AFK Verified is a first of it’s kind contest to nurture the next generation of Canadian news content creators. Our rotating judges panel is made up of trailblazers and industry experts who will guide our participants through the Verified program.
EVELYN KWONG
Toronto Star Editor, Millennial Money creator, “In Their Own Voice” champion and host of AFK Verified. Evy brings her wealth of social and journalistic experience.
SCOTT WALKER
Industry Veteran, Former Vice VP, Champion of culture and GM of AFK. Scott brings years of experience in cultural content development.
IRENE GENTLE
Irene Gentle has spent much of her life in newsrooms, most recently as editor-in-chief of the Toronto Star. Her commitment to issues of equity and the future of journalism helped lead to her current role as VP Inclusion and Strategic Partnerships at Torstar.
COLIN MCNEIL
Colin McNeil is the Director of Video Content at Upcomer, an award-winning journalist and on-camera personality in the world of esports.
He started his professional journey as the night shift web editor for Metro News
Today Colin leads a team of a dozen full and part time professionals, producing best-in-class editorial video under the Upcomer brand
ETHAN CARDWELL
Ethan Cardwell is an 18-year-old hockey player from Courtice, Ontario. He is the co-host of the Showbound podcast. He was recently drafted by the
San Jose Sharks (NHL) in the fourth round, 121st overall. Ethan currently plays for the Barrie Colts (OHL),
and played the 2020-2021 hockey season in Sweden where he led the league in scoring.
MICHAEL RASKIN
Michael Raskin is a 22-year-old up and coming hockey executive and co-host of the Showbound podcast. Currently, Michael is the General Manager of the Brock University Badgers Men’s Hockey team. Michael began working in hockey as a Scout for the Niagara IceDogs (OHL) at the age of 16, the youngest scout in the OHL.
