Category: Events

Join us for a unique opportunity to engage with one of Canada’s top change-makers, Judy Fairburn, Co-Founder and General Partner of The51 Ventures, and a renowned leader in venture finance, industry, and public policy.

Judy brings over 25 years of diverse experience in C-suite roles across major corporations, government, and the startup ecosystem. As a board director and change-maker, Judy has been instrumental in building cutting-edge business ventures and empowering women-led companies. With a remarkable track record, including her recognition as one of Canada’s Top 50 Change-makers (The Globe and Mail) and her multiple awards for leadership in sustainable innovation, Judy is a visionary who bridges the worlds of business, technology, and policy.

During this intimate lunch, Judy will share insights from her extensive career, her passion for fostering innovation, and her experiences shaping transformative ventures in both the corporate and venture capital landscapes. Expect an engaging discussion on the future of business innovation, the role of women in leadership, and sustainable solutions for today’s most pressing challenges.

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with a powerful thought leader, ask questions, and gain valuable perspectives on how to drive meaningful change within your organization and industry. Limited seating is available for this exclusive lunch, so don’t miss your chance to be inspired by one of Canada’s most influential leaders.

• • • Date: June 24th, 2025
    • 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: Trophy Lounge
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

Join us for an inspiring afternoon with Shannon Pestun — entrepreneur, changemaker, and nationally recognized advocate for economic reconciliation and Indigenous women’s empowerment.

A proud Métis woman from Treaty 1 territory, Shannon is the CEO of Pestun Consulting and a Senior Advisor with The Diversity Institute. She brings deep expertise in building inclusive economic systems, advancing Indigenous economic self-determination, and reshaping corporate accountability in Canada.

In addition to her consulting and policy work, Shannon leads the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, serves as Vice-Chair at Mount Royal University, and is the founder of the Gifting Circle Bursary, which has raised over $200,000 to support Indigenous women entrepreneurs.

At this Lunch with a Leader, Shannon will share her journey to leadership, her vision for a more equitable economy, and practical ways organizations can advance reconciliation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Calgary’s professional community and engage with a powerful voice for change.

• • • Date: June 6, 2025
    • 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: Cardium Room
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About Shannon

CEO Pestun Consulting/ Sr Advisor, The Diversity Institute

Shannon Pestun is an entrepreneur, board member and executive leader who is committed to empowering people and organizations to advance a reconciliation economy and create pathways to rebuild Indigenous economies and close socioeconomic gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Grounded in the belief that reconciliation is a personal, organizational, societal and systemic journey, Shannon’s takes a holistic approach to co-create solutions to empower people, governments, industry, and institutions to advance their reconciliation work in the areas of policy reform, corporate accountability, and Indigenous economic self-determination.

As a Métis woman, Shannon envisions a society where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can thrive in safety with equitable opportunities in education, wellbeing, economic development, and political participation.

Through Pestun Consulting and The Finance Cafe, Shannon shows how together we can break down barriers, build lasting partnerships, unlock innovation, and create a more inclusive economy. Shannon currently leads the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and is a member of Women and Gender Equality – Canada’s Indigenous Women’s Circle. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors at Mount Royal University and sits on the Investment Committee for the Métis Settlements Development Corporation Investment fund. In 2020, she created the Gifting Circle Bursary for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs, which has raised $200,000 to support Indigenous women pursuing entrepreneurship at the post-secondary level.

Originally from the Métis homeland in Treaty 1 territory, Shannon lives in Treaty 7 territory. She is a proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Get ready for a bold conversation that will challenge your thinking.

Join Axis Connects for an unforgettable Lunch with a Leader featuring Heather Campbell — a powerhouse in Canada’s energy transition movement, a passionate advocate for inclusion, and a leader who isn’t afraid to speak the hard truths.

With three decades of experience across the energy industry and a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and equity, Heather brings a perspective that few others can offer. An engineer, energy strategist, clean tech advisor, and community leader, Heather has built a career at the intersection of technical expertise, courageous leadership, and social change.

This won’t be a typical leadership talk. Be prepared for real conversations, uncomfortable questions, and fresh perspectives that will challenge how you think about leadership, innovation, and building a more inclusive future.

Heather currently serves as an independent adviser with Rev Innovations, advancing low-carbon, low-cost energy solutions. She also lends her expertise to the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy, the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), Arts Commons, and the Western Engineering Advisory Council.

Heather’s leadership has been recognized with awards including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Calgary Black Chambers Black Achievement Award in Energy, and the 2024 Harry Jerome Decade Leader Award.

• • • Date: May 22, 2025
    • 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: Presidents Room
    • Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About Heather

Heather Campbell is an accomplished energy professional with a diverse, three decades long energy career in a full range of energy industries. With her focus on energy transition, sustainability, and inclusion, she currently serves as an independent adviser for Rev Innovations as they aim to expand low-carbon, low-cost energy solutions.

Ms. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering from Western University in addition to a Master of Laws in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee. She is a licensed professional engineer practicing in Alberta, Canada.

Ms. Campbell is an engaged, lifelong community volunteer, actively sharing her talents, resources, and time by participating and often leading a purposely diverse range of organizations. Ms. Campbell is a board director with Calgary’s performing arts centre Arts Commons and is a member of the Advisory Council for Western Engineering, her alma mater.

Ms. Campbell performs two clean technology advisory roles: first she is an advisory council member of the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (BC CICE), and second she is an advisory board member of the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). She is the former co-chair of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council, a former Commissioner with the Calgary Police Commission, and has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Calgary Black Chambers Black Achievement Award in Energy, and the 2024 Harry Jerome Decade Leader Award.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect with John Kousinioris, President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation and a respected voice in Canada’s energy sector.

With a career spanning law, growth strategy, and executive leadership, John brings over a decade of experience at TransAlta, one of Canada’s largest electricity generation companies. Since joining in 2012, he has held key roles including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer, before taking the helm as CEO in 2021.

John’s insights go beyond business strategy—he’s deeply committed to community and education. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Governors at Bow Valley College and sits on the boards of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, Axis Connects, and both the Business Council of Alberta and the Business Council of Canada.

This Lunch with a Leader offers an intimate setting to learn from John’s journey, gain perspective on leadership in dynamic industries, and engage in meaningful conversation with Calgary’s professional community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and expand your network.

• Date: May 9, 2025
• Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
• Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
• Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About John Kousinioris

John Kousinioris has served as the President and CEO of TransAlta Corporation since 2021 and has been with the company since 2012. Prior to stepping into this role, he has held several leadership positions at TransAlta including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Legal Compliance Officer.

TransAlta is one of Canada’s largest publicly traded electricity generation companies, with over 113 years of experience operating hydro, wind, solar, gas and storage facilities across five provinces in Canada, the United States and Western Australia.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Ivey Business School, an MBA from York University, a Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Beyond his role at TransAlta, he is the Chair of the Board of Governors at Bow Valley College, a Director on the Calgary Stampede Foundation Board, a director on the Axis Connects Board, and is a member of the Business Councils of Canada and Alberta.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to meet and learn from Jennifer Koury, a trailblazing leader with over 35 years of professional experience spanning the world’s largest mining company, energy giants, and boardrooms across the country.

Jennifer’s career exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and leadership. From her executive roles at BHP Billiton, Enerplus Resources, and Exxon Mobil to her current positions on the boards of Crescent Point Energy and Bird Construction, Jennifer has continually paved the way for women in traditionally male-dominated industries. As the Board Chair of the Calgary Zoo and a Co-Founder of Board Ready Women, she has dedicated her time to mentorship, governance, and shaping the future of leadership.

In this intimate Lunch with a Leader session, Jennifer will share her journey, insights on navigating corporate leadership, and her passion for empowering the next generation of leaders. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand from one of Calgary’s most accomplished business leaders and connect with like-minded professionals.

• Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
• Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM MST
• Location: Calgary Petroleum Club
• Cost: $50 + fees and GST

About Jennifer Koury

Jennifer Koury has more than 35 years of professional experience, including C-suite leadership roles and international expertise. Her impressive career spans some of the world’s leading organizations, including BHP Billiton, Enerplus Resources, and Exxon Mobil.

Currently, Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors for Crescent Point Energy, chairing their Human Resources and Compensation Committee and serving as a member of the Governance Committee. She also sits on the Board of Bird Construction in Toronto, chairs their HR and Governance Committee, and is a member of the EH&S Committee. Her passion for community engagement is evident in her role as Board Chair of the Calgary Zoo and her work as one of the Co-Founders of Board Ready Women. Additionally, Jennifer served as Co-Chair of the Women in Mining Canada Board from April 2017 to April 2021.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree (Honors) from the University of Alberta and earned her Directors Designation (ICD.D) from The Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto.

Join us as Jennifer shares her invaluable experiences and insights on leadership, governance, and the power of lifting others along the way.