Imagine how your life could be enhanced with a little inspiration, a bit of pertinent information, a few tips on how to handle issues and having the opportunity to network and share stories with like-minded women!

Dame Sheila B. Driscoll

CEO, Dame Venturus, Silicon Valley, California

Fireside Chat

Discussion • Berry Strong: How the Women of Driscoll’s Built an Empire, Broke Barriers, and Inspire the Future of Agriculture

Overview: Step into the remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and legacy as Dame Sheila Driscoll unveils the untold story behind the Driscoll empire. With unfiltered honesty and heartfelt passion, she reveals how four generations of extraordinary Driscoll women shattered barriers, turned challenges into triumphs, and redefined the future of agriculture. This isn’t just a story—it’s a call to action, an inspiring testament to the transformative power of women shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary conversation that promises to ignite your own path to impact.

With an air of elegance and purpose reminiscent of a bygone era, Dame Sheila B. Driscoll stands as a beacon of distinction, weaving together tradition, innovation, and philanthropy into a seamless tapestry of global impact. As the CEO of Dame Venturus, Dame Sheila commands a bespoke consultancy where imagination meets enterprise, guiding illustrious clientele from fleeting success to timeless legacy.

Her lineage is nothing short of legendary. Born into the Driscoll family, whose vision and toil gave rise to the world-renowned Driscoll’s berry empire, Dame Sheila carries forward a 200-year tradition rooted in the fertile soils of California’s Pájaro Valley. From the berry fields where her great-grandfather Jeremiah Driscoll planted the seeds of a global brand, to the forefront of international affairs, Dame Sheila’s leadership is an exquisite blend of heritage and foresight.

Her influence transcends industries and borders. With a deft hand in intellectual property and capital ventures, she has shaped new paradigms in media, agriculture, and education. As Co-Executive Producer of the much-anticipated documentary, “Blind Ambition,” Dame Sheila lends her expertise to tell the remarkable story of the UK’s first award-winning blind film director and producer, celebrating human tenacity and vision.

Her journey has not gone unnoticed. Among her countless accolades, Dame Sheila was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the distinguished business and philanthropic leaders of the United Arab Emirates—a testament to the charitable impact of her life’s work. Her commitment to food security and educational excellence has found an audience among world leaders, including President George H. W. Bush, affirming her place as a trusted voice on matters of global importance.

Dame Sheila’s international influence extends to bespoke gatherings of Royal families across the Middle East, where she is welcomed as both an ambassador of goodwill and an architect of meaningful change. On these world stages, she continues to inspire with eloquence, intellect, and unmatched grace, building bridges between cultures and fostering enduring partnerships.

At Dame Venturus, Dame Sheila orchestrates symphonies of success, elevating every endeavor with the same mastery that has defined her family’s legacy for generations. Her vision transcends the ordinary, transforming ideas into enterprises, and enterprises into icons of enduring significance. With every new chapter, Dame Sheila invites the world to join her in a journey not only of prosperity but purpose, where success is not measured merely by achievements but by the legacies we leave behind.

In every respect, Dame Sheila Driscoll epitomizes what it means to lead with grace, empower with purpose, and craft a legacy that inspires generations to come.

Dr. Gail Cunningham

Touch of Humanity Inc., Kelsey, AB

Workshop Speaker – Workshop One:

Workshop title • Cultivating Change: Women’s Stories of Leaving Careers for Farming

Leaving a corporate job after 17 years, I had the opportunity to reconnect with women in my community working full-time on the farm. All of these women had advanced degrees and for a diverse set of reasons left their career at various time points to work in Agriculture. These stories inspired my journey, filled my cup, provided support, life lessons, and new friendships that bear sharing.

Workshop Two:

Workshop title • Don’t Sweat It- Perimenopause/Menopause Basics and Practical Strategies

Living in Perimenopause/ menopause is a bit like walking up to see what weird thing will happen with your body today. Tired of aches, pains, and hot flashes, I dug into the world of Menopause. I will share my journey including symptoms, having meaningful conversations with your physician about treatment options, and daily strategies to feel your best. There is no one sizes fits all!!!

Dr. Gail Cunningham was raised on a mixed farm near Camrose, Alberta, obtained a B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in 1992 and a DVM from WCVM in 1996. She worked in mixed animal practice, primarily in beef and dairy production medicine, until completing a Master of Veterinary Science degree in Epidemiology in 2001 at WCVM. At that time, she joined Marshall Swine Health Services in Camrose, Alberta doing exclusively swine practice and contract research. After the birth of her second daughter, she left practice and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 17 years. She recently left that position and launched her own company, “Touch of Humanity Inc., aimed at doing projects that bring the importance of the human touch back to agriculture and agribusiness. She believes women play a key role in striking the balance between technology and humanity. She and her husband also own and operate a fourth-generation 2000-acre grain farm by Kelsey Alberta and have two daughters, aged 20 and 19.

Patti Durand

Strategic Action Planner, Author, Humboldt, SK

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Start Where You Are and Lead the Way

Workshop overview: Wherever we are in life, change is constant and we are always in transition to the next stage – whether in career, family or business. Let’s talk about some proven ways to have an impact and be an effective leader, no matter what your title is.

Patti grew up in a family business near Teulon, MB. A 27 year PAg, with a background in entrepreneurship and finance, Patti has guided hundreds of Canadian farm business families to confidently navigate the paths of transition decision making. She is also a Family Enterprise Advisor and leadership coach. As a dynamic speaker and workshop leader, Patti aims to provide relatable, actionable ideas to help business families move ahead, together and with certainty. Her positivity, practical experience and strategic brain means Patti can help “move a lot of dirt” quickly toward impactful results to achieve business and personal goals.

The Future Leader – The Successor’s Guide to Family Business Leadership answers the question, “What if successors started preparing for leadership earlier and were encouraged to lead the process?” This book is Patti Durand’s offering to help create that possibility. The Future Leader is a resource that draws on the many lessons she observed while coaching and facilitating hundreds of family business conversations. www.thefutureleader.ca

Dianne Finstad

Moderator/Program Host, Red Deer County, AB

Master of Ceremonies

Dianne Finstad used her southern Alberta farm roots to build what’s become a long communications career in television, radio and writing; covering agriculture and rodeo. She’s based in the Red Deer area and is honored to have been part of the AWC family from the start. Dianne serves on the board for Lakeland College, and is a past board member at Westerner Park. Along with Emceeing, announcing and writing stories, you can find Dianne on RFD-TV Canada and The Cowboy Channel Canada with her show called Frontline Farming Canada.

Sarah Foster

President/ Senior Seed Analyst, 20/20 Seed Labs Inc., Nisku, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Between us Girls

Presentation overview: Humour is one of our most valuable assets in life, humour gets us through difficult situations without killing ourselves.

Sarah has been involved in the seed industry since the late 1970s. With an early passion for plants and agricultural botany she found a career in seed testing. A keen interest in seed physiology and crop inspection she is sought after internationally. She has established a Chilean based seed laboratory and is an international technical auditor with the International Seed Testing Association. She strongly believes in bringing new ideas, innovation and policy change for the betterment of the seed and agricultural industry.

After qualifying at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge, England she began her career as a seed analyst at Sharps Seed International, UK and later emigrated to Canada in 1984 to work with The United Grain Growers.

In 1989, 35 years ago Sarah started 20/20 Seed Labs Inc. which is a highly accredited, independent lab operating in three locations, Chile, Alberta and Manitoba.

20/20 Seed labs is an authorized ISTA laboratory, CFIA accredited, and ISO registered also holding membership in Seeds Canada, CSGA, SCST, and ISSS.

20/20 Seed Labs provides services for all crop kinds, including extensive quality and seed health analysis, molecular testing, and accredited crop inspection. They also offer training, consulting, and provide space for grow-out trials in their greenhouse for plant breeders and research.

Sarah was the recipient of the Canadian Seed Trade Association 2013 Seed Achievement award and in 2017 received an Outstanding Service Achievement award from the Association of Alberta Seed Plants. In 2019 Sarah was a winner of the Business Edmonton and Business Calgary Entrepreneur of the Year. She has held various executive positions with the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada, including National President. She is currently Vice President of Seeds Canada and chairperson of the seed testing and quality assurance committee also with Seeds Canada.

Kalysha Hanrahan

thinkAG Manager, Agriculture in the Classroom

Breakfast Session Speaker

Session title • Think “Ag”

Session overview: Our organization’s presentation highlights successful initiatives in encouraging high school students to explore diverse career paths in agriculture, showcasing our programs and campaigns. By collaborating with universities and industry partners, we are fostering a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with the skills and enthusiasm to innovate within the sector.

Kalysha is a seasoned project manager with more than eight years of experience in the agriculture industry, including two years working with AITC-NL, she was a part of Minister Bibeau’s inaugural Canadian Agriculture Youth Council (2020-2022). Based in Paradise, Newfoundland, the Kalysha is a strong advocate for the importance of agriculture education and looks forward to engaging with a national audience to showcase careers in agriculture and inspire the next generation to get involved.

Melody Garner-Skiba

Owner, Rocking Heart Ranch, Waterton, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Unstoppable Together: Embrace Change, Build Connections, and Believe in Your Power!

Presentation overview: Think about how your life would be if you embraced change, tackled challenges head on, and had some amazing connections in your life! Melody will walk you through her journey home and how she relies on the tools and tips of her twenty plus years spent off the farm to do just this and how she continues to use them in her everyday life.

Melody Garner-Skiba has spent her life with one foot in agriculture and one foot in industry.  Raised at Rocking Heart Ranch when it was a cow/calf operation she spent her childhood on the back of a horse and working alongside her dad as his “hired man”. Graduating from the U of L with a Bachelor of Management, she has spent the last 23 years in various senior and executive leadership positions in a variety of industries including non-profit, hospitality, construction, and until recently as the ED of the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and President of the Canadian Sugar Beet Producers.  She switched her focus to be full time back at home running the family ranch which includes an equine breeding operation, agri-tourism and learning venture, and selling aggregate. She also started a new consulting firm called “Garnering Results” which focuses on providing services for various sectors including agriculture, non-profits, and economic development.  She is a wife, mother, and a recipient of the 2023 AFSC Women in Ag Award as well as current President of the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association and Past President of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.  Her passion is building community and people to ensure the ag industry is strong and growing!

Jennifer Keable

Burnout Prevention & Well-Being Expert, The New You, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker – Workshop One:

Workshop title • Burn Bright, Not Out: 3 Steps to Ditch Burnout for Good

Uncover the hidden beliefs and habits driving burnout and explore how to redefine success for true fulfillment. You’ll leave with a personalized roadmap to live a balanced, energized life that aligns with your highest goals—personally and professionally.

Workshop Two:

Workshop title • Breaking Free: Boundaries to Survive Not Just Survive

Uncover how boundaries are the essential foundation for success and thriving relationships. You’ll identify your unique boundary style, explore three essential types of boundaries, and gain a practical, four-step process to set boundaries that empower and sustain you.

Jennifer Keable is a leading authority in Burnout Prevention and Well-Being, renowned for her powerful, results-driven approach to creating sustainable success. With a BA in Psychology and her own journey as a two-time burnout survivor, Jennifer brings deeply relatable and proven strategies that inspire impactful change. Over the past four years, she has excelled as a 1:1 transformational coach, speaker, and consultant, with 85% of her clients achieving career advancements, salary increases, and profound well-being gains.

Corporate clients commend her sessions as invaluable opportunities to step back from daily demands, build resilience, and implement actionable plans that drive retention. Jennifer has shared her transformative insights with industry leaders like Shell, BMO, and Cargill, empowering professionals to elevate both personal and professional growth.

Ashley Nicholls

Founder, DiSC Facilitator, REACH Agriculture Strategies, Foothills, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • “Not That Gate, The Other Gate!” – What Our Livestock Can Teach Us About Effective Communication

Workshop overview: “Cut out the red one, shut that gate, not that gate!” There are many stressful jobs on farms and ranches, none perhaps more stressful than working livestock. Take a deep dive into how livestock can teach us a thing or two about effective communication and working together.

I am originally from a small farming community in NSW, Australia and now reside in Foothills County. What started as a 3-month summer adventure to live out my cowboy dream turned into 14 years, a wife, a pony named Pineapple and multiple passports. I was not raised in an Ag family, but I was lucky enough to be around, and work with, several mixed farming operations.

I am a passionate advocate for Canadian Agriculture, driven by a deep appreciation for the vital role it plays in our environment and society. My company, REACH Agriculture Strategies, works to cultivate resilient workplace cultures, improve staff retention, and enhance hiring practices. With a progressive approach to leadership and a focus on effective communication, we take our customized programs to help producers get boots on the ground and keep them there.

Meghan Pedros

Business Program Manager, Banker Confidence, Customer & Colleague Engagement Strategy, TD Business Banking, Oakville, ON

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Show up and STAND OUT!

Workshop overview: Confidence gives us courage, resilience, motivation and a belief in our own ability to succeed. In this guided workshop, you’ll learn tips and tricks on how to build confidence and enhance your personal brand so you can show up, stand out and achieve your full potential.

Meghan Pedros is a career-oriented wife, hockey mom, marathoner, mentor and brand ambassador with a passion for developing others through inspiration, mentorship and integrity.  With her almost two decade career with TD, she has held a series of progressive roles in Retail, Direct Channels, Wealth Management and Human Resources, to name a few.  Having led several leadership development programs across the bank, Meghan holds a strong passion for inspiring and developing others to maximize their full potential in any role they acquire.  In her current role as National Manager, Business Banking Programs, Meghan leads the diversity sourcing and recruitment strategy for our Associate Programs across Canada while continuing to play an active role in supporting Women in Leadership initiatives both internally and externally.

Ashley Perepelkin

Co-Owner, Perepelkin Farms, Perepelkin Farms, Condor, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • From the Ground Up

Presentation overview: How I built a successful farm to table beef program, a newly founded tallow lotion cosmetic line, and what the future looks like for Perepelkin Farms.

Ashley lives on a farm with her husband and four children, along with her 100 cow calf pairs, fat steers, replacement heifers and bull prospects. Born and raised in the city Ashley was not privy to the farm life, however, through continuing education, trials and tribulations Ashley has become a successful herdsman as well as business owner though ‘farm to table’ beef sales, and newly founded beef tallow lotion. Ashley always has an ‘open door’ policy on the farm and if you ever come over and can not find her, just head down to the barn and that’s where she will be. Coming from the city and moving to the farm has given Ashley the opportunity to build a program from the ground up. Come to the speech to learn more about Ashley and her journey.

Kristin J. Pronschinske

Business Consultant, NuVue Consulting, River Falls, Wisconsin

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Generational Communications

Presentation overview: Ever wonder why how each generation has difficulties talking with other generations?  This presentation will discuss how each generation grew up and the why’s and how’s of communicating with each generation.

Kristin grew up on a dairy farm in Western Wisconsin where she was heavily involved with the family business.  Starting at eight years of age, Kristin was found in the dairy show rings showing her Holsteins and judging dairy competitions for 4-H and FFA.  Kristin attended the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications with an Agricultural Emphasis, a Master of Science in Agricultural Education with an Extension option, and an MBA.  Kristin also received a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University where she is also a Distinguished Scholar.  Kristin holds an International Advanced Leadership certification from the University of Stockholm – Sweden Executive School.

Kristin Pronschinske is a Business Consultant with NuVue Consulting.  She has a passion for people, training, coaching, developing employees and strategic business growth.  Kristin’s career expands from developing new business markets and territories, managing sales teams, developing and executing corporate strategies and international business.  Additionally, she has coached and trained sales teams and leadership development across North America.

Kristin resides close to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul where she is heavily involved with her community.  She currently serves as President to the UW – River Falls’ College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, and Vice President to the Board of Directors for Basics for Local Kids.  Kristin enjoys spending time with her Family, traveling, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, golfing and being active with her dairy genetic business.

Angela Santiago

CEO, Co-Founder, The Little Potato Company, Nisku, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Rooted in Values: Growing The Little Potato Company

Presentation overview: In this intimate fireside chat with Angela, she will detail how staying true to her values has helped keep her authentic and grounded, enabling her own personal and professional growth and also that of The Little Potato Company.

Angela Santiago, CEO of The Little Potato Company Ltd., co-founded the company with her father, Jacob Vander Schaaf, a Dutch immigrant who longed for the tasty little potatoes of his youth.

After graduating from university with a Political Science Degree, Angela became intrigued when her father asked her to help bring his idea of little potatoes to fruition. In 1996, the two began with a one-acre plot of potatoes—grown and washed by hand to sell at local farmers’ markets. Local chefs, consumers, and retailers loved the potatoes and the company quickly grew. Today, partnered with family farms across North America, the company’s potatoes are sold in more than 20,000 stores across Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

Angela is a wife and mother of four and the family bond has been at the root of The Little Potato Company since it began. The importance of family remains a core value, living strong today through the families of our staff, growers, and consumers.

The belief that everyone, everywhere deserves healthy, flavourful, and nutritious food drives Angela to develop efficient and sustainable ways to grow potatoes. It also guides innovation as the company strives to improve all details of the product, from breeding new varietals to packaging. Her quest for new potato varieties takes her to regions of the world where potato roots run deep, with breeding programs in South America, Europe and Canada. The results are demonstrated by providing consumers with proprietary potatoes in an array of colours and flavours.

Carlamay Sheremata

Author, Speaker, Facilitator and Retired Police Officer, Calgary, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Being Pink In A Blue World

In any profession dominated by traditional expectations, embracing one’s feminine identity can feel like an uphill battle. Being Pink in a Blue World explores the power of staying authentic, celebrating empathy and resilience, and redefining what it means to be a woman in environments that often seem overwhelmingly masculine.

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Too Busy for Connection: Rekindling Bonds With Our Kids in a Hectic World

Carlamay guides parents to find meaningful ways to connect and have those hard but necessary conversations with their kids amid busy schedules. This session offers practical strategies for turning everyday moments into lasting bonds, focusing on presence, quality, and small but impactful interactions that foster trust and connection.

With over two decades in law enforcement, Carlamay Sheremata has made her mark across various specialized units, bringing compassion and resilience to every role. A dedicated advocate for the empowerment of women and youth, Carlamay has been a steady pillar of support for those around her. Her life has been shaped by remarkable resilience, marked by her journey through cancer survival, single parenthood, and the ongoing complexities of living with PTSD. Refusing to be limited by societal expectations, Carlamay embraced an unconventional path, forging a unique journey defined by purpose, empathy, and determination.

Beyond her law enforcement career, Carlamay has turned her experiences into a narrative that aims to bridge generational divides. Her book Youth Truth addresses the pressing need for understanding between youth and the adults in their lives, providing insight into the often unspoken questions and concerns that today’s youth wish their parents, teachers, and mentors understood. Carlamay’s mission is to amplify young voices, encouraging genuine conversations that extend beyond traditional communication boundaries.

Outside of her professional life, Carlamay finds joy in singing, community service, and cherishing moments with her husband, son, and loved ones. Committed to creating a lasting legacy, she strives to blend her personal and professional experiences to leave a meaningful impact, empowering others to find their voices and connect with the younger generation in transformative ways.

Shanyn Silinski

Senior Strategic Partner, Olds College, Acme, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Foundations of Teamwork, Brick by Brick

Workshop overview: Teamwork and building teams doesn’t have to be hard, it can have elements of fun! Join in and see how ‘brick it out’ with your team.

Shanyn is a writer, photographer, presenter, artist, and researcher. Focus on agriculture, ag-tech, emergency disaster response, vulnerable populations, and mental health.

A published author, and writer for publications, blogs, and technical and training material development. Editor and writer for newsletters with high open rates. I am deeply connected to agriculture across many sectors. Speaker, presenter, and trainer for live events, workshops, virtual or in-person. Dynamic, personable, and able to make complex ideas approachable. Developed programs for emergency responders, and training programs for farm safety and worked with young ag-tech leaders in developing learning materials. From cab to computer, camera to keyboard – multi-talented, professional, and passionate.

Dr. Brynn Winegard

Workplace Applied Neuroscience & Positive Psychology Expert, DrBrynn.com, La Quinta, California

Plenary Keynote Speaker

Presentation title • Boost My Brain! with Dr. Brynn

Presentation overview: The most complex, adaptive, and impressive computing technology still ever known exists inside you: your human brain. But how well do you truly understand or use this amazing asset? By busting brain myths and relaying the latest insights, Dr. Brynn wants to help you use your brain better to unlock your full potential and realize your most productive self, day, and work life. Dr. Brynn draws on her academic research in neuroscience, positive psychology, and corporate career to show you how to get more from your brain while asking less of your willpower. You will learn Dr. Brynn’s MERIT Framework for Peak Mental Performance – how to Move, Eat, Rest, Interact, and Think for maximum resilience, antifragility, health, and wellness. Learn about the neurochemical and hormonal factors for mental wellness and cognitive performance – and how you can ensure you’re doing the right things everyday for your hormonal health and wellbeing. Dr. Brynn makes the latest insights accessible, tangible, and actionable so you can use your very own super-technology better even as you sit in your seat.

Dr. Brynn is a Harvard-trained former Fortune 100 corporate manager turned award-winning professor, applied neuroscientist and positive psychologist who delivers practical insights from her cutting-edge research to working professionals for how to better understand & use their brains better at work.

Dr. Brynn Winegard is a global authority on human behavior in business. She is purpose-driven to help professionals stay motivated, achieve more, and sustainably reach peak mental performance at work by understanding and using their brain better. She is a multiple award-winning business professor, renowned professional speaker, and expert in applied neuroscience and positive psychology for professionals. Dr. Brynn Winegard holds multiple degrees and certificates, including an MBA and PhD, in science and business from the world’s top medical and business schools. She teaches graduate and executive learners at multiple institutions. Her research activities are now through Harvard Medical School and as a fellow with Harvard-McLean Hospital IOC Research Institute. Dr. Brynn relays proprietary science-backed insights in her new book “The Working Brain: Optimize Your Workday Performance” offered through PageTwo Publishing and currently available for pre-order (drbrynn.com/Books).

Dr. Brynn is launching a new book full of her most recent research about how employees can use their own brains better, have a myth-free understanding of how it really works, develop their own mindset beyond resilience toward antifragility, worry less about ‘AI taking their job,’ and have more confidence in their ability to perform at their peak—every workday.

Specifically, the book outlines Dr. Brynn’s MERIT Framework for Peak Mental Performance. Chapters outline how to Move, Eat, Rest, Interact, Think. Insights are jam-packed with latest thinking on movement, exercise, fitness (MOVE); eating, nutrition, diet (EAT); sleep, rest, breaks (REST); socializing, isolation, community (INTERACT); and mindset, mentality, and inner thoughts (THINK) as the 5 exhaustive pillars of resilience, antifragility, health, and wellness – at work and in life.

Lauren Van Ewyk

CEO, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Courtright, ON

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Blending the Demands: Finding Balance between Work and Life

There is a constant demand on you to be for everyone else who they need you to be. Setting boundaries, communicating and practicing self-care ensures you can blend the most critical aspects into the life you desire.

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Trauma: Helping others transform the hard things in life

Over 70% of women have experienced trauma at some point in their life. Trauma that is not transformed is trauma transferred. Join Lauren as we learn about trauma and how we can thrive despite it!

Sunday Special Session

Workshop title • Boots on the Ground: Helping at the next Level

What does helping someone really look like? This workshop is intended to give you the skills needed to have those tough conversations about mental health through an action-based approach. Using case studies, role-play and life application participants will tackle the barriers to mental health.

Lauren Van Ewyk is a sheep farmer, registered social worker, foster mom and agricultural mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television and print articles concerning the issues of mental wellness and mental health in the agriculture sector. She is a PhD student at the University of Guelph in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD). As a founding member and CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Lauren is committed to partnering with professionals to become culturally informed in their care for rural members.