Women in Tech 100 Top Speakers 2023

Salima is the CEO and founder of Unleash Forward Inc., a purpose-driven leadership acceleration company dedicated to promoting diversity in leadership. As an advocate for women of color in the workplace, Salima is a sought-after speaker, coach, and thought leader, focusing on advancing women of color, leadership, and diversity.

In 2023, Salima received the World of Difference award from The International Alliance for Women (TIAW), recognizing her impactful work in women’s economic empowerment. With over two decades of industry experience, Salima has driven accelerated performance and impact with leaders and teams from major global companies. Salima’s mission is to help leaders ascend in their careers with ease, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives at the leadership table. Her content centers on building confidence and executive presence, aiding leaders of color in reaching corporate and board-level leadership, and assisting organizations in creating equitable work environments for people of color.

Prior to launching Unleash Forward Inc., Salima held executive roles at prominent firms such as Edelman PR and Sonic Boom Digital Marketing Agency. She also served on the aboutkidshealth.ca board. Beyond her consulting career, Salima actively supports entrepreneurs and women in leadership through initiatives such as being an investor and activator of Coralus (formerly SheEO), a Girls on Boards Coach, and a certified facilitator for #IamRemarkable, a Google initiative.