OUR TEAM
Geneviève Ouimet
Acting General Director
Director of Espace‑O
Geneviève holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and political science from the Université du Québec en Outaouais and has accumulated nearly ten years of experience working with local entrepreneurs. Thanks to her work at the Carrefour jeunesse emploi de l’Outaouais and at ID Gatineau, she has acquired a thorough knowledge of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, both in the government and private sectors, and of the various services available to Outaouais businesses.
Active in her community from an early age, she has gained valuable experience in event and administrative communications and developed excellent skills in project management. The values and beliefs her community background instilled in her drive her to be an agent of change for the region.
Chloé Martinetti
Director of Operations and Development
With a degree in business administration and communication, Chloé has been immersed in the Outaouais region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for over ten years. During her various student, volunteer and professional endeavours – notably as international advisor at Export Outaouais and as project manager at cilex – she has built a solid network in the regional and pan-Quebec economic development community, along with a very good knowledge of its dynamics.
After having coached several businesses in marketing, innovation and export, managed several structuring projects and handled communications and event management for the organizations she worked for, Chloé now devotes herself to operations and development strategy planning for the innovation catalyst.
Michelle Robitaille, MBA
Director and Project Lead, Connexité
Michelle Robitaille is a multilingual senior executive with more than 25 years of experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors. She has worked in a variety of business sectors, from science and technology to art and culture. Founder of MGR Stratégies, she brings her leadership skills to the table, as well as her expertise in strategic planning, management, public affairs and public-private partnerships, as well as business development both nationally and internationally.
A passionate leader dedicated to her work, Michelle is known for her abilities to motivate and coordinate teams and stakeholders toward a common goal. She has honed her skills through her work with various senior executives and numerous boards of directors to stimulate transformation and growth through innovation. Michelle possesses an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Information Technologies from the Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Charles Lapointe
Innovation Catalyst
Entrepreneurship Coach
Business management graduate from the Université du Québec en Outaouais and entrepreneur himself, Charles brings the knowledge he acquired, notably as an account manager at the Business Development Bank of Canada, to the residents of Cilex. As project manager, he works in partnership with organizations to promote entrepreneurship in the Outaouais region. His experience in multiple fields allows him to make an impact in the development of the businesses he helps.
Farid Dagher, CPA, CMA
Innovation Catalyst
Entrepreneurship Coach
With a business management degree, a Chartered Professional Accountant title, and an entrepreneurial background, Farid brings more than 15 years of management experience acquired in a variety of roles and mandates in the public and private sectors, as well as in entrepreneurship. He launched or contributed to the creation of more than a dozen businesses and startups in marketing, event management and economic development. As project manager and coach at Cilex, he works closely with the entrepreneurial ecosystem to fuel innovation.
Sylvia Andriamaharosoa, Ph. D.
Expert in SR&ED
Industry 4.0 Auditor
With a doctorate in information science and technology, a master’s degree in manufacturing systems technology and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Sylvia has more than 15 years of experience in SR&ED. As an expert in applied research and innovation, she assists companies in their tax credit application process and in the evaluation of R&D relating to information technology management and the Industry 4.0 Audit program. She also advises companies in the choice and adoption of new technologies or business processes.
In 2021, an article derived from her doctoral thesis was published in the International Journal of Information Technologies and Systems Approach. You can read more about it in our news article covering the publication.
Maha Jazouli, Ph. D.
Expert in Artificial Intelligence
Industry 4.0 Auditor
Maha holds a doctorate in computer science with a specialization in artificial intelligence (machine learning). Her research focuses on automatic detection and tracking of unusual behavior using machine learning algorithms. Her academic background and professional experiences have given her the opportunity to enrich and diversify her knowledge. Maha brings her know-how to Cilex to support and help companies to carry out their innovative projects.
Antonio Misaka, M. Sc. A.
Expert in Information Technology
As a software engineering researcher, Antonio holds a Master of Applied Science in engineering from Technology Innovation Management at Carleton University. He brings more than 15 years of experience in software engineering requirements, software development and systems administration.
As a system administrator, Antonio is involved with virtualization and cloud computing environments, software solutions integration, and researching and developing solutions for SR&ED projects.
Alan Bernardi
Senior Expert in Innovation and Strategy
Industry 4.0 Auditor
A multidisciplinary expert with vision and ambition armed with a background in computer science and management, Alan possesses strong analytical skills and a solid background in research and technology. He has worked on various projects related to digital transformation, smart cities, intelligent transportation systems, electronic information management, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and fifth generation networks.
Using his diversified experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, project management and technology transfer, he guides businesses in their innovation endeavours.
Véronique Nabelsi, Ph. D.
Senior Expert in R&D and Innovation
Industry 4.0 Auditor
Véronique, Ph.D. is a tenured professor in the department of administrative science at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. She brings nearly 17 years of experience in the analysis and implementation of information systems, technology and innovation management, and process optimization. Among other things, she leads the eConsult Québec project in three major regions of the province. This initiative, which improves access to specialized services, will lead to a pan-Quebec deployment.
As a Senior Expert in R&D and Innovation at Cilex, she works with the Outaouais ecosystem in the planning, evaluation and establishment of various innovative technology projects, and in coaching startups and businesses through the implementation of innovative practices.
Nathalie Lavergne
Innovation Adviser and Project Coordinator, Espace-O
With a degree in education from the Université du Québec en Outaouais, Nathalie is a second-generation entrepreneur with a background as marketing manager. She now brings her vast knowledge of event planning and retail sales to the Cilex team. She has worked as specialty leasing director and marketing director for various regional shopping centres and has accumulated years of experience in project management and multidisciplinary team management.
As project coordinator, Nathalie works conjointly with regional organizations to coach and guide entrepreneurs towards the numerous growth services available locally, while fostering collaboration between the various players of the Outaouais ecosystem. Her business acumen allows her to take on a client-centered approach infused with creativity, innovation and growth!
Mylène Sarrazin
Innovation Adviser and Project Coordinator, Espace-O
Mylène has several years of experience working in a variety of entrepreneurial roles such as the owner of a manufacturing and international shipping business, project manager in the construction industry, business advisor, and sales representative. These positions helped her acquire in-depth knowledge of various business sectors as well as strong analytical skills. Mylène has a Haute Couture Fashion Designer diploma from the Richard Robinson Fashion Design Academy and a bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
She brings a vast array of skills to the Espace-O team, notably in business transformation, in the implementation of innovative processes that increase business efficiency, and in the adoption of market development strategies. Her experience in the business community helps her embrace an approach based on growth and process innovation.
Manuel Patry
Project Manager
With a bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in marketing and public relations and a master’s degree in Project Management, Manuel has been around the entrepreneurial, IT and project management ecosystem for a decade.
Thanks to his varied business and entrepreneurial background, he has developed a great deal of expertise in supporting and coaching companies. Using his extensive skill toolbox, paired with his eye for quality and his structured and open approach, Manuel helps businesses define their needs and complete their most value-creating technological projects. Every challenge is a new opportunity!
James Landry
Communications Adviser
Magician of Images
A graduate in graphic design and a current student in professional translation at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, James brings his artistic and linguistic skills to the communication team. He ensures the visual cohesion of Cilex’s messages and projects, suffusing them with innovative creativity along the way. His linguistic abilities in both French and English help facilitate communications between Cilex and the Outaouais innovation ecosystem, notably by enhancing the quality of the French texts and translating them into English for anglophone entrepreneurs.
Caroline Martineau
Communications Adviser
Jedi of Social Media
With certificates in media and social media studies, a college diploma in public relations, a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in project management, Caroline has been immersed in the communications and marketing industry for 14 years.
Known by her peers as a creative and dynamic person, she is motivated by project management and has contributed to the success of numerous francophone media campaigns in the Outaouais region. Having worked in both the private sector and public organizations, she knows how to adapt to various settings and challenges. Caroline also teaches and trains people in her main fields of expertise: communications, public relations, marketing and advertising.
Mathilde Cambus
Executive Assistant
Mathilde has a Senior Technician Certificate in International Commerce and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from the Université du Québec à Montréal. She has close to 10 years of experience in administration, human resources and management, for both non-profit organizations and SMEs.
Her multidisciplinary background and her organizational skills allow her to make tangible contributions to benefit an organization’s performance. She assists Cilex’s management in their operations with effective and meaningful support.
Jérémie Chamberland, B.A.A., D.E.S.S.
Financial Controller
With a DESS in professional accounting and a bachelor’s degree in accounting sciences from the Université du Québec en Outaouais, Jérémie takes care of the financial tracking of Cilex’s many projects. He specializes in accounting for startups and aims to assist companies with the sound financial management of their business. An entrepreneur himself, Jérémie is the founder and president of Vegjay, a company offering plant-based sports products in compostable packaging. His entrepreneurial experience gives him a more in-depth understanding of the financial realities of startups. Jérémie’s skills also include project management, as well as the writing and follow-up of grant applications.
OUR BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Gabriel Laporte
Chairman
Vice-President of Sales and Business Development at Tough Commerce
Gabriel Laporte is currently the Vice-President of Sales and Business Development for Tough Commerce (formely Brokrete), a real-time storefront solution for suppliers and contractors in the construction commodities industry. He is a serial entrepreneur, having built and sold two companies in separate industries: commercial landscaping and sports nutrition. He is also the owner and operator of a distribution company who specializes in the sales of nautical products.
From 2017 to 2021, Gabriel Laporte assumed the roles of Business Development Commissioner at ID Gatineau as well as Commercial Accounts Director at Invest-Quebec. It is through these experiences that he has had the privilege of working with hundreds of SMEs in several industries and on a wide range of projects, including: public and private partnerships, international expansion projects, R&D, technology commercialization and SME financing. He also holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Patrick Duguay
Vice-Chairman
General Director of CDROL
General Director of the Coopérative de développement régional (CDR) of the Outaouais-Laurentides region since April 2002, Patrick Duguay holds a bachelor’s degree from the Université de Montréal. Very involved in his community, he sits on the boards of numerous local, regional and national organizations and businesses. He was also president of the Chantier d’économie social, of which he is a founding member, until November 2018. Patrick Duguay was president of the Société de diversification économique de l’Outaouais and contributed to the founding of the Fiducie du Chantier de l’économie sociale, of which he is currently president, and of the Réseau d’investissement social du Québec (RISQ) where he also served as president.
Claudine Cyr
Secretary-Treasury
Financial Analysis Manager, University of Ottawa
Claudine has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Université Laval and an Executive MBA-CMA from UQO and UQAM. A seasoned manager, member of the Quebec CPA Order, she has acquired over the years a wealth of knowledge in finance and team management, particularly in financial planning and analysis, budgeting, financing solutions, management, risk assessment, and business and territory development.
She held a management position in an economic development organization of the City of Gatineau for nearly 20 years where she worked closely with her team members and numerous partners to foster the growth of local businesses. Hearing the entrepreneurial call herself, she became a shareholder and manager for a construction company of over 80 employees, a position she held for close to five years.
Ann Delarosbil
Administrator, Representative of the Partners Council
Regional Director of the Outaouais campus of the ÉEQ
Ann Delarosbil has been the Regional Director of the Outaouais campus of the École des entrepreneurs du Québec since its opening in 2018. She has over 20 years of experience in strategic development, marketing and project management in Canada and abroad, notably in the major markets of North America and Oceania. Her analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit allow her to creatively identify and seize new business opportunities. Ann is known for her dynamic and collaborative nature, and she excels in developing partnerships.
Steve Brabant
Administrator
General Director of the Cégep de l’Outaouais
Steve Brabant has been General Director of the Cégep de l’Outaouais since February 2022. He holds a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree in law, economics and politics, as well as a master’s degree in public administration. Mr. Brabant has more than 10 years of experience in the management of corporate affairs, multisectoral projects, and human, financial and information resources, as well as in strategic and operational planning, and in designing, implementing and evaluating public policies, services and programs, notably in the education sector.
Mr. Brabant has distinguished himself as a unifying leader when it comes to managing organizational and sustainable systemic changes, notably in his previous roles as Director of Corporate Strategy and Data Resources at the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) and President of the Association des gestionnaires de l’éducation franco-ontarienne (AGÉFO).
Marc Fricker, CD1
Administrator
Professor at Heritage College
Marc Fricker obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Royal Military College of Canada, while he was serving for the Royal Canadian Air Force. He held many roles during his 25 years of service, several being related to training and education. After graduating from university, he was assigned to the Canadian Space Agency where he taught astronauts how to use and repair Canadarm2 on board the International Space Station. He then went back to the Royal Military College of Canada to teach in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His latest assignment was as a project manager for the Aurora Incremental Modernization Project, in the National Capital Region, where he supervised the implementation of newer and more modern computer systems and sensors in the plane.
Marc Fricker joined the Department of Electronics and Information Technology at Heritage College after his retirement from the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2015.
Édith Gaudet
Administrator
Regional Vice-President of the Fonds régionaux de Solidarité FTQ
Édith Gaudet is Regional Vice-President of the Fonds régionaux de Solidarité FTQ for the Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec regions. She joined the Fonds régionaux in 1999 as an investment advisor. She took part in various transactions including business financing, sales, transfers and acquisitions, making the most of her wide-ranging valuation expertise. This expertise, acquired at firms such as Deloitte and Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, complements a deep commitment to regional economic development.
Édith Gaudet is a member of the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Evaluators. She is a graduate in business administration from Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Murielle Laberge
Administrator
Chancellor of the Université du Québec en Outaouais
Murielle Laberge is the Chancellor of the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) since March 30th, 2020. With a master’s degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resources from UQO and a PhD in Industrial Relations from the Université de Montréal, Murielle Laberge joined the UQO staff in 1998. Professor in the Department of Industrial Relations, she also worked with the Centre d’études et de recherches en psychologie industrielle et comportement organisationnel and the Équipe de recherche multidisciplinaire sur les organisations en santé, both operating within UQO. From 2007 to 2015, she also served as Dean of Academic Management.
In addition to her academic duties, Murielle Laberge has also worked as a human resources consultant and guided many public and private sector organizations in improving their institutional climate, as well as identifying and developing human potential. In 2019, she was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly of Quebec to recognize her volunteer commitment and service to the community.
Steeve Lavoie
Administrator
Founder and CEO of Allied Scientific Pro
Founder and creative mind, citizen & entrepreneur of the world, Steeve Lavoie has 22 years of experience in the photonics field. With a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi, he has held positions at Delta Photonics and Melles Griot Canada throughout his career. In 2011, he took the path of entrepreneurship and founded Allied Scientific Pro, a high-tech company specializing in the field of photonics. Steeve Lavoie has an extensive network of relationships in America, Europe, and Asia, and strives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. He is capable of identifying market opportunities and trends, while possessing great customer listening skills and being very customer-centric. He is always ready for complex challenges.
Bruce Levis
Administrator
Cofounder and Managing Partner at Becker-Carroll
Bruce has over twenty-five years of experience in operations, marketing, and selling technical solutions to the public sector. He possesses a deep understanding of public sector contracting in the areas of hardware, managed services, software, and professional services.
Julie Moffatt
Administrator
Director of Export Outaouais
With more than 10 years of experience managing and consulting in communications and marketing in large organizations in the Outaouais region, Julie Moffatt leads Export Outaouais – the regional export promotion agency – as Director since 2019. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and communications from the University of Ottawa. Julie Moffatt is actively involved in the region’s business community, notably through her participation in the Comité régional de développement économique of Investissement Québec. Her analytical mind, creativity and vast network of contacts allow her to actively contribute to the development of regional export businesses and to offer them value-added support. Her positive leadership skills and her ability to build long-lasting relationships ensure a strong foundation for Export Outaouais and its clientele, all while fostering exports and supporting client businesses.