Brampton Tech Talks: From Barriers to Breakthroughs

From Barriers to Breakthroughs

Black Founders Apply Lived Experience to Build the Future

This Black History Month, join Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) by TMU at the Library for an inspiring Tech Talk spotlighting Black founders who are turning lived experience into powerful innovation.

Moderated by Marlene Spence, Founder of Hope Endoors and The CHANCE Centre, this conversation brings together Andre Smith, Founder & CEO of Flip & Floss, and Abdel Ali, Founder & CEO of Kiwi Charge and Director at BLCK VC Canada.

Together, the speakers will explore how personal challenges — including financial hardship, lack of access, and systemic barriers — became the catalyst for the companies they built. From financial literacy to clean technology and investment access, the speakers will highlight how lived experience can shape meaningful tech solutions and open pathways for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

At its core, this session is designed to show youth that their stories can become their superpower and the spark that shapes the future of innovation.

Designed especially for:

• Black youth who are curious about tech, entrepreneurship, or innovation
• Aspiring and early-stage founders seeking relatable guidance
• Students, newcomers, and young professionals exploring pathways into tech
• Community members looking to celebrate Black excellence and future-focused leadership

Attendees will learn:

• How lived experience can become a foundation for innovative startups
• Ways to turn personal challenges into impactful business ideas
• Practical pathways into tech — with or without a technical background
• How to access mentorship, confidence, and early support
• What funding looks like for Black founders and why representation matters

You’ll leave with the belief that your story, your struggle, and your perspective can help build the future.

Andre Smith is the founder of Flip & Floss, a social enterprise focused on improving financial literacy and helping families build generational wealth. After immigrating to Canada and experiencing firsthand the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck, Andre turned his personal journey into a mission-driven platform that has since impacted over 30,000 people.

He has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants (2024) and received the BMO Obsidi Entrepreneur of the Year – Technology Award (2024). Andre’s work demonstrates how discipline, innovation, and purpose can create meaningful change — even without traditional funding pathways.

Abdel Ali is the founder of Kiwi Charge, a robotics and AI startup redefining EV charging infrastructure in multi-unit buildings by delivering next-generation solutions at significantly lower cost. With a background in venture building and venture capital, Abdel brings a unique perspective to both startup creation and ecosystem development.

He is also a Director at BLCK VC Canada, where he works to advance equity, access, and representation for Black founders within Canada’s venture ecosystem. Abdel’s journey reflects the power of combining technical innovation with systemic impact.

Marlene Spence is a Brampton-based Neurodiversity & Inclusion Coach and a passionate advocate for youth empowerment. Through Hope Endoors and The CHANCE Centre, she leads community-driven programs that help young people — particularly neurodivergent and underserved youth — build confidence, life skills, and real pathways to opportunity.

With deep roots in Brampton’s youth ecosystem, Marlene brings a grounded, empathetic lens to the conversation, guiding discussions that centre lived experience, resilience, and possibility.

Also check out other Business events in Brampton.