ABOUT CEC Connecting asset owners through exclusive peer networks and meaningful dialogue.

Ashley brings over 15 years of experience in marketing and client relations within the legal and corporate sectors. She has deep expertise in strategic marketing, business development, and client relationship management, with a strong track record of driving growth and enhancing client engagement. Throughout her career, Ashley has held key roles at leading firms such as Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, MNP LLP, and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, consistently delivering measurable results.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, attending live music events, and watching true crime documentaries.

Miruna is the Manager of Venues and Client Experience at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. As a driven and results-oriented professional, Miruna has gained invaluable experience in all aspects of event management. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums in 2018, she was the Marketing and Sales Coordinator at Ainsworth Inc. where she supported the national sales team, managed customer relations and coordinated corporate events and trade shows. In Miruna’s current role, she manages relationships with venues and focuses on organizing Forums that deliver a personalized, valuable client experience.

Mikayla is the Senior Venues & Client Experience Associate at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. She graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Mikayla brings to the position a diverse customer service orientation with her most recent role at City Cruises Toronto as the Assistant Restaurant Manager, where she facilitated the execution and management of private charter events while ensuring a memorable experience for all guests onboard.  When she’s not working, she loves travelling, walking her dog Tito and exploring new restaurants in the city.

Leanne has over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and corporate event management. Her passion lies in helping people and organizations connect with their audiences and build meaningful business relationships.

Throughout her career, Leanne has had the opportunity to work with executives from leading professional services, finance, technology, and hospitality firms.

As Managing Director, Leanne is responsible for building relationships with our partners and managing the operational strategy and corporate culture.

In her free time, Leanne loves to travel the world, experience new restaurants and wineries.

Varugis George is the Chief Strategy Officer of Cambridge Forums, Inc. (CFI) and President of Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of CFI. Since 2003, Varugis has held business development, production and management roles at three global conference and business information providers. After joining Cambridge in 2015 as a Senior Forum Director in the Private Client Vertical, Varugis was appointed as President of CEC, a subsidiary of CFI, offering learning and networking solutions for family offices, institutional investors, and their trusted advisors. In this role he oversees overall strategy, growth, and delivery of all services under the CEC banner. In 2024, he was appointed Chief Strategy Officer of CFI, where he is responsible for long-term planning and aligning individual product lines with Cambridge’s overall vision, as well as all matters related to fostering the company’s corporate culture.

Sarah is an Associate, Program Accreditation & Outreach Support. With over 20 years of experience in administrative support, she is a seasoned professional known for her proactive, go-getter attitude. Sarah’s main responsibility is the application process for CPD/CLE requirements as well as offering additional support to the Program Outreach team. Outside of work, Sarah is often spending time with family and friends, and volunteering in her community.

Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature from Western University in London, ON. Prior to joining Cambridge Forums in 2019, she worked for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in a combination of roles which included planning thought leadership roundtables & dinners, sponsorship and business development. Grace brings a detail-oriented focus and breadth of knowledge of our clients to her current role with Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), where she manages program outreach. When she’s not working, Grace enjoys travelling and enjoying all the live music and sporting events Toronto has to offer.

Audrey Lubowitz is the Senior Manager of Program Outreach and Resources at Cambridge Executive Connections, Inc. In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations for the Global Capital Markets vertical and oversees team allocations and resources. Her role involves strategic planning, optimizing workflows, and ensuring seamless communication across various departments.

Audrey joined the Cambridge team in 2016 as a Project and Administrative Coordinator and quickly grew her skills in project management, administrative support, and cross-functional collaboration. She transitioned to the Cambridge Executive Connections team in late 2019, significantly contributing to the expansion and support of the Global Capital Markets vertical and the Program Outreach department.

With a diverse background spanning market research, accounts receivable, and regulatory roles, Audrey brings a well-rounded perspective to her current position. Audrey has developed expertise in data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic resource allocation. Her proficiency in using CRM systems and project management tools has enabled her to streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. In addition to her technical skills, Audrey is known for her exceptional problem-solving abilities and her capacity to foster strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Residing in Toronto with her husband and two young children, Audrey enjoys family adventures of weekend hikes, discovering new parks, creative arts and crafts projects and reading.

Mike has extensive experience in education and high net worth relationship management. Passionate about connecting people and creating value, he excels at using his background in education to develop tailored programs that resonate with niche audiences.

Throughout his career, Mike has collaborated with leaders from exclusive clubs, finance, entertainment, and luxury sectors, forging meaningful partnerships and enhancing member engagement through the programming he delivered.

As Director, Family Office Learning Programs, Mike is responsible for creating, developing, and delivering impactful educational initiatives tailored to the unique needs of Family Offices.

In his “spare” time, Mike enjoys making comics, stop motion animation videos and skateboarding with his two sons.

Jade is Manager, Family Office Community and Outreach for Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums Inc. Prior to joining the company in 2015, Jade worked at varying levels of Government in Tasmania, Australia and in health administration in the United Kingdom.

In her current role, Jade works to provide ongoing, meaningful and year-round connections for clients across a variety of platforms, as well as supporting her colleagues in delivering highly valuable experiences at our Forums.

Outside the office, Jade runs, travels, often travels to running events, socializes but mostly spends a lot of time with her husky, Captain Katherine Janeway of the USS Voyager.

Emma Phillips is a Senior Forum Director and the Business Leader for Global Capital Markets at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums, Inc. Emma brings a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation to her role, where she oversees the Global Capital Markets portfolio with a keen focus on institutional investors, banking, private funds, risk, and governance professionals.

With nearly two decades of expertise in the financial and investment sectors, Emma previously served as Assistant Vice President, Global Marketing at State Street in Canada. Her tenure there equipped her with profound insights into industry dynamics and a nuanced understanding of client needs.

At Cambridge Executive Connections, Emma is known for her dedication to fostering collaborative partnerships and implementing innovative initiatives. She thrives on expanding product offerings that resonate deeply with stakeholders and evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of institutional investors. Emma’s approach combines professionalism with a touch of humor, ensuring that engagements are not only productive but also engaging.

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Emma is a committed lifelong learner who leverages her knowledge to create and support opportunities that align seamlessly with her personal brand and professional ethos.

Muhammad Qureshi is the Program Accounts and Finance Associate at Cambridge Executive Connections, Inc. (CEC). He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting from York University and holds a passion for business analysis and numbers. Muhammad has combined his passion and formal education to positively contribute towards the growth and financial targets of CEC. Aside from work, Muhammad enjoys exploring places and learning about different cultures and languages.

Kate has a background in social services where she treated youth with complex mental health and addictions issues. Her role involved developing detailed, treatment-focused program plans and seeing them through to completion. Kate brings many years of experience in the service industry to her role at Cambridge Forums. In her spare time, Kate enjoys good food and wine, all things true-crime related, and dance parties with her kids.

Stephen Wright is the Manager of Program Accounts and Finance at Cambridge Executive Connections (CEC), a subsidiary of Cambridge Forums Inc.

Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge related to accounting and business from his time at the University of Ottawa and the Telfer School of Management. Stephen takes pride in his attention to detail and deductive problem solving which allows him to excel at his role and tackle new projects.

As the Manager of Program Accounts and Finance, Stephen is responsible for validating the accuracy of our participants’ accounts and ensuring financial standards are met. Not only does he oversee the finance department, but he also brings humour and heart to the team.