Workshop One:

Workshop title • 7 Ways To Beat Burnout: Without Quitting Your Job

Workshop Two:

Workshop title • Harness Your Energy – Build Your Resilience: Everyday Lessons To De-stress, Decompress and Engage More In Life

Profile:

For over 20 years, Beverly has used her S-O-S Principle™ with people and organizations who want to control their reactions to stress, build resiliency against life’s challenges, and live healthy, successful lives.

Beverly believes that resiliency is about building a plan that works, and one that is unique to the person and team who builds it. Beverly launched her company, R ‘n B Consulting, in 1995, and since then she has helped teams from a wide range of industries to shift from stressed out to resilient, enabling them to be happier, engaged, and successful.

Beverly’s psychology, sociology, management, and adult education background combine to create her Work Smart Live Smart presentations, which are soundly based in research, and are enlightening and inspirational. Audiences discover the right strategies to improve their health, manage their challenges, and enhance their life’s satisfaction using three simple questions.

Beverly is a sought-after media spokesperson and is a highly respected speaker. Diverse organizations from Enbridge Gas and the Ontario Veterinarian Association, to York Regional Police, and the Elementary Teachers Federation, have partnered with Beverly when they want to protect their mental health.

Beverly is one of less than seventy Canadians to have earned their Certified Speaking Professional designation and has been accredited as a Certified Virtual Presenter through eSpeakers and through Power Women WorldWide. Beverly’s ability to connect the theoretical to real life through her stories and humour, help her audiences to move past the challenges and into a world of possibilities.

Kaitlyn Blair

Co-Owner & Lead Designer, Spruce Homes, Corman Park, SK

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • My Story – From Family Ag Business to Real Estate

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Effective Social Media Marketing

Profile:

Born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri Kaitlyn married and moved north to her husbands home Province of Saskatchewan in 2014. After going back to the family Ag business for 2 years her and her husband decided to start their own venture, Spruce Homes. Never studying or working in the design and construction industry, they both learned through the school of “hard knocks” – Developing to be NOW one of Saskatoon’s most sought after home builders. Kaitlyn took it upon herself to learn social media marketing and has built a well known construction business within the  social world – Accounting 55% of their jobs over the last 6 years directly to their social media presence. With very little marketing dollars to spend Kaitlyn has grown a brand that people in the community now know and respect, all through the art of story telling.

Emily Bland

SeedEO, Sucseed, Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, St. John’s, NL

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: Agriculture is a broad and dynamic industry that is constantly changing. We have asked industry leaders and role models, what women can do to be the most effective leaders in today’s environment?

Profile:

Emily Bland is a social entrepreneur with an agricultural heart. She is a 3rd generation farmer from rural Newfoundland and Labrador and is the current Seed-EO of SucSeed; a hydroponic social enterprise that is on a mission to help the world grow. SucSeed designs and builds hydroponic gardens that are built by youth experiencing homelessness in partnership with Choices for Youth. SucSeed has gardens in over 2,000 schools educating over 40,000 students every year, over 2,000 homes and over 200 community groups across Canada. In 2021, SucSeed became the first B Corp in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Emily was named HSBC’s Women Leader of Tomorrow for Atlantic Canada and was awarded NLOWE’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and SucSeed was named the top Social Enterprise in Atlantic Canada. Emily is also a member of the Canadian Agriculture Youth Council and sits on the Board for the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network as well as the Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship.

Carly Bolin

Program Lead, W by ATB, Edmonton, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Workshop overview: You might not even realize your blind spots. Tangible actions to become the CEO, COO or CFO of your farm, family and life. It’s your time to rise!

Profile:

(She/Her) Hi, I’m Carly Bolin, Program Lead for W by ATB.  I am empowering Alberta women business owners and leaders like never before through banking. I am extremely passionate about the work I do because I look at the change that my mom led growing up and making a difference for women like me, and I want to continue that change for my daughters and son. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my husband, two daughters and son. We are usually bouncing between hockey, cheer, volleyball and gymnastics. My husband and I love to check out local restaurants and go to movies when we have time to ourselves. I am also on the board for Warrior Women’s collective, where we are uplifting the lives of all women in the Edmonton area.

Nikki Briggs

Head of W by ATB, ATB Business, Calgary, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: Agriculture is a broad and dynamic industry that is constantly changing. We have asked industry leaders and role models, what women can do to be the most effective leaders in today’s environment?

Profile:

As the leader behind W by ATB, Nikki is passionately dedicated to shaping a future where all women thrive as their most successful selves. With her unwavering commitment, Nikki spearheads the W by ATB team, orchestrating a paradigm shift in banking by revolutionizing processes, systems, and perceptions surrounding women-owned and led businesses. By focusing on access to capital, networking and industry expertise, W by ATB aims to empower women owned and led businesses.

Throughout Nikki’s career at ATB, she has held senior roles on AB’s Capital Markets team, in Corporate Credit, and as a Director of Infrastructure, Power & Structured Finance. In 2021, she assumed her current position.

Nikki has a background in agriculture – having been born and raised in a small rural town, on the South Island of New Zealand where her family farmed. Having left the dairy farm for the ‘big city’, she is passionate about highlighting the crucial role and immense value that women bring as business owners and leaders in agriculture.

Nikki holds a BComm (hons) in Economics and a BA in Psychology from the University of Otago.

Julie Dimitri

National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD Business Banking, Toronto, ON

Banquet Speaker

Presentation title • Be True to Yourself

Presentation overview: Sourcing from her personal experience in her career as an entrepreneur and now as a leader in a corporation, how has being true to herself impacted her successes. When we hold ourselves back, is it founded on external barriers or deep down on our inability to step out of our comfort zone.  Lastly, are we getting the right level of advice when it comes to our business finances but also our personal financial situation.

Profile:

Julie Dimitri holds 20+ years of professional experience.  She moved from Montreal to Toronto to open the Ontario operations of the business she had started with two partners in Quebec. Julie’s professional experience spams from business development, leading sales teams,  and startup operations. Passionate about professional development, she founded a women’s networking group in her first few years in her new city to grow her network and enable like-minded professional women to grow there’s. Twelve years of her experience has been in sales, offering human resources and talent management services to small to mid-size organizations. Since joining the financial industry, she has been instrumental in empowering sales force to elevate their overall practices, and continues to be known  for her coaching skills and drive for results.

Julie lives in mid-town Toronto with her two teenage girls, husband and cat. Passionate about performance, she stays active by boxing and going out for weekly trail runs.

Katelyn Duban

President,  Wild Rose Farmer Inc.,  Coalhurst, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • The B Word: Unmasking the Illusion and Redefining Success

Presentation overview: The B Word – it’s not what you think. This presentation blends humor and wisdom to challenge conventional notions, aim to redefine success, and offer a fresh perspective that embraces the dynamic ebb and flow of priorities and experiences.

Profile:

Katelyn Duban is a first-generation farmer, storyteller, and community builder. She has had the privilege of celebrating the stories of Women in Agriculture through her podcast, The Rural Woman Podcast, since 2019. With over half a million downloads, Duban has been able to reach and amplify the voices of rural women to a worldwide audience.

Amanda Feldbusch

Relationship Manager, Agriculture ATB, Edmonton, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • What Got You Here Won’t Get You There

Workshop overview: You might not even realize your blind spots. Tangible actions to become the CEO, COO or CFO of your farm, family and life. It’s your time to rise!

Profile:

Hi! I am Amanda Feldbusch, Agriculture Relationship Manager with ATB Financial. I have been doing what I love for almost 15 years now. I love to embrace and empower all women in Agriculture and I am able to do that through my career and volunteering. Since I was a kid my draw to Agriculture was strong and that passion and curiosity has stuck with me into my adult world. Not everyone can say they love what they do but I can and I do!  Some days it is hard to believe I get paid to do what I do each day. When I am not visiting producers or work in the office I am spending time with my beautiful family.  My husband and I have two wonderful children. Our son is 7 and loves to play hockey and enjoys the outdoors. Our daughter is 5 and she loves to dance and is an animal lover like her mom.  As a family you can usually find us at the hockey rink, dance studio, riding horses, camping or just being with nature. We live in small town Southern Alberta and love it all. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering – whether it be School Parent Council, helping my son’s hockey team or helping on Board for our local Ag Society here in Taber, Alberta I embrace it all. I am very fortunate to be where I am today and can not wait to meet all you wonderful ladies!

Dianne Finstad

Moderator/Program Host, Red Deer County, AB

Master of Ceremonies

Profile:

Dianne Finstad used her southern Alberta farm roots to build what’s become a long communications career in television, radio and writing; covering agriculture and rodeo. She’s based in the Red Deer area and is honored to have been part of the AWC family from the start. Dianne serves on the board for Lakeland College, and is a past board member at Westerner Park. Along with Emceeing, announcing and writing stories, you can find Dianne on RFD-TV Canada and The Cowboy Channel Canada with her show called Frontline Farming Canada.

Melody Garner-Skiba

Owner, Rocking Heart Ranch, Waterton, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Nothing Is Stopping You But Air & Fear!

Presentation overview: Walk alongside Melody as she talks about her journey where she swallowed her fear and embraced her power. Her power to pivot, grow, mentor, and lead will be illustrated by real life examples with tangible messages for you to take home and instill in your daily life.

Profile:

Melody Garner-Skiba has spent her life with one foot in agriculture and one foot in industry. Raised at Rocking Heart Ranch when it was a cow/calf operation she spent her childhood on the back of a horse and working alongside her dad as his “hired man”. Graduating from the U of L with a Bachelor of Management, she has spent the last 23 years in various senior and executive leadership positions in a variety of industries including non-profit, hospitality, construction, and until recently as the ED of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and President of the Canadian Sugar Beet Producers. She switched her focus to be full time back at home running the family ranch which includes an equine breeding operation, agri-tourism and learning venture, and selling aggregate. She also started a new consulting firm called “Garnering Results” which focuses on providing services for various sectors including agriculture, non-profits, and economic development. She is a wife, mother, and a recipient of the 2023 AFSC Women in Ag Award as well as current President of the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association and Past President of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. Her passion is building community and people to ensure the ag industry is strong and growing!

Christine Gillespie

President & CEO, Gaia Global Advisors, Calgary, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Unlocking Your Career’s Potential

Presentation overview: We often get a lot of advice to get our careers started, how to land the first job, how deliver results, but then sometimes we get stuck, unsure of how to progess further.  This presentation will help you develop strategies to unlock your career’s potential.

Profile:

Ms. Gillespie is a Corporate Director & Agribusiness Executive. She is currently President & CEO of her own firm, Gaia Global Advisors. Prior to Gaia, her 25-year career with Nutrien Ltd. and predecessor Agrium Inc. culminated in executive roles including VP, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; Managing Director, Europe. Her diverse professional background includes North American and International P&L operations; business transformation; international corporate development & strategy in China, India, Africa, and Europe; supply chain and investor relations. She is multi-faceted leader who spearheads critical initiatives including turnarounds, M&A, integration, product adoption and delivers operational improvements streamlining process, reducing costs, and building teams that outperform in terms of performance, safety, and employee engagement.

She has served on numerous Boards, including Calgary Economic Development, Highbanks Society, Neptune Bulk Terminals, a number of International Joint Ventures in both fertilizer and ocean shipping in Europe, North Africa, and North America. She was also Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committees of both Fertilizer Canada and The Fertilizer Institute; and is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Calgary Chapter Executive.

She has spear-headed several initiatives to increase female representation in the agricultural industry, including cofounding the Agrium’s Women’s Leadership Group (now WIN).

Ms. Gillespie holds the ICD.D designation and is a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. She holds a MBA and B.Comm. with Distinction, both from University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business, and has been recognized with numerous academic awards. She is fluent in English & French.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/c-gillespie

Hayley Hesseln

Associate Professor, Dr., University of Saskatchewan & EI Advantage, Saskatoon, SK

Workshop Speaker – Sunday Afternoon Special Session

Workshop title • Leverage Your Emotional Intelligence for Success

Workshop overview: Recognizing and managing your emotions is essential when it comes to success in your personal and professional life. Learn how to hone emotional skills to enhance relationships, manage stress, and develop your leadership skills.

Profile:

Hayley is an executive coach and co-founder of EI Advantage and the Department Head and Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. She has a PhD from Colorado State University in Forest Economics and is a Certified Executive Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation.  Hayley teaches agricultural economics, offers executive coaching, and has developed courses for clients in industry and government to develop emotional intelligence and leadership skills.

Elizabeth Hucker

AVP Marketing and Sales – Bulk, CPKC, Calgary, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: As consumers, we are now surrounded by an abundance of new technology. It’s important to consider what driving forces and technologies will be crucial in the fields of agriculture and food. With the emergence of technologies such as robotics, AI, biologicals, transgenic, genomics, and indoor farming, we need to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with them. What developments should we be keeping an eye on in the coming days?

Profile:

Elizabeth Hucker became Assistant Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Bulk in April 2023.  In this role, she is responsible for commercial customer relationships and product marketing for CPKC’s Bulk portfolio including grain, ethanol, potash, coal and sulphur.

Elizabeth joined CPKC in 2001 and has held several positions in Marketing and Sales and Customer Service, touching all the commodities CPKC ships.  Most recently as the Assistant Vice-President, Sales and Marketing for Canadian Grain.  In addition to her commercial responsibilities, Elizabeth sits on CPKC’s Women’s Leadership Network steering committee.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, Marketing from the University of Ottawa.

Veronica Jaramillo

Food Science Student at McGill Univeristy & Co-Founder, The Food Truth Project, Pointe-Claire, QC

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Fact vs Fiction: Confronting the Epidemic of Food and Wellness misinformation on social media with Food Scientists.

Workshop overview: Feeling overwhelmed by the information on your social media feed when it comes to food choices? Come see Veronica and Priscilla, two food scientists, help you to be able to identify and debunk the biggest food and wellness myths that are taking the internet by storm.

Profile:

Veronica Jaramillo, a final-year food science student at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, found her calling amidst the chaos of food misinformation that plagued her upbringing. Motivated by the desire to unravel the science behind food, and empower young people, particularly women & girls, Veronica embarked on her journey into food science. Before her food science career, Veronica’s academic pursuits centred around classical music, earning her a degree in classical flute. Balancing her passion for music and studies, she currently runs a private music studio, teaching piano and flute. Veronica also manages @kyriethebus, her renovated mini school bus turned tiny home, where she travels and rents across Canada. Recognizing the esclalating epidemic of food, nutrition, and wellness misinformation, Veronica took action. Alongside her friend and fellow food scientist, Priscilla Leftakis, she founded the Food Truth Project during her degree. Together, they travel across Canada, conducting workshops to equip people with the tools to identify misinformation, foster critical thinking and navigate social media. Veronica’s multifaceted journey reflects her commitment to bridging the gap between science, food, and the wellbeing of her community.

Carol Kinsey Goman

Ph.D., President, Kinsey Consulting Services, Berkeley, CA

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • The Power of Presence for Woman Who Lead

Workshop overview: Leadership presence depends entirely on how other people evaluate you — and women face unique challenges when it comes to being perceived as leaders. While you don’t have total control over people’s perception, you have more control than you think.

Profile:

Carol Kinsey Goman, Ph.D., helps talented professionals like you build stronger influence and impact skills. She is a sought-after international speaker who has addressed women’s audiences for organizations including Women@Google, Amazon, Ameriprise, Expedia, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Stanford University, CFA Society Vancouver, Women Leaders in Law Enforcement, European Women in Technology, Women at Workday, the Women’s Leadership Conference in Trinidad, and the African Transformational Leadership Summit in Nairobi.

The author of thirteen business books, including her latest, the award-winning “STAND OUT: How to Build Your Leadership Presence,” Carol is a leadership blogger for Forbes, a content expert with the e-learning company, Athena Online, and a faculty member for the Institute for Management Studies. She has just updated her best-selling video course, “Body Language for Leaders and Managers” (which has close to 3 million views) for LinkedIn Learning.

 She’s also been a therapist in private practice, a nightclub performer, and a majorette for the 49er football team—but not in that order.

Hubba Khatoon

Regional Innovation Director (Prairies), Canadian Food Innovation Network, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Navigating Funding and Collaboration Opportunities with CFIN

Workshop overview: This workshop guides participants through the challenges and solutions in the Canadian food innovation landscape, emphasizing collaboration and accessing funding opportunities provided by the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN). From understanding CFIN’s mission to exploring success stories and the intricacies of funding applications, participants will gain insights to foster innovation and propel their businesses forward.

Profile:

Hubba Khatoon is a rising leader in the Canadian innovation landscape, with a strong focus on driving transformative change in the food industry. As the Regional Innovation Director for the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) in Prairies Canada, she brings a wealth of experience in fostering collaborations, advising, and investing in innovation ecosystems. Hubba’s exceptional career trajectory includes roles as an economic development synergist at Calgary Economic Development and Prairies Economic Development Canada, where she demonstrated a proven ability to spur innovation and economic growth.

Hubba Khatoon’s dedication to food innovation extends beyond conventional boundaries. She values transformation as a key driver and is deeply interested in the entire food innovation ecosystem. Recognizing that innovation encompasses not only novel products but also fundamental shifts in production, distribution, and consumption, Hubba plays a pivotal role in reshaping the industry’s landscape in Prairies Canada. Her commitment to fostering collaborations among startups and SMEs, industry leaders, research institutions, and government organizations underscores her ability to catalyze impactful change. Through her role at CFIN, Hubba continues to advance the Canadian food sector’s growth and global competitiveness, underlining her status as a trailblazer in Canadian innovation.

Sherry Lees

Vice President Finance, Parrish & Heimbecker, Winnipeg, MB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: As consumers, we are now surrounded by an abundance of new technology. It’s important to consider what driving forces and technologies will be crucial in the fields of agriculture and food. With the emergence of technologies such as robotics, AI, biologicals, transgenic, genomics, and indoor farming, we need to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with them. What developments should we be keeping an eye on in the coming days?

Profile:

Sherry grew up on a grain farm in Southern Manitoba with deep family roots in Agriculture. Earning her Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree and later her Chartered Accountant designation articling for PricewaterhouseCoopers, she quickly gravitated to the agricultural clients of the firm.  This lead to a 30+ year career in the Ag industry moving through various roles to today where she works as the Vice President Finance for Parrish & Heimbecker. A mom to two adult children and two fur babies, Sherry and her husband live in a lake community to the east of Winnipeg where she enjoys many outdoor activities year round.

Priscilla Leftakis

Co-founder of TheFoodTruthProject & QCM at Yourbarfactory, The Food Truth Project, Châteauguay, QC

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Fact vs Fiction: Confronting the Epidemic of Food and Wellness misinformation on social media with Food Scientists.

Workshop overview: Feeling overwhelmed by the information on your social media feed when it comes to food choices? Come see Veronica and Priscilla, two food scientists, help you to be able to identify and debunk the biggest food and wellness myths that are taking the internet by storm.

Profile:

Priscilla graduated with a Bachelors in Food Science & Agricultural Chemistry at McGill University in 2023 and is the co-founder of TheFoodTruthProject. She was raised in Montreal, Quebec and has a passion for food chemistry travelling, and debunking common myths on social media. Raised by a hardworking & career oriented mother, she knew from a very young age that. She currently wor awesome things would be in store for her. She currently works as a quality control manager at Yourbarfactory, a company specializing in allergen-free products such as protein squares and granola bars. As a food scientist, she oftens encounters misleading information on food and nutrition online, which is truly troubling…With the help of her classmate Veronica, TheFoodTruthProject aims to debunk myths found on social media and give people the tools to better filter out information when it comes to food, nutrition and wellness.

Trina McCarroll

Advisor & Facilitator, Hello Courage, Camrose, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Contributing to High-Performing Ag Teams (in two parts)

Workshop overview: Almost everyone in agriculture is part of many teams ranging from farm family work, support systems, industry associations, community non-profits, 4-H clubs, and school groups to corporate teams. It’s frustrating and unproductive when teams don’t function well or when you aren’t heard or valued.

In Part 1 of this workshop, we will learn and discuss how to courageously live out your values, maximize your strengths, and remember the human side of your group.

In Part 2 of this workshop, we will consider how to intentionally build connections with your colleagues and refine your strategic contributions as part of a thriving, successful team.

Profile:

Trina McCarroll was raised on a multi-generation, multi-family grain farm. Trina now blends her rural roots with her business experience to support organizations across Western Canada to achieve their strategic goals through courageous leadership and connected culture. She believes that organizations are most successful when we recognize the humanity one another and maximize each other’s strengths.

Trina is the founder of Hello Courage, a facilitation and consulting firm that specializes in strategy, culture, and leadership.  As a Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) and Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Trina’s expertise includes strategic planning, performance metrics, organizational development, and public engagement. She is trained through Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead program and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta.

Trina lives with her husband and three young kids in Camrose, Alberta near extended family members who farm, ranch, and rodeo. She is a 4-H alumnus, public speaking judge, and active community volunteer.

Jennifer Mercer

Director, Talent Attraction & Sourcing, Nutrien, Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title: Power of Pivoting

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Profile:

Jennifer Mercer, Director, Talent Attraction & Sourcing, has been told she’s “an anomaly for an engineer”, is a leader who overcame having a high school teacher tell her she has an “independent thinking problem”, believes in teaching her two sons how to cook, budget, and do laundry are true “life lessons”, and knows every person has a bit of rocket scientist in them! Jennifer is a professional engineer who joined Nutrien in 2012, after spending 15 years working in the Pulp & Paper Industry on both Canadian coasts. She spent almost 8 years working at the Redwater Nitrogen Operation as the Capital Project Senior Supervisor and Maintenance Superintendent, moved to Joffre Nitrogen Operations as the General Manager for 3 years and then completely pivoted her career into the Talent Attraction space to recruit new employees for Nutrien in Canada, USA, and Trinidad. She graduated from Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Chemistry & Biology, with a Mathematics minor, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree, in Chemical Engineering. Jennifer is a strong advocate and encourages every opportunity for diverse perspectives, challenging her team to think outside the box, believes in having the empathy to think and contribute beyond just herself, and seeks out a platform to demonstrate we always have the time for everyone’s ideas. Jennifer has spent her career encouraging and supporting not only the people in the minority, but also grows and develops the people in the majority, and is finding joy in her new role to give back and help others advance their careers.

Workshop Speaker:

Workshop title • Impact Leadership: how to be a confident and connected leader

Profile:

Trisha Miltimore is an International Speaker empowering teams, leaders and HUMANS to engineer their own DEEPLY SATISFYING LIFE EXPERIENCE. As a momma of four, lead Passion Igniter at Contagious Leadership Training, Trish knows first hand the hardships and privileges of PURSUING YOUR PASSION including what it takes to ignite and maintain an attitude of success. A curator of WorkLife Synergy Habits + Hacks, Trisha teaches proven LifeTool Strategies to reach your goals and FLOURISH at the same time. She regularly facilitates workshops, learning days and keynotes for organizations, management and their teams.

Alex Nimmo

Senior Portfolio Manager, TD Private Investment Counsel, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Are you at the Table?

Workshop overview: When it comes to financial management and independence: know your options when it comes to investments. There are no free lunches and if it sounds too good to be true, generally it is.

Profile:

Alex joined Private Investment Counsel in 2021. Previously he worked with TD Asset Management since 2016. Alex graduated with honours from the University of Saskatchewan with a BCom in Finance and has received his Chartered Financial Analyst Designation. He is an active member of the CFA Institute, and Calgary CFA Society. Alex enjoys skiing, biking, and fishing, and is an avid golfer in the summer months.

Nathalie Paquin

Plant General Manager, Cargill, Calgary, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: Agriculture is a broad and dynamic industry that is constantly changing. We have asked industry leaders and role models, what women can do to be the most effective leaders in today’s environment?

Profile:

I grew up in a small town in Quebec and had a though about a career path in pharmaceutical or medical with my medical biology degree. Life being a great coach, after the birth of my 2 kids, I started as a lab tech for cook ham plant under the umbrella of Salaison Brochu – now Olymel. 5 years later I became the superintendent of the slaughter room and fabrication floors. Here I am, single mom, overseeing 300 tough guys. Not a small task but I discovered a passion for operations and getting things better for everyone around me. I love help people to grow and see who they become. I have been always true to my personal value and believe that made me who I am today. Looking back I have a diverse experience in food industry leading people for small businesses and big corporations. I went from pork, to potato chips (Pepsi-CO), to gluten free oat milling to finally where I am today as Plant manager for the Cargill Case Ready plant in Calgary.

Kalen Paulson

Product Coordinator, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, Edmonton, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: As consumers, we are now surrounded by an abundance of new technology. It’s important to consider what driving forces and technologies will be crucial in the fields of agriculture and food. With the emergence of technologies such as robotics, AI, biologicals, transgenic, genomics, and indoor farming, we need to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with them. What developments should we be keeping an eye on in the coming days?

Profile:

Kalen grew up on a small hobby farm in interior BC where her passion for agriculture was ignited. Upon graduating high school, she moved to Edmonton, AB where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the U of A before starting her career in agriculture with Agriculture Financial Services Corporation as a Client Service Representative. She took every opportunity available with AFSC in different roles before finding her place as a Product Coordinator in the Product Innovation department at AFSC. As a Product Coordinator, she is able to support the agriculture industry in Alberta through development of new programs and program enhancements.

Meghan Pedros

Meghan Pedros, National Manager, Business Banking Programs, TD Bank Group, Oakville,  ON

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Show up and STAND OUT!

Workshop overview: Confidence gives us courage, resilience, motivation and a belief in our own ability to succeed.  In this guided workshop, you’ll learn tips and tricks on how to build confidence and enhance your personal brand so you can show up, stand out and achieve your full potential.

Profile:

Meghan Pedros is a career-oriented wife, hockey mom, marathoner, mentor and brand ambassador with a passion for developing others through inspiration, mentorship and integrity. With her almost two decade career with TD, she has held a series of progressive roles in Retail, Direct Channels, Wealth Management and Human Resources, to name a few. Having led several leadership development programs across the bank, Meghan holds a strong passion for inspiring and developing others to maximize their full potential in any role they acquire.  In her current role as National Manager, Business Banking Programs, Meghan leads the diversity sourcing and recruitment strategy for our Associate Programs across Canada while continuing to play an active role in supporting Women in Leadership initiatives both internally and externally.

Ashley Perepelkin

Co-Owner, Perepelkin Farms, Condor, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Am I a Farmer? – Dealing with imposter syndrome

Presentation overview: Born and raised city girl who fell in love with cows. Business owner and entrepreneur.

Profile:

Ashley lives on a farm with her husband and four children, along with her 100 cow calf pairs, fat steers, replacement heifers and bull prospects. Born and raised in the city Ashley was not privy to the farm life, however, through continuing education, trials and tribulations Ashley has become a successful herdsman as well as business owner though ‘farm to table’ beef sales. When Ashley is not busy on the farm, she is in the stands cheering on her eldest daughter in cheer, and her eldest son playing hockey. Ashley always has an ‘open door’ policy on the farm and if you ever come over and can not find her, just head down to the barn and that’s where she will be. Coming from the city and moving to the farm has given Ashley the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. Come to the presentation to learn more about Ashley and her journey.

Megz Reynolds

Executive Director, The Do More Agriculture Foundation, Diamond Valley, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: Agriculture is a broad and dynamic industry that is constantly changing. We have asked industry leaders and role models, what women can do to be the most effective leaders in today’s environment?

Profile:

Megz has first hand experience in agriculture as a former grain farmer and is personally familiar with the unique challenges the industry faces. Through grassroots advocacy and policy work Megz has been part of creating change at a provincial, federal and global level, always with a focus on the mental health of producers and the industry as a whole. As the Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation Megz is using her background and lived experience to continue the conversation, raise awareness for mental health in agriculture, create community, build and strengthen partnerships and do more for those in agriculture, their families and rural communities.

Linda Rietveld

Director & Group Lead, Alberta Agriculture, Scotiabank, Calgary, AB

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: As consumers, we are now surrounded by an abundance of new technology. It’s important to consider what driving forces and technologies will be crucial in the fields of agriculture and food. With the emergence of technologies such as robotics, AI, biologicals, transgenic, genomics, and indoor farming, we need to be aware of the benefits and risks associated with them. What developments should we be keeping an eye on in the coming days?

Profile:

Linda has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined Scotiabank in 2008 and recently became the Director and Group Lead for the Alberta Agriculture team. She leads a team of passionate agricultural bankers across Alberta. Throughout her 16 years with Scotiabank, she has worked within the Retail, Small Business and Commercial Banking teams in leadership positions. Majority of her career has been spent living in rural communities with a strong agricultural presence and strong community involvement. She has always had a passion for agriculture with being raised on a dairy and grain farm east of Edmonton. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Financial Services with a CFP designation from Lakeland College.

Workshop Speaker:

Workshop title • Discovering Your Speaker’s Edge: Unlock Your Confident and Authentic Speaker Self

Profile:

Communication expert Lauren Sergy has helped thousands of people become more effective leaders by developing critical communication skills such as persuasion, public speaking, and executive presence. She has worked with clients and audiences in Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe including Cargill, KPMG, 3M, the University of Alberta, McMaster Universtiy and many more. Her first book, “The Handy Communication Answer Book,” was featured on Library Journal’s Best Reference Books of 2017 list.  Her latest book, “UNMUTE! How to Master Virtual Meetings and Reclaim Your Sanity” is now available via all major online booksellers. You can learn more about her work at https://LaurenSergy.com.

Lisa Tong

Senior Portfolio Manager, TD Private Investment Counsel, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Are you at the Table?

Workshop overview: When it comes to financial management and independence: know your options when it comes to investments. There are no free lunches and if it sounds too good to be true, generally it is.

Profile:

Lisa joined Private Investment Counsel in 1999. She started with Canada Trust in 1993 and continued with Canada Trust after the companies merged. Lisa is a graduate of the University of Calgary (BA Economics) and has received her Chartered Financial Analyst designation. She is a member of the CFA Institute and the Calgary CFA Society. Lisa is also fluent in Cantonese and Toisanese. Lisa enjoys biking, paddle boarding, and snowboarding.

Jo Simmons

Senior Advisor, Learning and Development, Nutrien, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Personal Branding

Workshop overview:Explore your professional values and use them as a basis to build your brand.  Design your elevator pitch which succinctly explains who you are and what you stand for.

Profile:

As a Senior Advisor in Learning and Development I get the privilege of working with leaders across Nutrien to design and implement facilitator led experiences that advance leadership and the efficacy of teams. I am passionate about having learning moments that inspire connection, impact leaders in real life and grow a culture of care.

My family play an enormous part in my life, I am mother to two wonderful daughters who inspire me to strive to be the best version of myself and to continue to work on my patience. I also have 2 furry rescue babies, a small dog from Mexico and an American Akita rescue, they keep me active and remind me to seek the joy in simple things. If I had unlimited time and money, I would spend more time travelling with my family and seeking out new perspectives and experiences.

Lauren Van Ewyk

CEO/Co-Founder of National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Courtright, ON

Workshop Speaker – Sunday Afternoon Special Session

Workshop title • You Were Made to Thrive

Workshop Two:

Workshop title • Conflict, Boundaries and De-escalation: Learning to Thrive in the Midst of Conflict

Workshop Three:

Workshop title • Better to Best: Becoming a Level 5 leader

Profile:

Lauren Van Ewyk is an engaging speaker, registered social worker, foster mom and agricultural mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television and print articles concerning the issues of adoption, foster care, mental wellness and mental health in the agriculture sector. She and her husband raise sheep in southwestern Ontario. She is a doctoral student, founding member, and CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance; Lauren seeks to meet the needs of farmers and their families across Canada and the US.

Kendra Wack

Executive Director, FEAD (Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development), Saskatoon, SK

Sponsor Panel Speaker

Leader Panel Discussion

Panel Discussion overview: Agriculture is a broad and dynamic industry that is constantly changing. We have asked industry leaders and role models, what women can do to be the most effective leaders in today’s environment?

Consultant, Degree Three Consultancy, and Executive Director, FEAD (Female Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food Development), Saskatoon, SK

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Communicate with Strategy: Creating Alignment and Influence with a Values First Approach

Profile:

 Kendra is a Saskatchewan-based, business professional with extensive experience in highly technical organizations. She has focused on developing acumen in business development, partnerships, strategy, communications, project management, and leadership. Kendra has a proven track record of founding and developing successful businesses, strategies, communications, and marketing plans that have led to increased revenue and market share. Kendra is passionate about using her expertise to drive stakeholder approval, growth, and success in government, the agri-food, biotechnology, retail/services, and health sectors. With strong business acumen and exceptional communication skills, she is able to build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, investors, and clients. She is community-driven and sits on multiple boards and committees. Kendra is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship, agriculture, and driving reconciliation efforts. Kendra is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in her field to provide the best possible results.

Kendra supports businesses in her community and network with coaching, consulting, and creative support through design, strategy, and framework development. Businesses that Kendra has supported include non-profits, private businesses, and publicly traded billion-dollar firms. She has a significant history of entrepreneurship and giving back through community initiatives. Kendras’ press releases have been featured across national and global outlets including; CBC, CTV, Yahoo Finance, Financial Post, Business Wire, MorningStar, Globe and Mail, Toronto Sun, National Post, Vancouver Sun, Toronto Star, Western Producer,  Germination, CEO.ca, Seed World Europe, and many other outlets.

Karlene Yakemchuk

Farmer & Independent Consultant, Scattered Spruce Salers (Farm) & Scattered Spruce Ag Services Ltd (Consulting Firm), Hairy Hill, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • The Journey to Girlboss

Presentation overview: The 20,000 ft view and synopsis of a young female farmer and independent consultant, carving her way from day job to entrepreneur, balancing farm life, young children, and life in the fast lane. Trials and tribulations, and most importantly, learnings.

Profile:

Karlene Yakemchuk is part of a fourth-generation mixed farming operation, Scattered Spruce Salers where her husband James and their two daughters, Mckinley and Emersyn raise purebred Salers and cash crops alongside her husbands family. Karlene is a graduate from Lakeland College and the University of Alberta with a diploma and degree in Environmental Sciences holding her Professional Agrologist designation and Certified Crop Adviser certification. Since graduation, Karlene has worked in the crop sector working for manufacturers, ag retails and seed companies garnering lots of experience from different perspectives in the crop sector. Karlene is the founder and owner of Scattered Spruce Ag Services Ltd., where she has combined her passion for helping farmers with assisting them on agronomic technical plans for their operations, while also assisting them in grant applications all as part of her independent consulting business. Helping other farmers succeed, and Canadian agribusiness succeed, are huge passions for Karlene. In her spare time, Karlene also leads the Alberta Salers Association as President focused on breed and breeder promotion for the province of Alberta, and she volunteers for her local ag society in Two Hills.