Conference Program February 8, 2014
Achiever Activator Adaptable Analytical Arranger Belief Command
WELCOME Communication Competition Connectedness Consistency Context Deliberative Developer Discipline Empathy Focus Futuristic Harmony Ideation Includer Individualization Input Intellect Learner Maximizer Positivity Relator Responsibility Restorative Self-Assurance Significance Strategic Woo
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Welcome to the University of Calgary’s 2014 Leadership Exchange! Each of you has a unique voice, a distinct leadership style, passion, drive, and a desire to make an impact in your community. With this in mind, today is all about helping each of you “Realize Your Potential,” which is also this year’s theme. Throughout the course of the day, you will have the opportunity to attend interactive sessions and featured speaker panels of industry professionals who will share their stories. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear a phenomenal keynote speech from ultra-marathon runner and adventurer Ray Zahab. We encourage you to make the most of today. Reflect, network and ask questions. Today is also about stepping outside of your comfort zone and continually challenging yourself to try new things. By attending this event, you have already taken a step towards these goals. No matter which degree program or major you are enrolled in, there is guaranteed to be something for you to take away from today’s conference. After the Leadership Exchange is over, we also encourage you to continue taking advantage of programs like Leadership Advising and many other programs on-campus that will help you continue building your leadership toolkit. We hope that you enjoy the day, and wish you continued success along your leadership journey!
Leadership Exchange Planning Team 2014
CONTENTS
Schedule ..................6 Workshops .............10 Keynote ...................14 Panels .......................16 Your Strengths .....24
SCHEDULE Time
Activity
8:15 - 8:55 am
Check-In/Registration (MacEwan Hall A/B)
9:00 - 9:30 am
An Introduction to Strengths Based Leadership
9:30 - 10:00 am
Welcome Remarks
10:10 - 1:30 pm
Leadership in Sustainability Program - running concurrently
10:10 - 11:10 am
Featured Speaker Panel Block #1
11:20 - 12:20 pm
Interactive Session Block
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Lunch
1:40 - 2:40 pm
Featured Speaker Panel Block #2
2:40 - 3:00 pm
Break
3:00 - 4:15 pm
Keynote/Q&A
4:15 pm
Closing
Room
10:10 – 11:10am
Cassio A
Cassio B
Leadership Lifeline Facilitated by: Caitlin Kane, Leadership and Student Engagement, UCalgary
Escalus Leaders in Healthcare Moderator: Xander Harris Bianca Leaders in Science Moderator: Morgan Foret ICT 121 Leaders in Arts & Culture Moderator: Kelsy Norman ICT 122 Leaders in Business & Entrepreneurship Moderator: Jessy Cheung
11:20 – 12:20pm
1:40 – 2:40 pm
Tag: You’re It! Facilitated by: Kelly Gallant, Career Services, UCalgary
Leaders in Social Responsibility & Sustainability Moderator: Scott Weir
Developing Resiliency to Stress Through Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness Facilitated by: Derek Luk, Students’ Union Wellness Centre, UCalgary
Leadership Lifeline Facilitated by: Camille de Lacy, Leadership and Student Engagement, UCalgary
Leadership Through Improvisation Facilitated by: Tina Lambert, School of Creative and Performing Arts, UCalgary
Leaders in Sports & Coaching Moderator: Paula Kutzner
Acting for Everyday Presence Facilitated by: Mike Czuba, School of Creative and Performing Arts, UCalgary
Leaders in Education & Not-For-Profit Moderator: Nillie Hasanova
Understanding Skills, Fear and Potential Facilitated by: Pam Aranas, Alumni Association, UCalgary
Leaders in Engineering & Oil and Gas Moderator: Stephanie Hlousek
Authenticity: The Potential Within You Facilitated by: Renee Sperling and Teri Cameron, Leadership and Student Engagement, UCalgary
Science B, 142
Volunteering for the World: Service-Learning and Social Justice Facilitated by: Dave Vaughan, Residence Education, UCalgary
Science B, 146
StrenghtsFinder: BuildME! Facilitated by: Jamie Everett, Leadership and Student Engagement, UCalgary
Science B, 148
StrenghtsFinder: Top 5 Talents Facilitated by: Alycia Lauzon, Centre for CommunityEngaged Learning, UCalgary
WORKSHOPS MacEwan Student Centre, Science B and ICT Rooms
Cassio A 11:20am-12:20pm
Tag: You’re It! Facilitated by: Kelly Gallant, Career Services, University of Calgary Going on a date? Chances are that your “blind” date has Googled your name already. Going to a job interview? Ditto! Did you know that 86% of recruiters say they are likely to look at social media profiles? Join me to discuss the trends in recruiting using social media with consideration to your professional brand - both online and offline. Discover how to present your authentic self.
Cassio B 10:10am-11:10am
Leadership Lifeline Facilitated by: Caitlin Kane, Leadership and Student Engagement, University of Calgary Your life has been touched and developed by a variety of experiences and people, and your journey as a leader has similarly been influenced in myriad ways. In this session, students are called to reflect upon the people, teams, travels, adventures, opportunities, circumstances, events, or other situations that have contributed to or guided their leadership development. The Leadership Lifeline is an integral building block to knowing how you lead, as it enables you to be cognizant of what has impacted your journey as a leader.
Cassio B 11:20am-12:20pm
Developing Resiliency to Stress Through Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness Facilitated by: Derek Luk, Students’ Union Wellness Centre, University of Calgary University students are facing an overwhelming amount of stress related to their academic careers. This type of toxic stress will inevitably affect students’ success at reaching their true potential. In this session, students will learn proactive approaches in addressing this issue. Concepts such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making will all be discussed. In this session we will also discuss how mindfulness is linked to the science of neuroplasticity in revealing the health and emotional benefits of this traditional practice. By showing how the simple act of repetition can create physical changes to the brain, and that changing one’s attention to view difficult events as meaningful and purposeful, students will be able to live the life they have and a life that truly matters.
Cassio B 1:40pm-2:40pm
Leadership Lifeline Facilitated by: Camille de Lacy, Leadership and Student Engagement, University of Calgary Your life has been touched and developed by a variety of experiences and people, and your journey as a leader has similarly been influenced in myriad ways. In this session, students are called to reflect upon the people, teams, travels, adventures, opportunities, circumstances, events, or other situations that have contributed to or guided their leadership development. The Leadership Lifeline is an integral building block to knowing how you lead, as it enables you to be cognizant of what has impacted your journey as a leader.
Escalus 11:20am-12:20pm
Leadership Through Improvisation Facilitated by: Tina Lambert, School of Creative and Performing Arts, University of Calgary Using Improvisation as a leadership tool allows for multiple leaders within a team to work towards achieving a common objective through a spontaneous creative process that encourages flexibility, collaboration and curiosity. The nature of improvisation allows the team to accept each suggestion and explore its potential (and therefore delay pre-mature judgment), which not only leads to innovative solutions but also encourages trust, respect and an openness to multiple perspectives. Through interactive exercises, this workshop will introduce leaders to techniques of improvisation that relate to leadership styles and team dynamics while also optimizing responsiveness and adaptability.
Bianca 11:20am-12:20pm
Acting for Everyday Presence Facilitated by: Mike Czuba, School of Creative and Performing Arts, University of Calgary Acting for Everyday Presence focuses on the basic principles of acting to develop techniques to engage audiences and to be comfortable while making public presentations, whether delivered in a professional setting (as a class presentation), in a formal setting (as a wedding toast) or in a casual setting. The learning objectives of this workshop include connecting to breath and voice; re-connection to the body; understanding self-judgment; and recognizing the ability to take risks. The benefits of this workshop extend beyond formal leadership situations and can be layered into our everyday lives and our daily conversations.
ICT 121 11:20am-12:20pm
Understanding Skills, Fear and Potential Facilitated by: Pam Aranas, Alumni Association, University of Calgary We think of fear as a big, scary, audacious being that encapsulates and overtakes our lives, but is this necessarily bad? Are there ways that fear can manifest itself into a more robust understanding of who we are and how we approach our everyday lives? This workshop seeks to explore and answer these questions. We will look at how to transform and apply your own skill-set to your personal, academic and professional life, use fear in a positive way, and understand how these work together to unlock your potential.
ICT 122 11:20am-12:20pm
Authenticity: The Potential Within You Facilitated by: Renee Sperling and Teri Cameron, Leadership and Student Engagement, University of Calgary We are often asked what defines a leader as though there were a checklist of traits that one must obtain in order to have that title. In this session we will reframe this question and instead as ‘What defines you’. It is important to take the time to reflect upon one’s driving forces, what one values, and how one is motivated. We will explore the importance of living and leading in such a way that is authentic to one’s values, recognizing that this can be a challenge (or something). Inspired by the work of Brené Brown, this session will help participants explore the power of living authentically. “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
Science B, 142 11:20am-12:20pm
Volunteering for the World: Service-Learning and Social Justice Facilitated by: Dave Vaughan, Residence Education, University of Calgary This interactive lab walks participants through some of the key elements of a service learning program. Participants will explore the concept of privilege and social justice, two crucial components of many service learning experiences. The workshop begs students to look outside simply volunteering to discover more of themselves and the impact they have on the world. Those looking to get involved in this opportunity, have had past experiences with a similar opportunity or those who have never heard of something like this before are all encouraged to attend.
Science B, 146 11:20am-12:20pm
StrenghtsFinder: BuildME! Facilitated by: Jamie Everett, Leadership and Student Engagement, University of Calgary What really makes you YOU? Where do you FIT? How do you stand out in a crowd? This exploration workshop gives you some of the tools to describe yourself in a different way and guides you on a basic journey of discovering your true passion and calling. You will also discover why finding out your “Top 5 Talent Themes” through the StrengthsQuest program gives you an advantage over others and how you can use it in discovering what is meaningful to you and how you want others to perceive you. Building and maintaining your brand in a positive and constructive way focusing on your strengths will help you achieve your greatest successes and rewards!
Science B, 148 11:20am-12:20pm
StrenghtsFinder: Your Top 5 Talents Facilitated by: Alycia Lauzon, Centre for Community-Engaged Learning, University of Calgary This introductory workshop to StrengthsFinder introduces you to the concept of your “Top 5” themes of talent and how it relates to you, as well as others that are a part of your community. You will learn more about behaviours you might have, how our strengths contribute to our own unique personal brand, and how you can utilize the knowledge of having your “Top 5” themes to achieve your greatest successes. This workshop will give you insight into yourself and may give you the ability to see yourself in a new light.
KEYNOTE Ray Zahab
Ultra-Marathon Runner and Adventurer A former “pack-a-day smoker”, Ray’s story chronicles the true-life eight-year journey from quitting smoking to dipping his hands in the Red Sea after venturing across Africa. The path chosen, the risks taken in pursuit of a dream, and the resulting gifts of awareness and knowledge of life’s complicated questions. As an ultra-marathon runner, Ray has achieved a lot, including: • running across the Sahara Desert in 111 days • running the three coastal trails of Canada, covering 400 kilometres • breaking the world speed record for an unsupported expedition by a team to the South Pole • running 1,200 kilometres in 20 days in the Atacama Desert • running over 2,000 kilometres to cross Mongolia and the Gobi Desert • National Geographic tracked Ray’s journey across the Sahara for their documentary Running The Sahara, produced by Matt Damon, and directed by Academy Award winner James Moll. Ray founded impossible2Possible (i2P) in 2008. Throughout 2009 to 2012, “Youth Ambassadors” completed six gruelling i2P Youth Expeditions to Baffin Island, Tunisia, Amazon, Bolivia, India and Botswana. All i2P expeditions include various challenge-based initiatives through experiential learning programs. Ray is also: • a member of the board of Directors of Ryan’s Well Foundation • an Athletic Ambassador and Board Member of ONExONE.org • a representative of SpreadTheNet, Ray received the 2007 ONExONE Difference Award and the 2010 Torchbearers Award • a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and Canadian Geographical Society, his media appearances include CNN, The Hour, CBC, CTV, BBC, Jay Leno, and Discovery • Ray has spoken at events such as TED, IOC World Conference, The Economist World, and World Affairs Council. Ray’s presentations showcase his challenging adventures, focus on his philanthropic endeavours, and–most importantly—relate the ideas that one life can change the lives of countless others, and that the impossible is, in fact, possible.
PANELS Emily Macphail, Leaders in Healthcare Emily Macphail is a fifth-year BHSc. student majoring in biomedical science. She is currently serving as the Students’ Union’s Vice President Academic and is looking forward to beginning medical school at the U of C in July. As a peer helper with the Wellness and Health Awareness Team, Emily has coordinated Eating Disorders Awareness Week for two years and is presently working on the “Because You Matter” initiative. She also does peer support at the Women’s Resource Centre. Off-campus, Emily has sat on several Alberta Health Services advisory groups and currently acts as the support volunteer for the Child and Youth Advisory Council. She was involved in planning the youth component of a national symposium on child and youth mental health and is excited to attend Unleash the Noise, a student mental health conference, this February. Her research has ranged from clinical, to animal-behavioural, to epidemiological. Last year she completed her honours thesis, which investigated correlations between cognitive flexibility, mental health, and zinc status. Dr. Robin Yates, Leaders in Healthcare Dr. Robin Yates BSc., BVSc.(hons), PhD. Robin Yates completed his BSc and BVSc (hons) (DVM) at the University of Queensland, Australia, followed by a veterinary medicine internship in small animal critical care in 2002. He then completed a PhD with Prof. David Russell in the field of Comparative Biomedical Science at Cornell University, USA, with a Fulbright scholarship. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell, Dr. Yates started at the University of Calgary with a joint appointment to the Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in 2008. He currently leads a team of 8-10 graduate students and research scientists in the fields of cell biology, molecular biology and immunology (www.ucalgary.ca/yateslab). Since his academic appointment, Dr. Yates has been awarded an Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Independent Investigator Award, a CIHR New Investigator Award and was named in Avenue magazine’s top 40 under 40 in Calgary for 2013.
Dr. Breanne Everett, Leaders in Healthcare Dr. Breanne Everett is the CEO and President of Orpyx, as well as a Medical Doctor and resident in the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Calgary. Prior to starting medical school, Breanne completed her undergraduate degree in biochemistry at McGill University, where she was a Loran Scholar. Breanne¹s clinical experience has given her ample exposure to diabetic patients requiring surgical management of diabetic foot complications. Seeing the burden these complications pose on both patients and the healthcare system, and with the primary goal of addressing these issues, she founded Orpyx in 2010.
Kevin Kempe, Leaders in Social Responsibility & Sustainability Kevin Kempe attributes much of his interest in social justice and social activism to his time spent at the University of Calgary. While completing an Honours degree in Development Studies, Kevin engaged with campus groups such as Meal Exchange, the Development Studies Club, the Dinos Rowing Club and a great number of social justice activities through the Centre for Community Engaged Learning. With experience working in and researching the areas of Food Security, Human Rights, and Youth Leadership, his passions have taken him across Africa and around the world. Kevin is now working as the Community Support Worker with HIV Community Link and as a Grassroots Education Program Leader for Operation Groundswell in Ghana, West Africa. Kevin’s passions have bridged the expanse from university student to lifelong learner, following a yearning for Africa and a search for social justice in Canada and abroad.
Sarah Damberger, Leaders in Social Responsibility & Sustainability After arriving at the University of Calgary, Sarah quickly discovered her passion for equality and human rights. She joined the U of C chapter of Amnesty International and worked with them to increase membership, deliver highprofile events, and raise awareness. Sarah also served as a Faculty of Arts representative on the Students’ Union, a Canadian Public Relations Society student representative, and a member of the Fall Orientation planning team. Graduating in June 2013 with an Honours degree in Communications Studies, Sarah received the Presidents’ Award for Excellence in Student Leadership. She now works as a Change & Communications Consultant with Colleen Pound International. This position allows her to help large Calgary-based companies improve their performance, especially in areas of corporate and social responsibility. Sarah also works as an organizer for Amnesty International Canada and is in the process of launching a pilot project aimed at boosting activism in Southern Alberta.
Buffy St-Amand, Leaders in Social Responsibility & Sustainability Buffy St-Amand is the Manager of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving at Mount Royal University, a role she has just started in January of this year. Prior to joining Mount Royal University, Buffy worked in the areas of community engagement, partnership development and social innovation where she was recognized for thinking boldly, her zestful energy, and can do attitude! In 2011, she was selected as one of Calgary’s Avenue magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, for career achievements and contributions to the community. Before arriving in Calgary, Buffy worked in South America, Asia and Africa. Her international experiences ranged from volunteering in Brazil to teaching in Tanzania to working for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in Manila. Buffy’s academic background includes a Bachelor Degree in Sociology, a Certified International Trade designation, and a certificate in Non-Profit Executive Leadership. She is also an alumna of Leadership Calgary, a community program she has been involved in since 2008.
Ron Wuotila, Leaders in Sports & Coaching Ron Wuotila was named the fifth Director of Athletics and Recreation in the University of Calgary’s history on June 1, 2011. From March 2007 until taking on this role with the Dinos, Wuotila was employed by British Basketball, providing leadership and management of the British senior and under-20 men’s and women’s national teams in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympics in London. After spending the 1993-94 season as head coach of the women’s basketball program at Mount Royal College, he took on leadership of the men’s program in 1994 and led the Cougars to their first conference championship in 16 years in 1997. In 2000 he moved to Pittsburgh, where he served as Director of Basketball Operations for three NCAA Division I schools over a three-year period – Robert Morris, the University of Pittsburgh, and Duquesne University. He holds a Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Calgary as well as a Master of Physical Education (Athletic Administration) from Idaho State University.
Karla Karch, Leaders in Sports & Coaching Karla Karch has been the Director of Athletics at Mount Royal University for the past eight years. As an athlete, Karla has participated in more than 175 international competitions – Pan American Games, World Student Games, Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and World Championships. The highlights of her athletic career include participating in two Olympics Games (Atlanta, 1996, and Sydney, 2000). Karla also played professional basketball in Europe. Life after basketball brought Karla to the other side of sports. She began working in sport administration with the Alberta Summer Games. From there she spent 2 years in Edmonton as a Sport Liaison for the World Master Games. Karla has stayed involved in sports by coaching at various post secondary institution – Mount Royal University and Concordia University College and with the Basketball Alberta Juvenile Women’s program for four years. Her coaching career culminated with a gold medal at the 2009 Summer Games. Karla has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Psychology.
Andrew Buckley, Leaders in Sports & Coaching Andrew Buckley took over as the team’s starting quarterback late in the season opener after standout Eric Dzwilewski broke his foot and the Dinos barely skipped a beat with Buckley at the controls, cruising to their first-ever 8-0 record. He passed for 2,184 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight contests and also added four rushing majors en route to a selection as a conference all-star. Andrew is a two-time Academic All-Canadian with a career grade point average of 3.93 in kinesiology and has plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and enter medical school. He has received numerous academic awards, including a University of Calgary President’s Admission Scholarship and Undergraduate Merit Award. He is actively involved in many research projects, most recently making a presentation as part of the Faculty of Kinesiology’s Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program in October 2013. This year, he was the fourth Dino in history to win the Russ Jackson Award.
Tarin Arndt, Leaders in Sports & Coaching Nominated out of Canada West for the second straight season, Tarin became the first Dino to claim the CIS Student-Athlete Community Service Award. A second-year arts student, the 5-foot-9 prop from Calgary is very communityoriented and volunteers extensively around the globe. In 2010, she founded T4A Apparel - Tie Dye For Africa, a not-for profit fundraising initiative aimed to raise money for The Napenda Rescue Foundation, KCC Slum & Living Positive Mlolongo through hand-made tie dye t-shirts. The following year, Tarin created the Napenda Rescue Foundation to help provide children, women and people affected by HIV/AIDS infection in East Africa with health pre-requisites such as shelter, education, social security, social relations, food, income, empowerment, and stable ecosystem. Jennifer Martin, Leaders in Science Jennifer Martin is the President and CEO of TELUS Spark, and it was her overall vision that guided completion of the first new purpose-built science centre in Canada in over 25 years. This vision of a next-generation science centre – its new role of active engagement in and with the community - was honed over more than 25 years of experience, starting with Science North in Sudbury, Canada. Jennifer came to Calgary in 2007, well prepared for the challenge of repurposing what a science centre could be. In 1986 she joined the Ontario Science Centre as an exhibit and program developer, rising through key positions in project management and leadership. The $160 million TELUS Spark – the New Science Centre opened in October 2011, and is connected locally and internationally on issues of inquiry-based learning, STEM education, and creativity and innovation. Jennifer holds a BSc (biology) and an MBA. She is also a 2009-2010 Noyce Leadership Fellow, a Director on the Board of Beakerhead, and a Director for the Canadian Association of Science & Technology Centres. Neal Sanche, Leaders in Science Neal Sanche was named after the first man on the moon, and has always had a fascination for the sciences. He learned to program computers at the age of eight and hasn’t stopped since. He lived in Ottawa for ten years working in telecommunications, security and biotech. He now lives in Calgary where he works for Robots and Pencils on some of the finest mobile software on the planet.
Dr. Anthony P. Russell, Leaders in Science Dr. Russell is a Professor of Zoology in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary. He gained his undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter, and his PhD from Queen Elizabeth College, University of London. He teaches courses in Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates, Vertebrate Diversity, and Paleontology. Tony’s research focuses mainly on the evolutionary morphology and functional anatomy of geckos, topics that he has been investigating for 40 years. He also works on the functional anatomy of mammals and aspects of systematic and functional interpretation of the dinosaurs of western North America. He is the Past-President of the Canadian Society of Zoologists, the PastPresident of The International Society of Vertebrate Morphologists. He served as Department Head for six years, was on the Board of Governors for six years, and the Senate for two years. He was also Associate Dean of students for six years.
Dr. Brittany Harker Martin, Leaders in Education & Not-for-Profit Dr. Martin sits at the intersection of learning, leadership, and the arts. She is the Associate Director of the Werklund Foundation Centre for Youth Leadership Education, and Assistant Professor of Leadership, at the University of Calgary. Brittany is the founding chair of the Leadership Education Academic Research Network (LEARN), an interdisciplinary collaboration of individuals affiliated with leadership initiatives across all faculties at the University of Calgary. She has worked with many schools in the Calgary School Board of Education, and is a consultant for private, public, and non-profit organizations. Brittany’s doctoral studies applied cognitive psychology to understand organizational resistance to change away from the status quo, and her current research interests include youth leadership education and the effects of Socially Empowered Learning - such as arts integration and educational social entrepreneurship - on engagement, ethical mindset, and entrepreneurial spirt. She has presented her research nationally and internationally at major, peer-reviewed conferences that include Administrative Sciences Association of Canada, Hawaii International Conference on Education, Southern Management Association, American Educational Research Association, and the Academy of Management.
Dr. James Kent Donlevy, Leaders in Education & Not-for-Profit Dr. Donlevy is an associate professor, lawyer, school administrator, and the former Associate Dean of the Graduate Division in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary. He has written extensively in the areas of school law dealing with constitutional and tortuous matters and is co-author of the Guide to Alberta School Law, the Guide to Ontario School Law, and the Guide to Saskatchewan School Law. He provides assistance to law firms with respect to civil litigation involving constitutional and tortuous matters and has been consulted with regard to similar matters in Saskatchewan. He has lectured on constitutional issues at Queen’s University (Faculty of Education), York University (Osgood Hall Law School), University of Alberta (Faculty of Law), University of New Brunswick (Faculty of Law and Education), University of British Columbia (Centre for Studies in Religion and Society).
Linh Huynh, Leaders in Education & Not-for-Profit Linh Huynh feels truly blessed to have had such a broad range of experiences in her life, from being a refugee, to an educator, world explorer, writer and most recently an extreme athlete. Quite simply, she is a Life Enthusiast. Her humble beginnings in Vietnam, and time spent at a refugee camp taught her that life is a precious gift. She always marvels at the incredible opportunities she has had as a result of immigrating to Canada. Her background inspired her to work with new immigrants as an English as a Second Language instructor. Linh is passionate about inspiring people to dream bigger and work harder to build extraordinary lives for themselves and their communities. Recently, she completed marathons in Antarctica and the North Pole in her quest to push her own limits. Linh is continually searching for ways to challenge herself and to motivate others in the process.
Michelle Minke, Leaders in Arts & Culture Michelle offers inspired performances and teaching informed by years of top training, international professional experience and a heartfelt excitement for adding to Calgary’s cultural identity. Recently named one of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine, she was also honoured at the 2013 Mayor’s Luncheon for Arts Champions with the Enbridge Emerging Artist Award for her commitment and contributions to the vibrant arts community. Michelle founded, artistic directs, and performs with the Cowtown Opera Company—Calgary’s newest and most outgoing professional operatic ensemble whose performances are designed to shatter the classical barrier pervasive among modern audiences. As well as performing professionally, she currently teaches advanced singers at Mount Royal University Conservatory, Ambrose University College and the Chinook School of Music.
Matt Embry, Leaders in Arts & Culture Matt Embry is one of the most prolific television documentary directors in Canada. He has directed non-fiction programs for CBC, Global, CTV, HBO Canada, PBS, Animal Planet, OLN and Telefilm. He has also produced, written and directed over 100 commercials for various national and international companies. Embry is currently wrapping the feature doc “Hell or High Water”, a behind-thescenes account of how the city of Calgary overcame a catastrophic flood. As president and founder of Spotlight Productions, Matt oversees the production of 120 hours of unscripted programming annually — including lifestyle and cultural content for TELUS Optik and educational programming for Rogers Broadcasting. Matt holds an BA in Communications from the University of Calgary and an MFA in Film Production from Concordia University in Montreal.
Lisa Stowe, Leaders in Arts & Culture Lisa Stowe is a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication and Culture where she teaches food studies, rhetorical communication and peer mentoring and higher education. In a previous life she completed a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and a Masters of Arts at Memorial University of Newfoundland. All three degrees were focused on theatre and drama of all sorts. She currently sits on the board of directors for Third Street Theatre, a new and vibrant Calgary theatre company whose main mission is to give voice to queer experiences and history.
Arlene Strom, Leaders in Engineering & Oil and Gas Arlene Strom is the Vice President Sustainability & Communications at Suncor Energy. She is responsible for Stakeholder and Aboriginal relations, reputation and brand, communications and issues management. She is also responsible for Suncor’s sustainability and outreach strategy, climate change strategy, environmental excellence support and for the management of the Suncor Energy Foundation. Before assuming her current role, Arlene held the position of Vice President Communications & Stakeholder Relations, as well as various leadership positions within Suncor’s legal department. Prior to joining Suncor, Arlene worked for six years at Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP as a securities lawyer, taught securities law as a sessional at the University of Calgary law faculty and has held various positions in sales and marketing. Arlene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Trinity Western University, as well as a Master of Arts in Political Science and an LLB from the University of British Columbia.
Curtis Heller, Leaders in Engineering & Oil and Gas Curtis Heller attended UofC from 1995 – 2000, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. While in university, he worked for Pembina as a Pump Jack Operator, and interned with Nexen as a Production Engineer. After graduation, Curtis rejoined Nexen, and started working in the New Grad Program as a Reservoir Engineer, Pressure Transient Analysis Engineer, and Production Engineer. In December 2002, he joined the Drilling group, and started a field rotation in and out of Yemen. In Yemen, he worked as both a Field Optimization engineer and Company Man on the rigs. After Yemen, Curtis moved to Aberdeen, Scotland and spent two years as a Well Integrity Engineer for all of Nexen’s North Sea Assets. In 2008, Curtis moved back to Canada as Drilling Engineering Team Lead, Canadian Oil & Gas. Currently, Curtis is leading the Liard Project, which is some of the most challenging wells drilled in Canada.
David Vu, Leaders in Engineering & Oil and Gas David Vu graduated from the Schulich School of Engineering in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with an Energy and Environment Specialization. Between 2011 and 2012, he completed a 16-month internship at Nexen as a drilling engineer before returning to complete his final year of school. After graduating, David returned to Nexen where he is now a completions engineer working on the northeast British Columbia shale gas project in the Horn River Basin. In his current role, David is leading the implementation of initiatives which will reduce fresh water and diesel fuel usage during hydraulic fracturing.
James Boettcher, Leaders in Business & Entrepreneurship A man of great passion & enthusiasm, James is someone who will leave the room a bit brighter than it was before. He has a deep desire to lead by action and inspire others to think unconventionally about how business is done within our community. James’ determination has taken a failing gelato company and steered it from bankruptcy in 2010 to a multi million dollar company, as well as co-founding YYCFoodTrucks, which is an integral part in bringing food truck culture to Calgary. The key ingredients have always been ambition, grit and creativity. James has received many accolades that include recognition from The Mayor of Calgary in making the city a better place, & Top 40 under 40 (2013). He has also had the opportunity to Speak at TEDx Calgary, MRU Shift, FP Reach among other leadership based events. In his spare time, you can usually find James engaging in thoughtful conversation at a local coffee shop, or walking his dog.
Paul Bryden, Leaders in Business & Entrepreneurship Paul has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hightech sector. He has sold engineering software products into more than 100 countries worldwide. Paul is Vice President of Sales & Marketing GEO-SLOPE International Ltd., he sits on the Board of Directors at GEO-SLOPE, and is also a shareholder in the organization. When not working at GEO-SLOPE, Paul is president of his community association, and an avid runner, reader, and technologist. Paul is married with two children, and has lived in Calgary all but the first ten months of his life. He graduated from University of Victoria with a B.A. in Political Science and History, and received his MBA from University of Calgary in 2005.
Rita Egizii, Leaders in Business & Entrepreneurship Rita has was the Western Regional Finalist for the Canadian Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1997. She has been an international delegate on Government of Canada Trade Missions. Other awards include Global Television/YWCA Woman of Vision, the Western Legacy Award for Innovation, University of Calgary’s Women Resource Centre Distinguished Alumna Award, and the Order of the University of Calgary. She holds 9 academic awards and is a member of the exclusive Business Honours Society, Beta Gamma Sigma. She also holds a C. Mgr. from the Canadian Institute of Management. Rita continues to serve on various Boards, Advisory Groups and committees in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently employed as Director of Alumni Relations at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary.
Contact Us Phone: 403-220-5824 Email: lead@ucalgary.ca Web: ucalgary.ca/leadership @UofCLeadership Leadership and Student Engagement Office