About

Lydia Sayeau, Chair of the Membership and Engagement Committee for the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce, is a skilled entrepreneur with a diverse background in Photography and Graphic Design. She has held roles in marketing, non-profits, and tech firms in Toronto and Halifax. Lydia is Co-founder and CEO of BRAEVR Media and New Brooklyn Media Inc., where she efficiently manages day-to-day operations. Her leadership shapes strategic direction, emphasizing personal connections, and fostering a reputation for quality and innovation. Lydia’s commitment to the community and passion for business branding has inspired others and driven her professional growth while upholding values of excellence and authenticity.

Lindsay serves on both the Chamber Board Executive and the Events Committee. Currently working in a leadership role in her family’s local business, Tim Hortons and Wendy’s, she has had a chance to interact with many of our local employer organizations and has previously sat on the board for the Pictou County Partnership. She believes if we all work towards common goals, we can make our community more inclusive, prosperous and open for business.

Ann MacGregor is the Employer Engagement Specialist at Nova Scotia Works Career Connections in New Glasgow. With a strong background in communications and over 20 years of experience in local radio, Ann brings a deep understanding of community engagement and professional networking. In her role, Ann works one-on-one with Pictou County employers, assisting with job postings, providing information on wage subsidy programs, and recruitment strategies to help businesses attract and retain talent. Passionate about building connections and supporting economic growth, Ann is committed to helping local employers succeed in an evolving job market.

Bonnie O’Toole serves as a member of the Membership and Engagement Committee. She is an educator in the Business Administration Program at NSCC Pictou Campus. Prior to her academic role, she held a senior managerial position at Bell Aliant for fourteen years until 2010. Following this, she embarked on a thirteen-year entrepreneurial journey, specializing in providing government-funded business skills training to industry and business association members across Nova Scotia. Bonnie holds an MBA from the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University.

Layla, our Executive Director, brings over 25 years of global experience across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, non-profits, retail, and financial planning. With a strong background in program management, public relations, and community engagement, she excels at building meaningful connections and driving impactful initiatives. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Layla is passionate about fostering collaboration and championing growth to stimulate economic development in Pictou County.

Originally from Dundee, Scotland, Jen brings invaluable experience from within various businesses from advertising, banking and healthcare to the oil industry, publishing, and retail, both here in Canada and the UK. Such a varied career has allowed her to continuously grow, advocate and strive for the best working environment through diversity, equity, and inclusion.