
Holly Singer
Founder & CEO, Milk Jar Candle Co.
Since launching nearly a decade ago, Milk Jar has grown into a multi-million dollar, internationally recognized brand—now carried in over 600 retail locations worldwide. Yet for Founder & CEO Holly Singer, success has always meant more than just growth.
Holly built Milk Jar on the belief that businesses can (and should) create meaningful impact in the communities they’re part of. Her team of 19 includes people with and without disabilities, with a strong focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals who may not have otherwise been given a chance.
In addition, for every product sold, $1 supports organizations creating more inclusive communities, contributing to over $450,000 raised across Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.
Holly is a strong advocate for inclusive hiring and helps other businesses rethink who they hire and how they build their teams—demonstrating that inclusive workplaces are not only possible, but powerful.
Most recently, Holly completed a four-month trial of a 36-hour work week with her management team, with plans to move to a 32–35 hour work week for all full-time staff—without reducing pay. The results speak for themselves: profit is up, efficiency has improved, and her team is more energized than ever.
Her work continues to challenge what’s possible in business, showing that when people are given the opportunity to thrive, both the business and the community are stronger for it.
Workshops
Other speakers & attendees

Jeff Loomis
Momentum
Jeff works as the Executive Director of Momentum - a change-making organization that combines social and economic strategies to reduce poverty in Calgary. Momentum partners with people living on lower-incomes to get good jobs, create their own job through self-employment and save money to build their assets.
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Philip Lozano
Be Local YYC
Manager of Be Local YYC, with almost 10 years of experience working in social enterprise, with a focus on community and grassroot initiatives
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Randy Poon
Purpose and Performance Project
Chief Story Officer and Founder of the Purpose and Performance Project, a consulting and coaching collaborative that helps leaders and organizations align purpose with impact.
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Barb Rallison
StartWork
Barb serves as the Associate Director at the Institute for Community Prosperity. Her work, both locally and nationally, focuses on applying economic approaches to advance community benefit and address complex social challenges.
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Jenna Walsh
Elevated Escapes
Owner of Elevated Escapes, Social Business Coordinator with Be Local YYC, and Co-founder of GOT Foundation
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