Lunch with a Leader featuring Katherine Emberly

Join us for an engaging Lunch with a Leader event featuring Katherine Emberly, President & CEO of STARS, a transformational leader with over two decades of executive experience. Katherine is known for her dynamic communication skills, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to delivering critical care to the most vulnerable. Her expertise spans across multiple sectors, making her an inspiring mentor for aspiring leaders.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Sept 19 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

- - Date: October 3, 2024
  - Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
  - Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
  - Lunch is included.

KATHERINE EMBERLY

President & CEO, STARS

Katherine is a transformational leader and dynamic communicator with over two decades of executive experience. As President & CEO of STARS, she is accountable for the alignment and direction of the organizations’ strategy, as well as building on critical external stakeholder relationships with government, donors, and key partners. Katherine and her team have a singular focus – delivering critical care to the most vulnerable and sickest people wherever and whenever needed. They achieve this goal by being values and purpose driven.

Prior to joining STARS, Katherine spent the last twenty years with Shaw Communications, progressing through more senior roles until she spent the last five years as President, Business. Having grown with and across that organization, Katherine is a champion of building talent and providing opportunities to stretch, grow and learn.

Katherine is also committed to giving back to the community that has provided so many opportunities for her, and she sits on the boards of Alberta Blue Cross, Calgary Economic Development and Axis Connects.

Katherine is ICD.D certified, has completed the Harvard Executive Leadership program, and is a graduate of the University of Alberta.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Judith Athaide

Join us for an inspiring “Lunch with a Leader” event featuring Judith Athaide, a distinguished corporate director, entrepreneur, and engineer whose vast experience and strategic insight have made her a driving force in multiple industries. Judith’s leadership extends across energy, finance, technology, and more, making her a true multidisciplinary expert and a model for aspiring leaders.

With 30 years of executive and corporate governance experience, Judith currently serves on the Boards of Kiwetinohk Energy Corporation and Canada Pension Plan Investments. Her role as Chair of the Governance and Nomination Committee at Kiwetinohk reflects her deep expertise in shaping effective leadership teams and driving corporate excellence.

A lifelong advocate for continuous learning, Judith holds a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA in Finance, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her commitment to professional development is further demonstrated by her certifications, including a Nuclear Governance Certificate from Emory University and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from MIT Sloan. As an instructor for the ICD DEP program and an examiner for mock boardroom examinations, Judith is dedicated to preparing the next generation of board members and leaders.

This lunch is an exceptional opportunity for those interested in corporate governance, engineering, and strategic leadership. Judith’s extensive experience across various sectors makes her an ideal mentor for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of board roles or aiming to enhance their strategic decision-making skills.

If your career path is aligned with corporate leadership, governance, or innovative entrepreneurship, this lunch will provide invaluable insights and guidance from one of Canada’s most accomplished leaders.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens Sept 4 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

- - Date: Sept 17, 2024
  - Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
  - Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
  - Lunch is included.

About Judith Athaide

Ms. Athaide is an accomplished corporate director, entrepreneur, Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), and certified Corporate Director (ICD.D). She has 30 years of executive and corporate governance experience in a variety of sectors including energy, power and utilities, clean technology, software, oilfield services, banking and investments.

Ms. Athaide is currently serving on the Board of Kiwetinohk Energy Corporation where she Chairs the Governance and Nomination Committee and the Board of Canada Pension Plan Investments.

A proponent of life-long learning and continuous improvement, she has a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Honours), a Masters of Business Administration in Finance, a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been awarded the designation of ICD.D by the Institute of Corporate Directors. She has earned the Nuclear Governance Certificate from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University and a Certificate in Artificial Intelligence from the MIT Sloan School of Business. She has been an adjunct professor at a number of Canadian universities and is an instructor for the ICD DEP program and an examiner for the ICD’s mock boardroom examinations.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Heather Culbert

Join us for an exceptional “Lunch with a Leader” event featuring Heather Culbert, a trailblazing leader whose contributions have profoundly shaped Calgary’s community landscape. Heather is more than a leader—she is an innovator and change-maker who has dedicated her life to advancing the causes that matter most to our city.

After nearly three decades in the oil and gas industry, Heather transitioned from her executive role to focus on enhancing our community. Over the past decade, she has made a lasting impact by serving as Chair of SAIT’s Board of Governors, co-chairing the Promising Futures Campaign, and founding pivotal initiatives like Board Ready Women, Axis Connects, and the Calgary Influential Women in Business (CIWB) Awards. Through these efforts, Heather has tirelessly championed the advancement of women on local boards and in Calgary’s business community.

Heather’s commitment extends far beyond these roles. As a trustee for the Alberta Cancer Foundation and past chair of United Way of Calgary and Area, she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to philanthropic leadership. Currently, she serves as Chair of the United Way World Leadership Council, continuing her mission to drive positive change.

One of Heather’s most significant undertakings is her work as co-chair of the OWN.CANCER campaign, where she leads efforts to raise over $250 million for the new Arthur JE Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Thanks to her leadership, $225 million has already been secured, bringing us closer to opening a facility that will revolutionize cancer treatment and improve survival rates across Calgary and Alberta.

This lunch is an invaluable opportunity for those aspiring to board leadership or seeking to make a meaningful impact in their careers. Heather’s extensive experience and passion for community enhancement make her the ideal mentor for anyone looking to become board-ready or take the next step in their professional journey.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Calgary’s most influential leaders and gain insights that could transform your path to leadership.

Only 10 spots available! Registration opens August 21 @ 9am.

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

- - Date: Sept 4, 2024
  - Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
  - Time: Please arrive at 11:15 am. Lunch will start at 11:30 am.
  - Lunch is included.

About Heather Culbert

Heather is a co-founder of Axis Connects as well as the founder of Board Ready Women, a non-profit focused on raising awareness of women on boards in Alberta and assisting with opportunities for women to serve on Boards.

Heather currently serves as Vice-Chair of Export Development Canada (EDC), Board Member of The Fraser Institute, Chair of United Way World Leadership Council and as a co-fellow of the Jarislowsky Foundation, benefiting the MBA program of the Haskayne School of business at the University of Calgary.

From 1996 to 2006 Ms. Culbert was the Senior Vice President of Corporate Services with Enerplus Resources Corporation.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Jane Fedoretz

Date: June 20, 2024
Location: The Ranchmen’s Club (McPherson Room)
Time: Please arrive at 11:00am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
Lunch is included!

Agenda
Welcome & Leader Introduction (15 minutes):
Networking and Discussions/Lunch (40 minutes):
Closing Remarks and Conclusion (5 minutes):

Registration Opens June 7 @ 9am!

Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential

Join us for a captivating Career Development Dialogue on the topic of Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential

Are you on a quest for the secret sauce that propels teams toward unprecedented success? Look no further. The upcoming Axis Connects Career Development Dialogue is your gateway to mastering the art of leadership that not only meets but shatters expectations. Dive into a treasure trove of innovative strategies and practical tools designed to elevate your team’s dynamics and results.

This session, orchestrated by Monark’s vanguards of leadership excellence and organizational psychology (visit them at leadwithmonark.com), promises to arm you with the cutting-edge techniques needed to amplify your team’s influence, harness collective strengths, and surge ahead in performance. Join us and transform the way you lead.

Topic: Transformative Leadership: Unleashing Team Potential
Speaker: : Amanda Julian, Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder, Monark
Venue: The Hyatt Regency Downtown (Thomson’s Social Hub)
Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 11:30am – 1pm
For: All Career Levels
Attendance: 100+ Axis Connects Members
Ticket Price: $40 (lunch included)

Agenda

11:30AM: Registration & Networking
12:00PM: Program Begins
1:00PM: Program Ends
1:30PM: Optional time for networking

Seating for this event is very limited, and tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. Don’t delay – secure your spot by registering now!

We hope to see you there!

Responding to our members’ valuable feedback, it’s evident that there’s a strong desire for increased networking opportunities during our sessions. To address this, we’re excited to announce that for this month’s event, we’ve dedicated time both before and after the presentation for meaningful networking opportunities.

Must be an Axis Connect’s member, membership is free – register at www.axisconnects.com

Amanda Julian, Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder, Monark

Amanda holds a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, and is passionate about bridging the gap between leadership research and practice. Together with co-founder Kelsey Hahn, Amanda recognized the opportunity to apply her extensive experience in leadership and organizational assessment and development, as the basis for Monark’s innovative approach to improving access to leadership development and training.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Kelly Schmitt

Join Kelly Schmitt this May, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Only 10 spots are available!

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

Date: May 28, 2024
Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
Time: Please arrive at 11:15am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
Lunch is included!

About Kelly Schmitt

Chief Executive Officer, Benevity Inc.

Kelly is the CEO of Benevity, a leading provider of global corporate purpose software, providing the only integrated suite of community investment and employee, customer, and nonprofit engagement solutions. Powering the goodness programs of many iconic brands such as Apple, Google and Nike, Benevity has processed over $13 billion in donations and 65 million hours of volunteering to 430,000 nonprofits worldwide.

Prior to taking on the CEO role in February 2021, Kelly was Benevity’s President and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the company’s go-to-market activities and industry-leading risk, vetting and donation disbursement services. Kelly has over 20 years of experience in growth company finance and operations, and recently received the Calgary Influential Women in Business Award (Large Enterprise) and was named an AACSB Influential Leader for her impact in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging area.

Kelly is passionate about childhood learning and development, serving on the board of the Calgary Science Centre and supporting causes that empower women and children.

Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn!

Registration Page!

Axis Connects: Stampede Round-Up

SOLD OUT!

Axis Connects & Board Ready Women invite you to join us for an amazing afternoon of networking, snacks and drinks on the open-air patio perched above the lively streets of downtown YYC.

We want everyone to join in on the fun! Bring your male allies, partners, friends and colleagues – everyone is welcome to celebrate with us!

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Wings of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. Minimum ticket price is $20 (but please feel free to add more – all additional proceeds will be donated).

Tickets includes:

- - direct entry
  - drink ticket
  - snacks
  - access to the Fluor photobooth

Agenda:

- 11:00am Doors Open + Networking
- 12:00pm Premier Danielle Smith Remark
- 12:10pm Reception & Networking

From the c-suite to the boardroom, Axis Connects supports and accelerates the advancement and recognition of gender diversity throughout the Calgary business community. Become a member today [CLICK HERE].

Board Ready Women offers recruitment opportunities, skill-building programs and thought-provoking events to support women with their board career journey.

Career Development Dialogue: Minister Tanya Fir

Join us for a captivating Career Development Dialogue on the vital topic of Empowering Alberta’s Future: Participation of Women in Alberta’s Economy.

Our esteemed guest, Minister Tanya Fir, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. As the Minister of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women, she will delve into key elements of her mandate, particularly focusing on supporting women’s economic participation and leadership.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration in advancing this mandate, we aim to harness the collective expertise and perspectives of our diverse network of female leaders from various industries. Minister Fir will engage in a moderated dialogue, fostering constructive exchanges and offering valuable insights. Additionally, the session will include an interactive Q&A segment, providing an opportunity for participants to further enrich the discussion, gain knowledge, and extend support to Minister Fir’s initiatives. Join us as we unite to empower women and drive positive change in Alberta’s economic landscape.

Seating for this event is very limited, and tickets are expected to sell out rapidly. Don’t delay – secure your spot by registering now!

We hope to see you there!

Topic: Empowering Alberta’s Future: Participation of Women in Alberta’s Economy
Speakers: Minister Tanya Fir, Jane Fedoretz and Nuvyn Peters
For: All Career Levels
Location: McDougall Centre, 455 6 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 4A2
Attendance: 100+ Axis Connects Members
Ticket Price: $40 (covering lunch)
Agenda
- 11:30AM: Networking
- 12:00PM: Program Begins
- 12:05PM: Jane Fedoretz Remarks
- 12:10PM: Minister Tanya Fir Remarks
- 12:20PM: Moderated Discussion and Q&A
- 12:50PM: Closing Remarks
- 1:00PM: Program ends

Must be an Axis Connect’s member, membership is free – register at www.axisconnects.com

Minister Tanya Fir

Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

The Honourable Tanya Fir was re-elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Peigan on May 29, 2023. On June 9, 2023, Ms. Fir was sworn in as the Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. Ms. Fir previously served as Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, and as Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women. She was a member of the following committees: Standing Committee on Families and Communities Special Standing Committee on Members; Services Select Special Democratic Accountability Committee Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship

Before serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Fir was employed with Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) for 16 years as a Human Resources Advisor. Ms. Fir holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary, with a concentration in Management of Organizations and Human Resources. Ms. Fir was the 916th Member sworn into the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Lunch With a Leader featuring Arun Chandrasekaran

66046817b7ea973e7adba078_Arun - LWAL - May 1 (3)

Join Arun Chandrasekaran this May, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Only 10 spots available!

Must be an Axis Member to register (here)

Date: May 1, 2024
Location: The Ranchmen’s Club
Time: Please arrive at 11:15am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
Lunch is included!

About Arun Chandrasekaran

Head of Energy Investment Banking at National Bank Financial

Arun Chandrasekaran has 17+ years of experience in industry. Mr. Chandrasekaran re-joined National Bank as Head of Energy, Investment Banking in August 2016. Prior to re-joining National Bank, Mr. Chandrasekaran worked as a Principal with Stream Asset Financial Management. Mr. Chandrasekaran graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce Co-operative Education degree where he graduated with Distinction.

Lunch with a Leader featuring Rhona DelFrari

Join Rhona DelFrari this March, at The Ranchmen’s Club for Lunch with a Leader. This program is designed to provide Axis Connects members with valuable opportunities to gain insights, mentorship, and network with senior professionals in various industries. We aim to inspire and empower our members by exposing them to diverse perspectives and experiences.

Only 10 spots available!

Must be an Axis Member to register (Register here)

Date: March 27, 2024
Location: The Ranchemn’s Club
Time: Please arrive at 11:15am. Lunch will begin at 11:30am.
Lunch is included!

About Rhona DelFrari

Chief Sustainability Officer & Executive Vice-President, Stakeholder Engagement

As Chief Sustainability Officer & Executive Vice-President, Stakeholder Engagement, Rhona works to ensure environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are embedded in the company’s strategy and business plans. Rhona is also responsible for leading the company’s communications efforts and building strong relationships with stakeholders. This includes working with Indigenous community members, government officials and community partners.

Rhona has been with Cenovus and its predecessor company since 2008. She has a combined honours degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Carleton University and an MBA specializing in global energy from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.