An impressive roster of leaders will grace the University of Lethbridge campus for its inaugural International Women’s Day Leadership Conference on March 13.
Featuring keynote presentations by Manjit Minhas, CEO of Minhas Breweries, Distillery and Winery and CBC’s Dragons’ Den co-star, and Lori Campbell, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous Engagement at the University of Regina, the conference aims to bring people together for an afternoon of conversation, networking and inspiration.
“This event is about creating spaces of engagement with phenomenal individuals who have been change makers and have shifted the conversation around leadership and representation,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Under the theme — Telling Our Stories: Embracing Excellence — this conference will foster welcoming spaces of belonging for all voices, as well as share in the possibility and celebration of excellence as women/trans/queer or two-spirit individuals. The day promises to be a celebration of success and solidarity, and support and inspiration.
In addition to the keynote speakers, a panel of prominent local leaders will share their insights, formally establishing the ULethbridge Inspiring Leaders Forum. The panel includes:
- Cyndi Bester (BMus ’95, MEd ’01), CEO of Lethbridge and District Chamber of Commerce
- kii Nitsikainaakii (Sunwoman) Annette Fox-Bruised Head (BSc ’00, BEd ’02, MEd ’10), Indigenous Education Consultant at the University of Lethbridge
- Adriana Mercader, CEO of Flexahopper Plastics Ltd.
- Olutoyin (Toyin) Oyebola (BHSc ’18), co-founder of Genesis Exotic Market
“We have brought together thought leaders and innovators to offer an exceptional professional development experience right here in Lethbridge, and this is just the beginning,” says ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) and event co-host, Dr. Dena McMartin.
This year’s conference will focus on the importance of representation, safety, sponsorship and trust. These renowned speakers will delve into how to become a successful leader in a highly complex and rapidly changing space and share key leadership advice and insights on staying true to one’s values, story and identity.
The opportunity to bring this event to the ULethbridge campus will be pivotal, says event co-host Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).
“As a destination university, we continue to uphold our commitment to building bridges to the Lethbridge community and this year’s conference provides us with the opportunity to connect across our alumni networks, campuses and communities.”
Tickets are limited and on sale now. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, please email edi.office@uleth.ca or visit go.uleth.ca/IWD-conference.