The VOW: Recent Episodes
Tanya Eklund
The VOW, Voice of Women, is a Calgary, AB based podcast built on the empowerment of others through the sharing of real life stories. Hosted by Realtor/entrepreneur, Tanya Eklund. Tanya dives into the lives of admirable women over coming everyday challenges while exploring what they do to maintain a positive push for what the future holds.
Dr. Catherine Toomer is a survivor, advocate, and champion of health and wellness. Facing misdiagnosed postpartum congestive heart failure with a 50% chance of survival, she defied the odds and emerged stronger than ever. Despite being misdiagnosed due to her class III obesity, Dr. Toomer persevered, eventually losing over 100 pounds and reversing her Type 2 Diabetes. Her journey led her to develop programs aimed at preventing obesity shaming and providing compassionate wellness and weight health services to women and men. With a decade-long hiatus from her beloved profession, Dr. Toomer's resilience and determination are evident in her transformation and dedication to empowering others on their wellness journeys. Today, she continues to inspire with her story of overcoming adversity and finding purpose in helping others lead healthier, happier lives.
Andrea Merkl's journey from betrayal to resilience is nothing short of captivating. In her memoir, "The Gift of Infidelity," she challenges conventional narratives, offering a profound perspective on forgiveness and healing. As an advocate for conscious co-parenting, Andrea's story inspires others to find strength in vulnerability, proving that even in our darkest moments, there is light and hope.
Andrea's book The Gift of Infidelity is now available on Amazon.
Dena Chernekoff is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and holistic health. With a background in emergency nursing and a personal journey of overcoming trauma, Dena's insights are both compassionate and transformative. Join us as she shares her wisdom and practical guidance, inspiring others to embrace their worth and live vibrantly.
Lena Cebula is an author, social justice advocate, and host of the Love&BLoved Podcast. Raised in a post-USSR Ukrainian mining town, Lena's childhood was marked by profound trauma within her family. This early hardship led her down a dark path of drug addiction, alcohol dependency, and human trafficking. However, through resilience and determination, Lena found the strength to break free from despair. Today, she shares her raw, transparent journey in her book, "Miraculous: My Journey from Hell to Heaven," offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles.
Penny, a passionate mother and indigenous woman, defied the odds to discover Bloom, a groundbreaking anti-inflammatory medicine derived from bee bloom. Frustrated by the limitations of traditional medicine in addressing her children's health issues, Penny embarked on a 13-year journey, facing skepticism and obstacles along the way. Now, with the first US composition patent in hand, she leads the charge in bringing Bloom to the world. As a backyard beekeeper and advocate for saving the bees, Penny's story embodies courage, intuition, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Her mission extends beyond healing to inspire others to believe that anything is possible.
Meet Mari, a beacon of resilience and hope who turned her personal struggles into a journey of empowerment. From enduring intense bullying in high school to surviving the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Mari's life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. Forced to rebuild her life from scratch with just what she could fit in her car after evacuating, Mari found strength in the midst of chaos. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, including sexual assault and family loss, she refused to be defined by her circumstances. Now, as a trauma and mindset coach based in North Carolina, Mari helps women reclaim their confidence, freedom, and happiness. Her own journey of healing and transformation serves as a guiding light for others navigating their own paths to resilience and empowerment. Through her work and advocacy, Mari continues to inspire and uplift those facing life's toughest trials, proving that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Get ready to dive into the heartwarming celebration of birthday week with a special podcast featuring the incredible bond between Tanya and Kerry! With over two decades of friendship under their belts, they embark on a journey through life's twists and turns, discussing everything from the joys of parenthood to navigating the complexities of relationships. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, filled with laughter, tears, and moments that will leave you smiling from ear to ear.
Kaitlyn's life is a testament to defying limits and embracing self-belief. From facing fibromyalgia predictions to unexpected adventures worldwide, her journey is one of resilience and courage. Today, Kaitlyn's story serves as a beacon of hope for women everywhere, reminding them that they can defy expectations, chase their dreams, and carve out their own paths to fulfillment.
In a world that often tests the limits of human resilience, our guest today, Dayle Sheehan, found herself facing a life-altering tragedy at just sixteen. Strapped into a wheelchair, her journey took an unexpected turn, but instead of succumbing to despair, Dayle emerged as a beacon of inspiration, spreading a message of happiness, resiliency, and hope. Join us as we unravel the remarkable story of how Dayle not only conquered personal tragedy but turned it into a catalyst for thriving in business, as an entrepreneur, lead designer, public speaker, and acclaimed author. Her story is about to ignite the flames of motivation in our listeners.
Garima Rai is an exceptional multitasker seamlessly blending motherhood, financial finesse, and a former life as a radio show host dedicated to women's empowerment. Her story is a riveting narrative of vulnerability, triumph over the constraints of a conservative South Asian upbringing, and turning obstacles into stepping stones for personal growth. Garima's authenticity pierces through the ordinary, resonating with listeners as she fearlessly shares the messy, imperfect, and deeply relatable facets of life. Beyond the realm of numbers and spreadsheets, she's on a mission to radiate kindness, nurturing two little warriors of love. Her journey is a symphony of resilience, choice, and an unwavering belief that life demands authenticity. Get ready for a captivating journey with a woman unafraid to bare her soul, inspiring with every beat of her story.
In this mini podcast episode, join Tanya on her journey into the realm of biohacking for longevity. Fueled by a desire to lead a healthy and vibrant life, Tanya delves into various biohacking practices and supplements aimed at optimizing health and extending vitality. From simple lifestyle changes like adequate hydration and quality sleep to more advanced techniques such as red light therapy, infrared sauna sessions, and cold plunges, Tanya shares her firsthand experiences and insights. She discusses the benefits of these practices, including improved energy levels, enhanced metabolic function, reduced inflammation, and potential anti-aging effects. Moreover, Tanya offers a glimpse into her supplement regimen, highlighting key compounds like NMN, resveratrol, and spermidine, known for their roles in cellular rejuvenation and longevity. Whether you're a biohacking enthusiast or someone curious about optimizing health for longevity, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips to embark on your own journey toward a healthier, more vibrant life.
Alex Klein is a Canadian dynamo shifting from pro basketball to Olympic bobsleigh despite a curveball – a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in 2018. This brakewoman isn't just chasing Olympic dreams; she's empowering women in the off-season through online coaching in fitness and entrepreneurship.
A resilient force, Alex's journey from courts to ice is a testament to turning setbacks into success. Get ready to be inspired by her relentless pursuit of goals, both on and off the track.
Welcome to today's episode where we delve into the exceptional leadership journey of Cathy Thorpe, the driving force behind Nurse Next Door. With over two decades of leadership in retail, Cathy has been reshaping senior home care since 2014. But there's more to Cathy than professional success. Her journey is a blend of resilience and ambition, sparked by the profound loss of her husband.
Join us as we explore how this personal chapter propelled her to lead, write a transformative book, and pursue her aspirations. We will uncover Cathy's strategic vision—forging global partnerships, expanding into multiple countries, and redefining aging globally, giving seniors the choice to pursue their passions.
In this captivating mini-episode, Tanya opens up to her listeners about the unique journey of leading a powerhouse, female-dominated team. Drawing from her personal evolution, she unfolds the narrative of transforming from a businesswoman into a visionary leader, with both past and present team members contributing to the remarkable growth of the Tanya Eklund Group.
Tanya gracefully acknowledges that her team's current strength is not just a culmination but a launching pad for each member to propel towards greater achievements, especially considering many had no prior experience in real estate before joining her. Through Tanya's insightful storytelling, she skillfully paints a vivid picture of the distinctive roles each team member plays and how their collective efforts have been instrumental in the group's success.
The essence of coaching permeates Tanya's business philosophy, emphasizing its crucial role in nurturing talent and fostering continuous growth. Tanya passionately conveys the understanding that in the dynamic world of business, staying connected to the journey is more vital than fixating on a specific outcome. People come and go, and as Tanya wisely points out, businesses evolve – a profound perspective that underscores the fluid nature of entrepreneurship.
This mini-episode is not just a glimpse into Tanya's leadership journey; it's a symphony of experiences, insights, and a celebration of the collaborative spirit that has shaped the Tanya Eklund Group into a thriving force in the real estate realm.
In this episode, Tanya passionately delves into the transformative power of coaching, shedding light on its myriad benefits. As a multifaceted individual juggling roles as a business owner, wife, mother, and friend, Tanya underscores the paramount importance of continuous self-improvement and investment in personal growth. Throughout the episode, she provides insights into the various coaching modalities that have seamlessly woven into the fabric of her life, tracing the evolution of her coaching journey alongside the expansion of her business.
Tanya emphasizes the notion that true change stems from a genuine commitment to putting in the effort and a sincere desire to bring about positive transformations. Her engaging narrative serves as a beacon for those seeking inspiration and guidance on how coaching can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional development.
Brooke Fielding is the 2024 Calgary Stampede Princess. From starting her equestrian journey at eight with her pony Rebel to representing rodeos and earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Brooke's story is a blend of passion and achievement. As the office manager at a Veterinary Clinic in Cochrane, she seamlessly combines business acumen with dedication to animal welfare.
Join us as we explore Brooke's journey from the arena to the veterinary clinic, from international equestrian arenas to her family's acreage in Water Valley.
Today, we are honored to have Gail Taylor, a Canadian songwriter, speaker, and advocate for change. With a remarkable career in finance and a passionate commitment to inspiring personal growth, Gail's journey is as diverse as it is impactful. Currently working on her second book, “Curve Balls," Gail's stories and tools aim to empower listeners to design their own lives. What makes Gail's story truly compelling is he dedication to discussing pressing issues like the opioid crisis, intertwining her experiences with the transformative power of music and her fervent advocacy. Join us as Gail shares her insights into finance, personal growth, and her mission to create change, all while shedding light on the urgent topic of opioids.
Wendy Baker is an extraordinary individual whose life started in the heart of The Source Family, a Los Angeles-based cult. Her memoir, "My Name Was Mushroom," uncovers her teenage runaway experience within this captivating yet challenging community. Wendy's story of breaking free and thriving as a successful entrepreneur and advocate for women is nothing short of inspiring. Join us as she shares her journey from the cult to empowerment, resilience, and a passion for helping others.
Welcome to the 'Truth' series, where we uncover the remarkable journey of Niki Norlock. Her story is one of resilience and transformation. Niki faced immense loss, illness, and despair, but in her darkest hour, she made a plea to the universe: "Show me the way, and I will follow without question. Join us as we explore Niki's extraordinary path of healing, self-discovery, and unwavering pursuit of truth.
Hailing from Ponoka, Bailey Rush is a groundbreaking wake surfer who secured double gold wins at the 2023 CWSA World Championship. As the first woman to clinch world titles in both pro surf style and pro skim style, Bailey's story is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond the waves, she's a figure skater, coach, and a passionate advocate for wake surfing in Canada. Join us for a conversation with Bailey and discover her journey, accomplishments, and the unique artistry she brings to the sport.
Meet Jaymi Green, a seasoned life and business coach renowned for her extensive background in fitness and nutrition education. Jaymi’s life story is a testament to resilience and transformation. Having grown up in an environment marked by domestic and substance abuse, Jaymi later confronted personal challenges in her early twenties, stemming from a traumatic experience as a teenager. Despite these trials, she channeled her pain into a profound purpose. Today, Jaymi is dedicated to guiding individuals in various facets of life, empowering them to step into the highest version of themselves.
Ela is a financial professional, CEO, and thought leader whose story is as inspiring as it is captivating. Her journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the ability to rise above adversity. Ela's path has taken her from London to New York, Toronto to Istanbul, accumulating over 25 years of international investment and leadership experience. But her true power lies in her ability to turn setbacks into stepping stones, transforming trauma into triumph. Join us as we delve into Ela's remarkable journey, a story that goes beyond achievements and reveals the incredible strength that lies within every challenge she has faced.
Carleana is an advocate, facilitator, counselor, mediator, artist, and a dedicated parent. Above all, she's a woman with a unique perspective on life and the people in it.
Carleana's life has been marked by overcoming challenges, and her experiences have shaped her extraordinary outlook. She doesn't see people as 'broken,' and she firmly believes that nothing is impossible. Her approach emphasizes inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. Adding to her milestones, Carleana has also recently completed her Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence certification.
Join us as we delve into Carleana's inspiring journey, her holistic approach to life, and the positive changes she brings to the lives of individuals and communities. We hope her story and insights will leave you feeling inspired and motivated.
In honor of Anti-Bullying Week, Tanya reflects on her challenging childhood marked by bullying. From small-town struggles to finding strength in adversity, she shares her journey of healing as an adult. A poignant tale emphasizing the importance of kindness, understanding, and breaking the cycle of bullying. This mini episode is a story of transformation and hope.
Marsha, a self-proclaimed city gal, is an author, teacher, and writing coach based in New York City. But her journey is more than just city life; it's a story of resilience. Marsha's debut book, 'The Wrong Calamity,' is a memoir that shares her triumphant escape from an abusive marriage in a dramatic police chase.
Her experiences have appeared in publications like the New York Times, and she's a true inspiration for those seeking empowerment and transformation. Today we will explore Marsha's remarkable journey and how she emerged as a beacon of strength for women everywhere.
Charlene Doak-Gebauer is a globally renowned expert in digital child and family protection. Charlene's impressive accomplishments include being the award-winning Producer/Director of the documentary 'Vulnerable Innocence' and the Founder and Chair of 'Internet Sense First,' a federal Canadian charity. She's a keynote speaker in high demand worldwide and an advocate for online child protection. Charlene's personal journey is deeply rooted in her family's experience with child exploitation. Her commitment to this cause comes from a place of understanding, having been a survivor of sexual assault during her high school years. She's dedicated her life to making a difference in the lives of children and families, shaping the future of online safety. Today we explore Charlene's impactful work, her inspiring journey, and her mission to protect children in the digital age.
Natashia Mensah is a former RN, and founder of Mia Adora. From building a 7-figure e-commerce empire to becoming a certified transformational weight loss coach, Natashia's journey is nothing short of inspiring. After the loss of her husband to cancer in 2019, Natashia's life took a remarkable turn. She's helped high performers and busy parents shed pounds, reverse metabolic issues, and embrace healthier lives—all without extreme diets or workouts.Natashia's mission extends beyond health, as she's a strong supporter of charities fighting human trafficking and the global water crisis. Join us as we uncover her incredible story of resilience, transformation, and making a difference.
Debbie Ferguson is a seasoned entrepreneur, single mother, and passionate advocate for personal growth and community support. With a life enriched by diverse careers, global travels, and years of personal leadership training, Debbie's journey took an unexpected turn in October 2017. One Saturday morning, as she prepared for an open house, she suddenly lost the ability to speak. Rushed to the hospital, Debbie embarked on a remarkable journey of relearning speech, reading, and writing. This life-altering experience revealed a profound message from the Universe, reshaping her outlook and priorities. Join us as we delve into Debbie's inspiring story of resilience, transformation, and the power of finding purpose in the face of adversity.
Jenn Stephenson, the visionary behind Calgary's The Curated Home, has over 23 years of real estate and homebuilding experience. Her journey into interior design is inspired by a personal tragedy – the loss of her daughters. This experience fueled her belief in the healing power of home. At The Curated Home, her mission is clear: to make interior design accessible and meaningful. With handpicked furnishings and a commitment to quality, Jenn and her team celebrate the artistry of design, transforming spaces into havens that offer solace, comfort, and inspiration. Join them in a world where design, comfort, and resilience unite beautifully. Today, Jenn shares her journey with us.
Laurie Moser is the founder of 'Staying Active Health & Wellness.' With over 7 years in the fitness industry and personal experience in parenting a teen with mental health challenges, Laurie understands the power of self-care. Her online courses and group coaching programs provide moms with essential tools and a supportive community. Featured by Focus on the Family, Real Biz Moms, Tracking Happiness, and 5 Minutes for Me App, Laurie is ready to share her insights. Join us for a transformative conversation on self-care and resilience with Laurie Moser
Ramya S. Kapadia is a Knoxville-based artist who wields her talents in Bharatanatyam dance, Carnatic music, Warli art, and children's fiction. With a background in Medical Physics and Neuroscience, Ramya has transitioned seamlessly into the world of art, captivating global audiences with her performances.
As the founder of Natyarpana School of Dance & Music, she's dedicated to sharing the richness of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam throughout the US. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Ramya is a passionate advocate for integrating traditional Indian arts into education, ensuring accessibility for all, including children with special needs.
From receiving awards like the Emerging Artist to shaping compassionate communities through her art, Ramya's journey embodies the fusion of tradition and innovation. Join us as we uncover the inspiring narrative of Ramya S. Kapadia.
Sherrie Laryse is a dynamic Emotional Intelligence teacher with over a decade of experience delving into human behavior, neuro linguistics, and the intricacies of grief, trauma, and mental health. Her passion lies in equipping individuals with tangible techniques to tackle life's challenges head-on. Through personalized consultations, captivating group sessions, and compelling public speaking engagements, Sherrie ignites transformation. Her journey is a tapestry woven with vulnerability, showcased in her unfiltered and empowering book, "On Path." Sherrie's unique approach empowers individuals to reframe their perspectives, fostering a profound sense of liberation in their authentic selves.Embark on a journey of profound change with Sherrie as she guides you through the art of embracing life's complexities, emerging stronger, wiser, and truly empowered.
Pamela Joyce Liggins, an author and speaker from Harlem's Lincoln Projects, draws from her upbringing, fourteen years of marriage, and motherhood to create compelling stories. Her journey as an author gained momentum after her ex-husband's 2003 arrest, leading to her transformative role as a published author on May 23rd, 2009. She pioneers by releasing her books as audiobooks, with titles like "Family Tyme! Don't Get Caught Up!" and "FYER! The Diary of a BI Sexual Woman." Pamela's impact resonates through her works and her upcoming Off Broadway play "Side Chick" and series "I Am Not Defined By My Address." Today, I have the pleasure of hearing Pamela's journey as breast cancer survivor, advocate and author.
Lindsay Blaze has developed a culture of connection that is currently represented through a country gas station in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. As a curator of story and branding throughout her travels and career, Lindsay seeks to reveal the raw and real in life. A year and a half ago, she took over the gas station, a place known as the number one drug pick up and drop off for three counties. Today, Gas Boss thrives as an experience of joy that comes from genuine connection through the presence of emotional intelligence; so much so that the station opened an ice cream shop in it called Giddy-Ups. Lindsay’s heart and passion is to bring value to both staff and customer through the daily invitation and welcoming of them to be exactly who they are.
Erin Thorp is an empathic keynote speaker, writer and coach for leaders who struggle with conflict, communication, and performance during high-stress times. Erin’s life suddenly took a turn when her daughter was diagnosed with a severe learning disability along with ADHD. Having spent 20 years in the masculine dominated engineering and construction industries, Erin decided to take a leave of absence from her career to explore her superpower of empathy to help her daughter achieve the success that she has today, along with coaching many others on empathy and compassion. I have the pleasure of sitting down with her today to discuss how the impacts of her daughter's learning disabilities altered the trajectory of her life today.
Caitlin Devall is an experienced real estate professional with a wealth of industry knowledge, has dedicated numerous years to her career. Caitlin reached a pivotal moment of self-determination and was faced with the choice between freezing her eggs and exploring the possibility of using a donor, she ultimately embraced the latter as her golden opportunity to embark on the journey of single motherhood.
In this episode, Caitlin candidly recounts the challenges, triumphs, and transformative experiences that have accompanied her resolute decision.
Currently expecting her second child and generously shares her personal odyssey of navigating the complexities of solo motherhood, offering valuable insights to her listeners.
Sharon Costanzo is a relationship & communication coach who specializes in helping women speak up and work through hard conversations so they can feel more confident and connected in their most important relationships. She hosts the Keep Talking Revolution Podcast and Respected + Connected, an online coaching program and community for women who are working on improving their relationships in a more empowered and authentic way. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Sharon and gaining insight into how to effectively communicate with our partners.
Brenda Beckedorf is the Executive Director of Alberta IoT, a non-profit member-based association established in 2017 to support the growth of all things digital by creating a space for connection, collaboration, and innovation. In her role as Executive Director, Brenda’s focus is to bring our community together to provide a common voice in advancing the knowledge, adoption, and growth of the Internet of Things industry within the province of Alberta and throughout the world. Brenda has a story that is one of resilience and strength. She is a domestic abuse survivor, and I have the honour of speaking to Brenda today to hear her journey through turning trauma into triumph.
Shailynn Taylor is a 27 year old disability advocate and diversity model who calls Calgary home. Receiving her diagnosis of type 2 SMA at only 18 months old, she knew she had to direct her life’s purpose. Today, she has made it her life’s work to educate those she meets on the unique experiences and perspectives of people with disabilities. Whether advocating for life saving treatments, accessible housing or disability representation in media and advertising, Shailynn is committed to making change. When Shai isn’t working (like the true Capricorn she is) she loves to travel, attend concerts and explore Calgary with her friends! This morning I have the opportunity to hear her journey and learn what we can do to help bring awareness to SMA and those living with disabilities.
This episode is sponsored by @hello_relo - Relo is Alberta’s top online real estate school, for the bold and ambitious. Wherever you are at in your career, Relo will help take you to the next level.
Michelle Furgiuele is a Canadian Human Trafficking Survivor, speaker, consultant and Peer Advocate with Restorations Canada. With over fifteen years of experience in multiple facets of the sex trade, Michelle now uses her story and extensive knowledge to educate and train various sectors on the realities of Human Trafficking. Through her work Michelle has been presenting preventative practices to High Schools, Police Agencies, Service Providers, the Hotel and Hospitality industry, as well as the aviator and travel sector. Michelle has co-written several manuals on how to detect Human Trafficking along with assisting victims in crisis and provides ongoing mentorship. Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Michelle to hear about her journey.
Moji Taiwo is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, Creator and Host of The Immigrant Experience Show (Tieshow) on Diversity TV YouTube Channel. Tieshow is intended to be a platform to openly discuss matters of importance to our collective Immigrant population (first and second generation), individuals and families. During her 31 years’ service with Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, Young Offender Branch, Moji worked tirelessly to improve, impact, and positively shape the lives of young people and their families. As well, she enjoyed training / mentoring young staff and watched them develop and progress in their chosen careers. Equally, in the community she has delivered Life Skills program classes to youth groups since 1993 and models professionally in her spare time. Moji was a founding and active member of the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (1993), the Yoruba Foundation, Calgary (2004) and founding member/Past President of Women of Vision Society of Alberta (2012 - 2021). She is an an avid volunteer for causes that improves the lives of youth, women, families, and her community. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Moji to hear about her journey of serving her community.
This episode is sponsored by @hello_relo - Relo is Alberta’s top online real estate school, for the bold and ambitious. Wherever you are at in your career, Relo will help take you to the next level.
In this mini Mother’s Day episode Tanya had the pleasure of interviewing her mother, Ginny Eklund. It was truly such a special day. In their interview, Tanya learned more about her mothers life, marriage and motherhood.
Born in Baghdad to an ancient lineage called the Chaldeans (Neo-Babylonians who still speak Aramaic), Weam Namou immigrated with her family to the United States at age ten. She is the Executive Director of the Chaldean Cultural Center, which houses the first and only Chaldean Museum in the world. She’s an Eric Hoffer award-winning author of 15 books, a two-time international award-winning filmmaker, journalist, poet, and an Ambassador for the Authors Guild of America [Detroit Chapter], the nation’s oldest and largest writing organization. Her script Pomegranate was chosen as a quarter finalist by Francis Coppola’s Zoetrope and was turned into a feature film. It's currently touring film festivals. Namou hosts a half-hour weekly TV show, and she’s the founder of Unique Voices in Films, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. A keynote speaker, her essays, articles, and poetry have been published by national and international publications. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with her about what it is like to be an immigrant women in them United States and what we can do as a community to encourage individuality, creativity and pursuing one's passion regardless of the where they were born.
Dr. Naminder Sandhu is a born and raised Calgarian and proud daughter of Punjabi immigrants who practices Pediatric Emergency Medicine at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor with the University of Calgary and an active educator at the undergraduate and postgraduate medical education levels with over a decade of teaching experience. She is a respected leader having served as PEM subspecialty residency program director for numerous years and more recently as interim section chief. She is an active member of various committees supporting the Department of Pediatrics with her growing professional interests lying in the spheres of equity/diversity/inclusivity; physician mentorship; and burnout/wellness.
She serves as a director on the board of Canadian Women in Medicine, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women thrive both personally and professionally. As a lifelong learner, Naminder is pursuing training in functional medicine on the side and recently received her certification as a yoga teacher who offers her skills to her colleagues to promote self-care since the COVID-19 pandemic. She was raised to value community engagement and serves as a board member of Between Friends Calgary, a local agency benefiting people with disabilities. A life in medicine thus far has been a challenging one, and the recent pandemic has renewed her mission to find fulfillment and value in our communities, connection, and ourselves. I have the pleasure of sitting down with her today to hear her journey through medicine.
Ariel White is a Marketing and Communications expert, and Sr. Account Manager at a creative agency. She also serves as a strategic advisor for a global eCommerce retailer, a Community Manager for Toast, a talent partner that helps connect women to tech roles, and is the Founding City Director for the Victoria chapter of WNORTH, an organization dedicated to empowering women to advance into senior leadership positions.
A storyteller by nature, Ariel’s passion for writing led her to start a daily blogging practice in 2017. What began as a fun way to share recipes and outdoor adventures soon became an outlet for her to initiate and engage in deeper conversations around mental health, recovery from food and substance-use disorders, and finally disclose the secret of her childhood sexual trauma. Ariel currently works to amplify the voices of those fighting silent battles through advocacy and education, and leads conversations about trauma-informed practice and how it shows up in our leadership. Today, I have the pleasure of hearing her journey.
Amy Reding is an author, artist, and cancer survivor. At the age of 25 she was diagnosed for the first time with stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Since 2019, Amy has fought cancer on three different occasions and experienced multiple treatments of chemotherapy, fertility treatments, biopsies, immunotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Amy shares openly about her journey with cancer as a young adult, side effects, relationships, and choosing joy and adventure in the midst of compounding bad news. Today I have to pleasure of sitting down with her to listen to her journey.
Dr. Jessica is a strategic leadership and workplace culture consultant with a focus on self-intelligence and relationship intelligence. She is an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author who is on a mission to empower and unlock the inner voices of high-stressed high-achieving leaders. Dr. Jessica’s first book Speak Kindly, You’re Listening has been flying off the shelves! As a former Dental Oncologist and Education Director at one of the top 5 cancer centres in the world, Dr. Jessica knows first hand the challenges that come with high-stressed careers. She started out by teaching the medical and dental community how to improve a patient's quality of life post-cancer therapy and now elevates leaders and their teams to improve their quality of life through confidence, collaboration, culture and communication. I am honoured to be siting down with her today to hear her journey.
In this mini episode, Tanya shares with her listeners about her experience with aging parents. While all of us know that it is inevitable, it is important to remember that time is extremely precious. Tanya speaks to how her fathers mild stroke last Christmas shifted her perspective on understanding the reality of aging parents. She concludes this episode by urging her listeners to spend time with those who we love because life as we know it is far too short.
With a struggle of body positivity, a unique family upbringing an ongoing battle with imposter syndrome, Andrea Mondoux is a Best Selling and 3x published Author, Speaker, Host of The Balance + Bliss Podcast, Coach and a Curvy Body Advocate changing the future of health and wellness, and how those perceive achieving it. She is passionate about supporting people in their pursuit of wellness and happiness by sharing relatable, actionable, and authentic strategies to help empower them to take control of their lives. With over a decade of lived experience transforming her habits, despite the diet culture, she is committed to changing the way people think about themselves. I am so excited to be speaking with her today to hear about her journey.
Bethany Gettis is a highly dynamic Internationally known Certified Holistic Nutritional ConsultantTM and REAL Food Advocate. Bethany is focused on guiding busy, health-conscious parents to their optimum healthy lifestyle, through nutrition while creating a holistic balance. After all, she created her business Nutritious & Delicious because she believes a healthy family starts with a healthy parent. The unexpected loss of her husband left Bethany to be a widow to raise her two boys on her own. I am sitting here today to hear her story of how she navigated this tragedy, pivoted and became the leader of her life and shifted her focus on happiness from within.
Let's talk about sex, baby! Dr. Jordin is a Pleasure Expert, Naturopathic Doctor and Author. She is the CEO of the Pleasure Collective, a coaching community for CEOs and founders who want to be as badass in the bedroom as they are in the boardroom. She is the author of The Pink Canary, an investigation into the hidden secret to optimal women’s wellness and podcast host of The Pleasure Principles. She is a regular contributor to articles and TV, including Cityline, Cosmopolitan, and The Washington Post, advocating for women’s health and right to pleasure. Combining her years of medical and holistic knowledge with personal experience and exploration, she unlocked her desires, attracted her reality as a fulfilled CEO, mom, stepmom, doctor, friend, lover, and women’s wellness advocate. I am so excited to sit down and talk to her today!
In this episode, Tanya gets vulnerable with her listeners about the time that a pulmonary embolism nearly took her life. While training for the Boston Marathon, Tanya began to experience severe chest pain that progressively got worse. It wasn't until she was admitted to the hospital that the doctors discovered she had blood clots throughout her chest due to the birth control pill. Tanya informs her listeners to listen to their body, and no matter how healthy or in shape you may be, it is still so important to listen to the signs and symptoms that could potentially be life threatening.
Dr. Parul Dua Makkar completed her Bachelor of Science from University of Central Oklahoma in 1999, Magna Cum Laude and then obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 2003. She practiced in Alberta, before moving to New York. Currently she is the owner of PDM Family Dental in Long Island, a place she resides in with her husband and 2 boys. Dr. Makkar's life took a different trajectory when she lost her only and younger sibling, Dr. Manu Dua, to Oral Cancer last year. He was a well-known and practicing dentist as well. Since his death, she has devoted her time educating doctors and patients alike about risk factors, prevention and advocating for early diagnosis of Oral cancer. She has co-authored several Dental journals, has been presenting lectures to Dentists and has been a guest at several podcasts, besides her own. She believes oral care is the gateway to overall well being and aims to have open conversations with her patients. I am honored to be sitting here today to bring awareness on head and neck cancer in the dental community.
In this mini episode, Tanya shares with her listeners about her passion for philanthropy and how it came to be. She discusses the importance of seeking out a charity, person or organization that resonates with you and your values. If you do not have the financial resources, donating your time is a wonderful way to give back!
Chelsea Squires is an extreme data generalist, collaborator, and storyteller with over five years of energy industry experience and a successful pivot into the tech industry. After suffering for many years with a love-hate relationship with her brain, Chelsea was diagnosed with extreme ADHD. Learning to navigate life with her diagnosis has had its ups and downs. Today, I have the privilege of sitting down with Chelsea to openly discuss ADHD and how others going through the same can find resources and support to help guide them through their journey of life.
In the first mini episode of 2023, Tanya shares with her listeners as to her perspective on goal setting. While it has been a key component to her success, Tanya is more of the mindset in sharing your goals with others whether that is a business coach, a family member or friend. In speaking to the milestones that she wants to get done in each quarter, it works to keep her accountable. The episode concludes with Tanya sharing her goals with her listeners as well as encouraging others to find what works for them in attaining the life that they desire.
In this mini episode, Tanya celebrates The VOW's 100th episode. She speaks to how the podcast has changed her outlook and allowed her to gain a deeper understanding and connection with women who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. The VOW has been a platform that encourages women that it is a strength to be vulnerable and share their story with listeners. Connection is the foundation of The VOW and Tanya thanks all guests who have shared their story, while sharing her excitement for guests who will join the podcast in 2023.
Dr. Alisha Rai is a mother and the co-founder of Hope for Cerebral Palsy and the Author of Mighty Mr. Aiden. She shares her journey through infertility, multiple miscarriages and her pursuit of motherhood. Dr. Rai will lead our listeners down an unconventional way of finding her miracle rainbow baby. In this episode, Dr. Rai speaks to her experience through a traumatic delivery, NICU and becoming a special-needs mama. After a diagnosis of PTSD, Dr. Rai learnt how to process her grief. The prompting of a still small voice inside, "Your pain won’t have purpose if it’s in private," has led her to openly share her journey and how she's choosing to turn grief into giving, ache into action, and pain into purpose. I have the privilege and honor to speak with her today and share her story in hopes of helping other woman going through a similar experience.
Nina Purewal faced an unexpected childhood tragedy, which inspired her mindfulness and meditation journey over twenty years ago. After climbing the corporate ladder in sales and marketing for nearly a decade, she took a sabbatical and moved to California to unplug and live in an ashram for a year to further her learning of ancient wisdom and letting go. It’s been her greatest passion to help others find happiness through adversity. With that, she founded Pure Minds, a social enterprise that conducts mindfulness and meditation workshops for the corporate sector, with over 50 clients. She is the co-author of the International Bestseller, Let That Sht Go* and has also partnered with A Kids Company About as a podcast host and kids meditation mentor. Today, I am honored to be speaking with Nina as she opens up about the tragedy that changed the trajectory of her life, turning her pain into purpose.
Armed with multiple degrees in psychology, two decades of working one-on-one with individuals, and facilitating internationally, Gemma is laser focused on helping people build emotional intelligence. Gemma is a natural-born storyteller who inspires compassion, with every breath. Her fresh, accelerated and loving approach to healing is changing the psychology industry. I am so lucky to be basking in her presence today sharing her story with our listeners!
In this mini episode, Tanya discusses the importance of finding joy in your day. While every day may not go to plan, it is important to find gratitude for the moments that bring us a sense of joy. Later in the episode, Tanya gets vulnerable with her listeners and shares her own personal journey with practicing compassion for those who share a difference of opinion relating to all things religion, politics and health.
Born in Iran and raised in Tehran Atousa Sepehr received her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and worked as an electrical engineer for almost 10 years in Tehran. In 2011, she made the decision to move to Canada with her husband with hopes of finding work as skilled worker immigrants.
On this podcast, Atousa and Tanya discuss the current situation going on in Iran. Protest movements began 8 weeks ago for women and human rights due to the government's brutality on women and young girls. Atousa will share with our listeners and speak to the truth as to what is currently going on in Iran as well as share what we Canadians can do to help.
Eve Aboka is a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Advocate, and a Career and Academic Advisor with a restorative justice lens approach to informing organizational change, career development and social justice.
She is the Founder and C.E.O at Capability Career Group (CCG) and an Executive Director at Immigrant Champions of Canada (ICC).
Through the Working Workplaces Program at Capability Career Group, Aboka has coached over 70 organizations in Alberta with a result-oriented D&I overhaul approach, that invites organizations to follow the steps of Assessment, Awareness, Alignment, Action, and Advocacy; to realize holistic organizational D&I change.
Aboka's empathy style in delivering D&I sessions has seen many participants demonstrate higher levels of engagement in the sessions and recorded high participation rates in social change advocacy. Employers have also been motivated to rewrite and change their policies to reflect the change required in today's and tomorrow's workplace. Besides D&I, she has published 3 books.
🎧 Eve’sepisode is streaming now on iTunes and Spotify!
Beth Hoel began her career in criminal justice in 1998 at just eighteen years old when she began working in the Presentence Division of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department while attending college at Arizona State University. During this time, Beth went to the Maricopa County jails where she interviewed hundreds of inmates awaiting sentencing for felony offenses ranging from drug sales, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, and sexual crimes. After graduating from college with a B.A. in Sociology, she became an Adult Probation Officer where she supervised a caseload of sexual offenders on probation for child molestation, rape, voyeurism, and other sexual offenses. She supervised this caseload for nearly five years before promoting to management in 2009. Beth was a supervisor in the Presentence Division for fifteen months before transferring to a sex offender unit where she spent thirteen years managing a team of Intensive and Standard Officers who supervised sexual offenders. During her time in this role, she has managed thousands of complex cases, expertly navigating the complexities of each. Beth has developed several pieces of training related to sex offender topics regarding supervision and treatment in collaboration with treatment providers. She managed a grant for a dynamic risk assessment and is trained on several risk assessment tools for general offenders and sexual offenders. In 2022, Beth retired from Maricopa County after nearly twenty-five years of service to start BHG Consulting Group, where she believes in taking a holistic approach to cases to make families healthier and communities safer. Beth provides consultation to attorneys, clients, and their families regarding the justice system specific to sexual offenses and provides in-depth, quality mitigation reports to the Court on all types of criminal cases. Beth also collaborates with treatment providers as well to ensure clients have access to the most appropriate treatment for their specific situation.
Beth is a native of Maricopa County, Arizona where she resides today. She has been a member of the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers since 2017 and serves as a Commissioner for Governor Ducey’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women in Arizona. You can contact her at beth@bhgconsultinggroup.com or www.bhgconsultinggroup.com
In this solo episode, Tanya shares with her listeners of the importance of kissing a lot of frogs to truly find your prince. Her marriage with her husband, Chad is a reflection of the values and morals that have been instilled in her from her upbringing. The episode concludes with Tanya reading one of her favorite proverbs from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
Ashley is an author, recipe creator, and fitness enthusiast with a master’s degree in nutrition. After being awarded a tennis scholarship in her late teens, she moved from Kelowna to the United States to start her post-secondary studies. For over a decade, she’s worked as a nutritionist in the US and Canada – offering individualized guidance and meal prep services. She takes a compassionate approach to educating others on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, and she primarily focuses on sugar awareness and flexible balanced eating strategies. Ashley currently lives in Calgary and has recently branched into a micro-influencing role on Instagram, while creating and facilitating a home fitness program. If she’s not busy in the kitchen, she’s enjoying moments with her family, husband, friends, fur babies, and nature.
The last fifteen years of her life took her on an unpredictable journey filled with darkness and shame. She neglected her own needs and suffered through PTSD, trauma, and hurtful relationships in silence. The hardships, fatigue, pain, and feeling like a societal misfit finally made sense when she discovered she was an empath. Ashley is now breaking her silence, hoping to bring awareness and comfort to those who need it.
Welcome to The VOW's first mini episode where Tanya discusses her experience and the residing trauma that she deals with from being bullied as a younger girl. It is through her vulnerability that she is able to find the blessings in the hurt. Tanya discusses the importance of identifying the triggers that spark the trauma response in the body based on past experiences. As a leader of love in her own life, with a hunger for knowledge in self-awareness the episode concludes with a Tanya reading a chapter from the book, "The Greatest Salesman in the World" written by Og Mandino.
The Voice of Women host, Tanya Eklund shares with her listeners about the triumphs, tribulations, and life lessons that she has learned throughout her life. In these mini episodes, Tanya dives more into her own personal story and opens up about her journey in life, love, business and everything in between.
Lisa Webb is a true global citizen, having lived on four different continents and travelled to over 60 countries with her husband and two kids. She’s spent over a decade of her adult life rebuilding her community, networking, and finding sisterhood all over the world. Lisa has chronicled her journey through writing as a Canadian Expat Mom, publishing six children’s books, two anthologies, and her memoir, ‘Becoming French’.
Lisa’s global experiences have taught her the power of community, which became the foundation of her creating Wine, Women & Well-Being; where monthly events are held in 26 cities across Canada, providing a space for women to build community, connection and belonging while getting inspired alongside like-minded women.
I owned a 6-figure digital marketing company for 9 years, working with brands to create digital 'spaces' that represented who they were through their websites and social media. After battling through another case of 'burnout' I decided to close it down, change course, and follow my own motto: 'Figure out what you love to do and find a way to make money doing it. Interior design and home staging became my new career.
Women often stay in careers because the income is good but often don't feel fulfilled. Tune in to Sarah's journey on how she discovered what she was truly meant to be doing.
As an avid traveller with a goal of visiting 1 new country per year (33 and counting), I have stayed in well over 200 Airbnb in the last 10 years, all across the world. This has given me insight into what gets clicked, what gets booked, and what earns those coveted 5-star ratings.
My interior decorating business is more successful in its first year than the marketing company was in its last few, and my first retail location is opening up this fall!
Marci Warhaft is courageous & resilient, she is an author, a rebel, a couch and a body image advocate. Her book The Good Stripper: A Soccer Mom's Memoir of Lives is Marci's story of her earlier years in which she shares her destructive behaviours, a bank robber father, eating disorders, a struggling marriage, and her sexuality. Marci is a mother of 2 that was married for 22 years and has come out as a gay woman and is ready to share her journey with us.
Jodie Tilley is an Aussie import and has now lived in Canada for 27 years! After graduating university on the sandy shores of the east coast of Oz, she set off on her mountain adventures to the Canadian Rockies. Staying long term in the great white north was never her intention, but serendipity played a part and many years later she met her now husband and is mum to very active twin 6 year old boys.
Jodie’s career started out as a medical device rep and after many years working in the plastic surgery space, she and her 27 year bestie - Lisa (a very talented nurse injector) decided to open PHI Medical Aesthetics. She has found her passion and life long dream of being an entrepreneur who’s business focuses on restoring the confidence of the patients who visit phi, through medical aesthetics.
About 10 months ago, Jodie found herself in the emergency room in excruciating pain, only to be diagnosed with advanced metastatic colon cancer. After undergoing immediate and lifesaving emergency surgery, she then spent 7 months in intense chemotherapy. And she’s very grateful to be through the craziest year of her life and wants to spread awareness and educate young people on signs and symptoms of colon cancer so that others might not have to endure the same terrifying journey.
Jo Burston is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs. She has launched six businesses, the standout being Job Capital which went from $0 to $ 40 million turnover in five years and has kept her on the list of Australia’s top 30 female entrepreneurs since 2013. Jo has worked in partnership with the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) and Office For Women (OFW) as well as global brands such as Microsoft, Google, EY, PwC and XERO. Her most recent launch is a startup business, which runs entrepreneurial Learning in Action programs for school-aged children in the curriculum in every state in Australia. Jo is passionate about the idea that you can’t be what you can’t see and uses these programs, as well as her globally recognised social impact business Inspiring Rare Birds, to inspire, support and educate women in business with the goal of providing equal opportunities in entrepreneurship and leadership for everyone.
In 2015, Gloria Di Sabatino and her husband started trying for a family. After a few miscarriages later a series of unlikely diagnoses, including a rare balanced translocation found in less than 1% of the world's population leading to recurrent miscarriage and infertility, they soon found out that her husband carried this condition. After losing six babies in 4 years, and breaking clinic records, they decided it was time to go a different route. Gloria touches on the difference between treatments, the cost of treatments and her journey with infertility.
Gloria is a nurse, a pastor and a running enthusiast. She can be found either playing the piano or baking. She’s been married to her teenage sweetheart and the love of her life for 10 years. Together they have three children, ages six, four, and two.
Award winning journalist, Linda Olsen, is a proud born and raised Calgarian. She graduated from SAIT in Calgary in 1988 with Honors in Broadcast Journalism and started her career that same year at Global Saskatoon.
Linda joined Global Calgary in 1995 and since then, as a reporter, anchor and producer, has covered some of the biggest events to hit the city, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic from day one, bringing audiences the important information they were looking for as the situation unfolded, as well as the 2013 Southern Alberta floods. Linda co-anchored live flood coverage for 10 hours on that first day keeping viewers up to date on the significant event.
Linda was also host and producer of Global’s Woman of Vision series from its inception in Calgary in 1998. For 15 years, she highlighted the stories of inspirational women in the community with monthly television news features and a column in the Calgary Herald. In 2001, the Alberta Media Production Industries Association (AMPIA) nominated the special as Best Public Affairs Program. In 2002, Linda received the AMPIA Award for Best Anchor, and in 2003 she accepted the Best Host award for the Woman of Vision Special. As a senior anchor at Global News, Linda was also part of the team that won RTDNA’s award for Canada’s Best Newscast in both 2018 and 2014. She was named a recipient of Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue magazine and received Global Calgary's Woman of Vision award for her commitment to the program and the community.
An advocate for the community, Linda is a board member with the Calgary Children’s Foundation and an honorary board member of Believe in the Gold, a local charity raising awareness and supporting research for children with cancer. Linda has also been recognized with an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from SAIT and the Honorary Fellow Award at Calgary’s St. Mary’s University.
When she’s not on the anchor desk, Linda can be found out in the city hosting a number of charity events or spending time with her three adult children.
Vanessa Ferlaino is an author, artist, and activist changing the world one day at a time. She believes that only when we hear ourselves, can we make a difference in our lives and the world around us. At the age of 27, she has many accolades. She spent 10 years in medtech and tech as an award-winning corporate innovator, investor, executive, and advisor. The headlining speaker for Google x Women Techmakers April 2022 and Authority Magazine's "Social Impact Author" creates impact by challenging what it means to be human. Her book debut, "Human", a read that will inspire you to be your truest self, is available on Amazon and select Chapters Indigo locations. Follow her on Instagram @vanessaferlaino or subscribe to her email list at vanessaferlaino.com so you don't miss the release of her music or the launch of her next big philanthropic project - both coming in summer 2022!
Darby has over a decade of experience working as an accessibility strategist. She established Level Playing Field in 2015 and is an expert in Universal Design and international accessibility guidelines and standards. Darby has successfully contributed to the removal of barriers at municipal, provincial and national levels, ultimately establishing inclusive environments all across Canada. Darby’s expertise in Universal Design has developed throughout a wide range of public roles including her achievements as a competitive para-alpine skier. She is committed to contributing her unique lived-experience and various political appointments to passionately advocate for lasting inclusive environments that benefit everyone, regardless of age, circumstance, or ability. Darby is both a Top 25 Women of Influence (2021) and Top 40 Under 40 (2021 & 2018) honouree and recipient of the 2016 Calgary Stampede Western Legacy Innovation Award.
After the loss of her son-in-law Darryl, in an impaired driving crash, Denise Dubyk became a founding member of the MADD Calgary Chapter in 2001. She has been involved with the mission of the Chapter since that time and held the positions of President, Vice-President, and Treasurer currently sitting as a Board Member.
In 2003, Denise was the recipient of MADD Canada Western Region Award and the John G. Bates award for local and national Volunteer of the Year and was nominated and awarded a Diamond Jubilee Year commemorative medal in 2012.
In 2009 Denise took on the role of MADD Canada Regional Director for the Prairie Provinces, North West Territories and Nunavut Region and in 2010-2013 served as National President for a 3-year term.
Denise works passionately at educating and creating awareness about impaired driving and advocates to provincial and federal governments regarding strengthening impaired driving legislation.
Denise believes that stopping impaired driving is everyone’s responsibility. That by working together, with the strength and commitment of the MADD Chapters across the country and under the leadership of MADD Canada, positive changes will continue to be made in our communities to lessen fatalities and injuries attributed to impaired driving.
Denise is married, with one daughter, two stepsons and five grandchildren. Along with an eclectic nature, interests such as gardening, reading, close friendships and enormous amounts of quality time with grandchildren keep Denise busy.
Note: for reference to the dates mentioned this episode was recorded in October 2021
Carol Todd has impacted the world as an educator, an advocate, parent and leader for social action in speaking openly about the bullying, cyberbullying, exploitation and the mental health challenges that Amanda went through. In 2012, Carol’s daughter Amanda took her own life at the age of 15, following the posting of a YouTube video that detailed the exploitation via an international predator and severe harassment, both by peers and online, that she endured.
From this place of tragedy, Carol has found that by sharing Amanda’s story, she could help others. In memory of her daughter who took her life in response to cyberbullying and online exploitation, Carol founded the Amanda Todd Legacy Society to create further awareness surrounding these important issues that many young people are facing around the world. She currently speaks internationally about her experience, as well as her daughter’s struggles with bullying, cyber abuse, online victimization and mental health, to empower youth and adults with strategies and resources to address these social issues.
“Making a difference by sharing Amanda’s tragic story is important to me as her mother and encourages me, through her voice to prevent others from going through what Amanda went did.” Carol has become a voice of global change and advocacy and is driven by her passion and leadership to change the mindset behind negative behaviours and the challenging barriers of stigma by sharing Amanda’s story.
Website - http://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/
Singer/songwriter/guitarist, Lindsay Ell, has learned to care a little less about what everybody thinks. She says, “following my gut instinct, truly saying what I want to say—that’s the magic, the elements that make you relatable and real. Before, I was worrying about writing for radio, for fans, but now this is what I know, this is my journey. And the more honest I get, the more effective it is.”
While Ell has earned special recognition for her blistering guitar playing, she notes that she doesn’t want to be defined by any one dimension of her work. She says, “I don’t want to be known as just a guitar player. My favorite artists, like John Mayer and Keith Urban, are great players, but that’s not the only thing you think of. I write, sing, produce and think all the pieces of the puzzle come together to make an artist’s story unique, to paint the full picture. Yes, this is a huge guitar record, but that’s not what I want be the first thing that rings the bell when you listen.”
“I’ve loved doing so much international travel.” she says. “I always wanted to build my career beyond the borders of North America, so it’s incredible to go to New Zealand, Japan, Germany, places where they’re trying to figure out what I’m saying, but they’re so into it. They listen to the catalog, learn the songs, come to the show ready for the experience—they’re the perfect audience, they care so much.”
As Lindsay Ell gears up for a new album and continues to tour around the globe, she embraces this next chapter of her career. “Artists are always scared of the infamous sophomore album,” she says, “but I’m so excited. I’ve done the work, I’ve found the right team, and I’m coming at it from a place of more strength and more honesty. I’m ready to do this, so bring it on.”
Sarah is a multimedia journalist and youth advocate, and she is currently working in radio with CBC Calgary. She has helped research and create segments for the Eyeopener and the homestretch. It’s been an interesting journey for her as she started working at the beginning of the pandemic. It was definitely interesting and a challenge learning to do everything from home but she is slowly finding her way. She is happy to be working with such a great team of talented journalists. The pandemic has shown me what I am capable of and how easily I can figure out how to adapt. Living life with a disability teaches you a different way of looking at things and working around everyday challenges. There are hard days, but it is essential to believe anything is possible.
Megan fell in love with learning about the brain from a young age, as she was diagnosed with epilepsy. The onset of epilepsy changed her demeanor, her life, and her identity. Let’s just say that life got messy! She started to study more about the mind and brain, in 2015 and went on to pursue a Masters in Counselling Psychology shortly thereafter. In 2017, Megan chose to learn more about somatic (body) work, and began to explore yoga more rigorously. She genuinely believes that working with counselling modalities that integrate the exploration of the body and the mind are life-changing. She works with populations who have complex trauma, relationship difficulties, people in periods of transition, epilepsy, and of course, individuals who experience anxiety. She is currently working in Vancouver, BC running a full-time practice that offers 1-1 counselling and online courses.
Fania Wedro was born Fania Hellman in Koretz, Poland on August 25, 1927. When she was fourteen years old, the Nazis took away her father and the other men living in the village. Fania then spent six months in a work ghetto in Koretz, where she escaped two mass killings by the Nazis. After escaping the second mass killing, she lived in hiding in the forest for eighteen months.
After being liberated by the Russians in 1944, Wedro was smuggled across various borders and eventually reached a displaced persons camp in Linz, Austria. She became a teacher in the camp and met and married her husband Leo (Leib) Wedro. In 1948, the couple immigrated to Canada and became successful business owners.
Mandy Balak is the Found and Creator of ACE. She brings entrepreneurial experience to the table having built three purpose-based businesses in the media, events, personal growth and community-building space. It was in pounding the entrepreneurial pavement that Mandy found her truth - her greatest desire is to see others win and her purpose is to make sure they withness themselves along the journey. Mandy offers over 10+ years of wisdom in business building, mindset and personal growth.
Eva McKenzie was born and raised on Vancouver Island where she would meet her future husband Corey at the age of 17. They would marry on August 3, 1996 and give birth to their daughter, Sydni in March of 1999. In 2002 the family moved to Calgary for Corey to continue working in his construction trade. Eva always had an ambition to be a make-up artist and in 2003 she would pursue that dream and attend Blanche MacDonald in Vancouver, BC. She began working in T.V. and film on her return to Calgary after completing her make-up diploma. In 2006 her father would fall ill to cancer. She would fly back and forth from Calgary to Vancouver Island a couple times a year to care for her. She would temporarily leave Calgary and her family at the end of June 2009 to care for her palliative father at his home. Her dad’s nurses would ask her “have you ever thought about being a nurse”? But it is when her father’s words prior to his death would really impact her. He said to her “Evey you really need to become a nurse”. This is when she realized that her nurturing spirit, empathetic heart and compassion could help others. She went back to school at the age of 35 to pursue nursing. She would obtain her first and only nursing job in 2012 where she still works. Eva’s mother would shortly be diagnosed with early onset Dementia, so once again Eva was flying back and forth from Calgary to Vancouver Island to oversee her mother’s care at the facility her mom was living at. Tragedy hit multiple times in 2020 for Eva, in May her husband’s brother passed away, in August her husband completed suicide at the age of 49 and in September her mother would pass from Dementia. Eva still resides in Calgary as well as her daughter and they both are continuing down their journey of healing and learning to laugh and smile again.
Nicole Jensen is a 23 year-old, Calgary based woman who has embraced her passion for writing, authentically showing up for herself and sharing her ongoing journey with body positivity in a time when social media is so prevalent.
As a recent Mount Royal University Public Relations graduate, Nicole is using her passion of writing and connection to foster meaningful relationships with others through the power of the written word. By sharing her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder, Nicole hopes to encourage and inspire women of all ages and backgrounds to embrace every part of who they are and live a life that is authentic to them.
Nicole recently started a blog called “Fill Your Cup,” that primarily focuses on inspiring readers to find the things, people, experiences and places that bring them complete happiness, peace and enjoyment. To fill your cup is to invest, love and care for yourself. Filling your cup is not about anyoneelse, it is about you. In this podcast Nicole reminds listeners to continue showing up for themselves and working towards the goal of personal happiness.
Maddison has worked with some of the music industry’s best producers and songwriters including Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks) and Tony Martin (Tim McGraw, Keith Urban). Her single “Real Real Thing: hit Top 40 on the Radio Disney Country Chart; and her independently released EP “Bulls-Eye” reached top 6 on the iTunes Country charts. She has performed at major venues and stages across North America including: The Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, Big Valley Jamboree, Folk Alliance International, The Calgary Stampede, amongst many more. And in 2015 she was one of six across Canada nominated for the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Program.
As a woman of heart, she often finds herself involved in her community volunteering for organizations including Big Brother Big Sisters Calgary as a part of the All-Star Campaign. She’s performed for the residents of The Calgary DI Centre in downtown Calgary, as well as donated her time to the Okotoks Country Hospice, singing in the hallways to patients and their families. One of Maddison’s most memorable and impactful experiences was her contribution to the Make A Wish Foundation when she was able to help a Make A Wish Child fulfil their dream of writing and recording their own song. Maddison co-wrote the song, and the two went to a Nashville recording studio to record it. They performed their song alongside one another for an audience of family and supports at the live-music venue Analog in Nashville, TN.
Dr. Goska Nowak has been practicing dentistry in Calgary for over 23 years, helping thousands of patients enhance their smiles and greatly improve their oral and systemic health. As a general and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Nowak recently opened the doors of her new practice, Sanitas Dental Health and Facial Aesthetics, located in northwest Calgary in the heart of Kensington.
She is deeply committed to staying on the leading edge of dental sciences, constantly upgrading her clinical skills and training her team on a daily basis. Dr. Nowak prides herself on her keen attention to detail and customized approach with patients. She strives to build trusting, long term relationships to help patients achieve their health needs and goals. Dr. Nowak completed her Dental Medicine Degree at the University of Saskatchewan, and moved to Calgary shortly after completing her studies.
Linda McLean currently serves as the Executive Director of The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. She brings to the role more than twenty-five years of experience in the non-profit sector, where she has worked in leadership positions within a broad range of organizations including United Way of Calgary, The Calgary Homeless Foundation, Inn from the Cold and the City of Vancouver. Prior to entering the non-profit sector, Linda lived and worked in remote northern Indigenous communities with a focus on participatory action research and community development. She has extensive experience in working with mental health, addictions and community-based health and housing programs.
Linda holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Social Anthropology and Education and has worked with widely diverse populations, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalized. She is a firm believer that all challenges can be met through creativity, commitment, and dedication to an ethic of care. When not at work or volunteering Linda spends time with her five children, husband Tim, and a menagerie of pets.
In the early 2000s, Carol White was married and with two sons. At that time, commercial and residential development was booming. She discovered a major gap in the market that needed to be filled quickly. Calgary had a shortage of concrete pumps causing delays for concrete delivery companies and contractors. She researched and wrote a business plan, leased the pump and equipment and began cold calling all contracting companies in the city. Her husband would do all of the physical labour. They were booked solid from the first week of business. It went on like that for the entire year. By that time, her marriage had deteriorated and she left it and the business and moved on.
Carol has always dreamed of being a full-time artist. She created Carol White Fine Art & Stationery and developed a few lines of product. After some time, it became clear that the company didn’t have potential for growth without a large infusion of capital. Since there wasn’t enough evidence that it would grow as she would like, she chose to focus all of her efforts on the restaurant that she and her partner opened in Kensington after selling Coyote T-Shirts. The restaurant is called PB and J YYC and, just as the name suggests, it’s a peanut butter and jam sandwich restaurant with a focus on freshly ground nut butters. It was a concept that Carol and her partner mulled over and researched during their time at Coyote T-Shirts. It’s growing beautifully and they have worked tirelessly toward improving it.
It’s not likely this will be her last business, so keep your eyes peeled for her future adventures.
Humaira Falak has been living in Calgary since 2013. She has a Master in English Literature, a diploma in Human Services and is a community development practitioner working in ward 5 and 10. She is also the co-chair for Ethno-cultural Diverse working group of Calgary Domestic Violence Collective and sits on advisory committee of various organizations. Humaira has led domestic violence and mental health initiatives and currently leading research on topics impacting the well being of racialized communities in collaboration with other agencies and universities.
Humaira has volunteered with agencies like United Way, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, Women Centre, Calgary Seniors’s Resource Society, Calgary Court House and many Ethno-ulCtural organizations. She was one of the finalist for the Community Service Award (Immigrant Services) and was also declared CTV's Inspired Albertan.
Humaira is a mother of two beautiful girls, and her cat, Bella. She is currently working towards a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Community Development from Athabasca University.
Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens is an internationally-recognized adolescent dating violence researcher. She began working in the area of domestic violence research during her undergraduate studies at the University of Calgary, and since then has conducted numerous research projects in the areas of domestic, sexual and dating violence, holding over $2.3 million in research funding to date. Today, she works alongside school, community and youth partners across the country to co-create innovative research on promoting healthy youth relationships and preventing dating violence. Her work has been recognized by a Canada Research Chair appointment, an Early Career Award from the Society for Prevention Research, a Leadership in Family Violence Prevention Innovation Award from the Government of Alberta, and a Top 40 Under 40 Award from Avenue Magazine Calgary.Deinera holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Cornell University and a Master of Public Health from Boston University. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary. She is also the director of the HOPELab (www.hopelab.ca), and Scientific Co-Director of PREVNet (https://youthdatingviolence.prevnet.ca).
As the CEO of 4Seasons Transportation, Brooke leads the organization’s vision to affect change in the lives of students with disabilities by being the leading accessible school bus company. She oversees all operations of the company and creates connections with schools, parents and communities, making sure every child receives an equal opportunity to a nurturing educational experience.
Brooke is a thought leader in the transportation industry and regularly speaks at national and international forums. In 2018, she accepted the Accessible Transportation Award and Commerce Award from the City of Calgary on behalf of 4Seasons.
Yegana Badghisy was born in the western city of Afghanistan called Herat. An Oasis city, an ancient civilization on the Silk Road between the Middle East, Central and South Asia serving as a regional hub in the country's west. After the conquest of Tamerlane, the city became an important center of academic, artistic and poetic life in the Islamic world. The love for art, design and poetry (Rumi) has always played a major role in Yegana's daily life, perhaps, it has always been running through her veins, and her soul from the very start.
The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and this brought Yegana and her family to New Delhi India for a short term before returning home, which never happened as the war continued. Family decided it was time to move to Canada, in 1990 Yegana and her family landed in lovely Winnipeg, and now living in Calgary where it's been home since 1995, the longest place she has ever lived in.
The current crisis in Afghanistan is so incredibly devastating for her and all Afghans around the world, especially for the Afghan women living under these barbaric men who call themselves the Taliban..Yegana is continuously helping Afghan women become liberated, whether it's within the Calgary Afghan community, a conversation with friends, encouraging a stranger back home that “she can do it" or simply raising awareness of the oppression of women period. Uplifting, encouraging and motivating women daily is super important for all of women around the world and so much more for the Afghan women.
Family plays the greatest role in her life. Wife to an outstanding German/Austrian man, a mother to two amazing boys, which is her favorite role to play, a role which is the most important in Yegana's life. During these crazy times, Yegana's key for the betterment of her boys is, teaching them the way of God, of course along with being kind, being affectionate and always showing compassion, and kicking butt in their daily activities doing their very best. Traveling is what feeds her soul, adores jewelry and gemstones (Emeralds, Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires) and of course retail therapy.
Yegana is a top producing real estate agent, with Yegana Real Estate in Calgary, she has been in this role for the past 11 years. Enthusiastic about connecting entrepreneurs to new business locations around the city thrilled to help with home design along with homeowners, whether preparing to sell, construct or renovate.
Angie Ostojic, is a devoted mother, loving wife, visionary leader, entrepreneur, passionate speaker, and friend. She was born and raised in the Philippines, Immigrated to Canada in 1996. Angie is passionate about giving back, she founded Brighter Future for the Next Generation, a foundation that aims to help feed, support children’s education by providing school necessities and daily needs in Canada and abroad, wherever is needed.
She also started AO Magazine where ordinary people share extraordinary Life and Business Success Stories, which inspires many. Angie thrives to create a community of like-minded people working towards the same mission and goal and helped numerous men and women achieved financial and time freedom.
Humbled to be nominated for Immigration of Distinctive Award Finalist 2020 Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
She wishes God's guidance to continue to be a supporter of different communities, a frontrunner in supporting new immigrants find their space as entrepreneurs and provide motivations to be productive citizens of this country.
When your life is simplified and decluttered, you can enjoy the small moments. Megan Golightly loves what she does and has been doing it for 14 years. She has a passion for problem solving, organizing projects big and small, and working with families to see their homes and lives transformed. Her goal is to help you feel at ease in your home and eliminate the negative feelings you may have about your clutter. It's often hard work but worth it!
Megan holds a degree in Psychology and on-going study in Neuroscience peaked her curiosity on how the brain works in relation to the spaces in our homes. It’s unhealthy to have nagging critical thoughts about the state of our homes. Whether or not we believe these words, our subconscious mind does. Deciding how and where to start can be paralyzing. Megan can help motivate, inspire and uncover the psychology of organizing.
Lauren Bilon is the founder and creative visionary behind Plume, an eco-lux cosmetic brand that specializes in lash and brow growth. After the birth of her daughter, Lauren suffered from postpartum hormonal changes that caused her eyelashes to fall out. Once she realized that any of the products she could use to grow her lashes back would do so at the cost of her eye health, she set out to develop a better, safer approach. After a lengthy journey into the unknown, and with the help of her husband Brett (now CEO of Plume) and chemist Irene (formally of Rocky Mountain Soap Co.) she brought Plume into the world and has been the driving force behind better lashes and brows the world over.
Sheenah Rogers-Pfeiffer is a two-time founder and CEO. At the age of 26, she founded Anstice, a strategic marketing and research firm she has built over the past 13 years, where she worked with the likes of Starbucks, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Los Cabos Tourism, Remy Martin, Ocean's Tuna and Dream Real Estate. She also held positions with Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the Vancouver Canucks and the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Bid. Sheenah entered the technology start-up space after launching ari Technologies in 2020, an app that connects retailers, brands and customers to facilitate commerce. She is also a mom to three and a wife to one and sits on the Board of Directors for Capture Photo Festival, and is on the Dr. Peter's Centre Life Commitment Committee. Sheenah is also a known fitness and shopping enthusiast in her spare time.
Tammy Phan is the founder and visionary behind Canada's leading online luxury destination where you can shop, sell, rent and restore designer handbags - Luxe Du Jour. Tammy worked in the financial industry for several years before pursuing her passion for sustainability and high-end luxury by creating Luxe Du Jour. What started off as a ‘side hustle’ of selling her own handbags, slowly grew into a full-fledged business now with 5 locations worldwide. Through her story, Tammy hopes to inspire women all around the world to pursue their dreams and pave their own paths instead of following the status quo.
Kathy Le is an award-winning journalist with CTV News Calgary. She was honoured a prestigious RTDNA award for Enterprise journalism for her documentary “Covid-19: The Spread of Racism”. Kathy was also awarded the Spirit of NAIT alumni award for excelling in her career. She has been nominated eight times for an RTDNA award for projects, including four documentaries and investigative stories, and was nominated by the Canadian Journalism Foundation for the national Jackman award for Excellence in Journalism.
In addition to reporting, Kathy co-anchors the evening news on the weekend. Her mission as a journalist is to produce stories that will make a difference in the world.
When Kathy is not working, she emcees and speaks at charity and special events. She has taken the stage at more than 100 events and is highly sought out by non-profits organizations and other groups. Using her knowledge and experience, Kathy dedicates her time coaching public speaking to help others find their voice and elevate their delivery.
During her free time, Kathy also volunteers with the Rotary Club Heritage Park. In addition to helping out local organizations, she has had the privilege of travelling with the Rotary club to remote parts of the world where the club has projects that helps the communities in need.
Passionate, forthright and dynamic, Julie Shipley-Strickland builds strong relationships with her valued clients by understanding their goals, supporting their concerns and providing thoughtful and strategic solutions. As a Senior Investment Advisor with Wellington-Altus Private Wealth and a Senior Insurance Advisor with Bergh Tatomir & Associates, Julie provides independent investment advice, financial planning, insurance solutions and clear guidance to entrepreneurs, executives and their families.
As one of the few female investments and insurance advisors in Canada, Julie is paving the way for future females in finance with her strong leadership and dedication to women-led businesses in the community.
Evelyn Ackah is the Founder and Managing Lawyer of Ackah Business Immigration Law with offices in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. Her legal practice focuses exclusively on Canadian and cross-border NAFTA US immigration law. After 12 years of practicing law in Toronto at national and international law firms on Bay Street, she moved to Calgary in 2008 as a partner with a leading national law firm. In 2010, Evelyn launched her own firm to focus on what she does best – immigration - and to provide innovative and flexible legal solutions that embody Evelyn’s independent spirit, her passion for law and her desire to provide the best possible client service.
Astokomii Smith is a proud member of the Siksika Nation. She is currently the Indigenous Liaison for the Town of Strathmore where role entails bridging connections and breaking down the barriers between Indigneous and non-Indigenous peoples. In 2019, Astokomii had the honour of being chosen as the Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess where she represented Treaty 7 and the Calgary Stampede at over 400 events locally, nationally and internationally.
Dena Dixon is the first woman to be elected president of the Ranchmen’s Club, a Calgary institution founded 130 years ago, before Alberta became a province. She has spent most of her life in Calgary as a volunteer with numerous organizations such as the Calgary Stampede, The Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and The Alex, while working in several family businesses.
Dena is passionate about working with people and strives to continuously improve her business and governance skills, along with her remarkable interpersonal abilities. She leads an active lifestyle and enjoys playing in the great outdoors cycling, skiing, hiking, fishing and traveling
Born and raised in Calgary, Sandy O’Connor considers herself fortunate to call the Calgary area home. Passionate about Calgary and all that it offers, she strives to build community, and give back through volunteering. A lifelong volunteer, today volunteering takes the form of serving on boards of not-for- profit organizations including the Calgary Stampede and the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
With a business background in governance and compliance, Sandy spent over 30 years working at TransAlta and is now consulting to power companies across Canada and the United States. Being able to take her career skills and now use them to help not-for-profits has been a rewarding experience.
Sandy and her husband Mike live on a small ranch outside of Okotoks where they enjoy their horses. The Stampede roots run deep in her family, from her first job as an usher at the Stampede, to today, where Mike and her step- son Sean also both volunteer on the Stampede Rodeo Committee.
Jyoti Gondek believes that we can no longer afford to be polarized and allow the pendulum to swing between extremes, never resting in a position of balance. Because without balance, we cannot get our footing to move forward. Jyoti is a driven community builder and diversity champion, dedicated to lifting others. To get to the root of problems, she probes, builds alliances, and looks at creative ways to solve issues that affect Calgarians’ lives and livelihoods. Jyoti fosters environments that are open, inviting, integrated, cross cultural, multi-generational and anchored in social connections.
Jyoti also believes in the power of cross-sector partnerships where businesses, social organizations and educational institutions are connected to local governments. The more we can understand complex issues from all angles, the better we are able to uncover solutions.
Jyoti’s household consists of her mum, Surjit, husband Todd, 16-year-old Justice and Smokey the dog. Like many Calgarians, Jyoti understands the blessings and challenges of managing a multi-generational home, but wouldn’t have it any other way. At the end of the day, family has always been a priority, and it’s this experience that makes her a strong, compassionate and resilient leader.
Frances Wright is very grateful that her parents brought her to Calgary from South Africa when she was six years old.
Calgary has been a great place to receive education (B.A., Psychology/Sociology, U of C, an Hons. B.Journalism, Carleton; and a Canadian Securities Course); start businesses (Wright Consultants 1975-79; PORTS International 1980-90; Pillow Parlor 1991-93 and MOMpreneur® 2008-2011); and launch foundations (Famous 5 Foundation, Founder/CEO 1995-2004 and the Canadian Centre for Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse – cc4ms, Founder/CEO, 2012- present). Currently, she is the Chair of the F5F focusing on inspiring women to be nation builders – and celebrate the 95 th Anniversary of the ‘Persons’ Case on Oct. 18, 2024.
Frances and her friends established the Hazel Gillespie Community Investment Leadership Award in 2007 to honour Hazel Gillespie and celebrate outstanding community investment leaders. Since 2003, Frances and some of her other friends have hosted Breaking Bread dinners to raise funds for teachers in Afghanistan through Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan.
Frances is the grateful recipient of a number of awards such as the Integrity Award from Rotary, the Governor General’s ‘Persons’ Award, an Honourary Degree from U of C, the Alberta Order of Excellence and an Order of Canada. All have been accepted in the name of everyone who has helped along the way!
As the happy and proud spouse of Richard Pootmans, our next City Councillor for Ward 6, Frances is looking forward to many more years of repaying Canada for allowing her to be a citizen.
Rancher and author, Rachel Herbert was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. The great-granddaughter of pioneer ranchers, but a long-time vegetarian, she returned to her roots and the family ranch near Nanton, Alberta. Alongside her husband, Tyler, she raises and direct-markets grassfed, grass-finished beef. They are the fourth generation, raising the fifth, to live, play, and work on the land at Trail’s End Ranch in the Porcupine Hills. Rachel holds an MA in History from the University of Calgary and is the author of Ranching Women in Southern Alberta. When she’s not feeding cows or chasing kids, or vice versa, she can be found reading, riding, and advocating for the ranching West.
- The VOW is excited to launch the Pioneer Women series for the month of June, celebrating Calgary women who are modern pioneers in their field. These intimate conversations will bring the Western Spirit alive as we countdown to Stampede by highlighting local women who have made significant strides for womankind. *
Marlo Brausse is the Founder and CEO of Barre Body Studio where she specializes in offering group fitness classes, instructor training and spiritual wellness programs. In March 2020 Marlo launched an online fitness platform to keep the BBS community connected and moving throughout the pandemic. Despite the difficulties that 2020 presented, Marlo and her team have continuously grown their online audience and are reaching people across the globe.
Marlo is a two time finalist of the RBC Women of Influence Award and 2017 Prairie Finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year. She is the 2019 recipient of Women of Inspiration Award and Top Barre Fitness Instructor Award. She has been an active member of the small business community in Calgary for over 9 years and continues to lend her time to entrepreneurs seeking her mentorship. Marlo has built a successful business while raising three children and uses her voice to support and encourage other women to follow their dreams.
Lynn C. Cox is a Rapid Transformational Therapist® (RTT), Certified Hypnotherapist, Yoga, Meditation and Kung Fu coach and Communications Consultant. She uses RTT, a multi-award-winning therapy, to help clients unearth root cause issues, extract harmful beliefs and recode them. Lynn combines her expertise in yoga, martial arts and meditation with RTT® to help clients overcome struggles with weight wellness and food addictions. She also treats clients for a range of issues including anxiety, depression, addictions, performance and more.
Lynn has a passion for people, psychology, ancient philosophies, wellness and her half-pug Jimmy! Her first career was in communications and public relations and RTT® is her ‘rest of my life’ career. She loves the work she does, and her greatest joy is seeing clients overcome issues and transform their live.
Her maxim is Power, Freedom, Truth.
Calgary based employment and immigration lawyer. She founded Confluence Law in 2014 with a goal to practice law differently - on her own terms - for her clients, her family and herself. Catherine is a former engineer and until recently ran a photography business alongside her law practice. She is an avid cyclist and parent of two girls - aged 9 and 12.
Measurably reversing your biological clock – that’s what Lisa Krzyzewski, Founder of Aeon Future Health, Canada’s premier longevity & health optimization clinic/facility is on a mission to do! Born out of a personal need for better health and a desire to feel as healthy as possible for as long as possible, Aeon leverages the latest scientific research and technologies to tackle the aging process from the inside out. If you’ve ever wondered what the billionaires of the world are doing to stay healthy you’ll probably find it at Aeon.
Lisa’s own success in health optimization has fueled her passion to help others become the healthiest versions of themselves. She was able to transition away from a successful career in the energy sector and use her extensive business management and strategic planning background to build a team of “future” thinking health professionals and bring a suite of innovative technology to Canada.
Lynn Hayes MacDonald has been a proud member of the Calgary Police Service for 24.5 years. She is also Co-Founder and Head Empowerment Warrior for Empowerment Inc. From a young age, Lynn knew she wanted to pursue three careers; the Canadian Armed Forces; an Emergency Medical Technician and a Police Officer. She considers herself blessed to have served in all three careers as well as helped countless women gain skills to find their voice and place in the world.
While with the CPS Lynn has worked on the Diversity Resources Team as the LGBTQ Liaison Officer, a Missing Persons Investigator in the Homicide Unit and now as the Sergeant leading the talented team responsible for recruiting and hiring future police officers.
Lynn has led a very adventurist life, whether it’s hiking the West Coast Trail, shark diving in Hawaii, hiking to the top of Ha Ling Peak or surfing in California.
In her spare time, she is active biking, kayaking, hiking, paddle boarding and traveling with her wife and adorable fur babies.
Kate Hewko is a Calgary based fashion entrepreneur recognized internationally for her collections that are always ahead of the trends. Her work is so fierce and groundbreaking she has been featured in magazines such as Vogue Korea, Refinery 29, Fashion Magazine and Flare, and been seen on notable celebrities Miley Cyrus, Idina Menzel and Cyndi Lauper. Kate Hewko’s collections are undoubtedly an outlet for self expression, defying age and the status quo.
From a bankrupt, single parent of four little ones to Founder and CEO of her own business school, Sue has become the go-to small business expert who challenges the status quo and sets solopreneurs up for success!
She has put in the time so that others don’t have to rely on the school of hard knocks to get their education.
She went from teaching at the local library to speaking on conference stages across Canada and the USA. From an administrative assistant to a sought-after business consultant who has worked with real estate board presidents, the #1 RE/MAX office in the world (yes, the WORLD!), and independent business owners just like you, Sue guides solopreneurs to reach the unwavering results they desire.
Her solid business habits are included in her book “The Little Red Stick- What Gets Measured Gets Done!” and her expertise in business can be found at suestyles.com
A litigator with over fifteen years’ experience, Stacey helps her clients navigate difficult and sensitive family law matters. She offers clients experienced counsel across a complete range of family legal issues including divorce & separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, post nuptial agreements, child custody, spousal support and child support. On every matter, Stacey aims to bring about a positive and lasting change for each client’s life, family relationships and financial position. Her clients range from high-net-worth individuals with complex business assets to parents seeking help with inter-jurisdictional custody disputes.
Whether she is advising someone involved in an amicable split or in a bitter dispute, Stacey always takes the time to ensure her clients fully understand the law, their options and her recommended steps. She gives honest, practical advice that aims to help clients move past the immediate conflict and consider the long-term significance of their actions. Stacey makes use of all the tools at her disposal to help clients, including mediation, arbitration and interim court applications. She makes regular court appearances at the Provincial Court, Court of Queen’s Bench and has also appeared at the Court of Appeal.
Stacey also assists her clients when they are purchasing or selling a home. She works closely with a trusted group of professionals, including psychologists, realtors and financial and investment advisors to ensure her clients are receiving the professional support they need.
Lexi Pechout has a background in racing and riding motorcycles her entire life story. Her passion for motorcycles started at the young age of two when her parents bought her first motorcycle. She grew up in the off-road motorcycle community where every weekend was spent riding or racing with friends and family. As she progressed they traveled as a family across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Japan, to events such as XGames, Hidaka Two Day Enduro, and the ISDE to name a few. "It was an incredible opportunity to compete against some of the best riders in the world" Pechout says. A part of her knew that racing full-time forever was not a reality as much as she didn't want to admit it. Lexi decided to redirect her efforts after college by working full-time in the industry and hosting ladies events to encourage new riders into the sport. She is forever grateful for the opportunity to work in the industry and share her passion with other enthusiasts every day. She has recently started working with a women’s collective called SurfinBerms, where they create a safe place for women riders to get comfortable on two wheels. "Motorcycles put me in touch with some of the most wonderful people in the world.." Pechout says, "because of these experiences, and the people I have met I am compelled to empower others to network and create their own memories in the motorcycle community."
Lauryn Vaughn is an entrepreneur at heart founding Canada’s largest online destination for the resale of designer goods. She started her journey after living in Paris on a finite budget for almost 2 years after graduating university. Lauryn’s passion for the circular economy and love of fashion has inspired her to not only start The Upside but now a technology company that partners with retailers and brands allowing them to seamlessly realize the benefits of the resale industry. It's all Upside!
Karina Birch is co-owner and CEO of natural body care purveyor Rocky Mountain Soap Co. She and her husband Cam nurtured the company from its days as a 300 square foot shop in Canmore to the now 13 retail stores and 16,000 square foot workshop in Canmore. Believing ‘what goes on the body, goes in the body,’ Rocky is on a mission to created small-batch products using simple, natural and fresh ingredients.
Karina’s interest in natural beauty started when she was a young girl who loved smearing avocado on her face and putting egg in her hair. Now she gets to do the grown up version of that every day.
Karina spends her time directing Rocky’s strategy, product development and brand. Since their earliest days, she and Cam have focused on fostering a strong company culture that empowers people to ‘Give it a Go,’ reminds them to ‘Be Kind,’ and encourages ‘Positivitude.’
In recent years, the company has expanded its ‘Cleaner Bodies, Cleaner World’ commitment to include its built environments. Rocky’s Canmore workshop and recent store builds and renovations have adhered to the highest standards of sustainable, responsible construction.
Karina balances running a rapidly growing company with raising three rapidly growing children. She maintains her sanity by taking advantage of having some of the best skiing, hiking and biking in the world on her doorstep to keep her active and balanced.
Rocky Mountain Soap has been included in the Profit 100 and Alberta Ventures ‘Fastest Growing Companies.’ Karina has been honoured as a female entrepreneur on the ‘W100’ list; a ‘Fierce Woman of Influence.’ She sits on the board for Rocky Mountain Ventures and is a current member and past board member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Calgary. She is also completed Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program (OPM).
Kate is a 23 year old social media influencer. Kate was born and raised in Red Deer Alberta, but moved to Okangan when she was 18 to pursue her online platform and education in business marketing. Kate’s passion for marketing came from her obsession with photography and fashion growing up. You can always find her with a camera shooting photos of herself and her friends. Over the years of posting lifestyle shots and beauty tips, she gained a strong and loyal following on Instagram that grew rapidly. Her online presence has given her opportunities like creating her own sunglasses, travelling, being the face front of many campaigns and now being a public figure. Kate is an ambassador for many big names in social media such as Hot Miami Styles, Meshki, Miss Lola Official and has been featured in campaigns with Quay Australia, Flat Tummy Co and Honey Bum. Over the course of 6 years in doing social media influencing, Kate’s biggest accomplishment is her relationship with her followers. Being authentic and vulnerable are two things that Kate holds close to her heart. Kate then moved to Calgary at 22 years old to attend hair school so she could fulfill her lifelong dream of being a hairstylist. As a hairstylist, Kate loves talking about all things beauty on her page. Kate will always have a different hairstyle with each look she posts in. She looks forward to making her clients feel just as amazing on the outside as they are on the inside.
Catherine Brownlee is the President and CEO of Catherine Brownlee Inc. (CBI), where she brings over 30 years’ experience in executive search and development, marketing strategies and networking from around the globe, across all sectors. Her database of over 85,000 contacts demonstrates her capacity to motivate, build and achieve results. Her forte is connecting people and organizations, while nurturing objectives and maintaining focus. She was recognized by her peers for her outstanding leadership with a Women of Influence Award, and a Paul Harris Award through the Rotary Club of Calgary, respectively.
Catherine is a recognized expert and speaker on the subject of industry strategies and advancements. She regularly presents career seminars for those looking to find the job of their dreams and maintain a competitive advantage in today’s market. Catherine also teaches her seminar content at SAIT and Mount Royal University. Catherine is the co-author of three bestsellers. Want to Work in Oil and Gas?, Cat’s Tips to Get the Job of Your Dreams and How to Sell in Any Economy, the latter of which hit the number one on Amazon, in three categories, on its first day of release.
In her spare time, Catherine is committed to serving her community and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Calgary. Her passion is seen in the areas of human rights, serving children, and disadvantaged communities.
Dr. Natasha Iyer wanted to be a doctor since she was 11 years old.
She spent her first 8 years of practicing as a rural emergency physician and family doctor. Her life felt ‘complete’: she delivered babies, looked after generations of families, with a mix of emergencies like heart attacks, broken bone, head injuries, with palliative care and long term care thrown into the mix. Everything she dreamed of doing, caring for patients and their families was a reality.
Then she began to feel unwell.
She gained weight out despite her careful diet and exercise, was exhausted, had over 15 migraines a month, and had brain fog. No one could uncover what was wrong, and her tests were all normal. Despite being a popular doctor who was so competent in caring for her patients, her own health declined. She didn’t feel well. She couldn’t imagine aging. If her 30’s felt so awful, what could 40 even begin to look like? Unimaginable.
Dr. Iyer discovered Functional Medicine: a discipline of medicine dedicated to restoring all body systems back to optimal. It looks at healthy aging and longevity, avoiding disease and disability. Her focus is on each person being unique, and understanding that what works for one person is certainly different from what works for someone else.
“EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING ELSE”
Systems biology. Biotoxins. Mitochondrial function. Leaky gut. SIBO. Microbiome. Steroid pathways. Adrenal fatigue and the stress syndrome/ Burnout. Brain chemistry and neurotransmitters. Childhood stress and trauma. The gut-brain axis. These are just some of the areas a Functional Medicine Doctor looks at with each patient to help them achieve their best health and vitality.
Dr. Iyer has been an invited speaker at many conferences and events, including an International Women’s Health conference attended to by specialists and doctors from the US and Asia. She has been a frequent guest on national media both television and radio, as well as magazines.
She lives in Calgary, AB with her 2 sons and 2 dogs. They love the outdoors, staying active and even more, they love good food and fine dining.
Malika expressed an innate creative aptitude that carried her through her formative years. She refined these talents at the Parsons School of Design in New York, graduating in fashion design in 2008. In New York her work was presented at Lord & Taylor’s 2008 line debut. While at Parsons Malika had an opportunity to intern for design houses such as Khan Lucas, Ralph Lauren, Red Cat Group and John Varvatos.
With relevant work experience and success under her belt. She then dove into her professional career as a outerwear designer in Canada. Fusing two loves of every woman, Fine Leather and elegant designs, Malika now proudly offers ready to wear outerwear products to its customers around the globe.
- On February 14, we will be launching the Diversity is Love campaign. To demonstrate the importance of this message, 20 per cent of all clothing sales from February 14 to March 14, 2021 will be donated to the chosen charity organization, . The campaign also includes video messages from a variety of Calgarians’ who share their thoughts on diversity on Malika Rajani's Instagram page. Malika_Rajani
“ I am inspired by the diversity of my clients - whom I am so grateful for. This campaign is for them and for the community to know that our brand is about empowering people by appreciating and respecting their individual differences. This diversity makes our world a more interesting place to
live in,” says Malika Rajani.
Ellen Parker is the proud founder of PARKER PR, a public relations firm in Calgary. PARKER PR is a group of communication professionals with a proven track record of helping businesses thrive through creating and implementing thoughtful communication strategies.
Prior to founding PARKER PR, Ellen worked in New York City for the Institute for Children and Poverty and for boutique PR firms representing a variety of celebrities, hotels and small businesses. In Canada, Ellen has worked for the Alberta government, Word Fest: Banff Calgary International Writers Festival, the Calgary Food Bank and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ellen is most proud of her family - including her husband and her two boys, her team at PARKER PR, and her commitment to volunteerism. Ellen Parker is a Board Director for the National Board, Famous 5 Foundation, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Trustees, the Co-Chair of the Hillhurst Parent Council and an ongoing volunteer for the Brenda Strafford Centre, a home for women and children fleeing domestic violence. Ellen is one of Avenue Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 Alumni and a recipient of the Mayors' Excellence Award for her work as the Manager of Education and Outreach with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tracey Button has been drawn to creative outlets and the arts her whole career. Her first job post graduation from design school was in skiwear, she won Designer of the Year from the F.A.D. for her collection and never looked back. This was the springboard to her involvement with the Olympic Games. She spent over 10 years creating custom apparel and merchandise for the Olympic Sponsor Partner Family. She travelled the world designing, producing and building distribution infrastructure while living in the Olympic host cities. Truly her dream job!
For eight years she chose to take a step back from the Olympics to raise her young son and daughter. During that time she enjoyed the opportunity to become involved in the community and her children’s schools on a volunteer basis. Tracey quickly saw a need for arts education in her children’s schools. This led to her work in arts and science education as well as early literacy initiatives for many years through: The Science Alberta Foundation/Mindfuel, The Royal Conservatory of Music and Calgary Reads.
Again she chose to take a step back from her career to care for her husband after he received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Gratefully, she is still caring for him as he defies all odds. Her volunteer work continues in the community, now with a focus on paediatric psychosocial oncology and survivorship. She also is a practising artist who creates commissioned oil paintings for private clients. Her work has been used by the film and commercial industry, including most recently in the Ghostbusters movie franchise.
𝐍𝐎𝗪 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐒, 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐢𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐄𝐒 & 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘!
Jennifer Neil, is the program coordinator and Assistant Personal Training Manager at the Bankers Hall Club, a downtown squash and executive fitness centre. She is also a personal trainer, registered yoga teacher, registered holistic nutrition consultant, massage therapist, professional fitness model with the WBFF, Team Canada Masters Track and Field Athlete and mom of 3 boys (6, 10, and 14). Jennifer has been a competitive athlete most of her life in gymnastics, martial arts, fitness/body building, as well as track and field. She believes our health is our wealth! She loves helping others reach their fitness and wellness goals. After 20 years of coaching and being in the fitness and wellness industry and still hungry to learn, Jennifer is also currently in a health science degree (masters) program at University of Calgary and completing massage therapy at Mount Royal University. Her philosophy has always been the best practitioners will be able to see movement, feel tissue, coach natural/alive/good quality foods and affect change! Her favourite quote is "train like an athlete, eat like a sports nutritionist, sleep like a baby and win like champion!"
Jennifer married her best friend Paul Anthony who is also an international top strength and conditioning coach, world champion body builder and previous team Canada for track and field (Olympian). He is one of her biggest inspirations and together they own DreamBody online personal training. DreamBody stands for a community where they believe you can achieve by Dreaming It, Training It, and Living it! As coaches they focus on the physical body with (cardiovascular, strength training, and flexibility), emotional through (sports psychology and nutritional support), spiritual with (meditation, yoga, and DreamBodies own mind gym) with combined focus and support in all of these areas we believe this will lead you to the BEST version of yourself! Their future goals are to travel internationally and inspire transformation.
April is currently the national operations manager at PwC Products & Ventures and has more than ten years of client facing and leadership experience. She is known for swift and savvy problem-solving and some say her personality is just like an exclamation mark! When she smiles, it's big and when she laughs it's loud. April is an advocate for women in sobriety and is very passionate about mentorship and women in leadership. She strongly believes that we are given our bagagge so that we can show others how to unpack it.
Shantelle Murphy is the Founder and CEO of Bon Aesthete Inc., a company dedicated to enhancing the medical aesthetic experience for patients and providers. The Bon Aesthete portfolio includes Astrk Skincare, an elegant medical-grade skincare line, and Beauty Brand Persona, an online course for business and marketing strategies in medical aesthetics.
Shantelle’s science background, along with her keen eye and appreciation for beauty, led her to pursue a career in Medical Aesthetics. She has over a decade of experience working with hundreds of physicians and clinic owners across Western Canada and helping thousands of patients look and feel their best. Witnessing the transformative affect healthy skin can have on a patient is what motivates her. She believes in skincare with an impact, active ingredients, and results that inspire confidence. She believes in having real customers represent the brand.
Prior to the pandemic, Shantelle was traveling 4 days a week and putting in 70+ hour work weeks. Quarantine allowed time for reflection and goal setting with her partner. Looking to find balance in her personal life and career, Shantelle endeavoured down the entrepreneurial path. Next steps then became obvious, creativity flowed, and Bon Aesthete Inc. came to fruition.
Shantelle has always been a driven individual that excels in the face of challenges, leading to many achievements and awards throughout her career. Part of her success can be attributed to saying “yes”, when amazing opportunities arise, and trusting that she can figure it out. Another part can be attributed to audacious dreams, appreciating the little wins, and having an amazing support system around her.
Mara Grunau is the Executive Director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention, a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Alberta. Established in 1981, Centre for Suicide Prevention equips Canadians to respond to people at risk of suicide. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master’s of Public Administration.
Upwards of 4000 Canadians die by suicide annually. Each year around the world, more people die by suicide than by homicide and war combined. Yet there are few best practices. People are complex, therefore suicide is complex. No two people’s journeys to suicide crisis are the same; each person needs to be considered as the individual s/he is. Because of this complexity, there are few best practices that exist can be grouped in to 4 broad categories: easy, open access to mental health care, responsible media reporting, restriction of lethal means and education (including surveillance and further research). Centre for Suicide Prevention provides the education through secondary research. By collecting all available literature on suicide prevention, CSP boasts the largest English-language library on suicide in the world. We work to continually translate this research into a variety of usable, readily accessible media including webinars, workshops, articles, toolkits and Twitter. Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility and once we are equipped with knowledge and skills, we are better prepared to support someone in crisis.
An experienced executive with extensive background in successfully leading change and transformation in small and large organizations. With over 25 years of supply chain management roles based in global resource sectors, Siobhan has a strong understanding of leading change. Having risen through the ranks leading teams and executing change, she has also been an active coach and mentor for much of her career. Siobhan has combined her career as a successful change agent and leader with her passion to empower women to create Purpose with Ease. She is unique in her spirit, determination, experience and relationship skills.
Siobhan writes a blog on Grief & Gratitude called Bee Happy. In 2019, her husband Scott passed away after a brief but brutal illness which ended when he chose to access medical assistance in dying. She is grateful that Scott was with her to celebrate accomplishments in 2019 which his support played a large role in their achievement. She was named one of 100 Most Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain in 2019 and she was a keynote speaker at Famous 5 luncheon on May 8, 2019. Siobhan is so grateful that he was well enough to share those moments with her. Gratitude gives Siobhan the strength to get through the darkest moments and the grace to truly enjoy the highlights. It is these lessons that she humbly shares with others in the pursuit of inspiring change.
Siobhan is the mother of two amazing young women and is a professionally trained leader of change and experienced mentor and coach who is passionate about unleashing the feminine and empowering women to also live a life of purpose.
Lisa McCallum is a Divorce Specialist who shows people how to let go of relationships that are holding them back from achieving their dreams, especially the relationship within themselves. She is the Author of the book Your Dreams First... the Divorce Within Yourself. She is the Authority on helping people move forward after divorce.
Through her courses, coaching and speaking she will show you how to put yourself first so that you can have the freedom to live your life the way you want after divorce.
Her courses 5 Lessons on Divorce, 6 Lessons on how to be Exceptional after Divorce, Your Dreams First and two 30 Day Challenges provide the tools for you to know how to make yourself a priority, let go of relationships that aren’t serving you, create the best relationship with your kids, yourself and future partners.
If you are having serious doubts about your relationship her latest and most powerful course can be found at doistayordoigo.com.
Lisa has interviewed Dr. Phil at the Mega Success Event hosted by JTFoxx in LA where Dr. Phil said, “ people not only need Lisa’s help but DESERVE her help.”
Lisa lives in Calgary with her three children and has recently been nominated as a Woman of Inspiration with the Universal Women’s Network.
Kaeyae Alo is a woman on a mission to let her light shine for the world. She is an artist on a journey of authenticity and love, creating R&B soundscapes with her culminated perspective grounded in resilience, innovation, rawness and black beauty. Born in the UK, raised in Zimbabwe, Kaeyae Alo now resides in Canada. Striving to continually best herself and develop her unique sound, she is ready to share more of her warmth, more of her spirit, more from her lens with her upcoming release, 17 Times.
You can find all things Kaeyae Alo here: https://linktr.ee/kaeyae.alo
Gloria’s extensive education and many years of experience in the financial industry have equipped her with an innovative, practical approach to designing custom solutions for her clients. Her aim is to listen well to each of her clients so she may assist them with their unique situations in a conscious and effective manner.
Through the operation of her own business, Gloria has acquired an unparalleled understanding of how to remain competitive and persistently aware of the rapid changes in our world today. Gloria values an open and personable approach to financial planning that fosters learning and security.
Mary became President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development in 2015. Under her leadership there has been greater focus on Calgary’s competitiveness in the new economy; including the areas of talent development, innovation, placemaking, and the business environment.
Mary initially joined Calgary Economic Development as Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Research in 2010. She brought extensive leadership experience in the development of strategy, marketing, stakeholder relations and fund development with leading companies, including TELUS Delta Hotels, Canadian Airlines and Wardair.
At Calgary Economic Development, Mary led teams that created the Calgary Be Part of the Energy promotional brand adopted by all civic agencies, the award-winning 2013 flood recovery campaign YYC is OPEN, and oversaw development of two iterations of the city’s economic strategy, Calgary Building on our Energy and Calgary in the New Economy. Mary is the CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, a board director of the Calgary Film Centre, and was CEO of Calgary 2026 Bid corporation developing and promoting a bid to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mary earned an MBA from Royal Roads University. She is active in the Calgary community and serves as a director for the Calgary Petroleum Club, O’Brien Institute for Public Health and is the Chair of Sport Calgary. She is a past Chair of Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta.
Stephanie Nychka is a multi-disciplinary professional athlete, a Doctor of Chiropractics, and a mother of three. Although currently not practicing so she can be at home with her children, she started a Calgary-based luxury concierge service dedicated to assisting other busy households. Raised with 3 brothers in Beaverlodge AB, Stephanie became comfortable in pushing her limits to demonstrate that girls can do everything boys can do (and more). This mantra carried her through a lifetime dedicated to sport, including garnering her a spot in the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame as part of the U of A Championship Panda's volleyball team.
After concluding her professional volleyball career in Denmark, Stephanie returned to the U.S. to complete her education and began pouring herself into Downhill and Slopestyle mountain biking - earning accolades and quickly making a name for herself by competing against male riders in Crankworx and Redbull events. Over a decade later, she continues to challenge herself and in 2019 became the first Canadian Women's freestyle BMX Champion. Sidelined by a knee injury and unable to train for the Olympics, she poured her energies into developing a competitive jump-series to support female riders (Women's Slopestyle Tour).
Stephanie still competes but has found a second passion in coaching, volunteering for not-for profits and mentoring riders of all ages to help them fall in love, with life on two wheels.
Helen Youn is a professional organizer specializing in the KonMari Method™. Helen found this method as an overwhelmed new mom after reading “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and decided to make a change. After experiencing life-changing results firsthand, Helen felt compelled to pursue extensive training with Marie Kondo and became one of the first Certified KonMari Consultants in the world. Helen is currently a Master-level KonMari Consultant, as well as the only Canadian KonMari Consultant Speaker for KonMari Media Inc. Using the principles of the KonMari Method™, Helen guides and supports people through this life-changing journey to live more joyfully and mindfully while transforming their homes into a clutter free and easy to maintain space.
Diana‘s journey into surrogacy started about eight years ago when a friend of hers approached her about being an egg donor. It was an experience that completely opened her eyes. A few years later she had the opportunity to donate her eggs again to another friend and business partner.
After helping these two couples build their family, she was inspired to try surrogacy. She had a friend introduce her to a couple who had been searching for a surrogate for 7 years. This couple has now become family and she is currently carrying their second child for them.
Diana is a wife and busy mother of 3. She is from eastern Canada, but has been in Calgary for 15 years. She is a singer with the Dino Martini’s band, a dental hygienist and loves to live an active life. In the last 4 years, she has built a successful, full time Network Marketing business allowing her the flexibility to help families.
Kerri Cust is a Self Love & Intimacy coach offering workshops and individual coaching in the areas of Belonging, Intimacy and Pleasure. She helps her students and clients discover and live a life that is truly theirs, not one where they are simply 'checking the boxes'; she works with people to heal, open their hearts and get their “mojo” back.
Kerri has studied and trained under guru's, and master teachers in the areas of intimacy, tantra, sacred sexuality, yoga, spirituality, emotional intelligence and deep emotional release.
Kerri guides her clients towards knowing themselves, embodying and experiencing true fulfillment and pleasure - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Only by knowing and becoming intimate with yourself will you have the intimacy, connection and belonging you are so deeply seeking.
Aya Mhana is a Syrian-born singer, songwriter and oud player. Now a proud Canadian citizen, Aya moves easily between English and Arabic, writing lyrics with a poet’s sensibilities.
Since emigrating to Calgary, Canada, in 2016 , Aya has performed at the Calgary Stampede and Globalfest, and with the Kensington Sinfonia. Also, got invited to Folkfest.
In 2020, for her outstanding commitment to the community and art she received the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society New Canadian Artist Award and the Portail De L,immigrant Assosiation (PIA) award. She formed a band called HYMM, a seven-piece ensemble that often graces Calgary coffee houses with its Middle Eastern fusion repertoire.
Aya’s musical journey is deeply influenced by her Syrian roots. Which was obvious in her album (Homeland) the combination of two homelands that she has Canada and Syria, Hailing from Sweida, she taught herself to play the oud (a string instrument similar to the lute) during high school, and graduated from the University of Damascus with a degree in education. She volunteered with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, working with families displaced during the Syrian war.
Inspired by her volunteer work, Aya used her music to explore the human capacity for hope during wartime, and performed her compositions in her home city. In Canada, she translates the rich culture of her homeland for audiences who often know little of Syria, but are eager to embrace her soulful melodies.
As an artist who inhabits the crossroad between nations, Aya is committed to speaking out about issues on exile and diaspora, and to celebrating the importance of home. She hopes that her music helps shape Canada’s vision for a peaceful and vibrant cultural mosaic.
Shashi’s first foray into entrepreneurship was as a partner with Body Blocker Co, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art sun wear for children, which dramatically decreased the effects of the sun’s UV rays. This business set the course for her to pursue her own business and later opened Twisted Goods, retail stores that specialize in fun and eclectic personal and home accessories, with storefronts in key malls in Calgary and Saskatoon. She has since sold that retail banner.
This knowledge and love of retail has launched various niche retail banners. Shashi is the Owner and Founder of Joydrop, Partner and Co-founder of Fernweh, and Founder of Twisted Goods.
She has been on the W100 profit list, P200 list, represented Canada at the G8 Young Business Summit, been awarded Calgary Leader of Tomorrow and was named Retailer of Year for Canada.
She is passionate about the retail business and a strong advocate for women in business. She champions women in her current role as Chair of Board for AWE, Board member with EO, and former Board member of Futurpreneur as well as being a judge on various panels and was the Entrepreneur in Residence for SAIT in 2019. She Invests in and mentors women in all industries of business.
Shashi loves travelling with her family, meeting new people, road biking, practicing yoga, and reading. Here motto is get comfortable with being uncomfortable and looks to have a YES moment in everyday!
Annette Stanwick considers herself an ordinary woman with lots of extraordinary experiences that have molded her, changed her and given her a passion to help others just like you to overcome your struggles, heal your wounds, improve your life and relationships and to forgive yourself and others, so you can live your very best life. She is no stranger to tough times.
She has risen above trials, trauma, terror, and tragedy, but despite those difficulties she is a confident, happy and passionate woman. Positive choices, faith and fortitude empower her to rise above the difficult situations. The most profound was the murder of her brother. Never could she have dreamed she would publicly forgive his killers in the courtroom in the US.
As a result, she developed a passion to help others overcome painful experiences, and she is eager to help you in your troublesome times.
She is the best-selling and award-winning author of FORGIVENESS: THE MYSTERY & MIRACLE.
With a nursing background, decades of experience as a health care executive and having coached hundreds and spoken to thousands, she has a strong platform of experience, wisdom, stories and tools to help you, regardless of your situation.
Monsy is a 33 year old single mother of two girls ages 6 and 4. Her story is one of inspiration and resilience as she battles through building a career in the mortgage industry while raising her young children on her own. She began her career at one of the big 5 banks and quickly built her reputation as a ‘go -getter’. Motivated by challenges and never afraid to take risks, she is now one of the top mortgage producers at her brokerage, a proud homeowner and a landlord to more than 5 rental properties. Monsy tells her story about how she didn’t let being a single mother stop her from reaching her goals. She is currently a Mortgage broker at Mortgage Connection as well as an Insurance Broker at Insureline Complete, and lives inner-city with her daughters.
Lesley is the former President of Hopewell Residential, a land development and housing company headquartered in Calgary . Having spent over 35 years in the real estate industry, she now serves on several Boards including The Calgary Stampede and The Calgary Health. Lesley and her life partner, Scott Hutcheson have four children Cole (26), Syd (24), Parker (23) and Avery (21). She enjoys skiing, cycling, yoga, reading, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and travel.
Heather Heasman is a senior business leader with over 20 years experience in strategy development, change management and leadership development in the profit and non-profit sectors. She has worked internationally and has most recently provided management consulting and executive coaching services to privately held start ups and foundations in Alberta and British Columbia.
As an experienced instructor, Heather has taught at both the Haskayne School of Business and the Bissett School of Business in business strategy, business communications and entrepreneurship.
An avid community volunteer, Heather has a wide variety of governance experience and has served on a number of boards from being the current Chair of the Board of Wood’s Homes to being a Past President of Kicking Horse’s Freeride team.
Corinne Lyall is the broker and owner of Royal LePage Benchmark, and has worked in some capacity in the real estate industry for over 30 years. She is the 2015 Past President of CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board), was on the Royal LePage Canada's National Advisory Council, and is the current Chair of Pillar9 (the Alberta One MLS Board). Corinne was also President of CREB®’s Charitable Foundation in and helped create partnerships to build the 60-unit Crestwood Affordable Housing project. Other non-real estate boards she has been involved in are Doors Open YYC, WEDO (Women's Entrepreneurship Day), and is currently on the EO (Entrepreneurship Organization) Calgary Chapter board. Corinne is passionate about being involved in the real estate industry, and loves having the opportunity to have leadership roles in organizations where she can influence better relationships and collaboration for positive change and outcomes.
Verna Marzo has been described as an Inspiring Albertan, a messenger of hope, and an energizer bunny. Verna Marzo was born and raised in the Philippines. She completed University there receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Mass communication where she worked in print media.
She moved to Canada in 2001 to provide a better life for her family. She made a life for herself in Canada, building a strong community with a focus on helping others. She lived life to the fullest taking an adventure trips that involved cage diving with great white sharks, sky diving, bungee jumping and swimming in devil's pool.
In March 2017 her life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a medical trauma leaving her a quadruple amputee. She has demonstrated resilience and resolve through the adjustment to her new conditions. She has locked into a new purpose of inspiring others by showing them what is possible for those who believe in the power of positivity.
After she finished the Fast Track program of Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, she built a speaking business not only to provide for herself but to encourage. others to embrace challenges, push forward and never give up.
Jayme MacFayden is the co-founder of BMeX Restaurant Group Inc.
BMeX was established in 2010 with the opening of one single restaurant UNA pizza + wine and now oversees five independent concepts between Calgary and Saskatoon. (UNA pizza + wine is set to open two new locations within Calgary starting as early as August of this year)
Although her career was originally set down a path outside of the restaurant industry, a long time love of food, wine and hospitality kept drawing her back and eventually made itself the clear contender of her passion. To this day that passion stays strong with the collaborative feel of her restaurant community in Calgary and the global language of food and restaurants.
Jayme’s passion is working with and developing her team, travelling for ideas and inspirations for the restaurants, building relationships with local food producers, farmers and suppliers and leading the way as a responsible restaurateur when it comes to environmental integrity and stewardship.
When she is not in the restaurant she can be found wondering in the woods, spending time with honeybees or making medicine from plants.
Her vision is to continually develop enduring restaurants with soul, through culinary excellence, knowledgeable service and gracious hospitality while supporting local food resiliency, the community and the environment.
Kelly is an athlete turned journalist turned digital marketing diehard. After founding two marketing agencies, one focused on public relations and the other on content marketing, she shifted to education. In her current role as founder and CEO of Social School, a leading digital skills training provider for thousands of individuals and organizations worldwide, Kelly and her team passionately teach businesses how to build their online community, further their reach and grow their bottom line.
A Certified Professional Development & Leadership Coach and Organizational Development (OD) Specialist, Rev. Dr. Danielle Ayana James has worked with a diversity of high-potential leaders across Canada and the USA. A self declared ‘yes to life’ fanatic, Ayana is also an Ordained Minister and entrepreneur who uniquely bridges worlds of business, leadership and spirituality.
The new normal arrived real quick.. and we're searching for answers in the midst of global adversity, so where do we go from here? Tune into my solo episode where I shed some thought on real life, real estate, and how to position yourself in the next months to come.
For the last three years, Lighthouse’s co-founder Andrea Deydey has been breaking the rules in the construction industry in Calgary. Through her experience in the boutique world of custom home building, she’s put her stamp on the personal side of building luxury real estate. Her goal is to make her clients feel like they have a trusted guide and advocate the entire way through what can be a confusing process.
Jody Stoski is the owner of Cinnamon Girl Clinic and the Jody Stoski Paramedical Tattoo Academy. With over 13 years of experience she is one of the founders in the cosmetic and paramedical tattoo industry.
She helps people feel more confident in their own skin and often creates 3D healing tattoos after injury or illness. You can find her working at her clinic in Calgary and also many of the plastic surgeons offices in the city. If you are interested in a tattoo or training with her check out: www.cinnamongirlclinic.ca
Tish Duffy has a kinesiology degree from University of Calgary and 25 years of personal training experience. Born and raised Calgarian, Tish has trained professional hockey players, race car drivers and motocross athletes, but also love training general population looking to break through new fitness plateaus.
Currently running an Online Personal Training Business call Strong Bodies by Tish - main focus - to help women get stronger through structured well planned out progressive programming efficiently! Quick 30-45 minute strength training sessions 3 x's a week! A strong body, gives women a strong mind and LIFE.
Jessica Janzen is a motivational speaker, published author (her newest book comes out May 2020), and a ‘serial-perneur’. Her husband Hot Ronnie are the founder of the Love for Lewiston Foundation. After losing their son Lewiston almost 3 years ago she decided that she would stop wasting time and get moving on her big dreams - speaking, writing and inspiring others to do the same. Her clothing line - The Lewiston Label highlights the life lessons Lewiston taught her. The foundation is impacting lives across Canada and supporting critical research and medical needs for families fighting Spinal Muscular Atrophy. To date in just 2.5 years they have raised over $685,000 - this year they will hit the $1 Million mark. She loves spending time with family, soaking up sunshine, being by water - and dreaming really big always with the daily focus to "run towards the roar”!
Ryan Kennedy is a full time student at Olds College, studying Agriculture. She enjoys horseback riding and spreading the message about addiction in youth and women. Her passion for helping others is what drives her to continue on a path that is an example for others who struggle with addiction.
Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett is a Workplace Psychologist, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Author who is passionate about making workplaces better and increasing peoples' career fulfillment. She runs Calgary Career Counselling, Work EvOHlution, and Synthesis Psychology, and specializes in leadership, team, and culture development, career planning, and creating high performing mobile workplaces. Laura believes people should follow their passions, and has done so through publishing psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie.
Jenny B is an experienced International Speaker and Director with a successful history of program development, leadership training, communications management and marketing strategy. Charismatic Jenny B is here to talk about her life journey which is raw and relatable.