In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel welcome Yvonne Pilon, President and CEO of WETech Alliance, to discuss innovation, entrepreneurship, and the evolving tech ecosystem in Windsor-Essex.

Yvonne shares how WETech Alliance supports startups and innovation-driven companies, while also helping non-tech businesses improve processes, scale ideas, and compete in a rapidly changing economy.

Throughout the conversation, Yvonne reflects on her own leadership journey and how networking, collaboration, and strong storytelling help communities grow. She explains why building a personal brand matters for leaders, why investors look beyond products to the businesses behind them, and how authentic relationships remain the foundation of long-term success.

The episode also turns to the Windsor-Essex Iconic Battle of Champions, where Yvonne weighs in on some bracket decisions. From local favourites to unexpected contenders, the competition continues to spark passionate debates across the region about what truly represents Windsor-Essex. Whether it is food, places, or cultural touchstones, the bracket keeps the conversation lively and the community engaged.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• The role WETech Alliance plays in supporting startups and innovators
• Why networking and collaboration are essential for entrepreneurs
• How Windsor-Essex can build a stronger startup ecosystem
• The growing impact of artificial intelligence on business
• The importance of storytelling and personal branding for leaders
• Vision 2040 and the future potential of Windsor-Essex

This episode highlights why technology, culture, and community are all part of the same story when it comes to building a thriving region.

Beyond 2 Bridges brings together voices from business, innovation, arts, and community leadership to explore the people shaping Windsor-Essex.

New episodes are released weekly.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Poonchki and technology
04:59 Welcoming Yvonne Pilon
05:16 The role of WETech Alliance
06:51 Networking and collaboration in tech
08:41 Yvonne’s journey to WETech
11:45 Supporting non-tech businesses
14:19 Success stories from WETech
17:34 Windsor Iconic bracket discussion
20:05 Building a personal brand
22:19 The importance of storytelling
23:35 Innovative products and local favourites
27:23 The future of AI in business
33:01 Vision 2040 for Windsor-Essex
36:11 Yvonne’s leadership secret sauce

In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, hosts Ryan Donally and Matthew Dumouchel explore the vibrant and evolving food scene of Windsor Essex with Chef Zule, founder of Zule Eats.

Originally from Ghana, Chef Zule shares her inspiring journey from arriving in Windsor Essex to building one of the region’s most talked about culinary businesses. What began as a small pie venture has grown into a thriving food brand known for bold flavours, cultural authenticity, and deep connection to community.

Chef Zule talks about how Zule Eats has evolved, the importance of listening to customers, and how introducing dishes like fufu and other African inspired cuisine has helped expand the region’s food culture. She also discusses how collaboration with other local businesses helps everyone grow, why networking matters for entrepreneurs, and what it takes to succeed in the world of food and hospitality.

Throughout the conversation, Chef Zule reflects on the role food plays in bringing people together. From family traditions to innovative menu ideas, her story highlights how passion, perseverance, and community support can transform a small business into a regional success.

The episode also includes a fun Windsor Essex Iconic segment focused on local food favourites and a showcase of the delicious offerings that have made Zule Eats a destination for food lovers across the region.

In this episode you will hear about:

• Chef Zule’s journey from Ghana to Windsor Essex
• The evolution of Zule Eats and its growing impact
• How collaboration helps local businesses thrive
• The rise in popularity of cultural cuisine like fufu
• Balancing entrepreneurship, family life, and community leadership
• Why Windsor Essex is a great place to build a business

Learn more about Zule Eats:
https://www.zuleeats.ca/

Follow Zule Eats online:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/zuleeats

Facebook: https://facebook.com/zuleeats

Beyond 2 Bridges brings together voices from business, food, culture, and community to highlight the people shaping Windsor Essex.

New episodes released weekly.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Windsor Essex food scene
01:21 Favorite local restaurants and food memories
04:31 Zule Eats from pie business to cultural cuisine
07:19 Chef Zule’s background and community involvement
10:20 Expanding the menu and responding to customers
12:28 The popularity of fufu and cultural cuisine
16:37 Creative collaborations with local businesses
20:19 Vision for growth and future plans
22:22 Windsor Essex Iconic food choices
24:48 Showcasing Zule Eats offerings
27:02 Chef Zule’s journey from Ghana to Windsor
28:41 Why Windsor Essex is a great place to live and work
31:11 Balancing family and business growth
33:28 Inspiration and mentorship in Chef Zule’s journey
36:42 Chef Zule’s secret sauce and future vision
40:49 Closing remarks and future outlook

In this episode of Beyond 2 Bridges, Ryan Donally sits down with Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, one of Canada’s most accomplished middle-distance runners and a proud Windsor-Essex leader.

A graduate of the University of Windsor, Melissa represented Canada at three Olympic Games and made history with a silver medal in the 800 metres at the 2015 World Athletics Championships, becoming the first Canadian woman to medal in the event. She is also a Pan American Games gold medalist and former Canadian record holder.

In this conversation, Melissa reflects on her journey from childhood sports in Windsor-Essex to competing on the world stage. She shares what it takes to train at an elite level, how she handled the pressure of global competition, and the mindset that guided her career. Her motto, “Respect all, fear none,” becomes a powerful theme throughout the episode.

The discussion also explores identity and transition. Melissa speaks candidly about the shift from elite athlete to motherhood, how that changed her perspective, and what it means when your body is your business. She opens up about sponsorships, branding, teamwork, and the unseen realities behind professional athletics.

The episode also includes a fun Windsor-Essex Iconic bracket segment, plus a taste test featuring local favourite TBQ Sauce.

Today, Melissa continues to make an impact through mentorship and her work with Classroom Champions, helping inspire young athletes and students to build confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• The journey from Windsor youth sports to the Olympic stage
• Managing pressure while competing at the highest level
• Identity shifts from athlete to mother
• The role sponsorship plays in an athlete’s career
• Mentoring the next generation through Classroom Champions
• A vision for a stronger, more supportive Windsor-Essex by 2040

Beyond 2 Bridges brings together voices from business, sport, education, and culture to explore the people shaping Windsor-Essex.

New episodes released weekly.

Episode Chapters

00:00 The sports journey begins
05:47 Introducing Melissa Bishop
06:32 Identity shift from athlete to mother
09:07 Discovering the Olympic dream
10:52 The daily life of an Olympian
12:21 Respect all, fear none mindset
14:47 Competing under pressure
16:44 The power of team
18:37 Windsor-Essex Iconic bracket segment
24:19 Tasting local favourite TBQ Sauce
27:07 Branding and sponsorships in athletics
35:50 Classroom Champions and mentorship
38:58 Learning from failure
42:10 Vision for Windsor-Essex in 2040