George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
We're thrilled to announce Lesley Hampton as the keynote speaker for the RISE 2026: Research, Innovation & startGBC Entrepreneurship Showcase.
As a George Brown Polytechnic alumna, Lesley Hampton is an award-winning Anishinaabe artist, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and changemaker whose work sits at the intersection of innovation, social impact and Indigenous representation. A proud member of Temagami First Nation, Lesley has built a nationally recognized fashion brand that challenges industry norms while advancing conversations around mental wellness, body positivity, inclusivity, and authentic representation.
RISE attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear first hand from a trailblazing entrepreneur whose work is transforming the fashion industry and inspiring a new generation of leaders to create meaningful impact through fashion, innovation, purpose, and community.
At RISE, Lesley will reflect on her journey from George Brown graduate to internationally recognized entrepreneur, sharing lessons on innovation, resilience, leadership, and the power of building a brand that creates a lasting impact.
Don't miss the opportunity to hear from one of Canada's most inspiring entrepreneurs and influential voices in fashion, innovation, and social impact.
About Lesley Hampton
Lesley is a Toronto-based Anishinaabe fashion designer focused on mental wellness and body neutrality in fashion through the lens of the Indigenous worldview. Lesley is a member of Temagami First Nation, and she identifies as an adult 'Third Culture Kid' with her formative years spent in Canada's Arctic and Atlantic, Australia, England, Indonesia, and New Caledonia. This combination of her Anishinaabe Indigeneity and her international upbringing shaped her global perspective and creative voice as she uses her work as a catalyst for reflection, conversation, and community building.