Empowering Woman in Montreal, Canada and Worldwide.

T Riman
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Convergence: Arts, Neuroscience, and Society a thrilling Artscie double exhibition!

Art exhibition Montreal
Convergence: Arts, Neuroscience, and Society a thrilling Artscie double exhibition!   This Friday the first of two inter-intra-trans-disciplinary vernissage happenings will take place at the Visual Voice Gallery at 5 pm. From April 12th to the 27th students form the DART 498: Art+Neuroscience+Culture course taught at Concordia University will be exhibiting their collaborative works in two venues, as mention one is the Visual Voice Gallery at the famous artsy Belgo Building (yes according to Wikipedia this building houses the biggest number of Contemporary Art Galleries in Canada) and the second venue is the Black Box space at Concordia University. The DART  course is in interdisciplinary class that invites students to creatively explore the intersection of arts, neuroscience, and society, and how these domains shape the understandings of ourselves and others. Concordia Fine Arts students work with the RI-MUHC Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience program (BRaIN) and McGill Neuroscience students within the Convergence, Perceptions of Neuroscience initiative to create self-directed, collaborative projects which converging artistic and scientific research. The course combines lectures, debates, site visits, and independent study to encourage all participants to understand and discover territories outside their artistic or scientific comfort zones. The course develops in two terms, where the final work for the artists during the first term consists on creating an artistic response to one of the neuroscience lectures taught. Then, the final projects after the two terms consist on a collaborative project where neuroscience students share their research to inspire the art students. Thus, artists and neuroscientist work hand in hand to produce a piece where convergence actually occurs. “Our main purpose is to create a connection, a convergence, between different areas of society to make neuroscience research more accessible to the public and to give to our students the opportunity to communicate their research, learn, and acquire a broad perspective from highly skilled artists as well as the public, in the process.” www.convergenceinitiative.org   One of the projects we want to especially acknowledge on this post is Self-flow, a resulting ongoing series of paintings portraying blood vessels with actual blood ink* from the artist Lily Jiménez-Dabdoub. *Blood was extracted in a safe environment by health professionals— MD. Fernanda and nurse Freddy Jáuregui— who the artists thank. They also encourage those struggling to reach out to professional counselling services.   Self-Flow sensitizes the viewer and connects them with mental health, thus confronting their existing stigmas. Self-Flow is a series of four light boxes containing three layers of organic papers (bamboo, silk and hemp) where images of Liam’s brightfield micrographs of human brain blood vessels (revealed using CD31 immunostaining) were translated by Lily into Sumi-e brush strokes. Then, Liam’s contour drawings were engraved in the glass. The containment of this work represents the contained emotions people suffering from mental health disorders experience due to social stigma. The images are lit to acknowledge these emotions. Self-Flow unveils a state of peace and creative flow. Human blood* as an ink suits both creators who wanted to portrait its’ emotional intensity and dynamism. The blood degrading colour shows a similarity to the 3,3′-Diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining tint in Liam’s micrograph images and Lily’s own personal experience with depression and anxiety. Finally, to mention all the works you will find at this thrilling exhibition: Urban DNA by Deirdre Hatton (Neuroscience student) and Laura Rosero (Artist). An experimental piece involving volunteer participation and the urban landscape. Urban DNA project aims to investigate the effect of certain genetic mutations on how we navigate through the city.   The Cookie Theft by Marielle McCrum (Speech Therapist)  and Rochelle Panganiban (Artist). Using a common language assessment tool as its base, The Cookie Theft: Case Studies takes invented responses to the test image and depicts them visually. Each script represents different types and severities of communication disorders that could occur following a neurological event such as a stroke.   MS and the Invisible by Elena Lin (Neuroscience student) and Maria Mathioudakis (Artist). Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating yet often non-communicable disease that attacks the central nervous system. The etiology is not well-understood, and the biological mechanisms that underlie the disorder complex. Of note are immune cells that interact with the nervous system and the profound impact the cells can have in the exacerbation or mitigation of symptoms experienced by patients. The artists were inspired by the contours of moving cells recorded via microscopy: the waves that cells make and their purposeful undulations through space. Using the medium of wire, Mathioudakis and Lin not only capture the idiosyncrasies of cell morphology but also the interplay between what is visible/perceptible (the solidity of the medium) and invisible (the negative space framed and shadows formed). The artwork concomitantly explores concepts of cell-cell interactions in the microscopic world and the macroscopic phenomenology of patient experiences – ultimately bringing into light the pain individuals with multiple sclerosis endure. Art exhibition Montreal Synapsense by Raina Fan and Erin McKenzie Wall (Neuroscience students), Maya Moussall and Alice Perichon (Artists)   All these works are part of the Visual Voice Gallery exhibition from April 12 – 27, 2019   Vernissage: April 12, 2019, 5 pm – 7 pm Belgo Building, 372 Ste-Catherine Street West, space 421, Montreal QC, H2V 2K8   The second vernissage will take place on April 27th at The Black Box Space at Concordia University.   Black Box Exhibition: April 19 – 28, 2019 Vernissage: April 25, 2019, 5 pm – 7 pm Art & science symposium: April 27, 2019 Concordia University, EV OS3-845/855, 1515 Ste-Catherine West, Montreal QC H3G 2W1   The works you will find here are:   Alien Agency by Naila Kuhlmann and  Zahraa Chorghay (neuroscience students) and the Matthew Halpenny and Matthew Saleciak (Artists). Sensenet is a conceptual piece realized as an experiential installation, based on the concepts of alien agency in art (a property where the artwork takes on its own meaning, outside the creator’s intent) and the motif of timing and synchrony in neural circuits. By gathering and manipulating data on the senses gathered from participants within the installation environment in real time, Sensenet subverts the individual’s perception and encourages synchronization of the collective senses, thus challenging concepts of identity and consciousness.   🐸 👓 🧠 Frog’s Eye Viewer by Vanessa Li (Neuroscience student) and Natacha Vieilleux (Artist) A playful insight into how the developing visual system of a tadpole functions and evolves. In this imaginary tadpole sporting a single giant eye, visual neurons are represented by an army of colourful frogs.   Salience by Yuting Zhang (Neuroscience student) and Ryan Bruggeman (Artist)   The Network by Erin McKenzie Wall (Neuroscience student), Giuliana Greto and Tania Marquez (Artists) Harvesting the Mind Through the Passage of Time by Morteza Pishnamazi (Neuroscience student) and  Tania Marquez (Artist) Starlight Gone by Liam O’Leary (Neuroscience student) and Elizabeth Parent Case and Control by Kathryn Vaillancourt (Neuroscience student) and  Alessandro (Tarek) Ghaleb-Debello (Artist)     Art exhibition Montreal
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T Riman
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SPOTLIGHT: Kidtabulous – Caring and creative mobile childcare for events!

Kids laughing and having fun
Parents, have you ever been to Ikea and found yourself weighing the euphoric joy of shopping kid-free with the inevitable pink eye they’re going to get from the ball pit?   We all know that kids mean sacrifice, often of our personal freedoms, social opportunities and even opportunities to expand our horizons, skills and interests. Those sticky, whiny, bouncy, shrieking bundles of absolute joy truly are the most meaningful parts of our lives, and I for one would make the sacrifice over and over again. But boy do I ever love getting a break from them!   So when I came across Kidtabulous… holy cow. It’s almost worth planning a wedding all over again just so I can use their amazing service!   What is it?   Kidtabulous is a mobile child care service specifically for events – weddings, conferences, festivals, workshops, office parties, seminars and more.   Many parents don’t have a relative or trusted babysitter to leave their kids with, so offering quality, reliable and FUN child care at events makes them a lot more accessible to parents. It also allows kids to be a part of special events – weddings, christenings, reunions, graduations, etc. – in a way that really is fun for them. Because what four year old has ever sat quietly through speeches?   What they offer   There are different packages available, all of which can be customized according to the number of kids your expect, the length of time child care will be needed, how involved you want kids to be, etc.   You can opt for one of their pop-up playrooms that come with toys, games, craft supplies and activities, and allow kids to run wild without disturbing the event. There is also a kid’s table option that lets kids be part of the event (ideal for kid friendly weddings, family reunions, showers or festivals), but allows them a space just for them with toys and activities to keep them engaged. There is also an animated babysitting service so kids can be part of an event, or stay in the comfort of a hotel room or other personal space.   All options come with qualified, caring animators who are “expert nose wipers, sillies-shaker-outters, ‘use your words’ reminder-ers, and fun-stuff-to-do developers.” They take the time to get to know the children and find activities that keep them engaged, happy and having a great time.   They bring all the supplies and equipment, you provide the kids!   Pregnant woman making a heart with her hand   By moms, for moms (and dads)   Kidtabulous is owned by entrepreneur, I-yatah Holness. As an entrepreneur and mother herself, increasing the accessibility of social participation for mothers of young children is an initiative near and dear to I-yatah’s heart. Kidtabulous is all about opening doors for parents by ensuring kids aren’t just cared for, but are truly enjoying themselves while parents get the freedom to turn their full focus to the event.   She knows that parents want to feel good about where they’re leaving their children, and who they’re leaving them with. She knows they’ll want to check in and will want to chat with caregivers and tell them about their child. She knows they want their children to feel comfortable, happy and as at-home as possible. And that’s exactly what Kidtabulous aims to provide.   For your next event…   Whether it’s your office team building event, the company BBQ, your wedding or anniversary, annual conference, or any event that parents might attend, check out Kidtabulous, get a free quote, and consider how much you gain by opening up your event to even more people, and providing a truly unique and incredible service. Pink eye ball pits not included ;-)
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T Riman
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Inspiring Montrealers: Mirella’s empowering path to pure joy!

Inspiring Montrealers: Mirella’s empowering path to pure joy!
Have you ever considered a big lifestyle change and thought… I can’t. It’s too much. That’s not me… Or maybe… I don’t know where to start. I don’t have time. I don’t have the willpower… Or maybe someone else told you it was unrealistic… and you believed them. If so, you are not alone. Consider the people around you. Those you know, those you don’t. Odds are, every one of them has something they really want, but they don’t even try because of their own negative voices, or the voices of those around them. Mirella Atallah was one such person. But she proved herself and her naysayers wrong.   And you can too, because it doesn’t take superhuman strength to overcome negativity. What it takes is making the conscious choice to say, “No more!” To decide that people can say what they want. Your inner gremlins can say what they want. You’re going to focus on what’s possible and move forward, one step at a time. Here is Mirella’s inspiring story, in her words: Life’s road is long and filled with challenges. Along the way, we all accumulate baggage that we drag around with us. In 2012, I found myself walking around in the freezing Montreal winter. I was far from my home in Lebanon, and asked myself, “What am I doing here? What am I doing with my life?” I knew I wanted to change my life, and it had nothing to do with homesickness or frozen toes. I was 34 years old, about 200 pounds, with a malfunctioning thyroid, tachycardia, type 2 diabetes, and to top it all off, I was in a toxic relationship. I didn’t just need a change. I needed a drastic change. I started my journey at Tristar Gym in Montreal with two simple goals: to lose weight, and to get in shape. Mirella Atallah fighting At the time, I had no idea how drastically even my goals would change! My first week, I felt so lost and nothing made sense. I was out of my element. A gym full of people who seem to already be in shape and know what they’re doing can be so intimidating to someone just starting out. To make matters worse, a guy in the gym told me I couldn’t do anything and lacked the flexibility to improve. Not only can I not do it now, but he’s telling me I can’t even improve??!! I had already been dealing with naysayers in my personal life. I can’t count the times I’ve been asked, “Aren’t you too old for this?” So that guy’s comment was a huge blow to my confidence. But I pressed forward anyway. Determined to shake things up and get healthy, I dropped all my medications, started kickboxing, and eventually added in boxing and Muay Thai. I was so curious about Jiu-Jitsu, but felt I was too heavy to even try. It took three years before I gave Jiu-Jitsu a try, and once I did… I was hooked!!! Jiu-Jitsu is like a never-ending puzzle. You are always trying to find the right piece for the right place. Against everything – the naysayers, the wounded confidence, all of it – I kept going back. Just six months later, I received a third stripe to my white belt. A year later, I earned my blue belt. I went from being told I couldn’t even improve, to kicking some serious butt! You see, I’m not too old and you are not too old. Nobody is too out of shape, too ‘girly’ or too much or not enough of anything, not matter your naysayers may want you to believe. The only restrictions you have to getting in shape and finding something you love are the restrictions you put on yourself. There is always a work around. Always a way to achieve what you want. Because it really does start with a single step. And there is always time, space and energy for one step… then one more… and another, and another… You need to believe in yourself and just BE! In December 2015, I went back to Lebanon. My first love. My home! I looked so hard for a place to train, but no gym felt right. I was ready to move back to Montreal when I stepped into Atos Lebanon and met Head Coach, Daniel Hilal. I knew I had found my new Jiu-Jitsu family. Mirella Atallah Jiujitsu What Daniel has done for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Lebanon is unbelievable! Let’s just say he has made an incredible difference. Against all odds, he placed Lebanon on the Jiu-Jitsu map, worldwide, and I have so much respect for this selfless coach. By continually pushing forward, he even attracted another unique Lebanese Jiu-Jitsu athlete, Professor Said Khatib, a black belt from the Mendes Academy. I can’t help but be inspired by these two outstanding athletes. They are bringing the game to another level in Lebanon and I’m so proud to have had the chance to train and work with them. Fast-forward to now, I am back in Montreal. My second home! The search started again, but this time with great focus! A friend recommended Brazilian Top Team (BTT). I went in and it felt right! I have been so lucky in my Jiu-Jitsu journey. The people I have been fortunate to meet and work with have been so far removed from that laughably negative guy in my first gym. At BTT, I have had the opportunity to train with top athletes like Leonardo Saggioro. I felt welcome from my very first day, and the level is incredibly good under Professor Fabio Hollanda. There are also so many top female athletes to train with, especially the Head Female Coach, Juliana Mendes Nogueira. What an inspiring BJJ athlete/mom! She is a real role model for women. At every training session, I’m reminded that Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport. It’s a therapy; a type of meditation. When I am on the mat, I am ME. This is a sport that will give you a voice when you feel you have none. Weakness is not an option when you have to be strong. You’ll discover that you are not actually weak. You just are not strong, YET! And you will get there. You will become strong through your own perseverance, and with the support and encouragement of the Jiu-Jitsu community. On a deeper level, every woman needs to defend herself from any type of abuse, physical or emotional. I know, from personal experience, that Jiu-Jitsu will build you up with the confidence and skills to defend yourself from both types of abuse. Jiu-Jitsu boosts your self-confidence. You will learn to defend yourself, and to use people’s power against them. It’s an entire physical and mental workout. If your main goal is to lose weight, you will lose those extra pounds. But, more importantly, you will train your brain to be calm and to find solutions for the toughest roadblocks on your journey. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really is a lifestyle. It teaches concepts like respect, commitment, humbleness, persistence, and care. All of which are tools needed for a productive and purposeful life! Parents, I strongly encourage you to enroll your daughters in these amazing martial arts classes. Teach them to be strong and confident. Allow them to break the norms and gift them with the empowering knowledge that they can be self-sufficient. They will learn that they can stand up for themselves and navigate through the roadblocks of their lives. For all the times I’ve heard, “Oh, you are so strong! I wish I could be like you!” I have to say, “Of course you can! You just have to believe in your capabilities! Be patient and never give up.” I didn’t start out strong. But it’s where I am now. And I am happier now than I have ever been. It is not an easy path. There were so many times I felt frustrated and wanted to give up. Instead, I found myself on the mat doing those drills again, and again, and again… Your Jiu-Jitsu community is supportive and empowering. You will gain friends from all over the world, and will never be alone. The numbers are growing and the community is getting bigger, with more and more women enrolling. Why not you? Why not your daughter? I’m now 41 and received my purple belt in December. I train 6 days a week and compete as often as I can. Whenever someone asks how I do it, I say age is a state of mind. The only limits are the ones we set for ourselves. It’s not to late. Now is always a perfect time to start! I know that if I can, you can too. If you are looking for a place to train in the Middle East or Montreal, please reach out to me and I’ll give you the right contacts. Follow me on Instagram. I’ll be happy to answer any questions and welcome you into the community!  
Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide. Tarek on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter   
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T Riman
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CMC – Creative Marketing Conference 2019 | An event not to be missed!

Creative Marketing Conference 2019 By JMMA A Feature on John Molson Marketing AssociationPhoto by Samuel Charron on Unsplash

Calling All Concordia Students: An event not to be missed!

  Everything is marketing and marketing is everywhere! Maybe that’s a bit extreme, but think about it…    
  • Are you in finance? You need to know how those marketing dollars are being spent (and possibly how they can be better spent).
  • Are you in human resources? Understanding the inner workings of any department is to your benefit but, above that, can you use marketing techniques to improve internal communications? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)
  • Planning a career in politics? Do we really need to explain how marketing comes into play there?
Creative Marketing Conference 2019 There are so many fields where a knowledge of marketing, particularly marketing technology, can be a huge benefit. Even if you’re planning to write the next graphic novel to be turned into an acclaimed Netflix series, you’re going to need to market your genius to get it into the spotlight.  
Enter, the John Molson Marketing Association’s flagship event, the 2019 Creative Marketing Conference! Also known as the CMC, this event is open to all Concordia students, of all majors.
  This year’s CMC focuses on the future of marketing in a tech-heavy world, and breaking down the barriers between marketing and technology. The event is a full day of speakers, panel discussions and workshops led by marketing and industry leaders who are blazing new trails in the world of marketing and technology. You’ll hear from some truly inspiring individuals and companies, including Montreal Tips’ own Tarek Riman, who will be leading one of three workshops throughout the day.

 

This highly anticipated event takes place on March 16 at the uber-trendy Le Livart on St. Denis, near Duluth.

If you want to give yourself an edge in virtually any industry, CMC is not to be missed. Especially since it caps off with a networking and recruitment cocktail. Early bird tickets are already sold out, but regular (and very reasonably) priced tickets are still available. Don’t miss out! Get yours now!  

BONUS

Le Livart is conveniently located around the corner from two of our favourite Montreal BYOBs, Khyber Pass and Jardin de Panos. When you make those great connections at the event, why not continue the evening by picking up a bottle at the St. Denis SAQ and discussing the day’s insights over amazing food?  
Tarek RimanFounder | Marketer | Speaker | Best Selling Author | University Instructor With a passion for exploration and sharing new discoveries, I founded Montrealtips.com, with proceeds going to the UN Refugee Agency, Montreal Children’s Hospital and other causes. I am also involved with NGOs & charities in Canada & worldwide. Tarek on Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter 
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T Riman

Taïna Di Napoli | Founder at Di Napoli Caffe | Montreal Coffee Queen

Montreal Coffee Queen

Bringing in the Taste of Italy in Montreal’s Corporate World

  Free-spirited and possessing an exceptional sense of authenticity, Quebec’s own Tiana Chalifoux has become one of the best models for female entrepreneurship in the past decade. A curious mind and determined soul, Taina left her family and moved to Montreal to pursue her studies in business administration after graduating from high school in early 2000. With passion for languages and fascination with the innerworkings of the world around her, she decided to study trilingual Bachelor of Business Administration specializing in Marketing and International Business at HEC Montreal and graduated at the top of her class. Tiana Chalifoux Loving to travel and experiencing the world, Taina set out to explore Europe soon after graduation. This later became a catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey as travelling across Europe sparked a passion for good food and fun lifestyle in her. The idea for her business came to Taina when a European friend visiting Montreal expressed his distaste for the quality of coffee offered at coffeeshops and restaurants in the city. Intrigued by his perspective and discovering the need in the marketplace, she set out to solve the problem.   Set on a mission to deliver Italian gourmet coffee to Quebecers and with the help of her savings during college, Taina set up the preliminary model of her business Di Napoli Coffee by importing the European coffee machines and biodegradable coffee capsules in 2014 and helping companies and organizations offer superior quality coffee to their employees.  She has since been working with her European supplier and closely involved in R&D of the product. Di Napoli has since grown into serving more than 200 businesses in the metropolitan. Encountering great reception and determined to develop and sustain a growth mindset, Taina’s preliminary business model has been evolving and improving in the past 5 years. Open-mined and possessing an exceptional versality in her approach in business, Taina has been able not only to survive but prosper in the Canadian business landscape.

Her secret to success?

“You must be able to disconnect periodically and willing to re-discover yourself.”, she explains. “I tend to want to learn and explore different hobbies occasionally. I find it helpful to begin the learning process from the beginning. The worst thing that can happen to an entrepreneur is coming to a false realization that (s)he knows everything about her/his business and industry. It will prove detrimental when you reach that point.” “Another important factor is success is resourcefulness.”, she elaborates. “It is very important that as an entrepreneur, you stay informed about the latest developments in technology and use the right tools to set up, sustain and grow your business.” Tiana Chalifoux Her objectives and projections for the next 5 years include growing Di Napoli across Canada and building a business team to support the ever-increasing clients.  A true supporter of Montreal’s entrepreneur community and actively contributing to different organizations and student associations, Taina enjoys expanding her network and provide mentorship by sharing her expertise, story and lessons she has learnt in her entrepreneurial endeavours. You can meet and hear Taina’s story later this January at hotel Le Saint James in Old Montreal where Taina will be the keynote speaker at Aspire2Inspire Series: Chapter II event.  She will be sharing her story with a focus on the process of conception to ideation of a business idea. The series aims to celebrate female leadership and entrepreneurship in Montreal and helps to bring the female professional community closer by hosting networking events exploring and discussing relevant topics in business development and personal growth.
Sara Ostad

SARA OSTAD

Author | Entrepreneur | Connector | Educator With a wide array of solid experience and expertise in domains of education, business development and organizational change management, Sara is interested in the intersectionality of education and commerce. Read More about Sara.
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