Meet the Next Generation finalistsON 2026

I am a project manager in civil and railway engineering, with 11 years of experience in France, Morocco, and Canada. I fell in love with the railway sector because of the complexity of its disciplines, particularly the interaction between civil engineering and signaling systems. I enjoy working on projects that improve mobility and well-being in cities, convinced that public transportation is a major driver for the future of our regions. Today, I manage seven projects within the GO Expansion program at SYSTRA Canada, where I excel in multidisciplinary coordination, risk management, and team leadership.

A business development professional, Mike Knobben promotes AI adoption and international expansion for companies in the aerospace and defense, automotive, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Multilingual, he has over five years of experience building strategic partnerships and accelerating growth in North America and Europe. A Francophone immigrant to Canada, he has successfully integrated and advanced professionally while actively contributing to the promotion of the French language and culture.

Caroline Peters is a French-Canadian entrepreneur, mother, and founder of OHA Wellness, a Toronto-based company dedicated to supporting mental health and well-being. A specialist in empowering women entrepreneurs, she supports organizations, students, and entrepreneurs in developing their leadership and creating meaningful projects. Through her corporate programs, her studio, and her digital platform RESET+, she works to make stress management and sustainable performance accessible to everyone. Actively involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, she shares her experience to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Astrid Moulin is a Toronto-based entrepreneur and content creator. For the past 10 years, she has run Fringinto, a bilingual media outlet that helps Francophone newcomers integrate into and discover the city. She organizes events that bring her community together and has recently become a yoga instructor, a new way for her to share her knowledge and inspire others. Passionate about communication and knowledge sharing, Astrid transforms her immigration experience into a resource for her community while actively contributing to the growth of Francophone culture in Toronto.

Arnaud Ludig is a professional engineer specializing in systems security and assurance for infrastructure and transportation projects. A Director at AtkinsRealis, he leads multidisciplinary teams and ensures the rigorous application of security standards in complex technical environments. His expertise encompasses risk management, the governance of major projects, and the implementation of security strategies tailored to regulatory requirements. Recognized for his collaborative leadership and meticulous approach, he also contributes to the mentoring of engineers and the dissemination of best practices within the organization.

Frédérick J. Doucet is a lawyer at Rubin Thomlinson LLP. He specializes in complex investigations related to discrimination, harassment, and systemic inequities in organizational contexts. Holding a doctorate in law focusing on systemic barriers to access to regulated professions, his writings on equality law are regularly cited by judicial and administrative tribunals. He advises and supports organizations across Canada in shedding light on complex situations and fostering more equitable environments. He also works as a trainer and speaker on equity and inclusion issues.

Maissa Zemni is a second-year finance student at the University of Ottawa. She has over two years of experience with the Telfer Finance Society, the university's largest bilingual finance association, where she was elected co-president for the 2026-2027 academic year. In addition, she has been working in the Senate of Canada for nearly two years, having been selected from among hundreds of candidates for the prestigious Senate Pages Program. A proud Franco-Ontarian, she has also distinguished herself through her commitment to Ontario's Francophone community, notably within RECFO and the CEPEO political committee.

Paule Véronique Fouda is a communications and digital media student at the Université de l'Ontario français and a young leader actively involved in the Francophone community. As a digital communications ambassador and vice-president of the Student Association, she works to promote student achievements and mobilize young people. She is also a columnist for ONFR (TFO), where she addresses issues related to Francophonie and youth. Founder of projects such as the Forum on Student Dialogue and Collaboration and Voix en scène, she creates spaces for expression, collaboration, and empowerment for young Francophones.

Franck-Maleek Djamat-Dubois is a committed leader, entrepreneur and founder of Kids Connect Africa (KCA), an international organization dedicated to developing leadership among young Africans.

Based in Canada, he also works as a marketing consultant, supporting companies in their growth and acquisition strategies.

Through KCA, he has mobilized hundreds of dedicated young Africans in Canada, Ivory Coast and soon in France, creating spaces for dialogue, training and community impact.

Its mission is to build the next generation of conscious, ambitious African leaders rooted in their identity.

Having settled in Canada in 2019, Julie Jardel quickly became a role model for community engagement within Hamilton's Francophone community. With her background in organizational management and international experience, she inspires people around meaningful projects that embody human values. As head of the Centre francophone de Hamilton from 2021 to 2024, she fostered significant growth in cultural activities, contributing to the integration of newcomers and the inclusion of seniors. Now a provincial development advisor, she continues her commitment by supporting community development through consulting and volunteer work.