Meet the Team

Aaron Binder, Director

Aaron spends his time talking to business owners, politicians, and media about what’s actually happening with Canada’s small businesses.

As a 4x business owner (currently a partner at Segway of Ontario & Go Tours Canada), he knows what it’s like when your insurance doubles or your rent jumps 20%. When Aaron talks to policymakers, he is often sharing his own and our member's experiences – and pushing for solutions that work for all types of local brick and mortar businesses.

Chris Krawczyk, Grassroots Coordinator

[ Bio Coming Soon ]

Julia Pennella, Analyst

Julia Pennella is a government relations expert, storyteller, and political commentator by trade, joining the BWA team as a Strategic Advisor on political strategy and communications.

She brings a powerhouse mix of political savvy, sharp strategic insight, and compelling storytelling. With years on Parliament Hill, she has advised senior Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister’s Office on some of Canada’s most complex, high-impact files—offering a front-row view into how decisions are made at the highest levels.

Across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Julia is known as a connector and catalyst—building cross-sector partnerships that bridge government, community, and industry, and turn ideas into action.

She is also the creator and host of #FEMPIRE and Let’s Talk Politics, platforms dedicated to breaking down power, policy, and leadership.

At the core of her work is a clear mission: elevate diverse voices, strengthen communities, support small businesses, and tell stories that move people—and policy—forward.

Dipesh Shah, Membership Outreach

Dipesh was recently the former owner of Canary & Fox, a popular neighbourhood retail store in Toronto’s historic Baby Point neighbourhood.

His career has spanned multiple industries including as a Senior Project Manager in Banking, Market Research, Marketing, Graphic Design, Printing and now, the Non-Profit Sector.

In addition to his role at the Better Way Alliance, Dipesh is a board member of Students 4 Students (a 2024/2026 recipient of the Ingenious+ award), the Intern Project, and too, The Highland Creek Social (a 2026 Volunteer Toronto’s Civic Spark Grant recipient).