Karolyn Helda is the managing director of QIMA’s Laboratory in Buffalo, New York. She has  worked in the consumer products safety, compliance and quality assurance industry for over 30 years. Her knowledge and direct experience span the categories of promotional products, toys and children’s products, softlines, general merchandise as well as consumable consumer goods such as food, over‐the‐counter drugs, health and beauty care items. Prior to assuming responsibility for the QIMA Buffalo lab operations, Karolyn held various roles at independent consumer products testing laboratories including laboratory and client services management, business development, global compliance program development and management, as well as technical consulting, training and protocol development.                       

Denise is (CEO) and Co-founder of Fairware where she is responsible for business development, product sourcing as well as Fairware’s ethical sourcing and sustainability programs. Denise got the idea to launch Fairware when she noticed how difficult it was to source promotional merchandise that reflected the social and environmental priorities of many of the brands and organizations she admired. Prior to starting Fairware, Denise spent seven years as the Director of Sustainability and Community for Mountain Equipment Co-op, Canada’s largest outdoor retailer. She is currently working with the B Corp community and leading NGOs advocating for business leaders to take action on climate issues. Denise was a member of ETSY’s Manufacturing Advisory Board, a Board Member with the Green Meeting Industry Council and the past co-chair of Vision Vancouver. She has a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University. She lives in Vancouver with her partner, their two boys and lots of bicycles

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