Author: rachelwams

Lunch with a Leader featuring Vern Yu

In a rapidly shifting global energy market, visionary leadership is the ultimate differentiator. We are thrilled to host Vern Yu for an exclusive afternoon of industry insights, corporate strategy, and networking.

As the President and CEO of AltaGas, Vern is the driving force behind the company’s mission to connect customers globally with affordable, reliable energy. He brings to the table a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to execute on massive strategic priorities while keeping a sprawling infrastructure company agile and forward-looking.

Vern’s perspective is rooted in an extraordinary three-decade tenure at Enbridge Inc. He is uniquely positioned to speak on both the complex financial realities and the operational challenges of the sector. Having served in a dynamic range of C-suite roles, including Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, and President of New Energy Technologies, Vern’s expertise bridges the gap between traditional energy infrastructure and the future of the energy transition.

What truly sets Vern apart is his profound commitment to the community and equity. He has personally raised over $1 million for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and has helped guide the organization as Vice Chair of its Board of Trustees. In addition, he was recently awarded the 2026 Male Champion award at the Calgary Influential Women in Business awards in April. His governance and strategic expertise have also been tapped by Calgary Economic Development, DCP Midstream, and Énergir Inc.

Armed with an MBA in Finance from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Queen’s University, Vern blends rigorous analytical thinking with community-minded, purpose-driven leadership.

Whether you are looking to understand the future of lower-carbon ventures or seeking inspiration from a seasoned executive who knows how to build exceptional teams, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Registration for this event is managed by request. Please submit your details below to hold your place in line. Our team will review all submissions and will confirm your registration and process the payment.

      • Date: September 2, 2026
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Wine Cellar
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST
      • Attendee limit: 14
REGISTER HERE

Vern Yu

As President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaGas, a North American energy infrastructure company that connects customers and markets to affordable and reliable energy, Vern Yu leads the company’s strategic priorities and execution.

Vern is an experienced executive with a proven track record of success across the North American energy industry, including a successful three-decade career at Enbridge Inc., most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, Chief Financial Officer and President, New Energy Technologies. Prior to that, Vern held various commercial, operational, and financial roles including serving as Executive Vice President, President Liquids Pipelines and as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer.

As an active member of the local community, Vern has raised over $1M individually for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. He previously served as the Vice Chair of the Alberta Cancer Foundation’s Board of Trustees and served on the Boards of DCP Midstream, Énergir Inc. and Calgary Economic Development.

Vern holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Science from Queen’s University.

2026 Annual Report Card: The Prosperity Project x Axis Connects

After years of investment in gender equity, why has progress stalled?

Join us for the official launch of The Prosperity Project’s 2026 Annual Report Card (ARC) on Gender Equity and Leadership. While overall representation of women in corporate leadership has reached a plateau, our latest findings uncover a critical reality: progress in the pipeline has stalled, and representation has declined for nearly every equity-deserving group.

It’s time to move past well-intentioned conversation and focus on real, measurable impact. This event convenes leaders to confront what separates organizations that continue driving systemic change from those that have hit a standstill.

Why Attend

      • Be the first to hear the 2026 results: Get an exclusive first look at the state of women’s leadership in Canadian organizations—including representation for Black, Indigenous, racialized women, and other equity-deserving groups.
      • Gain practical perspective from industry leaders: Hear from a panel of organizational leaders as they break down what the data means in practice, the challenges they are navigating, and the tangible steps they are taking to build cultures of inclusion and accountability.
      • Leave with action, not just information: Walk away with concrete strategies, practical ideas, and commitments you can bring back to your own organization to drive measurable change in intersectional leadership representation.
      • Connect with purpose-driven peers: Network with like-minded executives and changemakers who believe that equity and prosperity go hand-in-hand—and who are ready to move from words to impact.

Agenda

      • 4:00 PM – Doors Open & Networking
      • 4:30 PM – Opening Remarks
      • 4:45 PM – Exclusive Summary: 2026 Annual Report Card Findings
      • 5:00 PM – Panel Discussion: From Progress to Proof
      • 5:55 PM – Closing Remarks
      • 6:00 PM – Networking Continues

To view the 2025 Annual Report Card on Gender Equity and Leadership ahead of the event, please click here.

      • Date: September 9, 2026
      • Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM MDT
      • Location: McCarthy Tétrault (TD Canada Tower, 40th Floor)
      • Tickets: $100 Standard | $90 Members (Note: $20 from each ticket funds next year’s research!)
REGISTER HERE

Lunch with a Leader featuring Anita Dusevic Oliva

Join us for an engaging afternoon with Anita Dusevic Oliva, a dynamic corporate leader driving both rigorous governance and technological innovation at one of North America’s premier energy infrastructure companies.

As Executive Vice President and General Counsel at TC Energy, Anita is at the helm of a massive and diverse portfolio. She leads the company’s Legal, Internal Audit, Compliance, and Enterprise Risk Management functions across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Beyond traditional legal oversight—including major M&A, corporate finance, and regulatory proceedings—Anita serves as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and Board. Crucially, she is also steering the company into the future by leading TC Energy’s AI Accelerator and Transformation Office. In this unique role, she champions the responsible integration of artificial intelligence—bridging the gap between strict regulatory governance and the deployment of value-creating, transformative tech solutions across a 7,000-person organization.

Anita’s expertise extends far beyond the traditional legal realm. Her diverse background includes serving as an Operating Partner in Brookfield’s Infrastructure Group and holding C-suite operational roles—including Chief Operating Officer—where she managed full P&L, IT, human resources, and stakeholder relations in complex, capital-intensive industries.

A member of the Law Society of Alberta, Anita’s strategic impact and business acumen have earned her the prestigious Canadian General Counsel Awards for both Business Achievement (2023) and Chief Legal Officer of the Year (2015).

Limited seating is available for this intimate and engaging event. Secure your ticket today.

      • Date: August 13, 2026
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Wine Cellar
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST
      • Attendee limit: 14
REGISTER HERE

Anita Dusevic Oliva

As Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Anita Dusevic Oliva leads the company’s Legal, Internal Audit, Compliance, ERM, AI Accelerator and Transformation Office functions across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, and serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the Board. In this role, she oversees all legal services – including major M&A, divestitures and integrations, corporate finance and securities matters, litigation, regulatory proceedings, and governance. She manages external counsel and budgets, ensures compliance with TSX and NYSE listing and continuous-disclosure requirements, and stewards the company’s ERM program as well as SOX/internal controls over financial reporting. She also leads TC Energy’s AI Accelerator initiatives, advancing responsible, value-creating applications of AI with the right governance and risk oversight, as well as general transformation office work.

Prior to TC Energy, Anita was an Operating Partner in Brookfield’s Infrastructure Group,accountable for enhancing organizational effectiveness and strategic capabilities across global infrastructure portfolio companies. Anita has also held C-suite and senior legal leadership roles in infrastructure and capital-intensive industries, including serving as Chief Operating Officer with full P&L accountability for multiple business units, and earlier as a Senior Vice President, Corporate Services overseeing legal and regulatory affairs; land and stakeholder relations (including Indigenous, government, and community); human resources; information technology; and a company-wide innovation program.

Earlier career roles included Vice President, Legal, Corporate Secretary, Senior Legal Counsel, and Associate at leading organizations in the industry. Anita holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction, is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, and her recognitions include the Canadian General Counsel Awards – Business Achievement (2023) and Chief Legal Officer of the Year (2015).

TC ENERGY

We’re a team of 7,000+ energy problem solvers working to move, generate and store the energy North America relies on. Today, we’re taking action to make that energy more sustainable and more secure. We’re innovating and modernizing to reduce emissions from our business. And we’re delivering new energy solutions – from natural gas and renewables to carbon capture and hydrogen – to help other businesses and industries decarbonize too. TC Energy’s common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX) and New York (NYSE) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. To learn more, visit us at TCEnergy.com.

Axis Connects Stampede Round-Up Brings Together 1,000 Leaders

On Tuesday, July 7, Axis Connects hosted an afternoon of high-energy networking and community building at Calgary’s historic Deane House. With nearly 1,000 professionals, dignitaries, and community leaders in attendance, the 2026 Stampede Round-Up — presented by Suncor — put our community’s spirit into action, reinforcing our mission to be Calgary’s go-to destination for meaningful professional connections and networking opportunities.

Set against a backdrop of perfect summer weather, the event brought the business community together in a celebratory atmosphere that fully embraced the spirit of the Calgary Stampede.

“Moments like this remind me why Axis Connects exists. When nearly a thousand professionals — many of them Calgary’s top businesswomen — come together to build relationships and champion one another, you can feel the strength of this community. That’s the impact we’re here to create, Stampede season and every season.“— Nuvyn Peters, CEO of Axis Connects

High-Profile Engagement and Stampede Spirit

The Stampede Round-Up was packed with memorable moments, giving attendees the chance to connect directly with top provincial and municipal leaders, including Premier Danielle Smith, Minister Tanya Fir, and Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Speaking to the crowd, the Premier highlighted the importance of this growing community:

“It was once really hard to find female mentors, but the incredible turnout today shows there is an undeniable need for women to support women. Thank you for your leadership, and for helping the next generation find their pathway up the corporate ladder.”— Premier Danielle Smith

Setting the tone for the afternoon, local talent Alex Hughes delivered an exclusive live music performance, generously supported by our Entertainment Sponsor, Anthro AV. The festive atmosphere was further elevated by a special appearance from Calgary Stampede Royalty, as First Nations Princess Raegan and Calgary Stampede Princess Sarah graciously mingled with the crowd throughout the event.

Attendees also had the chance to shop exclusive merchandise from our signature podcast. Hosted by Nuvyn and Alex, Quiet Part Out Loud tackles bold, unfiltered leadership stories — and our merch matches that exact energy. Missed out? Shop the collection here and listen to the podcast.

A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers

An event of this scale and energy wouldn’t be possible without the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication of our incredible on-site volunteers. From welcoming our guests to keeping the afternoon running smoothly, their support was instrumental in making this year’s Stampede Round-Up a massive success.

IMG_7153

Looking Ahead: What’s Up Next?

Axis Connects has a robust lineup of programming designed to keep you at the forefront of your career journey.

Our highly anticipated Axis Connects Leadership Forum will be held on November 23, 2026. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding our exciting keynote speaker. Take advantage of early bird tickets, as this event will sell out.

Leadership Forum Tickets

Don’t miss our Fall Board Readiness Series. This program is designed to prepare leaders as they embark on their board journeys. Exclusive to Board Ready Women members, this series offers strategic insight and readiness training for those seeking a board position. To attend, join Board Ready Women today.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Theresa Jang

LWAL LINKEDIN ARTICLE POSTER

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Theresa Jang, a powerhouse of Canadian corporate leadership and a trailblazer in global sustainability. This exclusive lunch is an opportunity to hear directly from a visionary executive who has spent over three decades driving strategy, growth, and purpose at the highest levels of business.

For 35 years, Theresa has been a defining voice in finance and governance. Currently serving as a board member for Enbridge Inc. and Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), she also served as Executive VP and CFO for Stantec Inc. until her retirement in 2024, following over 25 years navigating the complex North American energy sector, notably as Senior VP and CFO for Veresen Inc.

Theresa’s legacy extends far beyond traditional financial leadership. As a recognized ESG champion, she was the catalyst behind Stantec’s top-ten ranking in Corporate Knights’ Global 100 and proudly represented the organization on the United Nations CFO Task Force. Today, she continues to shape critical industries and community safety as a Board Director for both Enbridge Inc. and the STARS air ambulance network.

Her remarkable career has not gone unnoticed. A Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA), Theresa’s accolades reflect a career of undeniable impact across multiple industries. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network and named among Canada’s Best Executives by The Globe and Mail Report on Business. Additionally, her visionary financial leadership earned her the prestigious title of CFO of the Year from the Environmental Financial Consulting Group.

Limited seating is available for this intimate and engaging event. Secure your ticket today.

      • Date: July 23, 2026
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Wine Cellar
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST
      • Attendee limit: 14
REGISTER HERE

Theresa Jang

Theresa serves on the Board of Directors of Enbridge Inc. and Shock and Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS). With over 35 years of finance, accounting and public company experience, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Stantec Inc., a top-tier global engineering and design firm, for six years until her retirement in 2024. During her tenure, Theresa served as Chair of Stantec’s Executive ESG Committee, playing a key role in Stantec’s consistent ranking in the top ten of Corporate Knights’ Global 100 most sustainable companies in the world. She also represented the company on the United Nations CFO Task Force for the Sustainable Development Goals. Before joining Stantec, Theresa spent more than 25 years in the North American energy infrastructure sector, including serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Veresen Inc.

Theresa is a CPA (CA) and was named a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants in 2020. She has been recognized with several other awards, including being named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network, one of Canada’s Best Executives by The Globe and Mail Report on Business, and CFO of the year by Environmental Financial Consulting Group.

Building Alberta’s Leadership Pipeline

Board Ready Women (BRW) joined Axis Connects last year, and together we are working to establish a continuous career pipeline, moving women from mid-career milestones through to executive and governance roles. Building on BRW’s long-standing foundation of impactful programming in Calgary, our focus has shifted from simply providing access to delivering intentional and strategic readiness.

Our recent expansion into Edmonton has already seen a strong response from the local community. Driven by targeted events, Edmonton professionals are looking past basic networking to actively master the realities of boardroom dynamics, fiduciary duties, and strategic oversight.

Edmonton Highlight: Unpacking the Board Chair and CEO Dynamic

The strength of this growing Edmonton community was on full display at our recent BRW event: The Relationship Between the Board Chair & CEO.

This standout evening brought together directors, executives, and governance leaders for a rare and transparent look into one of the most critical partnerships in any organization. We were incredibly fortunate to host a truly unique dynamic on stage: Joan Hertz, Board Chair of ATB Financial, alongside Chris Turchansky, President and CEO of ATB Financial.

Hearing directly from a sitting Board Chair and their CEO provided unfiltered insight and immense value. Their candid discussion explored how to cultivate a high-performance relationship, learn from past mistakes, and navigate the inevitable complexities of governance.

Key themes explored during the event included:

    • Building Trust Through Candor: The duo highlighted the necessity of giving and receiving honest feedback, sharing insights on how to create an environment where open communication flows in both directions, especially during crucial moments like annual evaluations.
    • Closing the Communication Gap: Addressing the reality that executives face a storm of disruptive forces, Chris shared how a strong relationship with the Board Chair helps close communication gaps, enables top-tier leadership, and ensures the board has the right knowledge to help the organization cope.
    • Protecting the CEO: Joan offered her unique perspective, having sat on both sides of the table as both a CEO and a Chair, on what it truly means for a board to support and protect its chief executive while maintaining healthy tension and safeguarding integrity.

Stay Curious and Join the Conversation

Achieving a high-performance career is never accidental. As our pipeline of talented, board-ready women continues to grow across Canada, we invite you to be part of the momentum. Whether you are aiming for your first board seat or looking to refine your governance skills, Axis Connects and BRW are here to support your journey.

Get Involved Today:

      • Become a Member: Purchase a Board Ready Women membership to unlock exclusive event invitations, access to curated board opportunities, and member-only updates.
      • Stay Informed: Sign up for our insider newsletter delivered directly to your inbox to stay ahead of the curve on governance trends and community news.
      • Join Us Live: Keep an eye out for upcoming BRW events in Calgary or Edmonton to connect with decision-makers, ask questions, and stay curious about what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of leadership.
IMG_5965
IMG_5990 (1)

Axis Connects Convenes Over 300 Leaders for High-Impact Dialogue with Premier Danielle Smith

Axis Connects hosted a dynamic afternoon of high-level engagement and vital community conversation on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Calgary Petroleum Club. Welcoming over 300 leaders, professionals, and community members, the event demonstrated Axis’s unique ability to convene top leadership and facilitate meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter most to Albertans.

The exclusive event featured a keynote address by the Honourable Premier Danielle Smith, followed by an in-depth fireside chat moderated by Axis Connects & Board Ready Women CEO, Nuvyn Peters.

Bringing together voices from business, government, and the community is a cornerstone of Axis Connects’ role in Alberta’s leadership landscape. The exceptional turnout for this event highlights a shared commitment across sectors to engage in thoughtful, province-shaping dialogue.

“The issues shaping our province require thoughtful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and opportunities for meaningful engagement,” said Nuvyn Peters, CEO of Axis Connects & Board Ready Women. “Events like this create space for those conversations, connecting leaders with decision-makers and fostering a greater understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing Alberta today.“

A Focus on Leadership, Economy, and Community

During the structured fireside chat, the conversation spanned critical, top-of-mind topics for Albertans, moving past surface-level talking points to explore substantive issues:

    • Leadership & Resilience: The Premier shared insights into her personal leadership journey, navigating public pressure in a fast-moving environment, and the core principles required to collaborate effectively across diverse provincial leadership frameworks.
    • Energy & Investor Confidence: In light of recent global news coverage, the discussion highlighted strategies for providing market certainty and ensuring Alberta remains a premier, highly competitive destination for global investment across the energy, oil, and gas sectors.
    • Economic Certainty & Affordability: The discussion addressed how Alberta can balance robust economic growth and investment certainty with the real, day-to-day affordability pressures facing Canadian families, including housing, groceries, and utilities.
    • The Future of Healthcare: A transparent conversation focused on the structural shifts within provincial healthcare, discussing ways to reduce wait times and build a preeminent system. The dialogue explored the objectives behind creating four separate service delivery agencies, managing care coordination for complex patients, and evaluating the role of diverse delivery options to relieve pressure on frontline workers while strictly maintaining universal access to care.
    • Navigating Diverse Perspectives & Unity: The conversation also addressed broader themes of provincial cohesion and regional governance, looking at constructive ways leaders can navigate differing viewpoints, address high-stakes discussions like regional referendums, and foster unity across Alberta’s evolving landscape.

The session concluded on a lighter note with a rapid-fire question round, offering attendees a unique look at the person behind the public office.

Looking Ahead

Axis Connects extends its sincere gratitude to Premier Danielle Smith for sharing her insights, to the event sponsor, Whitecap Resources, and to the vibrant community of attendees whose presence made the afternoon an overwhelming success.

As a non-partisan champion for professional growth and connection, Axis Connects looks forward to continuing to build platforms that inform, challenge, and inspire leadership across Alberta.

Get Involved with Axis Connects

Our community thrives when dynamic leaders engage. You can join our mission to shape Alberta’s leadership landscape by getting involved today:

Lunch with a Leader featuring Martha Hall Findlay

Martha

Join us for an exclusive lunch discussion featuring Martha Hall Findlay, a highly respected executive, policy expert, and the current Director and Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy.

With a multifaceted career spanning senior corporate leadership, national politics, and international law, Martha offers a rare perspective shaped by her extensive experience in Canada and Europe. Prior to her current role, she served as Chief Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer at Suncor Energy and as President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. Throughout her career, she has consistently built a reputation for being non-partisan and pragmatic, advocating for solutions driven by thorough research and objective analysis.

Throughout her tenure across both the public and private sectors, Martha has broken new ground in energy, telecommunications, and global trade. Whether serving as a Member of Parliament in the shadow cabinet, advising on Canada-U.S. and Indo-Pacific relations, or sitting on the Board of TELUS, her focus remains on navigating complex global markets and driving sustainable, forward-thinking strategies.

This is a premier opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Canada’s top global energy influencers and recognized Climate Champions on the evolving landscape of international trade, the critical intersection of corporate sustainability and public policy, and her strategies for leading effectively across diverse sectors.

      • Date: June 11, 2026
      • Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
      • (Guests are welcome to stay until 1:30 PM for optional networking)
      • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
      • Room: Wine Cellar
      • Cost: $50 + fees and GST
      • Attendee limit: 14
REGISTER HERE

Martha Hall Findlay

Martha Hall Findlay serves as the Director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary and holds the James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy. Alongside her academic leadership, she holds several key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations, sitting on the Board of Directors for TELUS, and acting as a Senior Advisor for Teneo.

Prior to joining the School of Public Policy, Martha Chief Sustainability and Chief Climate Officer at Suncor Energy, and before that served as president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation. She has long had a reputation for being non-partisan, objective, and pragmatic by advocating for public policy solutions based on thorough research and analysis.

As a Member of Parliament, she was a member of the Official Opposition shadow cabinet and served on several House of Commons committees as the critic for International Trade; Finance; Government Works and Public Services; and Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities.

As a corporate lawyer and senior business executive in both Canada and Europe, she developed extensive experience in energy, telecommunications, sustainability, trade (international and internal) and global markets.

She was for several years a member of the Deputy Minister of International Trade’s Trade Expert Advisory Council. She wrote the ‘Energy and Climate Change’ chapter of The Indo-Pacific – new strategies for Canadian engagement with a critical region (2022, Fen Osler Hampson, Goldy Hyder and Tina Park, eds.) She is a member of the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Canada Korea Forum.

She was named a Canadian Climate Champion in 2021; a top global female oil and gas executive and one of the top 275 global energy women influencers; and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. She was silver medalist at the 1976 Canadian Alpine Ski Championships, and coached several young skiers who went on to compete in the Olympics. She has served on the Boards of various non-profit and community organizations, including in some cases as Chair.

She has written dozens of essays, articles, book chapters and op eds and is frequently interviewed for national and international print and broadcast media, in both French and English.

Align Your Health, Life, and Career: What to know as you lead through life transitions

Updated CDD poster

Join us for an informative conversation exploring how biological changes and life stages shape our wellbeing and leadership journeys through the lens of women’s health. Drs. Jayna Holroyd-Leduc and Erin Brennand will dive into how life transitions, from pregnancy to menopause, profoundly influence energy, emotional intelligence, and long-term career trajectories.

The discussion will cover insights like cardiovascular and brain health, highlight pioneering women researchers, and address the everyday complexities of caregiving. You’ll leave with actionable strategies to support your health and thrive personally and professionally at every phase.

Whether you are currently navigating these life transitions, preparing for the future, or leading others through their own journeys, this session offers the insights and inspiration needed to lead with authenticity, resilience, and intention.

    • Date: June 22, 2026
    • Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
    • Location: Calgary Petroleum Club, Devonian Room
    • Tickets: $50, includes light refreshments
REGISTER HERE

Celebrating the 2026 Calgary Influential Women in Business Awards

On April 23, Axis Connects saw a record-breaking, sold-out crowd gather at the TELUS Convention Centre for an unforgettable evening at the seventh annual Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) awards gala. With over 1,500 people in attendance, guests came dressed to impress to celebrate exceptional leadership, equity, and innovation across Calgary’s corporate landscape.  

The gala serves not only as a night of recognition but as a crucial driver for fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment across Calgary’s business landscape.  

“This gala has evolved into a movement,” said Nuvyn Peters, CEO of Axis Connects. “Gathering Calgary’s top professionals under one roof isn’t just about celebrating the milestones of our honourees, it’s about setting a new, higher standard for what leadership looks like in this city.”  

Axis Connects Co-founder and Board Chair, Heather Culbert, echoed this sentiment in her opening remarks, stating, “We’re on a mission to advance gender equity in Calgary’s business community – not someday, not slowly, but now.”  

An Evening of Surprises, Laughter, and Celebration 

The night was expertly guided by our emcee, two-time Olympic speed skater, Olympic & Paralympic Host and Calgary native, Anastasia Bucsis. She kept the crowd engaged and inspired throughout the night, bringing her trademark warmth and wit to the stage. Guests were also treated to a spectacular surprise performance by The Tenors, which set up a dazzling tone for the post-event celebrations.  

As the evening progressed, the award presentations brought both inspiration and a touch of humour; provoking a little bank-on-bank friendly fire, keeping the audience laughing as various financial institutions took the stage to hand out the awards.  

Celebrating this year’s bold and brilliant leaders  

The true heart of the evening was honouring six extraordinary individuals who have made profound contributions to their respective industries and the broader community. The 2026 CIWB Award recipients are: 

      • Small/Medium Enterprise: Lara Murphy, Co-founder, President & CEO, Calgary WildFC; Founder & Owner, Ryan Murphy Construction Inc. 
      • Social Enterprise: Saifa Koonar, President & CEO, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. 
      • Professional Services: Valerie Prather, Partner, McCarthy Tétrault LLP. 
      • Large Enterprise: Tara Lockyer, Chief People, Culture, Brand and Communications Officer, ATB Financial. 
      • Male Champion: Vern Yu, President & CEO, AltaGas Ltd. 
      • Lifetime Achievement: Bonnie DuPont, Independent Director and President, DuPont Consulting.  

Accepting the final award of the evening, DuPont was met with a venue-wide standing ovation honouring her incredible legacy and impact. 

As the 2026 recipients took the stage, they offered words of wisdom, advice, and insight into their inspiring journeys. To experience the energy of the night, relive the highlights, and hear directly from our incredible speakers and honourees, watch the official 2026 CIWB Awards recap video below: 

Keeping the Momentum Going 

The awards may have ended, but the energy stayed at an all-time high. Guests celebrated well into the night at our post-event reception, fueled by a dynamic performance from DJ Joanna Magik and Kate Stevens.

The CIWB Awards Gala is just the beginning. Axis Connects drives momentum year-round to advance gender equity in Calgary’s corporate landscape. We invite you to join us in the movement! Visit axisconnects.com to become a member, explore our career development programs, get involved in upcoming events like our 2026 Stampede Round Up, and nominate an inspiring leader for the 2027 CIWB Awards. 

20260423 AXIS CIWB Awards 2026 3280 (1)
20260423 AXIS CIWB Awards 2026 2816
20260423 AXIS CIWB Awards 2026 1704
20260423 AXIS CIWB Awards 2026 1912
20260403-ShirleySullivan-104
20260423 AXIS CIWB Awards 2026 3021