Actuality¹⁴⁸

As part of Black History Month, the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal is spotlighting some inspiring stories.

Meet Christian Kengne, JCCM ambassador and cybersecurity professional.

What motivated you to join the JCCM ambassador collective?

After participating in the Génération d'impact program and the Réseau des Jeunes Administrateur.trice.s (RJA), I wanted to continue my involvement with the Jeune Chambre de commerce de Montréal (JCCM).

The organization already plays a key role in a number of areas, but the ones I'd like to focus on most are: support for the next generation of businesspeople and skills development, because in a dynamic, ever-changing world, it's essential to equip and help the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals.

How do you see your role as ambassador in relation to others?

Each ambassador brings his or her own experience and network. For my part, being involved in two boards of directors and having a cybersecurity consulting position within a financial institution, I have the opportunity to relay the JCCM's message to different communities. These communities are looking for greater recognition and involvement in the business world, and I strive to be their voice.

What are the major challenges facing the next generation of business owners in the years ahead?

Adaptation will be the main challenge, particularly in the face of generational differences. Young professionals have a different relationship with work: they are looking for more meaning, more flexibility, and for the social-ecological transition to be at the heart of their organizations' mission.

With nearly 49% of the workforce made up of millennials, companies need to adapt their practices to attract and retain this talent.

How would you define impact intrapreneurship in the technology and cybersecurity sector?

Cybersecurity encompasses many disciplines, from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. The major challenge is to improve the internal practices of organizations. AI now offers powerful tools for optimizing efficiency. At the same time, we need to democratize access to digital technology, particularly for older generations, who are often more vulnerable to cyber threats.

You co-founded the Black Hack Club. What prompted you to create this initiative?

It all started four years ago, at a 5@7 with friends. We decided to mobilize young people to integrate Computer Coding Week into schools. We realized that those who knew about the field often had parents in the industry, yet minorities in Montreal were under-informed on the subject. It seemed right to create fun workshops on cybersecurity, involving both young people and their parents.

What are the biggest challenges for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the technology sector?

The low representation of women and diverse communities remains a major issue, which is why it's essential to inspire young people by highlighting role models from these under-represented communities. Fortunately, significant advances are breaking through some glass ceilings, as demonstrated by the recent appointment of a head of cybersecurity at Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) from the black community.

How can the JCCM encourage better representation of professionals from equity-seeking groups in the business world?

The JCCM must pursue its mission and concrete actions in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the support of partners is essential to fund its initiatives and ensure its sustainability. Together, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic environment for the next generation of business leaders.