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Montreal, QC – Sept 9, 2025 – QueerTech, a national nonprofit dedicated to queering the tech ecosystem, is proud to announce the appointment of seven new members to its Board of Directors. These leaders bring diverse expertise in technology, entrepreneurship, education, finance, and community building—further strengthening QueerTech’s ability to break down barriers, build communities, and unlock opportunities for 2SLGBTQ+ professionals across Canada.
"This new cohort of board members represents the very best of what QueerTech stands for—innovation, representation, and community. Their leadership will help us continue to break down barriers and create a tech ecosystem where 2SLGBTQIA+ people don’t just participate, but thrive and lead." Naoufel Testaouni, CEO & Co-Founder of QueerTech
Adrian Pape (He/Him/His) – Fractional Financial Consultant. Adrian has 12 years of leadership experience as a VP of Finance and Operations in the tech industry. He has served on nonprofit boards, including Health Initiative for Men, and brings strong expertise in scaling organizations and supporting community-based initiatives for queer and gender-diverse people.
Bradley Breton (He/Him) – Strategic Advisor, Angel Investor, and Co-Founder. Bradley is a seasoned tech leader and angel investor supporting startups across North America. With a background in scaling businesses and leading transformative growth, he actively champions diversity in tech and mentors emerging entrepreneurs through inclusive leadership initiatives.
Dana Marsh (They/Them) – Chair of Business IT, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Dana is an educator and academic leader who oversees multiple programs at NAIT, including Digital Media and IT, Data Analytics, and IT Business Analysis. They are committed to inclusive curriculum design, mentorship, and building equitable pathways into tech.
Dana Ramnarine (She/Her) – COO, rhum.hr. Dana is a seasoned entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience supporting founders and purpose-driven organizations. As COO of rhum.hr and Head of Talent at BKR Capital, she specializes in scaling startups, advising on HR strategy, and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
David Beauchemin (He/Him) – Director, Cloud & AI, Microsoft. David is the National Director of Cloud & AI at Microsoft, where he helps Canada’s largest enterprises unlock business value through transformative technology. With over 25 years in the tech sector, he brings expertise in enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and inclusive leadership.
Neil Pengelly (He/Him) – Technology Consulting Leader, EY Canada. Neil is a Partner at EY Canada, where he leads the national Technology Consulting practice. With over 25 years of experience, he is passionate about building diverse teams, delivering transformation strategies, and driving innovation in financial services and insurance.
Richenda Grazette (She/Elle) – Lead, Community Leadership & Capacity, SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation, Concordia University. Richenda has over a decade of experience in Montreal’s nonprofit sector, leading participatory granting programs and governance systems. She is pursuing a master’s degree focused on the challenges and opportunities facing grassroots nonprofits working with alternative governance and decision-making structures.
Each of these newly appointed members brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating more inclusive, equitable, and innovative spaces in the tech ecosystem. Their leadership will help QueerTech expand its impact nationally by fostering representation, supporting queer entrepreneurs, and equipping professionals with the skills to thrive.
"I’m excited to engage with the QT community, bringing my skills and perspectives into a new environment while also learning about a sector that has so far been unfamiliar to me." Richenda Grazette, New Board Member
"This role lets me shape an ecosystem where tech innovation and queer joy intersect, and where I can connect with brilliant, like-minded humans. It’s an opportunity to amplify access and equity on a national scale, not just in my classroom. It aligns perfectly with my educator’s heart and my love for strategic impact, giving me space to blend mentorship, advocacy, and innovation." Dana Marsh, New Board Member
The new board members join continuing directors Nicolas Liénart (He/Him), Lisa Gibson (She/Her), and Paul Nezaum Saiedi (He/Him), under the leadership of Bobbie Racette (She/Her), who continues to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors. Together, this exceptional group will provide strategic guidance, amplify community representation, and contribute critical expertise as QueerTech accelerates its mission to shape a future where queer people don’t just participate in tech.
"I’m honoured to continue serving as Chair alongside such an inspiring group of leaders. Together, we will champion inclusivity, foster innovation, and drive meaningful impact for queer professionals and entrepreneurs across Canada." Bobbie Racette, Chair of the Board of Directors
QueerTech extends its deepest appreciation to Clea Arrieta, Sam Naylor, Lara Shewchuk, and Marlon Thompson for their remarkable contributions during their board tenure. Each has played a pivotal role in advancing QueerTech’s mission:
Clea Arrieta (She/Her) – for her advocacy, mentorship, and leadership in equity-focused initiatives.
Sam Naylor (He/Him) – for his dedication to improving access to funding and mentorship for 2SLGBTQ+ founders.
Lara Shewchuk (She/Her, They/Them) – for championing sustainability, equity, and representation in leadership.
Marlon Thompson (He/Him) – for creating pathways of success for underrepresented leaders and founders.
Their leadership has laid the foundation for QueerTech’s next chapter of growth and innovation.
QueerTech is a community-focused national nonprofit advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, workforce development, economic empowerment and impactful innovation in Canada’s tech sector. Through career development, entrepreneurship support, partner engagement, and research-driven policy advocacy, they break down barriers and create opportunities. Since 2016, they’ve facilitated thousands of jobs, partnered with hundreds of employers, and influenced national policy. QueerTech is shaping a future where queer people don’t just work in tech—they lead it.
Media Contact:
Naoufel Testaouni
CEO & Co-Founder, QueerTech
naoufel@queertech.org