Meet the Team
Program Manager, District 3
Ahmed (Wass) El Wassimy manages and animates the Validation and Residency Programs helping high potential individuals and early stage founders gain the core competencies required to thrive. He applies a combination of data analysis with design thinking and lean experimentation to help founders achieve the focus and momentum needed to accelerate and bring their best ideas to market.
Prior to joining District 3, Wass has worked in sales, marketing and product management in a range of industries including – hospitality, real estate and fintech. His personal experience as a startup entrepreneur also shapes his approach, helping tech founders accelerate from initial idea to approved prototypes while solving the numerous strategic challenges that arise along the way.
Global Managing Partner, Quadbridge
Ryan Peters is an experienced founder and managing partner with a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurship and an ability to scale companies for over 10 years. His company, Quadbridge Inc. is a leading-edge, full-service IT Solution partner that specializes in hardware and software supply to medium and large enterprise clients in both the U.S. and Canada. Ryan has strategic advisory and general operational expertise, and strong business development experience with an understanding of International Socio-Economic Development, including NAFTA, E.U., Mid-East, and Asia. Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Program Director, District 3
Jane Somerville, MBA is the Director of Programs at Concordia University’s District 3. In this role, she is responsible for leading and developing the program offering targeted to entrepreneurs building startups. Jane is a passionate business professional with more than 25 years of experience working with Canadian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining D3, Jane worked at BDC where she helped small, medium and large companies across Canada, across all industry sectors, building and delivering innovative advisory services in strategic management, digital marketing and sales management. As an entrepreneur herself, Jane founded an online directory of furniture and furniture stores in major Canadian cities.