About us

MAAIP exists because Manitoba had AI talent and no formal home for it. In 2024, practitioners in Winnipeg founded the Manitoba Association of AI Professionals so government, industry, and the community would have a single place to find AI people, events, and advocacy.

Illustration representing MAAIP’s AI community in Manitoba

In early 2024 a small group of peers in artificial intelligence named a gap: no congregation for Manitoba AI professionals, no obvious partner for agencies seeking AI insight, and no organized voice for advocacy. That gap became MAAIP.

The founders wanted connections, growth, and a public face for AI work in the province. From that start MAAIP has grown into the organization that hosts the MB AI Innovation Showcase, offers membership, and publishes a calendar of AI events across Manitoba.

Board of Directors

  • Roy McLaughlin

    Founder & Board Chair

    SVP AI Strategy, IntouchCX

    Roy is the Founder and Board Chair of MAAIP and SVP of AI Strategy at IntouchCX, driving innovation in AI-powered customer experiences.

  • Nick Hurrie

    Founding Board Member

    Sr. Director of Machine Learning & AI

    Nick co-founded MAAIP and leads ML/AI strategy, building scalable, data-driven solutions across industries.

  • Josefina Bilotta

    Founding Board Member

    Sr. AI & Nonprofit Consultant

    Josefina brings deep expertise in AI implementation and nonprofit strategy, advising on tech-driven social impact.

  • Loretta Kulchycki

    Founding Board Member

    AI & Business Modernization Executive

    Loretta has successfully led enterprise-wide AI and business modernization initiatives that generated meaningful business value.

  • Casey Wahl

    Founding Board Member

    Lead Product Manager, Proscia

    Casey guides AI product vision at Proscia, specializing in medical imaging analytics and user-centric design.

  • Gaetan Ruest

    Founding Board Member

    AI & Data Executive

    Gaetan has led data and AI initiatives at global enterprises, leveraging analytics to drive business value.

Mission

To empower and unite AI professionals in Manitoba through fostering innovation, collaboration, and ethical practices in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Our mission is to provide a dynamic platform for learning, networking, and career development, while actively advocating for the advancement and responsible use of AI technologies. We are committed to bridging the gap between AI professionals and the wider community, ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible and beneficial to all. Our main goal is to create a thriving AI ecosystem in Manitoba that nurtures talent, supports growth, and contributes to global advancements in AI, while maintaining a strong focus on the ethical implications and societal impacts of these technologies.

FAQ

What is MAAIP?

The Manitoba Association of AI Professionals (MAAIP) is a professional association founded in 2024 in Winnipeg. It unites AI practitioners, hosts community events, and advocates for responsible and open-source AI in Manitoba.

The Manitoba Association of AI Professionals (MAAIP) is a professional association founded in 2024 in Winnipeg. It unites AI practitioners, hosts community events, and advocates for responsible and open-source AI in Manitoba.
Where is MAAIP based?

MAAIP serves the province of Manitoba, Canada, and is based in Winnipeg.

MAAIP serves the province of Manitoba, Canada, and is based in Winnipeg.
When was MAAIP founded?

MAAIP was founded in 2024 by a group of Manitoba AI professionals.

MAAIP was founded in 2024 by a group of Manitoba AI professionals.
How do I join MAAIP?

Manitoba AI professionals can join at https://maaip.ca/sign-up/. For a limited time, professional membership is free. Businesses should email hi@maaip.ca. Details are on https://maaip.ca/membership/.

Manitoba AI professionals can join at https://maaip.ca/sign-up/. For a limited time, professional membership is free. Businesses should email hi@maaip.ca. Details are on https://maaip.ca/membership/.