Meet our Team
Emily O’Brien
Co-founder
Emily O’Brien is an entrepreneur and advocate for second chances. After experiencing incarceration firsthand, she turned her time in prison into an opportunity to build a business by launching Comeback Snacks—a popcorn company that now operates in over 1,000 retailers across North America. She has since become a mentor and employer for formerly incarcerated individuals, proving that reintegration leads to impact, innovation, and economic growth.
Emily is passionate about helping people regain confidence, access resources, and build businesses that change lives. Her work focuses on branding, marketing, and community engagement, using her own journey to inspire others.
Lucy Cullen
Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
Lucy Cullen is a serial entrepreneur and business consultant dedicated to social innovation and economic empowerment. She has built and scaled multiple ventures, including Terus, a sustainability consultancy, EarthPup, an eco-conscious dog treat brand, and Fire & Pots, a locally inspired catering company.
With a background in designing national and international entrepreneurship programs, Lucy has helped over 300 entrepreneurs build businesses, secure funding, and scale their impact. She is committed to creating accessible, high-impact programs that foster economic independence for marginalized communities.
Dil Bola
Operations Manager
Dil Bola is passionate about creating access and amplifying voices in marginalized communities. As the child of immigrants, she grew up knowing she wanted to make an impact but wasn’t sure what that would look like. While studying Political Science and World Religions at McGill University, she realized the power of advocacy and dedicated her career to breaking down barriers for those often unheard.
Her work has focused on supporting communities facing systemic challenges and ensuring they have access to opportunities. She is deeply committed to social equity, economic empowerment, and building inclusive spaces.
Brenton Pedler
Program Manager
Brenton Pedler is a program leader with a passion for mentorship, entrepreneurship, and community-building. Originally from Australia, he built a career in program management, business development, and hospitality after immigrating to Canada. His experience as a business owner and mentor has given him firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.
As an entrepreneur, he co-operated Apiecalypse Now and launched Grains Grains Grains, gaining first hand experience in business operations. His commitment to mentorship extends beyond his professional work, including volunteer efforts at Juno College and fostering community-driven initiatives.
Allison Gibson
Consultant
Allison Gibson is an entrepreneur and funding expert passionate about making business ownership more accessible. With years of experience in program design, investment strategy, and business development, she helps founders navigate the complexities of funding and entrepreneurship.
She has worked to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and the financial resources they need, ensuring that more individuals have access to funding opportunities and business guidance. Her expertise lies in helping founders secure investment, scale their businesses, and overcome barriers to success.
Sara A. Tessier
Lived Experience Advisor
Sara A. Tessier is a social justice advocate supporting marginalized and criminalized individuals in Canada. As Impact Director – Formerly Incarcerated Persons at the Northpine Foundation, she aids organizations in reintegration and reducing recidivism.
She has worked with John Howard, Elizabeth Fry Mainland NS, and Coverdale Courtwork Society, served as an Outreach Worker for the G.A.T.E. program, and advised the African Nova Scotian Affairs Mobilizing Partnership Program. She co-chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Nurse Practitioner Research Project and contributes to YWCA’s Trafficking & Exploitation Services System and CAEFS Lived Experience Committee.
Sara sits on the boards of the 7th Step Society of NS, Dalhousie Legal Aid Society, and Elizabeth Fry Society – Mainland. She collaborates with Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law and Saint Mary’s Criminology Department, has testified before Senate Committees, and speaks on prison abolition, human rights, sexual violence in prisons, and 2SLGBTQIA++ issues.
Olusola Olumogba
Advisor & Mentor
Olusola Olumogba is an entrepreneur, non-profit founder, football scout, and speaker. He runs InstantScouting, a platform connecting athletes, agents, and coaches, which has helped over 500 athletes secure professional opportunities. For his work, he was named a Top 30 Under Thirty by Sports Launch Magazine. He also leads Direct Your Life, a non-profit supporting nearly 600 formerly incarcerated individuals with resources and job opportunities.
As a Critical Period Interventionist, he works with high-risk individuals and speaks at schools, halfway houses, and prisons. Olusola holds a B.A. in Criminology and Media Studies from Western University and a YouthREX Critical Youth Work Certificate from York University. A former collegiate athlete and sports professional, he has held leadership roles across multiple non-profits.
