I was at Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton, Alberta, implementing the biometrics system that allows the drop-in centre clients to access banking services without using physical plastics when the first client approached the desk and asked where the ID lady was. The client needed to visit a doctor and wanted to retrieve their health card that was being securely stored for them. Unfortunately, the ID lady was sick and so the client could not retrieve their own ID to visit a doctor. This happened over and over again throughout the day.

I realized that right there, in my hands, I held the technology that could change peoples lives, allowing them to have a fluid access to the services that they use on a daily basis. I left my employer and started IRL Authentication because I believe that I have the power to change the world.

Dan Stern

I was struggling to find passion for what I was doing. I wanted to help people and make a difference in the world and I had not felt that I was doing that. I was seeking an opportunity that invoked passion and made me feel like I was making that difference.

When Dan approached me with the social issue he had identified and the opportunity to participate in developing the IRL Authentication solution and business model I jumped at the chance. I was raised in a poor farming community and I have lived on the cusp of homelessness during many times in my life so I had seen and felt these issues first hand and the thought that I would finally be able to make a difference in my local community and beyond excites me and ignites that passion for what we can accomplish.