QueerTech is thrilled to announce that Bobbie Racette, a trailblazing Indigenous, Métis-Cree, 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneur, has been named the new Chair of the Board of Directors. This significant leadership appointment marks a bold step forward in QueerTech’s mission to foster inclusion and opportunity within the tech ecosystem.
Bobbie Racette is no stranger to breaking barriers and creating equitable opportunities. She is the Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, an innovative two-sided talent marketplace leveraging machine learning and human expertise to connect businesses with remote assistants who may face systemic barriers to employment. Under her leadership, Virtual Gurus has been recognized among Canada’s Top Growing Companies by The Globe and Mail and continues to lead in diversity-driven innovation.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Bobbie is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the Chair of the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation, a Director on the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Board, and the recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year Award and EY’s Winning Woman distinction.
“As an entrepreneur who has faced systemic barriers, I know how transformative technology can be in creating opportunities and breaking down those barriers,” said Bobbie Racette. “As Chair of QueerTech’s Board of Directors, I’m committed to empowering queer professionals and entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. This work is a vital part of my mission to build a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Bobbie’s leadership will strengthen QueerTech’s initiatives to build a stronger and more inclusive tech ecosystem. This appointment comes at a critical time for the organization as we embark on a new journey together; launching Canada’s first-ever business accelerator for early-stage 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs – QT Founders. In her new role as Chair, Bobbie is set to amplify the organization’s impact across Canada and beyond.
“Bobbie Racette embodies the values and vision of QueerTech,” said Naoufel Testaouni, CEO of QueerTech. “Her leadership, insights, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity will help us take our mission to Queer the Tech Ecosystem to new heights.”
About QueerTech:
QueerTech is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to queering the Canadian tech ecosystem. Since 2016, QueerTech has been fostering entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to access employment, professional development, and meaningful connections in the technology industry. The organization is also a national leader in workplace inclusion advocacy and progressive 2SLGBTQIA+ equity, diversity, and inclusion policy facilitation.
Source: QueerTech