ABOUT

Kyra Knapp - CEO and Primary Consultant

Kyra is the CEO and founder of KLB Consulting and a recognized leader in economic development, marketing, and tourism across Ontario. She supports Indigenous tourism through coaching, mentorship, and curriculum development, working with organizations like Indigenous Tourism BC, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, and Capilano University. Kyra also leads strategic planning and funding initiatives for Indigenous communities and organizations.

Tristin Vogel - Economic Development Officer

Tristin is an economic development and tourism manager at KLB, specializing in community-based planning and Indigenous partnerships. She brings a collaborative, systems-thinking approach to projects that integrate tourism, cultural revitalization, and regenerative practices. Her work supports inclusive economic growth through regional collaboration and community-led initiatives.

Julia Bernoski - Manager of Projects and Operations

As KLB’s Manager of Projects and Operations, Julia keeps a sharp eye on internal project management, ensuring the team stays organized and delivers high-quality work on time. In addition to keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes, she leads projects related to branding, graphic design, and website development, bringing creativity and consistency to every client touch point.

Afrah Shaik - Research Coordinator/Technical Writer

Afrah brings to KLB a background in youth engagement, bringing a globally informed and equity-focused approach to tourism and community development. With a background in Recreation and Leisure Studies, she advocates for marginalized, immigrant, and youth voices in policy and program design. Her work supports culturally responsive and community-led planning across KLB projects.

Aicha Smith-Belghaba - Lead Advisor, Indigenous Relations & Cultural Diplomacy

Aicha is KLB Consulting’s Lead Advisor, Indigenous Relations & Cultural Diplomacy, bringing deep expertise as a tourism operator, media producer, and strategic consultant. She leads initiatives that support Indigenous food sovereignty, youth entrepreneurship, and culturally grounded tourism development. Her work ensures that all tourism strategies are aligned with community needs and Indigenous values.

Leisha Meadows - Executive Assistant

Leisha is KLB’s Executive Assistant, managing backend operations such as invoicing, employee payroll, and tracking grant successes. She also works directly with several of our grant writing clients. Her support helps keep both the team and client projects running smoothly.