2025 Young Leaders Happy Hour Networking Event
REGISTER EARLY! Limited tickets available!
Are you 35 or under and ready to grow your network and leadership skills?
Join a vibrant community of emerging leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs for an energizing evening designed to support your career journey through meaningful connections, fresh insights, and personal growth.
What to Expect:
- Engaging networking activities with like-minded peers
- Inspiring fireside chat with accomplished local leaders
- A welcoming space whether you’re attending solo or with friends
QNET Young Leaders
Happy Hour Networking Event
Date: Thursday, June 19
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. (program begins at 6:15)
Location: Kilter Brewing Co. (450 Rue Deschambault)
Fee: $10 (includes a beverage!)
Young Leaders Fireside Chat
We’re excited to feature a panel of bold young leaders who are taking initiative and turning ideas into action in their diverse workplaces (bios are below):
- Moderator: Trish Johnson, Group Consultant, RBC Group Advantage
- Harrison Nemez, President, Grindstone Renovations
- Richard Thomas, Head of Engineering & Leadership Coach, Skip
- Sanjana Vijayann (she/her), Director of Strategic Initiatives, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Young Leaders Fireside Chat Speaker Bios:
As a Group Consultant at RBC Group Advantage, Trish helps Winnipeg-based businesses design and implement comprehensive financial wellness plans for their employees. With over 5 years of experience in the banking industry and a certification as a Retirement Planning Associate (RPA), she provides skills and expertise to deliver tailored and effective solutions for her clients. Trish also has a background in entrepreneurship; she ran a food trading business back in her home country in England for over 3 years, and was also a freelance web designer.
Right from young, Harrison has been fascinated with construction, a path from which he’s never strayed. He’s been with Grindstone Renovations since day one, giving him a 360° view of all areas of the company. As president and development director, he’s at the helm of the design and pre-construction process. He’s passionate about building genuine connections and takes pride in creating lasting relationships, collaborating with clients, and everyone else who has a hand in making a project come to life. When he’s not working, you’ll find him renovating or landscaping around his home, cycling, cross-country skiing, and staying active with his wife and two daughters. And don’t be shocked if you spot him rocking cowboy gear at a concert!
Rich Thomas is a senior leader in software engineering, certified leadership coach, and keynote speaker known for helping people discover their invisible strengths. He leads global engineering teams with a focus on clarity, trust, and execution, and brings that same intentionality to developing future leaders. With a passion for turning everyday conversations into breakthrough moments, Rich blends storytelling, strategy, and heart to drive real growth. Whether he’s coaching new managers or speaking on big stages, his mission is simple: build people, not just products — and help others lead with more purpose, presence, and authenticity.
With a background in Political Studies and Economics, Sanjana brings deep expertise in policy, DEI, and organizational strategy to her work. She is passionate about redesigning systems to be more equitable and responsive, with a career rooted in driving inclusive, data-informed change. At The Chamber, Sanjana leads work in policy and advocacy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and strategic development, with a focus on helping Winnipeg’s business community thrive. Her leadership has helped secure national recognition through the Canadian Chamber’s Inclusive Growth Awards. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Directors at the Women’s Health Clinic, advancing her commitment to community wellbeing and gender equity. Her work is guided by the belief that equity and inclusion is a foundation for economic and social resilience.
Fees:
- QNET Members / Non-Members: $9.52 + GST = $10.00
Cancellations must be received by email to mail@QNET.ca no later than 8 days prior to the event. Substitutions are accepted at any time by email to mail@QNET.ca
Please review event Terms & Conditions
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450 Rue Deschambault
Winnipeg, Manitoba
