Board Director & People and Culture Committee Chair

Eric is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) based in Ottawa, with a focus on talent acquisition, total rewards, and people analytics. He graduated from the University of Ottawa (Psychology & Public Administration) and Algonquin College (Human Resources Management). Eric is passionate about building and mentoring high-performing teams. He is a proud mental health advocate within the LGBTQ2S+ community. Eric has been a Board member with several organizations, and is an avid traveler.

Board Vice-Chair & Strategic Partnerships Committee Chair

Denika Poppen has spent the past seven years leading external relations for Fluor Canada, where she has built and stewarded senior stakeholder relationships, secured executive-level partnerships and sponsorships, and delivered high-profile industry and community engagements. Denika is deeply committed to advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership, including through her role as Vice President, External Relations with Young Women in Energy. Outside of work, she’s an avid world traveller and can often be found exploring new cities—or unwinding with a long walk alongside her black lab, Maya.

Board Director-at-Large

German is a community developer by work, educator by trade, podcaster by hobby, systems thinker by thought, and a laugher by heart. He's an immigrant that's lived in Canada for 30 plus years, and has been involved with ideas around gender since 2013 mostly involved with Men Edmonton and with producing the Modern Manhood podcast. You can talk to him about rap music, the 2006 Oilers, and why everyone should listen to Raewyn Connell. He joined the Next Gen Men Board in 2020.

Board Chair

Setu Purohit is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive leader, and strategic advisor with extensive experience in corporate governance, business development, and social impact. As a co-founder of Avicanna Inc., he led the company through a successful $175 million IPO and global expansion, while overseeing governance and stakeholder relations as the lead executive director of the board.

With a background in regulatory and corporate law, Setu has expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks, M&A, and strategic planning. As an operator and advisor, Setu has helped launch and grow businesses across complex, regulated sectors - combining governance discipline with hands-on execution in strategy, partnerships, and growth.

Setu holds a JD from Western University, an MBA from the University of Michigan, along with certifications as in-house counsel (CIC.C), in corporate governance (ICD.D), investor relations (CPIR), and sustainability (GCB.D).

Board Secretary

Tyler has been practicing as a lawyer in Calgary since 2018, working on a variety of complex commercial disputes. He holds a J.D. from the University of Calgary and a B.Sc. from the University of British Columbia. Prior to embarking on his university education, Tyler attended culinary school in Calgary while working as a baker and saucier. Tyler is actively involved in the legal community, participates regularly in pro bono initiatives, and volunteers his time with a variety of DEI programs. He looks forward to contributing these skills to Next Gen Men, having joined the board in 2024. Tyler lives in Calgary with his boyfriend John and their dog Jake.