Panel Speakers
Deborah Klotz
Vice President, Qualitative Research at Forum Research
Deborah Klotz is an experienced qualitative research consultant and moderator, trained in Innovation with over 15 years of experience. Her work has ranged from Focus Groups / Triads / Quads to ethnographic observations and interviews in various environments, to on-site corporate executive work. She has taught Moderating Skills to other moderators in the industry at the RD Centre for Learning and through the former MRIA, spoken on Innovation and Creativity at qualitative conferences, and written articles on Innovation for industry magazines. She sat on the MRIA’s QRD Board of Directors until its recent dissolution in 2018, and chaired the MRIA's national qualitative research conference, which was held in March 2015. Deborah was also the winner of the 2015 MRIA Research and Excellence award, and the 2016 Emerging Leader award. She is currently co-chair of the Canada Chapter of the Qualitative Research Consultants Association (QRCA).
Busola Akin-Olawore
Director, Versa Research
Busola Akin-Olawore is a zealous researcher and consumer behavior specialist with over 10 years conducting research in the Advertising, Banking, Education, FinTech, FMCG, Healthcare, Hospitality, Insurance, Manufacturing, Real Estate, Recycling, Retail, and Telecommunication sectors. She holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Health Studies from University of Toronto, Research Analyst Certificate from Humber College and a Master’s degree in Market Research and Consumer Behavior from IE Business School. Having studied, lived and worked in 3 different countries, she founded the research company, Versa Research in Lagos, Nigeria.
Kate Baker
Planning and Reporting Lead, Ontario Ministry of Labour
Kate Baker is a System Planning and Reporting Lead with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. In her current role, she is leading the development of new data analysis and reporting products for Employment Ontario to support the transformation of employment services across the province. Prior to this role, Kate worked at the Ontario Ministry of Education progressing from Research Analyst Intern to Senior Business and Information Analyst. Her work spans topics such as data visualization, business intelligence, user research, research communication, data governance and privacy. Kate is a graduate of Humber’s Research Analyst program. She also holds an M.A. in Public Issues Anthropology and an Honours B.A. from the University of Waterloo.