Appointee Biographies

WILLIAM LAIDLAW

Bill graduated from the University of Guelph obtaining an Honours BA in History. He went on to study at Queen's for an MA in History and a BEd in education. He then became a teacher at Ridley College obtaining an M.Ed from the University of Toronto. After teaching, Bill held senior HR positions with the Bay, Scintrex, Royal Trust, Rogers, Paul Revere Life Insurance, and Glaxo Canada before becoming Director of Government Relations at Glaxo. During his 11 years there, he was instrumental in the changes made to Canada's intellectual property protection. He was also President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Lung Association in this period. In 2002, he became Chief Executive Officer of St. John Ambulance and President of the Empire Club of Canada. He then assumed Executive Director roles at Ontario Community Newspapers, Life Sciences Ontario, the Chicken Farmers of Ontario, Feed Ontario, and the Canadian Assistive Devices Association. He volunteers with Hamilton Health Sciences and the University of Guelph.

OBARO AKPOMENA

Obaro Akpomena is an entrepreneur and real estate agent for about 20 years. Studied Estate Management and lives in Oakville with his wife and 3 children. Aside family life, and his business/real estate practice, he volunteers in his local church and other local organizations in Oakville. Obaro Akpomena is currently with iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

SARBJEET SAINI

Sarbjeet Saini is an Insurance Broker/Financial Adviser for Aaxel Insurance Brokers Ltd., and a former Insurance Broker/Financial Adviser for York Alliance Insurance Brokers Ltd. Sarbjeet’s community involvement includes serving as a member for Brampton Transit Advisory Committee, City of Brampton.

TARAN CHAHAL

Taran Chahal serves as a member (part-time) for the Grant Review Team, Halton-Peel, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and a Finance Manager for BMO Financial Group.

WILLIAM LAIDLAW

William Laidlaw, of Burlington, is a Principal at Parkelaw Inc. and is a former Executive Director at the Ontario Association of Food Banks. William’s community involvement includes serving as a board member at Hamilton Health Sciences.

MANAN GUPTA

Manan Gupta is the founder of Road Today Media Group proudly serving Canada’s transportation and supply chain industry through events, digital, social, and electronic media platforms since 2004. He is also a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant. Manan appears regularly as a media commentator covering issues impacting the industry and community on various mainstream and ethnic media platforms on matters related to public interest and current affairs. His efforts and contribution towards safer communities has been recognized through prestigious industry and government awards including the Ontario Ministry of Transportation Road Safety Media Excellence Award, Ontario Volunteer Service Award, Peel Police Media Excellence, Brampton Safe City Volunteer of the Year Award, CN Rail Safety Award, Brampton Citizens Award, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, etc.

CHRIS TABULSKI

is Chief Executive Officer at LC Con Inc., Vice President of APT Management Corporation and a former Associate with Nova Printing. Mr. Tabulski’s community involvement includes serving as Co-Chair of the Sector Labour-Management Health & Safety Committee, Infrastructure Health & Safety Association and as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee at Mohawk College.

THUY DUONG TRAN

Thuy holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Edith Cowan University and a post-graduate diploma in International Business Management from St. Clair College. She has worked as an operation executive across the logistics, shipping, and technology industries. Thuy is also a former professional dancer and is widely involved in the non-for-profit arts and culture sector. She has worked as a dance instructor, cultural performer and fundraiser, and writer for various arts and culture organizations.

DHARMINDER SINGH JOSAN

Dharminder Singh Josan is a highly versatile professional with over 15 years of experience across physiotherapy, logistics, and business management. Dharminder brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and business acumen. He holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), an MBA in Marketing and HR, and a Diploma in Pharmacy. Dharminder has 5 years of clinical physiotherapy experience and has spent over a decade in logistics, working as a Trainer, Safety Manager and Operations Manage. He also successfully ran a logistic company in India for 10 years. Multilingual in English, Hindi, and Punjabi, he brings strong leadership, operational expertise, and a diverse professional background to any team.

MARIANO GUIRGUIS

started professional career in 1997 as a pharmacist. Mariano had a very successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. Mariano had a good sales, marketing, and strategic planning experience. Mariano has been a pharmacist in Ontario since 2010. Mariano enjoys volunteering in different community and charitable events. Mariano has a special interest in getting people together for a unified higher goal.

PATHIK SHUKLA

Pathik Shukla is a respected leader in public service, community engagement, and health safety. With an MBA & decades-long involvement in organizations like Junior Chamber International and Rotary Club, where he served as President, He embodies committed leadership. A certified Hygiene Specialist & Food Safety Auditor, he has held key public service roles, including as a member of the Brampton School Traffic Safety Council (2018-22) & Vice Chair of the Brampton Appeal Tribunal in 2023. His longstanding dedication extends to serving as Secretary of Humans for Harmony since 2019. Pathik’s contributions have earned him distinguished accolades, including the “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Award & Pin” for exemplary public service, & the “Inspirational Award” from the City of Brampton in 2021 for his impactful work during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was recently appointed as a Public Director for College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario.

ORLANDO MORENO

Orlando Moreno is a chemistry graduate and experienced laboratory analyst with over six years of work in regulated, ISO-accredited environments. He brings strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and extensive experience reviewing technical documentation, compliance standards, and performance data. Orlando has a background in community and political volunteering, supporting local outreach initiatives in Brampton. He is motivated to contribute his evaluative skills, fairness, and community-focused perspective to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grant Review Teams.

ABHISHEK TANWAR

Abhishek Tanwar is a Licensed Legal Professional and Notary in Canada, based in Mississauga, Ontario. He previously worked as a civil and corporate lawyer in India, where he represented numerous national and international companies before District Courts and High Courts. He has nearly 20 years of extensive experience in the field of law. Currently, he is one of the Directors of Hurliis Law Professional Corporation, where he practices primarily in the area of immigration litigation. He practices immigration law, Small Claims Court matters, and insurance law in Ontario, Canada. He is an active member of the Hurliis Law team of lawyers and immigration consultants. He specializes in humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) and refugee claims and represents clients in all types of immigration law matters.

MARK HOULDER

Mark Houlder is a community leader and youth mentor based in the Brampton Area. He serves as General Manager of the GTA Grizzlies Football Club, a community program that has engaged youth and young adults aged 17–22 since 2009 through football, mentorship, and leadership development. Mark is also the Head Coach of the Bantam team with the Peel Panthers Football Club, where he focuses on helping young athletes build discipline, confidence, and teamwork. With a background in child and youth services, he has spent many years supporting young people facing social and economic barriers. Mark brings a grassroots perspective and a strong commitment to community development and equitable opportunity.