and engaging with a variety of career seekers at career fairs, and networking events. Recently she has built and managed the IGNITE Insurance Careers Program, a program designed to help internationally trained professionals, newcomers to Canada and career changers learn the fundamentals of insurance and find rewarding careers.
Beverly holds her Advanced Chartered Insurance Professional (ACIP) designation, is a Certified Career Strategist, member of Career Professionals of Canada, The Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers and is an active member of a number of industry associations and charities geared toward the BIPOC community. She has over 20 years in the insurance industry and her passion is helping and educating youth and newcomers on their career journeys.
Moderator, Healthcare Sector Hub
Dr. Rahim Karim is the President & CEO of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), a pan Canadian academic institution with campus locations in Toronto, Ontario and Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. He has an abundance of global leadership experience in the education and health sectors. His background also includes significant governance and external committee involvement including being an active volunteer within the community. An award-winning administrator, educator and clinician, Dr. Karim has operated successful multidisciplinary health clinics, published in peer-reviewed journals, and presented at various local and international conferences. Dr. Karim is the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers from the Governor General of Canada.
Dr. Gulasingam is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialist and Medical Director of rehabilitation, complex continuing care, and transitional care at William Osler Health System. He is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and a brain and spinal cord physician at Toronto Rehab, University Health Network. He completed medical school in Sri Lanka, PM&R residency at UofT, and fellowships at UofT and UBC. Beyond clinical and academic roles, he contributes to parasports through the International Paralympic Committee and International World Games Association. He has served the CAPMR in various leadership roles and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants in 2022.
Mesrak Lissanu is a strategic leader in the pharmaceutical industry with over 20 years of experience in Leadership, Sales, Marketing, Training, and DE&I. As District Sales Manager at Abbott Diabetes Care, she is passionate about developing people and building winning teams. Mesrak co-founded Advancing Black Talent in Pharma (ABTiP) and serves as President of People to People Aid Organization Canada. A former Canadian Ambassador for Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP), she actively drives cultural change. Her leadership was recognized with the 2022 EPPAD Achievement Award for her commitment to community empowerment and elevating others.
Zahid Junejo is a seasoned business and technology leader, with 20+ years of experience across North America, the Middle East, and South Asia. He has driven digital transformation and portfolio growth exceeding $1B in financial services, payments, and IT solutions. Zahid has held leadership roles at Citigroup, Saudi American Bank, Mashreq Bank, and Western Union. Passionate about empowering internationally educated professionals, he mentors newcomers to thrive in Canada’s digital economy. Recognized for Service Excellence, his signature strategy—Adapt, Upgrade, and Grow!—guides candidates to succeed in the evolving job market.
Ian Langdon is a seasoned digital professional and entrepreneur with a career spanning IT leadership, systems design, and business operations. As the founder and Managing Director of Agile Computer, he has grown a client-focused technology firm that focuses on the small to medium enterprise. He has a wide breadth of experience from interactive media and digital signage to trade show technology and managed IT. His ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver underpins his entrepreneurial lens to every challenge, helping businesses harness technology to achieve growth, resilience, and long-term success.
Presentor: The Brand called YOU
Maham Khalid is an award-nominated innovation leader and strategic changemaker with 15+ years of experience driving transformative initiatives across technology, workforce development, and the emerging Green Grid economy. She serves as Director of Training & Employment at YWCA Hamilton, leading large-scale workforce programs for underrepresented communities, and as Vice President of CIPS, advancing ethical technology adoption and professional standards. Recognized as a finalist for both the Global Women in AI Awards and the Rogers Empowered Women Award, Maham is a sought-after speaker and ecosystem builder committed to shaping inclusive, future-ready talent pathways.
Sabir Sami is the recently retired Global Chief Executive Officer of KFC, one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, operating in over 150 countries. Over a three-decade career, he has built a reputation as a transformative leader, driving growth, digital innovation, and cultural change in some of the world’s most recognized consumer businesses.
As CEO of KFC, Sabir delivered record growth, expanding the brand by more than 2,000 restaurants in a single year and achieving $1.36 billion in profits in 2024. He spearheaded the brand’s digital transformation, with online sales soaring from 20% to over 50% of the business, while also repositioning the brand for younger consumers. Under his leadership, female representation in global leadership rose from 39% to 50% in just two years, reflecting his commitment to inclusion and talent development.
Prior to becoming CEO, Sabir held senior roles across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, leading major business turnarounds and landmark deals. He began his career at Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, building strong foundations in marketing and operations.
Today, Sabir serves on the Board of Save the Children Canada and continues to share his experience as a global leader passionate about growth, culture, and purpose.
Exceptional partnership opportunities with PCPI.
Reach thousands of skilled professionals at the conference.
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
8:30 am - 8:45 am
Room:
105
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
8:45 am - 9:30 am
Room:
105
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Room:
105
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Room:
Marketplace
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
10:45 am - 12:15 am
Engineering, Digital Technology, Sales, Marketing & Communications
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
10:45 am - 12:15 am
Session 1: The Brand Call YOU
The Brand Called You” explores how professionals can harness AI, strategic communication, and intentional networking to craft a powerful personal brand. This session emphasizes the role of AI in visibility and credibility, workplace culture’s impact on perception, and aligning values with organizational goals. Attendees will also gain tools for 360° candidate profile development, equipping them with practical strategies to stand out as authentic, trusted voices in today’s evolving professional landscape.
Session 2: TBD
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
1:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Finance & Accounting, Healthcare
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
1:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Session 1: The Brand Call YOU
The Brand Called You” explores how professionals can harness AI, strategic communication, and intentional networking to craft a powerful personal brand. This session emphasizes the role of AI in visibility and credibility, workplace culture’s impact on perception, and aligning values with organizational goals. Attendees will also gain tools for 360° candidate profile development, equipping them with practical strategies to stand out as authentic, trusted voices in today’s evolving professional landscape.
Session 2: TBD
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Date:
October 30, 2025
Time:
4:15 pm -