Philman George
The Re-Seasoning Coalition / KraftHeinz
Co-Founder / Corporate Chef
Philman George has over 25 years of experience in the foodservice & hospitality industries and is the corporate chef for Kraft Heinz’ AwayFromHome brand in Canada. He is also the Co-founder and Chair of the Board of The Re-Seasoning Coalition (TRSC), a non-profit dedicated to increasing the representation and advancement of Black Canadians in the foodservice industry through research, programming, and community engagement. Philman's advocacy work with TRSC has paved the way for Black-owned food products to be featured as key ingredients in culinary competitions and showcases like the Black Experience Pavilion at the Restaurants Canada Show. He also forged key industry connections and mobilized intimate panel discussions with Black restaurateurs and leaders, in addition to sharing his lived experiences on some of the biggest culinary stages in Toronto.
About The Re-Seasoning Coalition
Created in 2020, The Re-Seasoning Coalition (TRSC) is a non-profit organization working to increase the representation of Black Canadians across every organizational level of the foodservice industry. The organization takes an interactive approach to systems change by partnering with restaurants and corporate foodservice brands to equip them with the tools to be more equitable, inclusive, diverse, and empowering for the benefit of their bottom line and the communities they serve. Learn more about TRSC at thereseasoning.org.
Elle Asiedu
The Re-Seasoning Coalition
Executive Director
Elle Asiedu has over a decade of experience as a marketer and small business owner in the foodservice, CPG, and lifestyle industries where she designed, managed, and delivered projects for various public and private sector brands in Canada and the US. As Executive Director of The Re-Seasoning Coalition (TRSC), a non-profit dedicated to increasing the representation and advancement of Black Canadians in the foodservice industry, Elle is responsible for ensuring the non-profit is effective as it works towards systems change through strategic programs and partnerships. Her impactful, community-centred approach has resulted in the creation and success of TRSC-led showcases at the Restaurants Canada Show including the Black Experience Pavilion and the Black Talent Networking Session. Elle’s unique background and entrepreneurial experience provides her with the know-how and the network to manage innovative industry initiatives that make a difference today while building a blueprint for tomorrow.
About The Re-Seasoning Coalition
Created in 2020, The Re-Seasoning Coalition (TRSC) is a non-profit organization working to increase the representation of Black Canadians across every organizational level of the foodservice industry. The organization takes an interactive approach to systems change by partnering with restaurants and corporate foodservice brands to equip them with the tools to be more equitable, inclusive, diverse, and empowering for the benefit of their bottom line and the communities they serve. Learn more about TRSC at thereseasoning.org.
Jillian Somers
Destination Moncton-Dieppe
Founding CEO
Jillian Somers is a seasoned tourism and event development professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. With a background in public relations, marketing, and organizational management, she has led high-profile marketing initiatives and major event development projects that have contributed greatly to the Province of New Brunswick. She was part of the team to welcome events such as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, and as Director of Tourism and Events for the City of Moncton, Jillian played a key role in the growth of iconic event venues like the Magnetic Hill Concert Site and Croix Bleue Medavie Stadium.
In 2022, she became the founding CEO of Destination Moncton-Dieppe, where she is spearheading efforts to position tourism as a major driver of economic growth in southeastern New Brunswick. Outside of work, Jillian is a passionate musician who regularly plays piano for local theatre productions and enjoys time at her family cottage on the Northumberland Strait.