Rachel Petero
Founder & CEO | Rise Global, New Zealand
Rachel Petero, a Māori leader from Waikato, champions Indigenous leadership and economic empowerment. She founded IWI – Indigenous Women in Industry, a platform for empowering Indigenous women globally. The first event was in New Zealand in 2024, with future gatherings in Canada, Australia, and the U.S.
With over 15+ years of experience, Rachel specializes in leadership development, executive coaching, and cultural capability. She launched Rise Global in 2015, offering Indigenous-led business solutions. Her governance experience spans various sectors, including healthcare and tribal development.
Rachel remains committed to impactful change and collaboration, building a legacy with her husband, John, her family, tribe and communities.
Andrés Antivil Álvarez
President | Indigenous Enterprises Foundation, Chile
Andrés Alejandro Antivil Álvarez is Chilean by birth with ancestral Mapuche roots. He has distinguished himself by holding high positions in civil society organizations, as well as in the private and public sectors.
With over 27 years of experience dedicated to serving Indigenous Peoples, he has played prominent roles, including:
– President of the Indigenous Enterprises Foundation
– Presidential Advisor to the Chilean Government in the National Council of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation (CTCI)
– President of the Civil Society Council of the Ministry of Energy
– Member of the Chilean Indigenous Caucus on Climate Change
– Strategic Advisor on Human Rights and Indigenous Affairs in the Mining (Metallic and non-Metallic), Energy, Aquaculture, Forestry, Conservation, and Public Investments sectors
– Honorary Advisor to national government authorities in the last three public administrations
– Honorary Advisor to Indigenous Authorities
– Treasury of the Chile Nature Fund
– Member of the Presidential Advisory Committee for COP25
– President of the Mapuche Lonko Kilapang NGO Corporation
– Directorship at the RE Foundation
– Directorship at Ngülamtun SpA
– Consultant to the IDB
– Consultant to the ASC
His professional experience has been enriched by various internships and specializations in several countries across Latin America, North America, and Germany. This has enabled him to position himself as a counselor, advisor, and facilitator for diverse communities, territories, authorities, and Indigenous Peoples.
He is known for his ability to create genuine dialogue spaces between parties. Andrés holds a solid academic background, including undergraduate degrees in Industrial-Civil Engineering and Forestry Engineering, as well as postgraduate studies and certifications in Sustainable Development and Human Rights.
Chief Robert Louie
Chief | Westbank First Nation, Canada
Over the past few decades, Westbank First Nation Chief Robert Louie has built a reputation as a trusted leader, successful businessman and advocate for legislative change to further the economic and social well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
A longtime Westbank First Nation leader and former lawyer specializing in Indigenous law, Robert previously served as Chief for 24 years until 2016 – during which time he helped guide the Nation through independence, achieving self-governance in 2005.
Robert has held many leadership and advisory roles with government and private industry over the years, including more than 30 years as Chairman of the First Nations Lands Advisory Board. Louie is a recipient of many esteemed designations and awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ 2022 Aboriginal Business Lifetime Achievement Award.
Robert is committed to supporting and ensuring his Nation works on affordable housing, education, employment, and health care for Membership. He supports cultural, elders, and youth programs. He is a team builder and is prepared to mentor the Council, Administration, and key staff. Robert brings experience, strong leadership abilities, the knowledge and know-how, and the energetic drive to do what it takes to get the job done.
Nick Jardine
Entrepreneur | Australia
Nick Jardine, born in South Africa, immigrated as a child to Australia and grew into a successful businessman in the construction industry, all the while developing his skills as an avid rugby player. In pursuit of adventure, he followed a dream and immigrated to Canada in 2006 to pursue rugby. After several years of playing and coaching, Nick refocused on his business expertise and, using the only two tools he had brought with him—his hands—founded Urban Handyman Inc. in 2009, a full-scale renovation and construction company.
In just four years, Urban Handyman evolved from a startup into a TV success when Nick became the Head Contractor for Season 1 of the W Network’s hit show Love It or List It Vancouver, airing on HGTV in the USA as Love It or List It Too. Alongside operating his successful renovation business, Nick has also expanded into media, appearing as a construction expert on CBC’s Weather Gone Wild Home Audit.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Nick has been a dedicated and valued supporter over the years. His contributions have been invaluable—whether helping with stage management, assisting with MC duties, or simply championing our mission as an incredible volunteer. His commitment and generosity have made a meaningful difference.
Nick has a passion for business, construction, and travel, and currently resides in Australia.