The Big Picture:

Venture for Canada’s 2026-2027 Fellowship Alumni Council is a group of entrepreneurial leaders committed to building a strong community of Fellowship alumni through meaningful programming, opportunities, and connections. This year’s council plans to strengthen VFC’s alumni network through mentorship, peer-supported initiatives, and virtual and in-person gatherings.

TORONTO, ON. October 29, 2026 – Venture for Canada (VFC) is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 Fellowship Alumni Council, a diverse group of leaders committed to providing mentorship opportunities, data-driven programming, and impactful connections for more than 500 Fellowship alumni nationwide.

Currently entering its eighth year, the VFC Alumni Council is an application-based, volunteer-driven advisory group dedicated to delivering meaningful programming for Fellows across Canada. This commitment includes offering mentorship, leading peer-supported initiatives, and hosting virtual and in-person regional gatherings to strengthen the alumni community and its impact. The next upcoming event is the Fellowship Alumni Mixer: Toronto on Saturday, November 14th.

Meet the 2026-2027 Alumni Council

Brose Hagerman, Co-Chair | Enterprise Solution Consultant at Autodesk

Brose was a member of the 2019 VFC Fellowship cohort, the final (and largest) cohort before COVID. After growing up in Winnipeg, VFC provided the stepping stone to move to Toronto and work at a start-up, a long-time dream. He has remained closely involved in the alumni community, leading sessions and panels at various VFC events and Alumni Summits. As co-chair of Council this year, he is looking forward to welcoming graduates from new VFC programs to the community and foster deeper connections across cohorts and programs. 

Brose currently works as an Enterprise Solution Consultant at MaintainX, recently acquired by Autodesk, following almost six years spent at VFC partner start-ups. Outside of work, he enjoys backcountry camping, cycling, climbing, or working on the latest skill in his tumbling class. 

“My favourite part of VFC has been the community and I’m honoured to be able to support the next phase of that community development and growth.”

Jacqui Yang, Co-Chair | Senior Investment Analyst at InBC Investment

Jacqui was part of VFC‘s 2021 cohort, one of the program’s virtual cohorts. Even though most of it happened through a screen, the program gave her some of her closest friendships, ones that have lasted well beyond the fellowship. Last year, she served as Summit Director, leading the annual summit that brings fellows and alumni from across cohorts together. Jacqui is currently a Senior Investment Analyst at InBC, a strategic venture fund in Vancouver, where she works across deal execution and portfolio monitoring. She spent nearly five years in venture capital, starting out at a healthcare fund investing in medtech and biotech. As co-chair of the Alumni Council this year, Jacqui is excited to work alongside fellow council members to build sustainable programs and resources for the alumni community during this transition period. When she is not at work, you can find her on the tennis court or meeting up with friends to try a new restaurant.

“The best part of VFC for me has been the people, and now I want to give back to that community. My hope is that every alum gets real value out of staying connected and has an easy way to pay it forward whenever they’re ready.”

Emily Fraser, National Programming Director | Sales Enablement Manager at Circle

University of Windsor grad in Communications & Political Science and a proud member of the VFC 2021 cohort. VFC was also the start of Emily’s career journey, helping her land her first job.  She’s excited to finally join the council and give back by helping build a stronger, more connected community. For the past three years, Emily has been at Circle, a community platform, first working in Sales. She’s excited to bring that experience in community building to VFC and contribute wherever she can. Outside of work, you’ll usually find Emily’s nose in a book.

Preethi Raghuraman, Regional Director for Toronto | Junior Product Manager at Future Cities Institute founded by CAIVAN

Preethi is a Junior Product Manager at the Future Cities Institute (FCI) at the University of Waterloo, where she builds data and AI tools that help cities make better policy decisions. She moved to Canada two years ago to pursue her Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. She joined Venture for Canada as part of the 2026 Fellowship cohort and found a community where she truly felt she fit in. It’s a group of people at a similar stage, figuring things out together and showing up for one another. That experience is why she cares so much about giving back. And as Regional Director for Toronto, she wants to build an alumni network people actually show up for, with events that are low-pressure, genuinely useful, and a great way to meet people across cohorts.

“The fellowship ends, but the people don’t have to. I want Toronto alumni to feel less like a mailing list and more like a community you’d actually call, whether for advice, an intro, or just someone who gets it.”

Chloe Pan, Regional Director for Calgary | Reverse Mortgage Specialist at EQ Bank

Chloe’s professional experience in banking and finance has helped her build strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Through her work in underwriting, she’s gained valuable experience in financial analysis, risk assessment, and helping clients make informed financial decisions.

Chloe’s experience with Venture for Canada has been equally meaningful. Being part of VFC has connected her with a supportive community of entrepreneurs who share a passion for building inclusive communities and creating real impact. She’s had the opportunity to learn from others, help each other grow, and gain new perspectives on entrepreneurship and career development. She’s grateful to be part of a community that encourages collaboration and growth, and inspires people to turn their ideas into something meaningful.

Dasha Istomina, Regional Director for Ottawa | SAP Support Analyst at Calian

Dasha holds a BSc Honours degree in Computer Science and Forensic Science (double major) from Trent University. In 2025, she participated in the Venture for Canada Fellowship, where she gained exposure to entrepreneurship, innovation, and business strategy.

Through her Venture for Canada experience, she developed a greater appreciation for the value of community, collaboration, and shared learning. She looks forward to bringing these values to the Ottawa alumni community and helping create opportunities for members to connect, exchange experiences, and support one another.

Sharon Sun, Regional Director for Vancouver | Registered Dietician

Sharon is an Alumni of the 2025 cohort. After experiencing the Fellowship Program this past year, she became inspired by her peers and their shared ambition, desire to build a cohesive community, and curiosity, which often leads to choosing the road less taken. Speaking of which, her career path has been far from linear. Despite having a formal background in nutrition and the health sciences, she has always been curious about entrepreneurship and working within spaces that are driven to solve a meaningful problem. As a result, she has immersed herself in business oriented roles in the food product development and health promotion spaces. She hopes to immerse herself in the health tech space and apply her critical practitioner lens to serve companies with a health-aligned vision. Sharing a non-traditional perspective, she is excited to collaborate with the new Alumni Council team, engaging with the Vancouver chapter, to continue building the ecosystem that strongly connects VFC members to each other.

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity on a mission to accelerate the careers of Canadian youth through immersive opportunities at innovative startups and small businesses. Through our programs, young Canadians gain the skills, experience, and networks they need to lead more entrepreneurial and impactful careers.

To learn more, read our 2024 Impact Report.

Connect with Venture for Canada:

Website: ventureforcanada.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/venture-for-canada/
Instagram: @venture4canada
Twitter: @Venture4Canada

Media Contact:

Daniela Lockie – Senior Manager, Marketing & Sales
Email: daniela.lockie@ventureforcanada.ca