Event Speakers
Explore our diverse lineup of engaging and knowledgeable speakers who bring a wide range of expertise and expeirence.
Dr. Ross Humby
Academic Chair, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Ross grew up in a resource-based family business with a regional supply chain, local production and global distribution. His formal education includes an undergraduate degree in commerce (Queens University, Kingston), Masters degrees in business (McMaster University, Hamilton) and international business (St. Tomas University, Minnesota). He completed his doctoral work in 2010 with a thesis exploring the decision process for adopting technology for learning in a national health and wellness organization. The strong focus on workplace integrated learning (WIL) and experiential learning for domestic and international contexts has always been a part of his leadership style whether designing, managing, or instructing. Ross has continued to contribute to WIL with a co-authored book chapter, industry connected sector specific placement research, and the holistic fit with transcultural communications and society.
Dr. John McDowell
Dean of Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of English, Burman University
John McDowell currently serves as the Dean of Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of English at Burman University. He earned his PhD from the University of Calgary. He is this year’s recipient of Burman University’s Excellence in Teaching award. He is a published poet and once spent two summers at The Banff Centre for the Arts under the tutelage of some notable Canadian writers. He has served as the editor of the national literary magazine, Dandelion. He is also a visual artist and a juried member of the Alberta Society of Artists and the Canadian Sculptors Society of Canada. His academic publications include articles on naturalism in the work of artists and writers, including Vincent van Gogh and Doris Lessing. He also spent two summers on an archaeological dig in Jordan. He is married to Lynn McDowell, a fundraiser and development officer, and they have two children: a daughter, Myken, who is an artist in Edmonton, and a son, Aran, who recently completed his MA in Physics at the University of Alberta.
Sonja Johnston
Faculty Instructor in the School of Business at SAIT and the lead
for Capstone across the certificate, diploma, and degree.
Sonja is a PhD Candidate in Educational Research (specializing in Learning Sciences) in the final stretch before completing her doctorate this summer. She has been teaching in post-secondary education since 2012 alongside working as a management consultant and small business owner. Sonja has been recognized with teaching awards at two institutions and has received $77,000 in small research grants. She has been recognized with the Emerging Scholar Award from the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (2023).
Sonja's research interests involve participatory pedagogies, work-integrated leaning, design research, and workplace readiness through processes of teaching and learning. She has an interdisciplinary portfolio of research that spans multiple disciplinary domains and heavily supports reframing and redesign of learning environments to impact students, graduates, and community.
Most recently, you can find her engaging in pottery classes, adventuring in the Rocky Mountains, and exploring through travel.
Jason Wellman
Vice-President of Operations, POD Marketing Inc.
Over the past seven years, Jason played a key role in leading POD Marketing from a small startup to a multinational organization serving clients across the U.S. and Canada while building a celebrated corporate culture. POD Marketing was recognized as one of Waterstone's Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2023 and as a North America Finalist of the 2024 IW Inspiring Workplaces Award. Jason is a SAIT School of Business alumnus heading back to school this fall to pursue an Executive MBA from the Haskayne School of Business.
Joseph Macdonald
Home On The Range Adventure Tours Owner
Originally from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Joseph Macdonald was the co-founder and is the current owner/operator of Home On The Range Adventure Tours (incorporated December 2001). He has been an active Toastmasters and club executive member for the past 10+ years.
Joseph was the founding Director of the MBA (Financial Services) blended Education Program at Dalhousie University. He has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in Leadership, International Business, Multicultural Management and Strategic Management for universities in Canada, China and southern Africa. He has been a board member with Tourism Calgary, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and Big Brothers. Joseph was the originator, as well as a co-developer and co-facilitator of the Transcultural Communications workshop.
Joseph has held management, training and consulting positions in businesses across North America, Asia and Africa. Currently, Joseph operates Home On The Range Adventure Tours, volunteers extensively with multiple Calgary immigrant organizations, and mentors Indigenous entrepreneurs in Tourism for a national program.
Dania El Chaar
Intercultural Champion at the Southern Alberta
Institute of Technology (SAIT)
With a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Calgary, she has dedicated herself to supporting and volunteering within her community since 2016. Her research pursuits are centered on fostering inclusive practices across various domains, including workplaces, schools, and post-secondary institutions.
Her research interests focus around finding ways to instill inclusive practices within the workspace, schools and post-secondary institutions. Her most recent research pertains to addressing academic integrity among international students from an intercultural lens as well as transcultural communication competence and its implication on the workplace practice.
Dania's commitment to inclusivity hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was honored with the prestigious Inclusion Champion Award at SAIT, acknowledging her tireless efforts in cultivating a more inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff alike.
When she is not working on the next project, Dania enjoys walking in the beautiful nature of Alberta, puzzling and reading.
Sinela Jurkova
Diversity Education Lead, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Sinela Jurkova holds a PhD in Research Education and Adult Learning from University of Calgary. Her areas of specialization include transcultural transformative learning, intercultural communication and competence, community development, theories and practices for inclusive and anti-racism education. She has published in academic journals and presented numerous sessions the topics above. She serves as Diversity Education Lead with CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society). One of her significant research projects implemented in practice is Transcultural Transformative Model for building inclusive society. Currently she leads a government funded project: Community Based Participatory Action research for Anti-racism Education and Action.
Ami Wu
Advisor with Business Development MITACS, Member of Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Ami Wu has a Master’s Degree in Education, is a Business Development Advisor at Mitacs, co-funded with Alberta Chambers of Commerce and is a member of the ACC-APSN Talent Development Taskforce. She serves as a pivotal link within the Canadian innovation ecosystem, demonstrating a proven talent and enthusiasm for forging partnerships across academic, industry, municipalities, and non-profit sectors. With her expertise in bridging academia and community engagement, Ami excels in creating innovative work-integrated learning opportunities for Canadian students, fueling research and innovation, and fostering talent pipelines. Fun fact about Ami: she used to hate sports when she was a kid but now is very active in exercising and enjoys various activities such as swimming, longboarding, and ice-skating.
Chad Flinn
Associate Vice President Academic, Red Deer Polytechnic
Chad Flinn, the Associate Vice President Academic at Red Deer Polytechnic, is an accomplished educator and administrator with a solid commitment to innovation, equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and sustainable education. His background includes a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology and ongoing doctoral studies in Higher Educational Leadership.
During his tenure as Dean of Trades and Technology at Medicine Hat College, Chad helped found the Centre for Innovation and established a comprehensive Work-Integrated Learning framework. These initiatives aligned closely with industry needs and the principles of UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on quality education, reduced inequalities, and responsible practices.
Chad has also served as Co-Chair of the National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades, and Technology and contributed to training programs in African vocational institutes through the Commonwealth of Learning. This international work has broadened his perspectives and enhanced his leadership capabilities.
With a dedication to lifelong learning and an approach that values practical and strategic educational advancements, Chad Flinn aims to make a solid contribution to the evolving field of polytechnic education, focusing on effective and relevant educational practices.
Nicole Mardis
Director, Health Innovation Talent at Alberta Innovates
Nicole serves as the Director of Health Innovation Talent at Alberta Innovates, where she drives programs and investments to strengthen and grow Alberta’s digital health and health innovation workforce. With a passion for harnessing digital technologies to empower people and accelerate innovation, Nicole's career spans government, academia, and a research scholar post at IBM in Silicon Valley. She has over 13 years of experience in R&D granting at both federal and provincial levels, and an additional six years dedicated to implementing policy and practice changes to support digital transformation initiatives.
While in the academic sector, she helped secure over $10 million for programs and initiatives to enhance training - particularly at the intersection of science and technology. Within government, she has been recognized for service excellence and her contributions to policy innovation.
Nicole’s academic training spans medical sociology, business studies, and industrial relations. Outside of her professional life, Nicole enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. She is often found running in Edmonton's beautiful river valley.
Nicole Bowes
Career Services Coordinator with NWP, coordinator with MITACs
Nicole Bowes is a Northwestern Polytechnic alumna who completed her collaborative Bachelor of Business Management with a Major in Human Resources Management from Athabasca University in 2017. Shortly after completing her degree, Nicole started working at NWP in Student Services. While in Student Services, Nicole has gained varied experience within the realm of student supports, spending time in student recruitment, admissions and now career services, as the Career Services Coordinator.
Nicole is passionate about connecting students and alumni with relevant career and WIL opportunities, while also equipping them with the skills and resources to pursue them effectively! Helping students with their resumes, offering mock interviews, and organizing various workshops on campus, are just some of the resources that Nicole provides at NWP.
Nicole aims to help facilitate knowledge and understanding between the students she supports and the employers who hire them. Continuing to learn about the different barriers and needs for both employees and employers, are among the top of Nicole’s interests.
Councillor Kraymer Barnstable
Red Deer City Councillor
Councillor Kraymer Barnstable, who was elected to the Red Deer City Council in 2021, is an active leader who serves on several boards throughout Central Alberta. He serves as Chair of the Red Deer Audit Committee and the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance. Since 2016, Councillor Barnstable has been the proud owner of Stable in the Net. He graduated from Mount Royal University in 2017 with a Business Management degree and had been an honor roll student throughout his academic career.
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Councillor Barnstable's career highlights include owning two businesses over the past nine years and playing four years of Junior hockey, notably with the Red Deer Rebels in the 2009-2010 season. He also coached the Red Deer Rebels for three years (2018-2021), sharing his passion for hockey with many current NHL players.
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A dedicated family man, Councillor Barnstable has been married for nine years and is a proud father, as well as a devoted follower of Jesus. He enjoys spending time with his pug and cat and loves competing in sports, especially hockey, golf, and baseball.
Richard May
Industrial Technology Advisor
Richard May works as an Industrial Technology Advisor for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), a division of the National Research Council Canada (NRC), where he assists SMEs in the technology and innovation sectors. Richard has an MBA and is a Professional Engineer (Elect). He also serves as a sessional instructor at SAIT and the University of Calgary. Richard has worked in over 60 countries, including three years in China, giving him a global view of industrial technology. His career has been distinguished by numerous awards and significant contributions to major projects around the world.
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Richard is the proud father of a blended family of five boys. His personal experiences broaden his professional perspectives, allowing him to connect deeply with a wide range of people and their unique challenges.
Dr. Alison Jeppesen
Associate Dean, Teaching, Learning and Scholarship, Red Deer Polytechnic
Dr. Alison Jeppesen is Associate Dean, Teaching, Learning and Scholarship, and Acting Associate Dean for Work Integrated Learning at Red Deer Polytechnic.
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Her portfolio includes the Centre of Teaching, Learning and Scholarship and the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre which bring together the interconnected areas of quality program and course design, work-integrated learning, faculty development, and scholarship.
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Dr. Jeppesen’s areas of specialization for teaching and research include ancient Roman social history, epigraphy, the impact of faculty development programs and quality program development.
Matt Rahimi
Director of WIL, University of Lethbridge
Matt Rahimi is the Director of WIL at the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge. Matt has an engineering degree from Tehran University in Iran, and MBA and PhD from Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. In addition to developing partnership with the industry and WIL educational service providers and funding organizations, he teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses that have different forms of WIL in them; from Service-Learning projects incorporated in the course design, to Project Placement offerings that have an immersive applied project component within a community organization.
In his free time, he studies traditional medical knowledge to learn about ways it could improve the well-being of individuals in the modern era.
Shauna Feth
President and CEO, Alberta Chamber of Commerce
Shauna Feth has been the President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) since June 2022. Prior to this role, she was the Executive Director of the Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) at the University of Alberta School of Business for 12 years. A designated Family Enterprise Advisor™, Shauna has dedicated nearly 15 years to supporting and educating entrepreneurs and business families.
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She successfully managed the Creating Pathways for Entrepreneurial Families Initiative, funded by the University of Alberta and Rural Alberta’s Development Fund, which benefited over 8,000 constituents across the province. Shauna's diverse experience includes the financial and accounting industries and launching several ventures. Alongside her husband, Ken, she built and sold two oilfield/pipeline consulting companies and now manages an apiary.
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Additionally, Shauna co-owned a project and event management consulting company, contributing to major Alberta events like the Big Valley Jamboree and the Viking Cup International Hockey Tournament. Her extensive community involvement includes roles such as Co-Chair of the Provincial Talent Development Task Force, Past Chair of the ACC and Camrose Chamber of Commerce, and Board Director for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. She also served on various advisory boards related to entrepreneurship and family enterprises.
Dan Pham
SAIT/Enactus SAIT Alumni
Dan Pham will be starting at KPMG in the fall. He holds an Accounting Degree and has built a strong foundation in financial management and business operations. During his time at Enactus, Dan served as a project manager and created a case competition for high school students in collaboration with a local business. This initiative not only addressed real-world business problems but also provided students with a unique opportunity to develop their problem-solving skills. Together with his team, Dan hosted multiple workshops aimed at teaching these essential skills to high school students.
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Dan's career highlights include being part of the team that was the Desjardin Enactus Regional Runner-Up and an Enactus National Semi-Finalist. Additionally, he achieved the Glo-Bus Simulation Best Strategies Invitation: Grand Champion.
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Outside of his professional life, Dan is an avid hiker, marathon runner, and Muay Thai enthusiast, enjoying these activities in his free time.
Wissam Shalaby
Manager, Immigrant Services Calgary
As the Manager for Gateway Services at Immigrant Services Calgary, Wissam leads a dedicated team committed to providing essential support to newcomers on their journey to integration and success in Canada. Wissam holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and is a Certified Career, Employment, and Resume strategist. Her educational background is further enhanced by a Diploma in Education and a Certificate in Career and Academic Advising. Her professional journey has been focused on inspiring her team to share a collective vision of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
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In her current role, Wissam is instrumental in shaping Gateway Services' strategic direction. Her leadership ensures innovation and the implementation of strategies that empower newcomers to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. She firmly believes that by embracing diversity and harnessing each individual's unique strengths, we can create a more vibrant and resilient society. Wissam’s leadership philosophy is not just about management; it's rooted in a profound understanding of diversity and a commitment to fostering cultural awareness. Her unique perspective comes from her journey as an immigrant to Canada, which she shares in the Trans-Cultural Communication workshop. Over the past decade, Wissam has tirelessly worked with individuals and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, providing them with invaluable tools and guidance to navigate their paths effectively.
Outside of professional endeavours, Wissam finds solace and joy in culinary exploration, delighting in the flavours of diverse cuisines. Additionally, I enjoy challenging her mind with logic and strategy games and finding relaxation and stimulation in games like Mastermind and Sudoku.
Stuart Cullum
President, Red Deer Polytechnic
Stuart Cullum is an executive leader with experience that spans the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Over the course of his career, he has been a teacher, a farmer, a business analyst, an investor, and most recently, a respected leader in Alberta’s post-secondary sector. Stuart has served on numerous boards and committees in the agriculture, post-secondary and technology sectors. He has led academic and applied research teams at Lethbridge College and NAIT and he served as the President of Olds College of Agriculture and technology for five years. He became President of Red Deer Polytechnic in August 2022.
Rajan Sawhney
Minister of Advanced Education
Rajan Sawhney was sworn in as Minister of Advanced Education on June 9, 2023. She previously served as the Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism, the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Community and Social Services.
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Prior to her service as an elected official, Mrs. Sawhney worked in the oil and gas industry for over 20 years in a variety of roles in economics and business development and served as the Vice President of Business Development for Fracture Modeling Inc.
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Born and raised in Calgary, Mrs. Sawhney is a proud mother of 4 and has been married to her husband, Gurpreet Sawhney, for 30 years. Mrs. Sawhney is also a University of Calgary alumna where she earned a degree in Economics and Political Science as well as an MBA.
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Rajan Sawhney was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-North East on April 16, 2019 and was elected the Member for Calgary-North West on May 29, 2023.
Mandy Ingraham
NWP Instructor
Mandy Ingraham has been a business instructor at NWP since 2021. She teaches human resource management classes, organizational behaviour, and management classes. Mandy holds her MBA and Bachelor of Commerce. She has her CPHR (Chartered Professional in Human Resources) and RPR (Registered Professional Recruiter) designation. Outside of the classroom, Mandy is an active member of the HR community. She is the Chairperson of the CPHR AB Grande Prairie Chapter and attends numerous events in the community. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, two dogs, reading, and spending time in her garden.
Dan Stephenson
SAIT Faculty
Dan Stephenson is a faculty member at SAIT in the School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT) where he teaches web development and has also been leading SAIT students in Work Integrated Learning for over 10 years. He was the winner of the SAIT Student Association Instructor Excellence Award in 2022.
Dan graduated from SAIT in 2006 and worked in the media and technology industries before returning as a faculty member. During this time he continued his relationship with the institution, acting both as a program advisor and a Practicum/Work Integrated Learning mentor and client. This gives him a unique perspective from both sides of the work integrated learning relationship.
When Dan isn’t in the classroom, he can often be found on stage performing stand up comedy, close up magic or improv.
Dr. Pekka Määttänen
Chair of Research, Burman University
Pekka is an Associate Professor and Chair of Biology at Burman University. He earned his H.BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology at University of Toronto (Specialist, co-op) and continued to a PhD at McGill University in Biochemistry (2010) studying protein folding quality control. He received both the prestigious CIHR CGS Doctoral Award and FRSQ Doctoral scholarships. Pekka spent 3 years as a postdoctoral fellow at VIDO-InterVac in Saskatoon studying mad cow disease and bacterial infections in calves and 2 yrs at SickKids Research Institute in Toronto (receiving a Restracomp Fellowship) studying dietary impacts on intestinal infections as models for inflammatory bowel diseases. In 2016, Pekka accepted the offer to join Burman University as an Assistant professor of Biology, where he has recently completed a human food-based clinical trial (Funded by the Garfield Weston Foundation). Pekka is married to Sarah (a NICU nurse in Red Deer) and they have three children: Isaac (11), Lilja (8) and Miina (5). Outside of research and teaching, his favourite hobbies are volleyball (having played at a high level in Toronto and Montreal practicing with both varsity teams) and camping with his family.