There’s still time to register for the Kitchener 2051 speaker series

To accompany the draft release of Kitchener’s new official plan, Kitchener 2051, the City of Kitchener is holding the third session of its speaker series to discuss the plan’s key themes, and there’s still time to register for free. 

The event will be held at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, December 3. A statutory open house for residents to learn more and discuss Kitchener 2051 begins at 6 p.m., with the speaker series running from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Bios for all the panelists can be found at the end of this news post. Registration for the panel is open.. 

For the final speaker series event we are focusing on the themes of “A Thriving” and “A Caring” city:   

Find out more about Kitchener 2051, read the draft report and provide your feedback on the project’s Engage Kitchener Page. 

Speaker series participant bios: 

Dr. Nadine Ibrahim, Associate Professor and Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering, University of Waterloo 

Nadine Ibrahim is an Associate Professor and the Turkstra Chair in Urban Engineering at the University of Waterloo. She holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate in Civil Engineering, and a Certificate of Preventive Engineering and Social Development from the University of Toronto. Her mandate to promote industry-academic collaborations gets her working with municipalities on urban infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience, focusing on climate change mitigation in global cities, energy and material flows in megacities, and sustainability assessments in megaregions. She launched the Master of Engineering in Future Cities and the Waterloo Engineering Leadership Lab to support graduate students pursuing leadership roles. 

Sam Nabi (he/him), Project Coordinator, One Million Neighbours WR 

Sam Nabi is a community organizer, small business owner, and hip hop artist living in downtown Kitchener. Through One Million Neighbours WR, he led the co-creation of a vision for growth in Waterloo Region based on the needs of non-profits and grassroots groups. With a background in urban planning, co-owning a grocery store, and live music events, Sam’s perspective sits at the intersection of multiple sectors. He uses frameworks like Multisolving and Asset-Based Community Development to build unlikely coalitions and solve complex challenges. 

Kelly De Fogain, Founder & Executive Director, Afropolitan Canada 

Kelly De Fogain is the Founder and Executive Director of Afropolitan Canada, a bilingual nonprofit organization that empowers BIPOC, Francophone, and newcomer communities through inclusive programs that promote recreation, life skills, wellness, and cultural connection. Founded in 2018, Afropolitan Canada has become a regional leader in creating culturally responsive programs. A passionate advocate for equity, belonging, and access to wellness, Kelly brings a unique blend of policy insight, community experience, and entrepreneurial spirit to her work. 

Jason Sweers, B.Arch, OAA, MRAICb,  Partner, Martin Simmons Sweers Architects 

Jason Sweers is a Partner at Martin Simmons Sweers Architects, where his work focuses on shaping resilient, human-centred environments that strengthen communities. His experience spans hospitality, healthcare, and residential design—sectors that share a commitment to wellbeing, comfort, and connection. Drawing from these disciplines, Jason approaches civic and urban design with an emphasis on sustainability, inclusivity, and the creation of spaces that foster lasting social and environmental value.