CANADIAN LIVING OCTOBER 2019 | 61WHO Luna Yu, 25, CEO,
Genecis Bioindustries Inc.
MY HQ Toronto
MY BUSINESS Genecis helps lower the
barrier for plastic manufacturers to create
healthy and affordable products, such as
compostable coffee pods, liners and con-
tainers. Our first product line is a high-
quality plastic resin that is recyclable, home-
compostable and marine-biodegradable.
Our proprietary technology reduces the
resin production costs by 40 percent by
making them from organic waste.
MY BIGGEST ASSET My team.
ON BEING A WOMAN IN STEM AND
A LEADER IN BUSINESS Science and
technology thrive on objectivity, method-
ology and results. It doesn’t matter who
the enabler is, so long as meaningful contri-
butions are made. As a leader, it’s been
humbling, challenging and fun. I’ve made
a ton of mistakes, but the thrill of turning
a disaster into an opportunity is the best
part of the journey.WHO Shyra Barberstock, 39, president and CEO (North America)
and global chairperson, Okwaho Equal Source
MY HQ Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ont.
MY BUSINESS The Okwaho Network is an Indigenous-inspired social
network that connects Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples
to the greater global Indigenous community. On the Okwaho Network,
you will find Indigenous and non-Indigenous members from Canada,
the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
MY BIGGEST ASSET My support network.
ON BEING A WOMAN IN STEM AND A LEADER IN BUSINESS
I imagine the underrepresentation of women in STEM is even higher
for Indigenous women. My business partner/husband is from a matrilin-
eal society. In Mohawk tradition, Indigenous women are seen as having
the “vision” and the traditional role of Mohawk men is to support
Indigenous women in moving their vision forward. Since our social
network and business launched, I have been pushed to the forefront
as a leader, change-maker and influencer because of the support
I've had around me.