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Exclusive Event

Leaders in Design: Shaping the Future of Design

We hosted a forward-looking conversation in Toronto with senior design and innovation leaders.

  • BrainStation Toronto
  • Event Recap
  • Aug 13, 2025
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  • Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Head of Design

    RBC
  • Will Maclvor

    Will Maclvor

    Head of Design

    Kijiji
  • Tania Makroo

    Tania Makroo

    Partner & Platform Design Leader

    Salesforce

In Toronto, design leaders from RBC, Kijiji, and Salesforce shared insights on the evolving role of design, the impact of AI on creativity and decision-making, and strategies for building cohesive experiences across platforms. Renée Racine-Kinnear, William MacIvor, and Tania Makroo offered candid perspectives on how technology is reshaping the future of design leadership and customer experience.

  • Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Renee Racine-Kinnear

    Head of Design

    Renée Racine‑Kinnear is Head of Design at RBC, leading experience strategy and UX design initiatives that shape seamless customer journeys. With over 15 years in UX and CX, Renée is known for user‑centered design methods, from journey mapping to persona‑driven strategy.

  • Will Maclvor

    Will Maclvor

    Head of Design

    William MacIvor brings a rare interdisciplinary background to Kijiji, with degrees in architecture and physics, and over a decade of leadership in product and design. At Kijiji, he leads experience strategy, applying systems thinking and research-driven processes.

  • Tania Makroo

    Tania Makroo

    Partner & Platform Design Leader

    Tania Makroo leads Partner & Platform Design at Salesforce, where she shapes user-centric design strategies that elevate the partner ecosystem and platform experiences. With a deep focus on collaboration, systems thinking, and scalable design solutions, she’s committed to building intuitive experiences that drive impact at scale.

More Upcoming Events

May 04

Demo Event TO

Vibe Coding with Lovable

In this expert-led demo event, you’ll watch an idea come to life in real time using Lovable. Follow along as we take a concept from initial review through a full app build with no coding required.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $55

Demo Event of

Meredith Williams

Meredith Williams

Senior Product Manager

Discussion Topics:

  • Understanding AI & Vibe Coding
  • Introduction to Lovable
  • Expert-Led Demo: From Concept to App
May 04
Demo Event TO Vibe Coding with Lovable

In this expert-led demo event, you’ll watch an idea come to life in real time using Lovable. Follow along as we take a concept from initial review through a full app build with no coding required.

  • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $55

Demo Event of

Meredith Williams

Meredith Williams

Senior Product Manager

Discussion Topics:

  • Understanding AI & Vibe Coding
  • Introduction to Lovable
  • Expert-Led Demo: From Concept to App
View Event
May 05

Design Evenings TO

How AI is Redefining Apparel eCommerce

Join us for an evening with Zohra Razaq, Director of Digital Product & UX/UI at Knix, as she explores how design is shaping the next generation of ecommerce experiences.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Zohra Razaq

Zohra Razaq

Director of Digital Product & UX/UI

Discussion Topics:

  • AI for Smarter Product Strategy
  • Personalization for Brand Expression
  • Next Generation UX for Ecommerce
May 05
Design Evenings TO How AI is Redefining Apparel eCommerce

Join us for an evening with Zohra Razaq, Director of Digital Product & UX/UI at Knix, as she explores how design is shaping the next generation of ecommerce experiences.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Zohra Razaq

Zohra Razaq

Director of Digital Product & UX/UI

Discussion Topics:

  • AI for Smarter Product Strategy
  • Personalization for Brand Expression
  • Next Generation UX for Ecommerce
View Event
May 07

Design Evenings TO

The Power of Play in Design

Join Ricardo Vazquez, Director of Product Design at Stripe, for an evening on reclaiming curiosity and experimentation as essential design tools.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Ricardo Vázquez

Ricardo Vázquez

Director, Product Design

Discussion Topics:

  • The ROI of Play
  • Moving Past the “Right Answer” Trap
  • Fuelling the Creative Fire
May 07
Design Evenings TO The Power of Play in Design

Join Ricardo Vazquez, Director of Product Design at Stripe, for an evening on reclaiming curiosity and experimentation as essential design tools.

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
  • 482 Front St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • $35
Ricardo Vázquez

Ricardo Vázquez

Director, Product Design

Discussion Topics:

  • The ROI of Play
  • Moving Past the “Right Answer” Trap
  • Fuelling the Creative Fire
View Event
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