Meet the Minds Behind Inclusive Dining

We’re a team of problem-solvers on a mission to make dining more inclusive. With a blend of tech, business, and marketing expertise, we’re building a smarter way to find restaurants that truly meet your needs. Get to know the people working behind the scenes to make dining easier, safer, and more inclusive for all!

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Kaitlin Fong

Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Kaitlin Fong

Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Driven by purpose and curiosity, I've always found fulfillment in crafting creative solutions to complex challenges. Navigating Canada’s dining scene with gluten and dairy intolerances was a daily struggle—one that not only tested me but also inspired a vision for a future where everyone could dine freely, no matter their dietary restrictions. 

Gursh and I co-founded Dine Find with a clear mission: to set the standard for Inclusive Dining in Canada. In today’s world, the solution that made sense was technology-driven, seamlessly integrating with beloved businesses to create a more accessible and welcoming dining experience. 

My diverse career and education have equipped me with the skills to bring Dine Find to life. Half of my expertise lies in marketing, social media, content creation, and design, while the other half is rooted in custom software, website, and app development—skills honed through my Computing Science studies at the University of Alberta. 

While much of my work at Dine Find is hands-on—shaping our marketing, design, and development—I’m also privileged to serve as Chief Executive Officer. In this role, I focus on big-picture growth, strategic partnerships, and guiding our amazing team toward a shared vision of impact and innovation. 

Beyond my work, I’m always in motion—running, hiking, playing sports, and exploring new gluten and dairy-free foods. Above all, I’m inspired by the incredible people I get to share this life with, who push me to do my best for the world, every single day. 

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Gursh Bal

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer

Gursh Bal

Co-founder, Chief Strategy Officer

I am a community-focused business leader dedicated to solving overlooked societal challenges. Co-founding and scaling Zeno Renewables into one of Canada’s leading residential solar providers taught me firsthand what it takes to build a business from the ground up—strategic vision, resilience, and a deep connection to the people it serves.   
 
For Kaitlin and I, the gap in dining experience for those with dietary restrictions isn’t something we just observed—it’s something we live. Having followed a vegetarian and egg-free diet my entire life, I have a deep understanding of the challenges Dine Find aims to face and a proven skillset to help realize our vision. In my role as an Advisor, I’m able to steer Dine Find toward community excellence, bringing my expertise in business development, strategy, and execution to help create lasting impact.    

My leadership journey has earned me several prestigious accolades, including EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2023 Prairies ®, Top 40 Under 40, and SAIT Distinguished Alumni. I now aim to leverage my influence and strategic insight to help Dine Find achieve its mission of leading Canada toward Inclusive Dining.    

Away from the office, I am deeply committed to philanthropy, marathon running, spending quality time with my friends and family, and actively supporting initiatives that uplift communities and enhance education.   

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Ivanca Urecheanu

Partnerships Coordinator

Ivanca Urecheanu

Partnerships Coordinator

My professional journey has spanned customer service, sales, marketing, and even a bit of construction. I started answering phones and assisting clients at 14, and I haven’t looked back, bringing that experience into the payment processing space today. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Business with a minor in History from the University of Calgary, which has provided me with a strong foundation in business strategy and communication. 

I initially joined Dine Find as a business opportunity and to collaborate with a friend on something exciting. However, as I began gathering data for the website, I quickly realized just how significant the issue of allergen-friendly dining options is. People with dietary restrictions often struggle to navigate incomplete or hard-to-find restaurant menus—or even have to call or visit restaurants to see if they offer viable options. This not only creates a hassle for customers, but it also puts added pressure on restaurant staff. Through Dine Find, I hope to help create a solution to bridge that gap. 

I’m deeply passionate about inclusive dining and the power of easy access to accurate, up-to-date information. I believe everyone should have a seat at the table, regardless of their dietary needs. Having seen friends struggle with limited options at restaurants or having to bring their own food to gatherings, I truly understand the importance of making dining inclusive for all. 

Outside of work, I love reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. These experiences continue to fuel my dedication to creating a platform that supports those with dietary restrictions and helps restaurants stay informed and embrace inclusivity. 

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Deborah Fonseca

Fundraising & Partnerships Coordinator

Deborah Fonseca

Fundraising & Partnerships Coordinator

With a background in media studies and extensive roots in advocacy, I’ve worked in spaces that promote safety, representation, and opportunity. I discovered my passion for creating equal opportunities in my second year of university when I started participating in school clubs. Through those connections I experienced the value of community and safe spaces for individuals of all backgrounds, propelling my efforts beyond university to promote my values. 

Beyond the academic space, I have also worked in the service industry for the past 5 years navigating the complexities of dietary restrictions from the other end. I've seen businesses that highly value equal dining, others that don't consider it very much, and everything in between. A huge takeaway is seeing the gratitude in guests who come in and can find certainty and accommodations through their food choices. 

Ultimately, my greatest passions lie in community and connection which usually revolves around food in some way. Coming from a family where all the biggest conversations happen around the dining table and every celebration requires a meal, I see the value in creating the spaces for everybody to have the opportunities to do the same. 

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Riley Turgeon

Web Content Writer

Riley Turgeon

Web Content Writer

With a background in journalism and a substantial history of writing news pieces, profiles, and academic essays, writing is my passion and craft. It took me until high school to realize that writing was more than a hobby and a viable career option; that was all I needed. I have always been fascinated by telling stories and being a journalist–I get the opportunity to share the amazing and intricate things of another person’s life.  
 
Being a part of the DineFind team provides me with a similar opportunity to tell stories but with the unique situation of talking about restaurants instead of people. In the role of Web Content Writer, I have a responsibility to provide readers with recommendations of healthy restaurant alternatives for all dietary restrictions as well as provide ideas on how to have a strong relationship between yourself and food. As someone who loves trying cuisines and experiencing different restaurants, this role was made for me.  
 
In my free time, I freelance for sports publications and consume as much sports content as possible. I enjoy participating in organized sports with friends, going to the gym and bouldering.  

Eating with dietary restrictions is tough. Trust us, we get it.

With firsthand experience navigating dietary restrictions like gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegetarian, we created from a place of deep empathy and understanding. We know how exhausting it can be to scan every menu, ask every question, and still wonder if your meal is safe.

Learn more about the “why” that drives everything we do.