Keynote Speaker

Christine Williams, PhD

BSCH (life sciences)

Deputy Director Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

Dr. Christine Williams is Deputy Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), which both performs and enables collaborative cancer research to have global patient impact and bring economic benefit to Ontario. Dr. Williams works with OICR’s executive team and scientific leaders to determine strategic directions and priorities of the Institute’s research programs in adaptive oncology, therapeutic innovation and clinical translation. In her role she also acts as a liaison between the scientific activities of the Institute and its management, including measuring and communicating the impact of OICR research. Dr. Williams is also responsible for developing and maintaining productive relationships with a broad range of provincial, national and international stakeholders including academic, industry and government partners.

Dr. Williams received an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University and a PhD in Immunology from the University of Toronto. She received postdoctoral training at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard University where she studied the molecular pathways involved in the development of leukemia and lymphoma in children. Prior to her role at OICR, Dr. Williams had various leadership positions over a decade at the Canadian Cancer Society, most recently as its Chief Mission Officer & Scientific Director, responsible for program delivery, information, policy, advocacy and research activities nationwide.

In addition to her role as Deputy Director, OICR, Dr. Williams is involved in many boards and advisory committees, including as past chair of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance.

Danielle Nicholas Bryk

Artsci (Art history, english literature)

Celebrity Designer

Danielle Nicholas Bryk is one of Canada’s favourite celebrity designers, with appearances in HOUSE AND HOME, CHLOE MAGAZINE, THE GLOBE AND MAIL, TORONTO STAR, TORONTO LIFE and as a regular guest expert on CITY LINE. She is an interior designer and licensed contractor, with 20 years of experience. This unexpected combination has landed Danielle in the spot light and she has been the star of multiple shows on HGTV and the DIY Network including A BRYK AT A TIME, BUILDING BRYKS, and HOME TO WIN. Her most recent endeavour, The Bryk Cottage, is a mini series commissioned for the Cottage Life channel.

Danielle is also an accomplished key note speaker, presenting at colleges and design shows across North America. Danielle has recently been instrumental in creating warm, inviting homes for refugee claimants in collaboration with the charitable organization MATTHEW HOUSE.