CCI and Durham College Recognize Second Cohort of AI G.U.I.D.E. Graduates

Toronto, ON – The Council of Canadian Innovators and Durham College’s AI Hub are proud to recognize the second cohort of professionals who have completed the AI G.U.I.D.E. Program. Over six weeks, learners from across Canada’s business, public sector, and academic communities built practical skills to help them navigate the growing role of artificial intelligence in their organizations.

The AI G.U.I.D.E. Program was created to give non-technical leaders a clear, accessible path to understanding AI governance fundamentals. Participants worked through a curriculum covering responsible use, data considerations, organizational readiness, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Each graduate has earned a jointly issued Digital Badge from Durham College and CCI, highlighting their achievement and their commitment to responsible AI adoption.

This cohort brought together professionals working in HR, operations, policy, compliance, communications, and strategic leadership roles. Their engagement and collaboration were central to the program’s success, reflecting a shared commitment to preparing Canada’s workforce for an AI-enabled economy.

Sessions were delivered by instructors and industry practitioners with deep experience in AI governance, adoption, and commercialization, including:

• Karen Olsson, CEO of Atomic47 Labs
• Dr. Priyamvada Tripathi, Professor, Durham College
• Dr. Courtney Doagoo, Director, Business for Peace Foundation
• Tim Morton, Founder and CEO, Prompta AI
• Martine Boucher, Angel Investor, Advisor, and Founder, Lay Explorer Inc.

The completion of the second cohort marks another step in building AI literacy among Canada’s non-technical leaders. CCI and Durham College will continue expanding the program in 2025 to ensure more professionals have access to practical guidance and structured learning as AI adoption accelerates.

Gabriella Boulos, CCI Director of Programming and Events, spoke to why the program matters:

“Non-technical leaders are being asked to navigate AI faster than ever before. This program gives them the practical foundation they need to make confident, informed decisions. It’s designed to build real understanding, support responsible adoption, and help leaders apply AI in ways that strengthen their organizations and the communities they serve.”

Congratulations to all the learners who completed this cohort and demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible, informed AI leadership.

Registration for the next cohort will open soon.

Learn more here!