Rakan Al-Shawaf and Pablo Eder, co-founders of Makeship (left), Jessica Shaheen, head of corporate brand for Mastermind Toys (right) | Source: Canadian Toy Association

For the first time, the Canadian Toy Association (CTA) has chosen its favorite rising stars in the industry. 

The CTA chose players in the industry that are making big impacts in manufacturing, retail, and marketing. The inaugural class for the CTA Rising Star Award includes Rakan Al-Shawaf and Pablo Eder, co-founders of the crowdfunding platform Makeship; Rochelle Pires, director of sales for Hasbro; Jessica Shaheen, head of corporate brand for Mastermind Toys; and Justine Wong, director of marketing for Moose Toys Canada. 

Related: Makeship Now Offering Vinyl Figures for Content Creator Crowdfunding Merch Campaigns

“The Canadian toy industry is driven by an incredible diversity of talent and emerging leaders demonstrating leadership, entrepreneurship and creativity in our businesses,” says Graeme Bissett, chair of the Canadian Toy Association. “We are honored to recognize and congratulate this year’s first-ever Rising Star winners for their incredible role in helping to shape the success of our business.”

The winners will be recognized at the CTA Hall of Fame Reception and Dinner Event at the Mississauga Convention Center on Nov. 17.

About the author

Ashley Pelletier

Ashley Pelletier

Ashley is assistant editor for The Toy Insider, The Pop Insider, and The Toy Book with a Master's in journalism from Quinnipiac University. When she isn’t writing her latest story, she is reading a fantasy novel or rewatching one of her three favorite TV shows over and over again. She’s also a big fan of showing people pictures of her two dogs and cat.

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