Alumni involved in the Vancouver event included presentations by: Maureen Fitzgerald, ’81 BCom - Author, Lawyer, Consultant, spoke about creating your own personal mosaic. This involved reflecting on the different components of our lives and how they all fit together and form a foundational element of who we are - a great bonding experience for the group. Tiara Letourneau, ’03 BCom, Commercial Account Manager, RBC, inspired the group with her breadth of experience outside her more traditional banking career (see below) and she encouraged students to use their unique skill sets and perspectives as young professionals to help influence change at a higher level. Priscilla Sharun, ’03 BCom, Marketing Manager, Teekay Shipping, spoke about the importance of remembering to stay humble and grounded above all else. She focused on working hard, seizing opportunities, and pursuing diverse experiences. Thanks also to Joanne Beaton, ’97 MBA, for arranging a session with Marilyn Tyfting, VP, HR, TELUS International, Sheryl
TIARA LETOURNEAU:
Following her BCom, Tiara travelled abroad to work in the field of international development, specializing in micro-finance and business development services for micro-entrepreneurs. In 2007, Tiara was awarded a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship for a Master’s in South Africa and, in 2008, a Paul Harris Fellowship. Her master’s research on the “informal economy” in South African townships deepened her understanding of survival-based entrepreneurship and poverty issues.
Coonan, ’03 BCom, for the Ernst & Young lunch and presentation with Kate McKechnie and Fiona Macfarlane, recognized across Canada for her work with women in business; and Brian Ford, ’88 BCom, for facilitating the meeting with Carol Richardson, Senior Vice-President, Head of Branch Network, HSBC. The group also enjoyed their session on Leadership Development People Potential with Janeen Speer of Vancouver-based Lululemon. Founding Members: The founding network of seven women represent all parts of Canada as well as diverse careers. They include: Lesley Scorgie, ’05 BCom, of Calgary, Business Analyst at Encana, and author of best-selling finance books and Amanda Walker, ’06 BCom, of Calgary, who recently earned her CFA and is Financial Advisor of ARC Resources Ltd.; Kim Chan, ’96 BCom, of Toronto, Director of International Tax Solutions Inc. and Sheryl Coonan, ’03 BCom, of Edmonton, Senior Manager at Ernst & Young, who are both eager to offer their views of the accounting world; Celia Lam, ’02 BCom, of Calgary, Client Program Manager at Golder Associates Ltd., and Nella Sabo, ’05 BCom, Director of Development at the Alberta School of Business, who both have an increasing passion for the not-for-profit world; and Michelle Hyde, ’03 BCom, of Kelowna, who oversees Apple Valley RV while balancing family life with her two young sons Evan and Sean. Kim, Sheryl, and Nella represented the group in Vancouver. Tiara has been a commercial account manager for aboriginal markets with RBC for three years. Tiara’s interest in economic development and financial services extends from her passion for proactive citizenship and global prosperity. She has always been an active member of civil society and has held leadership positions in a variety of organizations including Canada25, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, and 4-H Canada. She is also a Director and Chair for Sustainable Economic Development with Compassionate Eye Foundation. Tiara was named an Action Canada Fellow in May 2010 honouring the “best of Canada’s emerging leaders”. Tiara currently resides in Vancouver with her four-year old daughter.
FALL/WINTER 2011/12
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