Vanessa Ferlaino is the two-time award-winning author of “human”, distinguished podcaster of “The Human Challenge”, named an Amazon Music x ACAST “Indie Podcast Amplifier” in December 2023, and President of The Being Human Foundation, contributing to re-worlding through Engaged Mindfulness and Engaged Community. Vanessa is also a 200hr Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Professional Level (CMT-P), from The Lab of Meditation, recognized by The International Mindfulness Teacher’s Association. Her training specialized in Social Justice and Trauma-Informed offerings. She offers free mindfulness practices on the Insight Timer app and through her foundation. Vanessa has ten years of experience as an award-winning corporate innovator, venture-builder, and investor. Career highlights include launching an award-winning enterprise investment platform to raise 775K in 36 hours and raising 200K in 2 months for social ventures. Vanessa earned her Honours Bachelor of Science from The University of Toronto, specializing in Neuroscience, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Immunology; and her Masters of Business, Education, and Technology from The University of Waterloo. She offers free business support and mentorship for returning citizens through various organizations. Vanessa holds numerous board and advisory positions, and is also a Sessional Lecturer at Algoma University, located on the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School. Vanessa is humbled by recognition for her efforts from national and international news outlets, including CTV, CityNews, BoldJourney and many more.