Beginning as an award-winning journalist, Melissa reported the news from Toronto, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Sudbury, and Kitchener-Waterloo for nearly two decades before founding her own startup. Fueled by great ideas, she has grown Durrell Communications to one of the top communication firms in the region.

Rami is the owner of Revive Game Bar at 90 King St. N., which is the former home of historic Harmony Lunch in Uptown Waterloo. He formerly owned Waterloo’s first LGBTQ-friendly night club, The Order, as well as Patent Social. Rami is the Chair of the Uptown Vision committee.

Dana Shortt is a mother of two and the owner/operator of Dana Shortt Gourmet and Gifts. The shop is a boutique-style gourmet food store specializing in hand crafted prepared meals, an olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar, gift baskets and quality chocolates from local suppliers. Dana received her formal culinary training at George Brown College. Along with her Culinary Management Diploma, she also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Food Administration from the University of Guelph.

As an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities, Conrad provides comprehensive wealth strategies to high net-worth and ultra-high net-worth Canadians. A native of Kitchener-Waterloo and a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University Conrad supports local entrepreneurs, executives and families looking to grow, protect and transition their wealth. An active member of the community Conrad has volunteered for the city of Kitchener winter skating rink program, Chairs the KW Chamber of Commerce “Business After 5” Committee and is a member of the Uptown BIA marketing Committee.

Kristen Hammond is a CPA, CA with over 9 years of accounting experience. She helps a wide rage of clients but specializes in real estate. She also volunteers with the Waterloo Warbirds, a volunteer based organization that restores and flies vintage military aircraft.

Kristin is the BIA Board’s City Representative from Economic Development. Kristin has a passion for vibrant community building and healthy economies and has spent her professional career in planning and economic development, working with municipalities to build resiliency.

Jeyas Balaskanthan joined the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) as the Executive Director in August 2023.   Prior to joining the BIA, Jeyas worked as the General Manager for the University of Waterloo Graduate Student Association.   He also worked with Wilfrid Laurier University Students Union as the director of hospitality for ten years.  Jeyas started his professional career as a Residence Manager at Laurier worked there for three years then worked at University of Waterloo as a Residence Manager for three years as well.   Jeyas has sat on various boards in the community, including the Lake Shore Optimist Club of Waterloo, the Waterloo Economic Development Committee and the Cultural and Neighbourhood Grant Committee.   Having lived in Uptown Waterloo for over twenty years Jeyas is passionate and invested in the success of the Uptown Businesses.

Scott Higgins is a passionate business and community builder who is helping HIP Developments
play a leadership role in the evolution of the Region of Waterloo.
Born and raised in Waterloo Region, Scott’s roots go deep in this community. However, he knows
that Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge will look very different in the future with urban
neighbourhoods and vibrant, densely populated areas connected to public transit and public cultural
spaces. That is a change that he, and HIP Developments embrace as they contribute to both the
social and economic growth of the community.
Scott’s desire to achieve both business and community success is the driving vision behind HIP’s
“Building More Than Real Estate” philosophy. The company actively supports social programs and
public spaces that will inspire community confidence and define our future identity. Scott is a strong
believer in celebrating the Region’s creative DNA and ensuring that our youth have opportunities to
craft their own creative skills so they can change the world without having to leave the Region of
Waterloo.
Whether it is though the creation of STEAM programs at LAUNCH in Waterloo, fostering creative
confidence in youth through the Youth Creativity Fund, or inspiring community celebration at
Gaslight Square in Cambridge – Scott truly is building more than real estate.

Mandy Brouse is co-owner of Words Worth Books, a proudly independent bookstore in Uptown Waterloo since 1984. In 2010, she received a Bookseller of the Year award from the Canadian Booksellers Association namely for her social media marketing achievements. As a member of the Uptown BIA Board, Mandy has been Chair of the Marketing and Communications committee (most notably during ION Light Rail construction), and member of numerous Board sub-committees including those involved with the hiring process for Executive Director. As a Board member, Mandy is passionate about supporting businesses through spearheading initiatives such as the Hand in Hand program, which distributes significant financial support for business lead events in Uptown.

Her past work has also included Board membership with One Book One Community, Arts Awards Waterloo Region, and Neruda Arts. Mandy has also worked with the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council in connection with block grants for independent publishers. She has been a regular contributor for CBC-KW, and a speaker and discussion panellist for numerous organizations including the University of Waterloo. When Mandy is not at the bookstore, you can find her catching a film at The Princess Cinema, having a cocktail at Jane Bond, or taking a break at Seven Shores!