Talking Tech | Reimagining Tech Careers: The Nonlinear Path to Leadership

Join Digital Nova Scotia as we discuss how to move away from traditional career narratives, focusing on how diverse, unexpected, or even “messy” career trajectories in tech can be just as valuable—if not more so—than the conventional climb up the corporate ladder. It's about highlighting the growing acceptance of nontraditional paths to success and how these paths can ultimately lead to more innovative and adaptive leadership.

Meet Your Panelists

Irene Saliendra | CEO – FemEntity 

Irene Saliendra is the CEO of Fem Entity, a digital wellness platform designed to connect women with licensed wellness and medical practitioners. With a background in digital sales and technology, Irene is passionate about leveraging innovation to improve access to wellness solutions for women. She has been recognized as a 30 Under 30 Innovator by Atlantic Business Magazine and has led Fem Entity through multiple accelerator programs, strategic partnerships, and industry collaborations. Irene is dedicated to shaping the future of women's wellness by integrating technology, community, and inclusivity into the healthcare space.

Judith Dardon | Export Development Executive – Invest Nova Scotia

Judith is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) with a passion for global trade. As an Export Development Executive at Invest Nova Scotia, she supports ICT sector growth through productivity and business development programs. With a strong background in project management, she has led initiatives like an Energy Innovation project for indigenous communities and organized trade missions across Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the EU, and Greenland. Previously, at Digital Nova Scotia, she developed workforce training programs to address talent needs in Atlantic Canada. Born in Mexico, Judith has called Nova Scotia home for over 27 years.

Shubhra Singh | CEO – EmployNXT

Shubhra Singh stands at the helm of technological innovation and strategic leadership as the revered CEO and founder of EmployNXT. Renowned as a technopreneur par excellence, Shubhra has carved her niche in digital transformation, program management, and scaling technology operations, complimenting her extensive expertise in ERP, AI, ML, and Six Sigma practices. As a vanguard of diversity in technology, she champions women and the LGBTQ2+ community, upholding a future where every individual has equal opportunities to excel in the tech realm.

Meet Your Moderator

Ashley MacInnis | Owner & President – amPR inc.

Before launching amPR inc., Ashley MacInnis spent the majority of her career in public relations and marketing within the tech industry, a space she feels deeply connected to and continues to passionately work in, particularly with startups. As she builds her business, transparency remains a core value.