Kyla Epstein (she/her) lives with her teenager on the unceded territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ Nations, also known as Vancouver, BC, Canada. Kyla participated in the GGCLC 2017 conference (New Brunswick study group) and is thrilled to be serving as a GGCLC Regional Co-chair for British Columbia as part of her own learning and development.
Kyla strives to be curious while working to decrease isolation and foster community through relationships built on trust, connection, and accountability. As the Director, Government Relations & Strategic Partnerships for the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Kyla works to advocate for amazing people who are working every day for high-quality, applied, public post-secondary education.
Kyla is an active volunteer, currently serving on the board of the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), and has served on many nonprofit boards and is the past Chair of Vancouver Public Library and past Vice Chair of the Vancouver Writers Festival.
Kyla is currently completing a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on governance.
Jessy Dame is a very proud Two-Spirit, Métis, Certified Registered Nurse. Jessy was a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in September 2024. Jessy’s family is from Treaty 1 and 2 territories, which is known today as Winnipeg and St Rose-du-lac.
Jessy has worked within Neonatal/Postnatal health. He currently works casually within a queer sexual health clinic in downtown Vancouver. Jessy is the Indigenous Sex and Gender Leader within the Indigenous Wellness team and the Director of Two-Spirit Health with the Community Based Research Centre. Through these roles Jessy is able to work with and for the Two-Spirit community to create resources and advocate for services.
Jessy participated in the 2022 edition of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference
Biography to follow
Laurel Garven is Vice President, Business Strategy at ISC, a TSX-listed company that provides registry and information management services for public data and records. Prior to this, Laurel worked for the Government of Saskatchewan’s Information Technology Office on citizen-centred service delivery. She also led projects for a diverse set of organizations and sectors including government, health, utilities and First Nations while serving as a business consultant at a Saskatchewan-based management consulting firm.
Laurel is involved in the non-profit sector, serving as Chair of the Ranch Ehrlo Society Board of Directors, Saskatchewan’s largest human services agency. She is also a member of the Luther College Board of Regents and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
Laurel is currently completing post-graduate studies in strategy and innovation at the Saïd Business School – University of Oxford. She received her HBA degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and a Diploma in Business Administration from the Paul J. Hill School of Business at the University of Regina. She also holds a Professional Director certification.
Laurel served as Regional Co-Chair for the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and is an alumnus of the 2015 Conference, having served as Co-Chair of the Ontario 2 Study Group.
Stephanie is a labour and employment lawyer at MLT Aikins. She represents both provincially and federally regulated employers with a focus on labour, employment and human rights.
In addition to her time with MLT Aikins, Stephanie served as in-house legal counsel with the Brandt Group of Companies. She also worked at SaskTel as legal counsel and the HR director of industrial relations, compensation and benefits.
Drawing from her in-house experience, Stephanie provides practical and strategic advice regarding everything from day-to-day advising to assisting employers with drafting workplace employment policies and employment contracts, discipline and discharge, navigating workplace accommodations, collective bargaining, restructurings, occupational health and safety and human rights matters.
Stephanie has appeared before all levels of Courts in Saskatchewan, the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board, the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, and human rights tribunals. She has also acted as chief negotiator in collective bargaining.
Stephanie was a participant of the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
Leanne is an alumnus of the 2004 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Leanne works as senior manager with MNP Consulting in Winnipeg’s organizational development practice in which she serves as MNP’s change management and organizational transformation expert. Prior to joining MNP, Leanne was Partner in a Winnipeg and Ottawa-based organization development consulting firm.
Leanne received her Master of Arts degree from Concordia University in Montreal, where she specialized in organizational change and learning. She believes in contributing to her community and has been involved with the planning of every GGCLC conference since her participation in 2004, co-chairing the Manitoba Regional Committee for the last two editions.
Leanne serves on international boards and committees for the Association of Change Management Professionals, the Human Resource Association of Manitoba and the United Church of Canada. She has served as chair of several human resource conferences and national youth forums.
Leanne is a born-and-bred “Winnipeger” and is proud to support the development of great Manitoban and Canadian leaders.
Adam joined Red River College in 2020 as the College’s first Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the College, he was Director of Planning and Governance in Information Services and Technology at the University of Manitoba, where he had responsibility for IT Governance, IT Architecture, and the Project Management Office, as well as the finance and administrative functions of the unit. Before that, he was Vice-President Corporate Services with RANA Respiratory Care Group (now Careica Health), and an IT Architect with IBM.
Adam has been involved in national organizations, including the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers, and has served as a Regent as Chair of the Governance and Community Relations Committee of the University of Winnipeg Board of Regents. Adam holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and an MBA from the University of Manitoba, and is an alumnus of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
Outside of work, Adam is a Scouter with Scouts Canada, coaches cross-country skiing, and serves as chair of his church board.
Shari MacKay recently joined Metrolinx as their Director of Customer Protection Operations. Prior to joining Metrolinx in , she was Staff Sergeant, People Strategy and Performance with the Toronto Police Service. In this role, she has led initiatives including the Competency Framework development, Toronto Police Service Mentorship Program and the rebuilding of the Service’s Core Values. She has a bias for action and is committed to contributing to the modernization of the Toronto Police Service and police agencies across the country.
Shari joined the Toronto Police Service as a front line constable. Since then, she has worked in organized crime, major crime, and other specialized units. She has also worked in Strategic organizational programs such as the Chief’s Internal Organizational Review, the Implementation Mental Health Recommendations lead by Chief Justice Iacobucci, and the development of training programs to enhance officer safety and community engagement.
Shari participated in the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (GGCLC) where she was a delegate of Team New Brunswick. She was the co-chair for the GGCLC ‘s 2017 Conference for the Greater Toronto Area and continues to be an active leader with the conference.
Shari is a Civic Action DiverseCity Fellow (2015/2016) and committed to city building and the development of civic leadership across the GTA and Canada.
In 2015, Shari became the Co-Founder of Awesome Eh? Inc. and continues to be committed to mobilizing AWESOME everywhere!
Victor has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, focused on leadership, business development and community relations. Currently, Victor is a District Vice President for Scotiabank, leading Retail Banking and Small Business teams in London and area. He has been described by his co-workers as an influential role model and motivator and has been recognized with several Leadership & Community awards throughout his career.
Victor is an Alumni of the 2015 GGCLC and has been active as a volunteer and Co-Chair for Southwestern Ontario ever since. Community and giving back is a priority for Victor and his family. He currently acts as a Director and Chair of Governance for Hospice of Waterloo Region and is Co-Chair on the Strategic Cabinet for Scotiabank’s Global Employee Giving Campaign.
Previously, Victor’s community involvement included Director, Habitat for Humanity, founding Director of Kawasaki Disease Canada and has been both Board Chair and Campaign Chair for the United Way of Waterloo Region. Victor is first a proud husband to Sarah and father to Alex & Jocelyn.
Amanda Doobay is a seasoned public sector leader with over 23 years of experience in the Ontario Government. Currently, she serves as Director at the Ministry of Transportation, where she leads policy and program planning, research and evaluation, and the development and implementation of transportation and road safety initiatives. Previously, Amanda held the role of Director of Policy at the Ministry of the Solicitor General and has served in senior management roles within ServiceOntario and the Ministry of Transportation, focusing on policy development, program design, and service delivery.
Amanda holds a B.A. Honours in Political Science from York University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Queen’s University. She is also a regular guest speaker at York University’s Public Administration and Policy Program, sharing insights from her extensive public service experience.
An alumnus of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, Amanda remains actively involved in leadership development, currently serving as the GTA Regional Chair for the upcoming 2026 conference. Outside of her professional life, Amanda is a proud hockey mom who spends much of her spare time cheering on her two favourite players in rinks across southern Ontario.
Theresa Nyabeze, P.Eng, is a professional mining engineer and a global leader in DEI and Culture for the mining industry. With over 20 years of experience in technical mine engineering, governance of mining reserves and resources, and leadership in underground operations, Theresa has a comprehensive 360-degree view of the mining industry.
Her leadership extends to her board work, including roles with the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury, as former President of WISE Sudbury, and as a former board member of Women in Mining Northern Ontario. She also serves as the Chair of CIM’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Recognized for her contributions to culture transformation within the industry and as an author of several papers, Theresa has been honored as one of the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women, a 40 Under Forty Award recipient, and a Champion of Diversity award winner with We Build a Dream. She is a passionate advocate for positive workplace culture that unlocks the potential of mining assets.
Theresa participated in the 2022 edition of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
Katherine Burke is an experience senior executive who is currently working for the National Security Program (NSP 17) at the Canadian Forces College. Prior to joining the Canadian Armed Forces, she served as the Deputy Minister’s Chief of Staff at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Since joining the public service, Kate has also worked at the Privy Council Office, Global Affairs and Public Safety Canada, as well as previously working in private practice in fields ranging from commercial transactions to labour and employment law. Kate holds law degrees from Dalhousie University, the London School of Economics and Harvard Law School, as well as a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from Queens University.
Kate is a participant of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
A graduate of HEC Montreal in both Business Administration and Project Management, and holder of a BSc in Computer Network Management, Eric started his career as IT Support Manager at Aéroports de Montréal. He went on to join Bell Canada as Director of Outsourced Call Centers, and carried out several consultation mandates nationally and internationally in this capacity.
In 2006, he moved to France and joined the Webhelp group as International Development Director. As such, his main responsibilities included the implementation and subsequent integration of new subsidiaries worldwide.
Back in Quebec since 2013, Eric started his own consulting company, working with clients such as Nespresso USA, Colorado Group and La Presse Télé on their business strategy, before joining City of Brossard in 2014, as the Innovation Director. In 2019, Eric worked at the National Bank of Canada as a Senior Director with the Startups Technology and Innovation Banking Group, before joining the City of Montréal as their Director of Economic Development Services. In October 2024, Eric returned to the City of Brossard as their Deputy Director General.
Eric passions are mainly focused on finding new ways to help citizens get more involved within their communities, and get innovative services and interactions from their local government and organizations.
Eric co-chaired the 2017 British Columbia tour of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.
Roxanne Morin works for the City of Longueuil as department head – Citizen’s engagement, Communications and Public Affairs. With nearly 10 years’ experience in municipal administration, she is involved in projects relating to the development of citizen-centered services and the optimization of processes. Roxanne always thrives to create a cohesive and positive experience for the citizens. Curious, upbeat and customer service expert, she plays a leading role in the advancement of many practices and in the interactions between the City, its teams and its citizens.
Roxanne participated in the 2022 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference as part of the Prince Edward Island Study Group.
With over 25 years of leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurial experience, Nadine Duguay-Lemay has made significant contributions across diverse industries, including language training, banking, food manufacturing, arts and culture, and social impact sectors. She is academically accomplished, holding a Bachelor of Individualized Studies (Business and Arts), diplomas in International Business and Trade, and the prestigious Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation. Her educational journey also includes a Certificate in Contemporary Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking. Nadine is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing an online MBA in Leading Innovation and Change from York St. John University, in partnership with the Robert Kennedy College.
Nadine’s leadership extends beyond her professional roles. She was a delegate for the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference (Nunavut study group) and now chairs the New Brunswick Regional Committee. In recognition of her leadership and community engagement, she was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the North Shore Regiment in 2022 and subsequently selected to represent the 37th Brigade on the National Council of Honoraries.
Passionate about community building, Nadine has founded key networks like the Women of Miramichi Entrepreneurial Network and the Miramichi Young Professional & Involved Entrepreneurs Network (MYPIE). She also played a pivotal role in the creation of Rotary Resurgo, now the Rotary Atlantic International Passport Club. Celebrating her 10th year as a mentor through the Programme de mentorat en entrepreneuriat Patrick Albert, Nadine remains committed to guiding students and small business owners.
Biography to follow
Anna Marenick is a successful human resources and transformational change leader with extensive regional and national experience leading multi-faceted and complex programs in diverse and challenging environments.
Anna joined Nova Scotia Health in 2021 in the role of Senior Director of Organizational Change Management and assumed the role of Vice President, People, Culture, and Belonging In 2022.
Her creative, inclusive approach to solving complex problems in a variety of settings makes her exceptional at collaboratively propelling ideas and people forward. Always looking for ways to serve her community, she is a member of the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors and has been involved in the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference since 2017.
Anna has a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) from St. Francis Xavier University. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Management Professional and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources.
Biography to follow
Denise is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) who has worked in PEI’s public service since 1992. She has worked in a number of different government departments and agencies, including the Auditor General’s Office, the Public Service Commission and Health PEI. Denise was the Chief Executive Officer of Health PEI for three years before being appointed as Deputy Minister of Finance in May 2021.
Throughout her years of service, Denise has held various senior positions and provided leadership for budgeting and financial planning, service delivery improvement initiatives, the introduction of new programs, and large contract negotiations. Denise is a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of Prince Edward Island and Dalhousie University’s Master of Public Administration program.
She is an alumnus of the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. She is also a past member of the Conference Board of Canada’s Council for Innovation Procurement.
Victoria is an experienced strategic planner, facilitator, and communicator, and has developed a strong reputation as an effective and charismatic leader. Throughout her career, Victoria has successfully transformed associations and organizations into key drivers of policy, advocating on behalf of memberships, business, industry and consumers.
As the CEO for the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association, Victoria Belbin is also a Director for two provincial crown corporations, and volunteers with provincial associations, social enterprises and charities demonstrating her care for the community.
With a proven track record building robust governance processes with Boards of Directors/ staff volunteer teams and bringing diverse stakeholders together, she fosters strong relationships that enable action-oriented planning to respond to industry and community needs.
Victoria holds a Masters of Marine Studies from Memorial University of NL and stays on top of governance practices through her commitment to the Institute for Corporate Directors designation, ICD.D.
Natasha is the Regional Manager, Partnerships, for BDC in Atlantic Canada. She has spent her career building successful partnerships at the intersection of business, government and academia. Prior to joining BDC, Natasha spent over a decade in the technology sector, first with startups and later as the business development lead for NATI, the NL Association for Technology and Innovation (now techNL). Natasha has built a strong track record of successful multi-stakeholder collaborations. She has a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early stage and established companies, often acting as a guide and navigator for companies looking to leverage support through the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Though her experiences leading Atlantic Canadian delegations for numerous international trade missions throughout North America, South America and Europe from 2011 to 2017, Natasha possesses a deep understanding of international business development and Atlantic Canada’s unique competitive advantage.
A participant of the 2022 edition of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, Natasha holds a BA and an MBA from Memorial University. She is Chair of the Board of Directors for the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland & Labrador (CSCNL) and is passionate about entrepreneurs, advanced technologies, innovation and community development.
Vikki was the former President of the Yukon Federation of Labour before joining Elections Yukon. Her many years as a Union Executive member and activist have strengthened her opinions and resolve with many years of experience in organising and facilitating human rights and labour training classes. She realized if she wanted to see change happen in anything, she would have to step up and take the challenge.
Vikki believes that a person should never quit learning and upgrading any skills. Occasionally taking a variety of courses at Yukon College herself such as Psychology, Accounting, German and French keeps her interest in learning different skills high. She understands and wholly believes in the benefits of lifelong learning, a belief that led her to apply for and gain entry to the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Networking with Canada’s future leadership from all occupations was an experience she will always use and treasure in her work and home life.
Having been a musician in some local performance groups, Vikki used her stage experience to volunteer with organising the Variety Performance Stage inside the Sourdough Rendezvous Winter Festival Tent. She believes in volunteering for many social awareness groups, including the Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition.
Mark is currently the Executive Director of the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board (MVEIRB) in Yellowknife, which is an independent administrative tribunal responsible for the environmental impact assessment process in the Northwest Territories. Prior to joining MVEIRB, he was the Executive Director of the We’keezhii Land and Water Board in Yellowknife from 2010 to 2014, which provides regulatory permits to Canada’s largest diamond mines.
He first moved to the Northwest Territories in 2002 where he worked as a teacher on a fur trapping program for youth at risk in Fort Good Hope, prior to joining the Sahtu Land and Water Board as a Water Technician in 2003. His educational background is in Physical Geography at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Mark is an alumnus of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and Co-Chaired the Northwest Territories Regional Committee in 2017.
Yvonne is a proud Sahtu Dene woman who lives in Yellowknife. Her current position is as Regional Director of operations in Northwest Territories Government.
Prior to this she worked in various roles, including sport and recreation, to build capacity for local governments and communities. Her newest leadership challenge is an appointment to the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board in 2014. Yvonne is an avid outdoors person and volunteer. She loves coaching traditional Inuit and Dene games or soccer. She has a diploma in Recreation Leadership and completed the Government of NWT Executive Leadership Development Program in 2011.
Yvonne is an alumnus of the 2015 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and Co-Chaired the Northwest Territories Regional Committee in 2017.
Tina is Senior Advior, Education at Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Prior to her current position, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of Makigiaqta Inuit Training Corporation and helped develop Makigiaqta’s long-term Strategy.
Tina was first in her family to graduate high school and subsequently embarked on a six-month international volunteer program. She completed Nunavut Sivuniksavut with distinction and a newfound appreciation for culture, education, and travel. Tina spent a year abroad and earned a Bachelor of Management with Athabasca University. Alumni of the Jane Glassco Northern Fellowship and a mother of two boys, Tina is always looking for creative ways to further build on her cultural foundation as an Inuk.
Tina participated in the 2022 edition of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference.