Learn from the Best – Our Speakers Inspire Action

Our speakers aren’t just experts – they’re industry leaders, passionate advocates, and bold innovators who are shaping the future of agriculture and food.

By attending their sessions, you’ll:

  • Gain insightful strategies and practical knowledge you can apply immediately
  • Hear real stories of challenges, successes, and lessons learned
  • Be inspired to push boundaries, innovate, and lead in your own career
  • Connect with thought leaders who are shaping industry trends and opportunities

Don’t just listen – learn, be inspired, and take your next step forward.

Zachariah Adomako

HR Business Partner, MEA, Bunge – Tema, Greater Accra, Ghana

Plenary Speaker (w/ Nelly Kurd-Marckay)

Presentation title • She Leads, She Grows: Stories from Ghana.

Presentation overview: She Leads, She Grows: Stories from Ghana celebrates women who are shaping the future of agriculture through leadership and innovation. The presentation shares inspiring real-life stories and practical lessons on how women can grow farms, businesses, and communities.

Zachariah Adomako is a seasoned Human Resource professional with over 15 years of progressive experience across the financial services and manufacturing sectors in West Africa. He is currently the Human Resource Business Partner for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region at Bunge Loders Croklaan, a global agribusiness and manufacturing organization operating in more than 40 countries. In addition, I serve as the local sponsor for the Women of Bunge West Africa chapter. His career reflects a strong track record in aligning people strategy with business objectives in complex, multi-country environments.

Zachariah holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a BSc in Mathematics, complemented by professional certification with the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM). His expertise spans greenfield project execution, organizational design, workforce and succession planning, HR budgeting, talent acquisition, performance management, employee engagement, industrial relations, and compensation and benefits management.

He has successfully led the setup of HR departments from inception, including the development of policies, procedures, job grading frameworks, salary structures, and HRIS implementations. His experience includes union engagement and negotiations, payroll and statutory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, and regional HR leadership covering Ghana, Egypt, Burkina Faso, and other West African markets.

Previously, Zachariah held senior HR leadership roles at IOI Loders Croklaan and Olam Ghana Limited, where he played a pivotal role in organizational restructuring, compensation strategy, and manpower planning for large-scale manufacturing operations. He began his career with Barclays Bank Ghana, gaining strong grounding in payroll management, regulatory compliance, and financial operations.

Recognized as a results-oriented leader and trusted business partner, Zachariah combines strategic insight with operational excellence to drive sustainable organizational growth through people.

The Honourable John Barlow

Member of Parliament for Foothills, AB, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food

Banquet Guest Speaker

John Barlow was elected as a Member of Parliament to represent the federal riding of Macleod on June 30, 2014 and was re-elected in 2015, 2019 and 2021 to the riding of Foothills. He currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Previously, John has served as Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food, for Interprovincial Trade and for Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

John grew up in rural Saskatchewan and raised his family in southern Alberta. Before being elected to office in 2014, John had a 20-year career as an award-winning journalist with the High River Times and served as the Associate Publisher and Editor for the Okotoks Western Wheel.

He is proud to work hard on behalf of his constituents and is honoured to attend events on Parliament Hill and in his riding. John has deep ties to his roots in Southern Alberta and a strong commitment to the residents he represents.

Laura Brown

Owner, LLB Angus Farm Ltd., Erskine, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Leaders Panel – Their Story

A powerful group of women take the stage to share the real stories behind their success. They’ll speak candidly about the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced, the opportunities they chose to seize, and the risks they were willing to take. More importantly, they’ll reveal the skills, tools, and mindset shifts they put into practice to move forward with confidence and purpose. Their journeys aren’t perfect — they’re honest, practical, and proof of what’s possible.

I was raised on a farm at Big Valley. My family raised purebred Maine Anjou cattle, canola, and cereal crops.

In 1978 I married Lee and moved to his family farm at Erskine where I have been ever since. Our oldest daughter Trish was born in 1982. At that time, we purchased our first two quarters of land and had about thirty purebred Angus cows. Our second daughter Jackie was born in 1984. Presently the farm consists of 3700 acres of owned land, 2500 acres of rented pasture and seven hundred head of purebred Angus females. We will host our 40th Annual LLB Angus Bull & Female Sale March 14th.

Like most farm women I worked many years off farm to keep the household operating. I have been the farmhand, vet, business planner, and marketing/advertising expert for the farm. I continue to be accountant and event planner.

After obtaining UofA degrees and having great jobs in Calgary both our daughters, their spouses and children have returned to the farm operation. Lee passed away last winter and I am in the process of succession planning to have both families continue the farm on a fulltime basis.

I have enjoyed my career in agriculture so much! The most rewarding aspect is now watching my family successfully continue and grow the farm Lee and I started. Our farm headquarters are located on Lee’s great grandmother Isabella’s homestead; her great great granddaughters will continue her farming tradition.

Meghan Castle

Associate Financial Advisor, Co-operators, Innisfail, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Strong Women, Strong Farms. Protecting Women in Agriculture.

This presentation highlights the essential – but often unprotected – role women play in agriculture and explores how financial protection strengthens their health, income, leadership, and long-term security. Women contribute critical labor, decision making, and management across farm operations, yet many do so without formal safety nets, leaving families and farms exposed when illness, injury, or loss of income occurs. The goal is to ensure women in agriculture are seen, valued, and protected, so the farms they support today remain strong for future generations.

With over 17 years experience in the insurance and financial service industry as a financial advisor with Co-operators, Meghan specialize in helping agriculutral producers, agribusiness owners and rural families protect and grow their operations generation after generation. Her work focuses on risk management, succession planning, insurance strategies, and a long term financial sustainability tailored to the unique realities of agriculture.

Siobhan Chinnery

Resilience Advocate & Transformation Expert, Bee Grateful Management, Calgary, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Bloom Through the Dirt™

Bloom Through the Dirt™ shows how adversity can be our greatest fertilizer for growth. In this session, learn how to cultivate resilience, nurture connection, and rise stronger than before.

Workshop:

Workshop title • The Breakup You Didn’t Choose: Losing a Role, Not Yourself

The Breakup You Didn’t Choose explores the often overlooked grief that comes with career loss or transition when identity, belonging and purpose suddenly shift. It’s about finding the strength to rebuild with confidence and rediscover who you are beyond the title.

Siobhan Chinnery is an executive-turned-speaker, educator, and leadership coach whose mission is to help people grow through what they go through. After a 30-year career leading supply chain and transformation teams for some of Canada’s largest companies, Siobhan now shares her signature framework, Bloom Through the Dirt™, to show that challenge isn’t something to survive but it’s the soil where growth begins.

Known for her authentic storytelling and relatable humor, Siobhan draws from both professional and deeply personal experiences, including navigating loss, career reinvention, and life’s toughest transitions to help others find strength, clarity, and purpose through change. Her message resonates across industries and generations, inspiring audiences to build habits of self-care, supportive connection, and a growth mindset.

As an adjunct instructor, mentor, and advocate for women in leadership, Siobhan believes resilience isn’t built in the easy seasons but in how we show up during the hard ones. She brings this belief to every stage, classroom, and boardroom, helping people create the conditions where people and performance can truly thrive. Based in Calgary, Siobhan continues to explore new peaks both figuratively and literally, from hiking to developing the next evolution of her leadership programs, all guided by one core belief: with the right roots, we can all Bloom Through the Dirt.

Amanda Crook

Agronomy Manager, Western North America, McCain Foods, Burdett, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Building teams and cultures that stick

In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance; it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and no one gets left behind.

  • How to foster a workplace where people feel valued and connected?
  • How do you promote your purpose, mission and vision so that you can get buy-in from your employees?
  • How to develop a long-term culture that stays true to your values even under pressure.
  • How to lead with flexibility? Using situational leadership to tailor your approach to individual needs and strengths.
  • Practical strategies to energize your team and align culture with everyday behaviors.
  • Strategies to maintain employee loyalty. (Or is there such a thing anymore?)

Amanda Crook, M.Sc. (2016), brings over 13 years of experience in the potato industry and has been a valued team member at McCain Foods since 2022. As the Agronomy Manager for Western North America, she leads efforts to enhance agronomic practices and sustainability across Alberta, Washington, and Idaho. Amanda collaborates closely with local agronomists to provide expert variety management guidance, agronomic extension services, and support for farm partners adopting regenerative agriculture practices on a commercial scale.

Passionate about strengthening food and agricultural systems, Amanda is dedicated to safeguarding the future through her work. She is committed to empowering others by sharing her journey as a female professional in agriculture, inspiring individuals to explore the dynamic and meaningful opportunities the industry offers. Amanda takes pride in honoring the legacy of the women who have paved the way in agriculture, while actively contributing to creating pathways for the next generation of women to join and excel in the field.

Dr. Wendy Cukier

Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University; Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute; Academic Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH); and Academic Research Director of the Future Skills Centre, Toronto, ON

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • AI in the Value Chain: Business Skills for Adoption From the Farm Gate to the Customer

As AI becomes a standard part of business operations, leaders need more than tool awareness. They need practical adoption skills and governance instincts, plus an inclusion lens that ensures AI supports fair opportunity and better outcomes. This session offers a clear leadership toolkit, with examples spanning sectors including agriculture and agri-food.

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture

Dr. Wendy Cukier is a professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Ted Rogers School of Management and former Vice President of Research and Innovation. She co-authored the bestseller “Innovation Nation: Canadian Leadership from Java to Jurassic Park” and is a leader in disruptive technologies and innovation with more than 200 publications. She leads the Diversity Institute which was launched in 1999 and now has 80 full time research staff undertaking research and evidence based programs to advance growth, sustainability, innovation and inclusion. She also leads the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) which is a national network and accessible digital platform supporting Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship strategy leading research and evaluations to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Wendy is the Academic Research Director for the Future Skill Centre and has helped design, implement and evaluate FSC programs as well as specific projects focused on advancing digital skills, and AI adoption, training platform for small and medium enterprises, nonprofits and municipalities, and capacity building and leadership development projects. She has served on the Board of Green Iglu for several years and now as Chair. Her recent research includes work on technology adoption and barriers in agriculture as well as supporting rural agriculture entrepreneurship. Wendy has received many academic, industry and community awards for her work and was named one of the “100 alumni who shaped the century” by the University of Toronto. She holds an MA, MBA (Toronto), a PhD in Information Systems (Schulich, York) and two honorary doctorates (Concordia, Laval).

Dr. Gail Cunningham

Owner, Certified Menopause Coach, Veterinarian, Mom, Wife, FarmHer, Jackie of all trades! Kelsey, AB

Sunday Session

Workshop title • Press Play Again – Removing the “pause” and Turning Midlife into Your Most Vibrant Chapter Yet

Get ready for an honest, energizing, and interactive workshop that takes the mystery (and stigma) out of perimenopause and menopause. We’ll help you understand what’s really happening in your body—the basics made simple—and unpack The Big 5: Sleep, Stress, Nutrition, Movement, and Treatments. Expect a very real conversation about your pelvic floor, sexual health, and yes, your vagina. You’ll be in your chair, on the edge of your seat, and out of it too, as we show you practical strategies you can start using the moment you leave. Come for the evidence-based insights, stay for the laughter, connection, learning and empowerment.

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Rooted in Strength: How Rural Women Redefine Work and Motherhood – Just Don’t Ask Me “What’s for Dinner!”

This will be a look at real-life stories and strategies for working women in rural areas with limited support systems for childcare, their own health and other needs. Ever wonder why when someone asks you, “What’s for dinner?” it makes your head want to explode? That’s decision fatigue. It is real. We carry a big load during the hours of the day and week. Real strategies of how to cope, make each day better and when to get help.

Coming Soon

Robyne Davidson

Pulse Research Scientist, Lakeland College, Lacombe, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Leaders Panel – Their Story

A powerful group of women take the stage to share the real stories behind their success. They’ll speak candidly about the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced, the opportunities they chose to seize, and the risks they were willing to take. More importantly, they’ll reveal the skills, tools, and mindset shifts they put into practice to move forward with confidence and purpose. Their journeys aren’t perfect — they’re honest, practical, and proof of what’s possible.

Robyne Davidson is the RDAR Pulse and Special Crops Research Scientist with Lakeland College based in Lacombe, Alberta. She has many years of experience in the agricultural industry conducting research trials as a technician, agronomist, crop specialist and researcher on a wide variety of field crops with multiple government agencies, private industry companies, and academia. She has been working specifically with pulse crops for over 20 years leading and conducting pulse research trials across Alberta and western Canada. She has been heavily involved in the introduction of new pulse crops such as lentil, faba bean and lupin, the sustainability of current pulse management strategies, disease mitigation, variety development and the expansion of pulse crops across the prairies. She enjoys the extension piece of her research role and highly values the work she does with industry and farmers to support and grow the agricultural industry. She brings practical expertise to her research program, combining applied research data with her day-to-day experiences operating a 4000-acre grain farm with her husband near Red Deer, Alberta.

Nicole Davis

Strategic HR Consultant, UnCommon Farms47, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Navigating Working Life As Spouses

Running a farm with your spouse blurs home and work. This session offers practical HR tools to align on purpose and roles, reduce conflict, and protect both the relationship and the business.

Nicole is a strategic HR leader and executive coach who helps North American organizations align business goals with employment best practices—and translate strategy into everyday decisions. With experience across the U.S. and Canada and in multinational environments, Nicole partners with leaders in agribusiness and adjacent sectors to design people practices that improve performance, reduce risk, and strengthen culture. Drawing on deep knowledge of U.S. and Canadian labour/employment legislation and the case law that shapes operations, Nicole is known for plain-language guidance, practical judgment, and a steady coaching style that builds credibility, voice, and value at every level.  We’ll cover how to have the “big” strategic conversation, use job descriptions, org charts, and a farm calendar to clarify responsibilities and timing, and apply simple communication and conflict skills to tackle stress, employee issues, and succession realities.What Nicole loves most is helping leaders communicate with confidence, make clean decisions, and equip their teams to deliver. If your organization is tackling culture, compliance, or change, Nicole thrives in the messy middle—where strategy meets real work.

Melanie Ducholke

Chief People Officer, AFSC, Lacombe, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Building teams and cultures that stick

In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance; it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and no one gets left behind.

  • How to foster a workplace where people feel valued and connected?
  • How do you promote your purpose, mission and vision so that you can get buy-in from your employees?
  • How to develop a long-term culture that stays true to your values even under pressure.
  • How to lead with flexibility? Using situational leadership to tailor your approach to individual needs and strengths.
  • Practical strategies to energize your team and align culture with everyday behaviors.
  • Strategies to maintain employee loyalty. (Or is there such a thing anymore?)

With over 25 years of public‑sector experience and 15 years leading teams through meaningful change, Melanie brings expertise in developing resiliency and fostering cultures where people can contribute meaningfully. Her wide-ranging experience has given her a deep understanding of what people need to feel supported and empowered, and how leaders can shape the conditions that enable meaningful contribution.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Melanie is known for her collaborative leadership style and her belief that strong relationships are the foundation of high‑performing, people‑first workplaces. She is committed to creating environments where team members feel valued, supported, and inspired to contribute their best, individually and collectively.

Melanie collaborated with the executive leadership team at AFSC to develop and implement a new organizational values and behaviors framework, an initiative rooted in their shared belief that how people work together is just as important as what they do.  By strengthening collective effectiveness, the team positioned the organization to deliver on what matters most for the business, while enhancing cultural alignment, team member engagement, and long‑term strategic success. Her energy, integrity, and passion for inclusive leadership were key drivers in shaping a culture built to last.

Melanie holds a Bachelor of Education and an MBA and is certified as a Human Resource Management Professional. Her combination of academic grounding, practical leadership experience, and people‑centred approach make her a respected voice on what it takes to build teams and cultures that stick.

Dianne Finstad

Moderator/Program Host, Red Deer County, AB

Master of Ceremonies

Dianne Finstad took a passion for agriculture, inspired by growing up on a southern Alberta ranch, and combined it with communication skills sparked by 4-H, to create a long and varied career in agriculture communications. Based in Red Deer, AB, her work has included television, radio and writing, specializing in agriculture and rodeo coverage. Along with emceeing a wide range of events and conferences, you can also hear Dianne on the mic at places like the Ponoka and Calgary Stampede, as well as reporting from the Canadian Finals Rodeo. She’s particularly proud and honoured to have been a part of the Advancing Women in Agriculture program from the beginning.

Nicole Galbraith

Financial Advisor, Galbraith Insurance & Investment Group Inc., Thorsby, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Strong Women, Strong Farms. Protecting Women in Agriculture.

This presentation highlights the essential – but often unprotected – role women play in agriculture and explores how financial protection strengthens their health, income, leadership, and long-term security. Women contribute critical labor, decision making, and management across farm operations, yet many do so without formal safety nets, leaving families and farms exposed when illness, injury, or loss of income occurs. The goal is to ensure women in agriculture are seen, valued, and protected, so the farms they support today remain strong for future generations.

My name is Nicole Galbraith, and I have spent the past 12 years working in the insurance and financial services industry, building a career rooted in trust, relationships, and client-focused solutions. For the last five years, I have proudly served as a Financial Advisor with The Co-operators, supporting clients in the Breton and Thorsby area.

I grew up in a farming community, which shaped my strong work ethic and gave me a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and rewards of agricultural life. That background allows me to connect with many of my clients on a deeper level, particularly those involved in farming and agribusiness. I understand that financial decisions in agriculture often affect not only today’s operations, but future generations as well.

My approach is centered on listening first and tailoring advice to meet each client’s individual goals. I take pride in aiming to exceed expectations and ensuring my clients feel confident, informed, and supported throughout every stage of their financial journey.

I am passionate about helping individuals, families, and businesses protect what they’ve built and plan for what’s ahead. Being part of the Advancing Women in Agriculture Business Congress reflects my commitment to growth, leadership, and continued learning within the agricultural community.

Carla Gammond

HR Manager, Bunge Canada, Sturgeon County, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Building Teams and Culture that Stick

In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance; it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and no one gets left behind.

  • How to foster a workplace where people feel valued and connected?
  • How do you promote your purpose, mission and vision so that you can get buy-in from your employees?
  • How to develop a long-term culture that stays true to your values even under pressure.
  • How to lead with flexibility? Using situational leadership to tailor your approach to individual needs and strengths.
  • Practical strategies to energize your team and align culture with everyday behaviors.
  • Strategies to maintain employee loyalty. (Or is there such a thing anymore?)

Carla Gammond brings a rich and varied professional background to this conference, offering unique insights into the dynamics of company culture. As an HR Manager at Bunge, a global leader in agribusiness, Carla has dedicated the past 11 years to fostering robust and supportive workplace environments through various HR positions. Her extensive experience at Bunge has equipped her with a deep understanding of large-scale organizational development, talent management, and cultivating inclusive company cultures. Notably, Carla was instrumental in the implementation of a new payroll and benefit system for all Canadian employees, demonstrating her expertise in critical HR infrastructure and employee support.

Prior to her impactful career in Human Resources, Carla was the successful owner of a massage therapy clinic for a decade. This entrepreneurial journey provided her with invaluable first-hand experience in building a thriving small business from the ground up, emphasizing the critical role of team cohesion, client relations, and a strong internal culture in achieving success. Her unique blend of small business leadership and large corporate HR expertise makes her particularly adept at discussing how to build, maintain, and evolve company culture in diverse settings. Carla is passionate about empowering teams and creating environments where individuals can flourish, ultimately contributing to organizational success.

Shelly Harvey

Director, West Coast Operations, Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, Vancouver, BC

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Building teams and cultures that stick

In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance; it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and no one gets left behind.

  • How to foster a workplace where people feel valued and connected?
  • How do you promote your purpose, mission and vision so that you can get buy-in from your employees?
  • How to develop a long-term culture that stays true to your values even under pressure.
  • How to lead with flexibility? Using situational leadership to tailor your approach to individual needs and strengths.
  • Practical strategies to energize your team and align culture with everyday behaviors.
  • Strategies to maintain employee loyalty. (Or is there such a thing anymore?)

Shelly Harvey is the Director of West Coast Operations for Parrish & Heimbecker.  Shelly manages the Vancouver office, leading a group of Export Merchants, Bulk and Container Logistics, and Documentation teams.   Additionally, Shelly sits on the Vancouver Grain Exchange Board and has previously held the position of President twice.

Shelly obtained a business Diploma, and her first job was in the accounting department of a small feed grains company.  She then transitioned to a Japanese trading house where she gained experience in logistics and had her first introduction to trading.  She then moved to a South American trading company where she traded pulses in containers.  After that, Shelly took a position for an Indian company where she managed the procurement of Canadian grains and pulses for export to the Indian Subcontinent, she also managed their Canadian offices and assets.  From there Shelly took a position at an Export Grain terminal where she managed the vessel operations and the terminal owners’ joint marketing program.  Her career then took her to Parrish & Heimbecker and poof…that covers almost forty years!

Shelly is passionate about fostering employee engagement through consistent communication and feedback.  She ensures team members feel safe to share ideas and ask questions, with trust being the foundation that allows people to be authentic and collaborative.

In her spare time, Shelly enjoys hiking, biking,  paddle boarding, and gardening, along with just about anything that gets her outside and active.  Shelly spends her spare time on the Sunshine Coast where she built her dream home with her husband.  They have three adult children and are looking forward to their first grandchild in 2026.

Nicole Hayes

Director, Innovation Hub, FCC, Regina, SK

Panel Speaker

Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture

AI is no longer just for the field- it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agribusinesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.

  • What AI platforms do you use in your day-to-day work, why and how
  • How AI is transforming logistics, distribution, and inventory in agri-business
  • Leveraging AI for sales trends, customer behaviour, and demand forecasting
  • AI-driven tools for financial analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making
  • Enhancing marketing and customer engagement through AI insights
  • Skills women need to lead in the AI-powered future of agri-business
  • Real challenges and barriers to implementation- and how to overcome them

As the Director of the Innovation Hub at FCC, Nicole brings expertise in research, operations and strategic leadership. She leads a dynamic ecosystem dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful solutions for the Canadian agriculture and food industry. Nicole champions human-centered design and experimentation, guiding projects from discovery through prototyping and real-world testing. Under Nicole’s leadership, the Innovation Hub collaborates to accelerate adoption of emerging technologies, strengthening rural communities and food sustainability. Nicole has a business degree from the University of Regina. As a busy mother, she volunteers with the local hockey association and as president of her local parent council.

Jennifer Keable

Burnout Prevention & Sustainable Success Speaker, Strategist, Coach, JenniferKeable.com, Calgary, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • The Energetic Advantage: Managing Energy for Sustainable Performance

In a world that rewards output over sustainability, this session introduces a smarter approach to performance—one that treats energy as a strategic asset, not a personal afterthought. Participants will learn how to intentionally direct, protect, and renew their energy using a practical framework that supports high performance without burnout.

Workshop Speaker

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

Learn the three types of boundaries that define how you work, live, and lead — and the one that makes lasting success possible. Discover your unique boundary style and learn a practical four-step process to create boundaries that empower, connect, and sustain you.

Jennifer Keable isn’t your typical speaker — she’s a Burnout Prevention Strategist and Coach who brings a refreshing blend of energy, relatability, and thought-provoking insight to every stage and conversation. With a B.A. in Psychology and over 15 years of experience in high-pressure industries, Jennifer understands the reality of burnout firsthand — having lived through it twice — and, more importantly, what it takes to rebuild a life and career that thrive sustainably.

Today, she helps ambitious professionals and organizations shift from exhaustion to effectiveness, from overwhelm to clarity, and from hustle to sustainable success. Her signature framework has empowered 90% of her clients to earn promotions, restore balance, and elevate their health without sacrificing results.

Known for asking the questions others avoid, Jennifer creates transformative experiences where leaders and teams pause, reflect, and reset. Her approach leaves audiences thinking differently about performance, purpose, and well-being — equipping them with practical tools that drive lasting results.

Jennifer has partnered with industry leaders including ATB, Cargill, Nutrien, and Benevity, helping them strengthen leadership capacity, enhance engagement, and embed well-being as a strategic advantage. Whether she’s keynoting a conference or facilitating an intimate workshop, Jennifer’s work inspires professionals to not just succeed — but to sustain that success.

Lori Kinnee

Founder, RancHer by Lori / Ten Bar Cattle Company Ltd., Fairview, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Sunshine. Soil. Soul

Presentation overview: A personal journey of burnout, what the land teaches us about resilience, renewal and real capacity. An invitation for women in agriculture to build forward without burning out.

Lori Kinnee is a fourth-generation rancher, mentor, and speaker from northern Alberta who brings both grit and grace to her message. With a background in agriculture, accounting, and lived experience on the land, Lori helps women reconnect to themselves—through ritual, resilience, and leadership from within. She is the founder of RancHer by Lori , a mentorship space created to support women who live, love, earn, or learn on the land. Her story is one of burnout, awakening, and a return to self-worth—and she shares it with disarming honesty, compassion, and power.

Nelly Kurd-Marckay

Quality and Food Safety Manager, West Africa, Bunge, Greater Accra, Ghana

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • She Leads, She Grows: Stories from Ghana.

Presentation overview: She Leads, She Grows: Stories from Ghana celebrates women who are shaping the future of agriculture through leadership and innovation. The presentation shares inspiring real-life stories and practical lessons on how women can grow farms, businesses, and communities.

Nelly Elinam Kurd-Marckay is an award-winning quality and food safety leader with over a decade of experience across the food manufacturing and agri-food sectors in West Africa. She currently serves as Quality and Food Safety Manager, West Africa at Bunge, where she leads regional quality systems, ensures compliance with global food safety standards, and drives continuous improvement across complex, multi-country operations.

In recognition of her leadership, operational excellence, and people-focused approach, Nelly was named Manager of the Year 2025 at Bunge (West Africa). Her work spans food safety systems, certification, and sustainability initiatives, including FSSC 22000, GMP+, Halal, Kosher and ISCC EU with a strong focus on building practical, culturally relevant quality cultures rather than compliance alone.

Beyond her corporate role, Nelly is deeply committed to women’s empowerment and inclusive economic development. She previously served as President of Women of Bunge – West Africa, leading initiatives focused on mentorship, professional development, and creating pathways for women into leadership roles within the agri-food value chain. She is also an alumna of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program organized by the U.S. Embassy, where she honed her skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, and scaling women-led ventures.

Nelly is the founder of NyCa Pro Beauty, an ethical, Ghana-based beauty brand that works closely with women-led shea cooperatives in Northern Ghana. In 2025, NyCa Pro Beauty was recognized as Indigenous Brand of the Year, highlighting its commitment to fair trade, sustainability, and community impact.

She holds an MSc in Food Quality Management and a BSc in Biological Sciences from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Passionate about quality, leadership, and advancing women across agriculture and food systems, Nelly brings a grounded African perspective to global conversations on sustainability, food safety, and inclusive growth.

Stephany Laverty

Senior Policy Analyst, Canada West Foundation, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Financial Succession Planning – Part 1

Farm succession planning isn’t just about paperwork; it’s the blueprint that ensures your family’s hard work continues to thrive, loved ones are secure and a lifetime of hard work leaves a lasting impact rather than a looming question mark. Please join our excellent team of specialists as they tackle current trends in agriculture and the impact for family farmers.

Stephany joined the Canada West Foundation in January 2020 and has over a decade of experience in researching and developing policy guidance for government on a range of issues. Having previously worked in policy and administration within government and post-secondary in areas related to skills development, trade, technology, tourism, governance and electoral administration, Stephany brings a specific understanding on how public policy is formed at the highest levels of provincial government and executive offices.

Stephany holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – International Relations (University of Alberta) and a Master of Arts – Interdisciplinary Studies (Athabasca University) with a focus on work, organization and leadership.

Kimberly Lyall

Kimberly Lyall Leadership Speaker and Strategist

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Leading from the EDGE

When life gets tough and you feel like you are losing yourself, a reset is needed. Kimberly’s EDGE framework provides a simple and practical tool to help you grow through tough times and find joy while doing it!

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Public Speaking 101: Tips for getting your Messages Heard

Does the thought of speaking in front of an audience make you want to run for the hills? Kimberly will share with you the tips and tricks you can use to feel confident, have your message heard, and have fun while doing it!

Crisis can either crush you or help to create the most powerful version of you. Kimberly Lyall has led through success, scandal, and near-collapse! While her experiences with winning and loss prove that anything can happen, and that life isn’t always fair, she’s discovered insights that help leaders cut through the noise, reignite their teams, and lead with heart!

For over 25 years Kimberly has worked as an award-winning speaker, consultant, and college instructor helping corporations, nonprofits, and governments through complex challenges. She’s the Past-President of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Alberta), co-author of Trailblazer Secrets, a YWCA Woman of Distinction, a Governor General’s Award recipient, and a non-Indigenous Woman gifted the Blackfoot name Kómmonoi Saamiaki (Blue Paint Headdress Woman).

Sandra Macenko Merkley

Senior Wealth Advisor, Scotia Wealth Management, Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Financial Succession Planning – Part 1 & 2

Farm succession planning isn’t just about paperwork; it’s the blueprint that ensures your family’s hard work continues to thrive, loved ones are secure and a lifetime of hard work leaves a lasting impact rather than a looming question mark. Please join our excellent team of specialists as they tackle current trends in agriculture and the impact for family farmers.

Sandra is passionate about excellence in financial services and takes pride in helping families meet and exceed their long-term financial goals. Sandra is highly skilled in assisting clients with their retirement plans, as well as other wealth management services.

Sandra graduated with an Honours BA from Carleton University, later earning an M.Sc. from the University of Toronto. Sandra served three terms on the Calgary Foundation Investment Committee and is a past board member of the EPCOR Centre for Performing Arts (Arts Commons). Since 2013, The Macenko Merkley Group has been a proud sponsor of the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Club. In 2020, Sandra received a ScotiaMcLeod Share the Wealth award for leadership and dedication to the community. In 2025, The Macenko Merkley Group was pleased to sponsor ‘Under The Big Top: Where Carnival, Community and Compassion Collide,’ with all proceeds going to the Foothills Country Hospice. Sandra believes the only better reward is enriching the lives of our clients.

Nafisa Mahabub

Program and Operations, FEAD/ Saskatchewan Food Centre, Saskatoon, SK

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • The Visibility Trap: How To Be Seen Without Burning Out

Many entrepreneurs feel pressure to be constantly visible—posting more, networking harder, and always staying “on”—yet still struggle to see meaningful results. This session explores how to escape the visibility trap by building a more intentional, sustainable presence that drives real opportunities without sacrificing energy or well-being.

Panel Speaker

Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture

AI is no longer just for the field- it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agribusinesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.

  • What AI platforms do you use in your day-to-day work, why and how
  • How AI is transforming logistics, distribution, and inventory in agri-business
  • Leveraging AI for sales trends, customer behaviour, and demand forecasting
  • AI-driven tools for financial analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making
  • Enhancing marketing and customer engagement through AI insights
  • Skills women need to lead in the AI-powered future of agri-business
  • Real challenges and barriers to implementation- and how to overcome them

Nafisa Mahabub is a champion for small to medium-sized businesses, specializing in business development, investment readiness, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship. She is currently leading programs and operations at FEAD, where she has helped grow the organization’s network from 200 to 2,300 members. Nafisa manages memberships, analytics, and strategic partnerships while spearheading initiatives like the Table Talk Conferences in collaboration with the Advancing Women Conference, fostering connections for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector. Her work has been featured in Douglas Magazine, highlighting FEAD’s role in empowering women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs.

A certified Investor Ready Trainer, Nafisa has facilitated most of FEAD’s accelerators, investment-ready cohorts, and webinars, mentoring over 100 women entrepreneurs to scale their businesses, secure funding, and unlock their full growth potential. She has worked closely with entrepreneurs such as Vegain, Atome Bakery, and Wildfolks to support their investment journeys and raise capital, and has served as a judge for pitch competitions, providing guidance on investor readiness and market positioning.

Nafisa is also the Co-Founder and Director of Business Operations at Step 2 Marketing, a regional apparel and automotive lifestyle brand, where she leads growth programs, financial planning, and cross-border logistics while building strategic partnerships and strengthening client relationships. She thrives on working directly with businesses to refine growth strategies, enhance market positioning, and unlock new opportunities. Through speaking engagements and blogs, she shares insights that help women overcome funding barriers and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

Maddy Marchese

Director, Scotia Wealth Insurance Services Inc., Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Financial Succession Planning – Part 2

Farm succession planning isn’t just about paperwork; it’s the blueprint that ensures your family’s hard work continues to thrive, loved ones are secure and a lifetime of hard work leaves a lasting impact rather than a looming question mark. Please join our excellent team of specialists as they tackle current trends in agriculture and the impact for family farmers.

Maddy partners with advisor teams to deliver sophisticated, fully integrated insurance strategies for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families. Over the course of her career, she has worked closely with many families to design bespoke solutions that optimize tax efficiency, enhance retirement and estate outcomes, mitigate risk, and support the seamless transfer of wealth across generations. She is known for making complex insurance strategies clear, practical, and highly actionable for both advisors and clients.

With more than 25 years in financial services—including roles with two bank-owned firms and over 25 years at Scotia Wealth—Maddy brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to complex planning situations. She is regularly invited to participate in industry think tanks focused on advancing insurance solutions and elevating client outcomes.

Maddy is licensed in Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and British Columbia. A recognized leader in her field, she has served as Director at Scotia Wealth since 2014.

Anne Miner

President- The Dunvegan Group/ Founder of Women with GRIT, Woodstock, ON

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • GRIT: What is it? Why do we need it? Who has it? How to get it?

Presentation overview: GRIT is a term rarely applied to women and yet without it, little can be accomplished. Angela Duckworth defines GRIT as ‘passion and perseverance in pursuit of a long term goal(s); GRIT is not a trait, it is not something you are born with, it is a skill that can be learned and applied. Learn about GRIT and how it can support your success in pursuit of long term goals.

Anne Miner is an International Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Business Owner.  She’s a confident leader. A creative genius. And a cool and collected woman of style and charisma. Her proven ability to bring calm to chaos, success to failures, and solutions to problems weave to­gether seamlessly to define her executive charm.

As an author and sought-after speaker, Anne’s written and spoken word encom­passes her soothing and positive personality and youthful wit, revealing an infectious brand of go-getter wisdom for achieving personal success. She has successfully empowered many “to go over, under, around, or through the obstacles on any path… and to be courageous in pursuing their dreams.”

Anne is the President and Founder of The Dunvegan Group, Ltd. a company specializing in business retention; she is an Executive Coach and Mentor as well as teaching Leadership in the Business School at Conestoga College.

Among Anne’s awards are the Alumni Medal of Achievement from the University of Guelph and the Luminary Award from the International Women’s Forum of Canada.

Anne is Past President of Oxford Women in Networking (OWIN) and Past President of the Toronto Chapter of the International Women’s Forum Canada.

Laura Mock

Director, Cultivator Powered by Conexus, Regina, SK

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Winning When the Game Is Stacked Against You: Creating Opportunity Through Tenacity

Presentation overview: This talk shares a personal journey of building a career, pursuing education, and stepping into a leadership role as a single-mother in a male dominated industry.  Through relateable storytelling and insights, it explores how perseverence, a commitment to values, continued learning and self advocacy can help women create opportunities and lasting impact – even in a system that wasn’t built for them.

Coming Soon

Mariah Moen

Director of Agriculture, Uniking Canada, Saskatoon, SK

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • How to succeed in Male Dominated Spaces: Empowering Women to Advocate for Themselves in Agriculture—From Sales and Business to Everyday Life

Presentation overview: Mariah will give you the tools to navigate the realities of being a woman in agriculture and balancing professionalism, family, mental health, and career and how to navigate uncomfortable situations.

Mariah Moen was raised on a fifth-generation family farm and ranch in Elrose, Saskatchewan, where she developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. As one of two daughters carrying on the family legacy, she worked full-time alongside her father and grandfather, gaining hands-on experience in both cattle and grain production—an industry she remains actively involved in today through beef production.

Her education in Agribusiness and Kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan laid the foundation for a dynamic career spanning multiple sectors of agriculture, including agronomy, crop inputs, grain equipment, and industrial sales. As the Director of Agriculture for Uniking Canada, Mariah continues to drive innovation and growth in the industry. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an active member of the rodeo community and a dedicated fitness enthusiast. Passionate about mentorship and leadership, Mariah is committed to empowering women in agriculture and other traditionally male-dominated industries, equipping them with the tools and confidence to advocate for themselves and excel in their careers.

Lauren Poitras

Business and Wealth Transition Specialist, Scotia Wealth Management, Penticton, BC

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Financial Succession Planning – Part 1

Farm succession planning isn’t just about paperwork; it’s the blueprint that ensures your family’s hard work continues to thrive, loved ones are secure and a lifetime of hard work leaves a lasting impact rather than a looming question mark. Please join our excellent team of specialists as they tackle current trends in agriculture and the impact for family farmers.

Lauren is a trusted and experienced consultant to accomplished business owners and affluent families on matters associated with business and wealth transition. She helps guide families through the unique opportunities and challenges they may be facing in the areas of wealth, philanthropy, family governance and business succession planning by taking time to thoroughly understand specific goals and objectives. 

When dealing with business owners, Lauren helps ensure that personal and business goals are aligned by examining the entire situation-including the interaction between family, business and ownership structures for today—and with a future transition in mind. 

BUSINESS APPROACH 

Advanced Planning and Services provides an integrated approach that is designed to support business and/or wealth transition planning. This team of specialists provides expertise in the areas of advanced tax planning, business transaction planning, corporate estate planning, family governance strategies, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Centered around you, our holistic wealth management approach results in a highly tailored comprehensive strategic roadmap that balances the needs and goals of your family and your total wealth strategy.

Brenda Ralston

RDAR Research Scientist, Livestock Health, Lakeland College, Rocky View County, AB

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Leaders Panel – Their Story

A powerful group of women take the stage to share the real stories behind their success. They’ll speak candidly about the challenges and obstacles they’ve faced, the opportunities they chose to seize, and the risks they were willing to take. More importantly, they’ll reveal the skills, tools, and mindset shifts they put into practice to move forward with confidence and purpose. Their journeys aren’t perfect — they’re honest, practical, and proof of what’s possible.

Brenda Ralston, RDAR Research Scientist, Livestock Health with Lakeland College firmly believes that applied research is critically needed today more than ever and that the Colleges are an excellent fit to carry this out in collaboration with Private Industry, Producer Groups, Universities, Government and most importantly the Producers themselves. Her guiding principle for applied research is ultimately if the outcome doesn’t provide a product or practice that the producer can implement in their operation to enhance their efficiency, sustainability or profitability then she is not doing the right research and not supporting the Agriculture Industry to her full potential. She has demonstrated this principle through her collaborative work with Industry to assist in bringing to market livestock pharmaceuticals such as oral meloxicam and lidocaine bands, that address animal welfare issues related to management procedures; boluses to address metabolic disorders in ruminants and alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment of non-bacterial scours.

After 35 years with Alberta Agriculture as a District Agriculturist, Beef Specialist, and most recently a Research Scientist, Brenda transitioned to Lakeland College in the fall of 2021. Brenda grew up on her family’s century farm northeast of Calgary, where she remains today helping with their commercial cow/calf, forage, and grain operation with her husband Phil and 20-year-old son Mark, who is currently attending the University of Saskatchewan in his second year of Animal Science.

Brenda received a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, M.Sc. in Veterinary Parasitology from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences from Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia.

Shanyn Silinski

Senior Strategic Partner, Olds College, Acme, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Building Your Team, Brick by Brick

Building a team is serious but there is always room to get creative and have some fun along the way.

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.

Ashley Smith

National Product Manager, SeedGrowth &CP Licensing Canada, Bayer CropScience, Okotoks, AB

Panel Speaker

Panel Discussion • Smart Strategy: How AI is Powering the Business of Agriculture

AI is no longer just for the field- it’s revolutionizing the business behind agriculture. From supply chain optimization to market forecasting, financial planning, customer insights, and product development, agribusinesses are using AI to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving global market.

  • What AI platforms do you use in your day-to-day work, why and how
  • How AI is transforming logistics, distribution, and inventory in agri-business
  • Leveraging AI for sales trends, customer behaviour, and demand forecasting
  • AI-driven tools for financial analysis, risk assessment, and decision-making
  • Enhancing marketing and customer engagement through AI insights
  • Skills women need to lead in the AI-powered future of agri-business
  • Real challenges and barriers to implementation- and how to overcome them

Ashley Smith is a National Product Manager with Bayer CropScience Canada, where she leads strategy across SeedGrowth and Crop Protection Licensing. With a career rooted in agriculture, Ashley brings a deep, end‑to‑end understanding of the industry—spanning field execution, commercial strategy, and portfolio leadership.

She began her career as a field agronomist, working directly with growers and retailers, before progressing into marketing and portfolio leadership roles where she helped shape product positioning, lifecycle strategy, and market defense. Today, Ashley works at the intersection of innovation, commercialization, and partnership development, supporting the long‑term competitiveness of Bayer’s crop protection and seed treatment businesses in Canada.

Passionate about the future of agriculture, Ashley is an active advocate for youth development and agricultural education as a proud 4‑H alumna, and she is committed to advancing leadership and opportunity within the industry.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband Trevor and their two young children. Together, they can often be found white‑water kayaking across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, embracing the outdoors and the communities that make Canadian agriculture thrive.

Nisha Soundararajan

Director, Digital Solutions, Baker Tilly (Calgary), Calgary, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Rewriting the Script: AI as Your Strategic Partner

This presentation reframes AI as a high-level strategic ally that enhances leadership judgment. It explores the essential case for adoption, discussing how intentional integration allows leaders and their teams to streamline decision-making and focus on high-impact work.

Nisha Soundararajan is a strategic advisor and speaker dedicated to helping leaders navigate the intersection of human judgment and emerging technology. As the leader of the Digital Practice at Baker Tilly (Calgary), Nisha brings over 20 years of technology experience, backed by a deep foundation in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.

Nisha specializes in reframing AI not as a technical hurdle, but as a critical leadership and decision-support tool. She is known for her practical, “hype-free” approach, helping high-stakes leaders and their teams move past the noise to clear mental clutter and streamline decision-making. By focusing on generating efficiencies in daily workflows, Nisha empowers teams to offload administrative drag and redirect their energy toward high-impact work and delivering real value to their customers.

In addition to her professional practice, Nisha plays an active role in mentoring women in technology, helping to build the next generation of technical leaders. Throughout her career, she has bridged the gap between complex technical capabilities and real-world business outcomes, providing the frameworks necessary for organizations to move from experimental tinkering to intentional adoption. Nisha empowers leaders to stop “doing it the hard way” and start leveraging AI as a reliable strategic partner.

Erin Stuart

Search Consultant, Grasslands Recruitment Specialists, Kimberly, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • From the Classroom to your Career: your roadmap to applying for your first job

You are enjoying school- but now it is time to start thinking about that first job! This talk will give you the roadmap to building your resume and online profile, preparing for your interview(s), and showing up to those interviews with confidence.

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Want Career Growth? Turn Your Experience Into Opportunity

You are enjoying your role, but it is time for the next step. Perhaps a restructure or reduction in force has you looking. Either way, this talk will give you the roadmap to getting your resume, online profile, and interview skills ready.

Erin brings a deep understanding of people, science, and agriculture to her work in recruitment. With more than a decade of hands-on experience across ruminant nutrition, research, and marketing, she has built a career grounded in thoughtful communication, analytical decision-making, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.

Her background spans roles in feedlot research, data analysis, strategic initiatives, and brand management for beef and dairy portfolios. She has collaborated with producers, veterinarians, software developers, and industry partners while overseeing commercial-scale research trials, developing technical communications, guiding product strategy, and supporting business development across North America.

Erin holds a Master of Science in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph.

Friends and colleagues describe her as someone who listens carefully, speaks with intention, and consistently delivers on her commitments.

Erin is passionate about building meaningful relationships and supporting agricultural professionals as they navigate their careers. She is dedicated to connecting exceptional people with opportunities where they can thrive and make a meaningful impact within the industry.

Dorothy Thengs

Co-Owner, Manager, Grace Feedyards Ltd., Sundre, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Succession Planning – Part 2

Workshop overview: A thriving farm business requires as much strategic planning as it does daily management. With impending retirements and rising land values, pro-active customized successio planning is your best tool to minimize tax liabilities and maximize wealth transfer. Please join our excellent panelists with first-hand knowledge of bridging the gap between building wealth and passing it on.

Owner & Manager, Grace Feedyards Ltd. | Alberta Beef Producers Delegate | UFA Delegate

Dorothy Thengs is a respected cattle feeder, agricultural leader, and producer advocate based near Sundre, Alberta. Dorothy manages Grace Feedyards Ltd., a large-scale family-run feedlot with a capacity of 10,000 head of cattle, alongside extensive silage and cereal crop production.

Dorothy oversees all aspects of cattle feeding operations, including animal health, nutrition programs, performance monitoring, marketing and overall operational management. Her work reflects decades of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to efficiency, animal welfare, and sustainable beef production. Her focus is not only the safety and wellbeing of the animals on the feedlot, but also for her employee’s.

Dorothy plays an active leadership role in Alberta’s agricultural industry through her service as an elected delegate with Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), representing cattle producers and helping guide policy, governance, and advocacy initiatives, through this she is also working with The Intensive Livestock Woking Group of Alberta.  As well as a delegate with the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), representing members in cooperative governance and helping shape strategic decisions affecting farmers and ranchers across the province. Recently she has taken on the role, Member at Large of The Ag Service Board for the County Of Mountain View.

Dorothy is deeply committed to agricultural education and mentorship. She actively supports youth involvement in agriculture by partnering with the Green Certificate program, hosting tours and educational sessions for 4-H members, Insurance Brokers and working with Olds College to provide hands-on learning opportunities for veterinary technician students and continuing work incentive programs, WERC. Dorothy is always willing to teach, help and guide anyone within the ag industry to their goals.

Through her leadership at Grace Feedyards and her advocacy work with Alberta Beef Producers and UFA, Dorothy continues to play a vital role in advancing Alberta’s beef industry. Her commitment to producer representation, youth education, and operational excellence ensures the continued strength and sustainability of family-run agricultural businesses in Western Canada.

Debbie Thompson

President & CEO, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, Olds, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Unleashing Your Potential for Influence and Impact 

Presentation overview: As organizations and individuals, we often put tremendous emphasis on technical skills. Although technical skills are critical to success, what we hear over and over is the value and importance of ‘power’ or, more commonly known, soft skills. 

Dr. Debbie Thompson joined Olds College of Agriculture and Technology in 2014. Since May 2025, she has served as the President and CEO. As Debbie navigates the ever evolving complexities of the academic and political landscape, she focuses on strategic planning, financial oversight, collaboration, and relationship-building. She firmly believes leadership is about a team and not solely an individual. With the launch of a new Strategic Plan: Deep Roots, Bold Futures, there is tremendous clarity in Olds College’s Priorities: Purposeful Leadership in Agriculture Education, Supporting our Students and Our People, and Strengthening Partnerships. 

Prior to her current role, Debbie has held the position of Vice President Academic, Vice President Academic & Student Experience, Vice President Student and Support Services and Dean of Animal Sciences and Horticulture at Olds College. Debbie is passionate about education and learning as is evidenced by over twenty years in the K-12 education system as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, vice-principal and principal. 

Debbie and her husband, Jeff, have been proud members of the Olds Community for over 25 years where they have lived and raised their three children. Debbie holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree through National University. In addition, Debbie holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Calgary and a Masters Degree from Royal Roads University. 

Lindsay Toth

Membership & Marketing, FEAD Canada, Saskatoon, SK

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Own Your Voice: Building a Personal Brand That Feels Aligned, Credible, and Sustainable

Your personal brand is how people experience you before, during, and after every conversation, online and offline. This session helps you clarify what you’re known for, how you show up consistently, and how to build visibility without burnout or performative marketing.

Panel Speaker

Discussion title • Building teams and cultures that stick

In a fast-moving world, company culture isn’t built by chance; it is crafted with intention. The panel will explore how executives and owners can shape resilient and productive teams where employees feel seen, supported and motivated. How to build a company culture where people want to be part of it, for the long run. What it takes to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and no one gets left behind.

  • How to foster a workplace where people feel valued and connected?
  • How do you promote your purpose, mission and vision so that you can get buy-in from your employees?
  • How to develop a long-term culture that stays true to your values even under pressure.
  • How to lead with flexibility? Using situational leadership to tailor your approach to individual needs and strengths.
  • Practical strategies to energize your team and align culture with everyday behaviors.
  • Strategies to maintain employee loyalty. (Or is there such a thing anymore?)

Lindsay Toth is a marketer and designer with a strong focus on Canada’s food and beverage industry. She has worked with brands across the sector, including Great Western Brewing, where she led the rebrand of Original 16 beer. Her packaging and environmental designs are now featured in retailers and arenas throughout Canada.

Lindsay also worked with Three Farmers Foods, Canada’s largest manufacturer of pulse-based snacks, where she provided rebrand and marketing support. She developed and executed a social media strategy that showcased their new 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.

Since November 2023, Lindsay has led FEAD’s Membership and Marketing initiatives. She hosts The Friends of FEADies Podcast, highlighting women entrepreneurs in food, beverage, and agriculture. In addition, she has been a recurring guest speaker at FEAD’s Table Talk Conferences over the past two years, sharing insights on branding, design, and marketing strategy.

Her work combines creativity, strategy, and storytelling to amplify the voices of food founders and support their growth in a competitive marketplace.

Trish Tutton

Mindfulness Teacher, Trish Tutton Speaker and Mindfulness Teacher, Canmore, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Harvesting a mindset to thrive: simple strategies for long-lasting success in the agriculture

Soil is the foundation underneath it all. You might not see it day to day- but it determines EVERYTHING: yields, water retention, disease resistance, and long-term success.

No matter how good the seed is or how hard you work, depleted soil limits growth. A depleted MINDSET is the same. When your mindset is supported, just like the soil, everything grows with less effort (your career, business, skills, attitude AND resilience to the challenges you face).

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Rooted in Resilience: How to cultivate optimism (even during tough seasons)

In day to day business – managing land and people to navigating markets and changing weather – it’s easy to focus on what’s NOT working because the challenges don’t take time OFF. But research shows that when we train our brain to focus on what’s good – amidst the hard – our intelligence, creativity and energy levels rise. It’s not about thinking positive – it’s about building the mindset and habits to help us face reality with resilience and resourcefulness.

Trish Tutton spent years working in cultures where stress and burnout were seemingly the only way to success. After suffering a shocking loss, she realized: stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to dictate our lives. Trish has spent over 15 years studying with world class teachers, practicing mindfulness and learning about the science of well-being. As a speaker and mindfulness teacher, Trish has taught the skills to become UNSHAKABLE and THRIVE amidst change and challenge to over 15,000 people across North America. She is passionate about helping folks become more resilient and less stressed with simple but impactful mindfulness techniques.

You can find her as a teacher on the #1 free meditation app in the world, Insight Timer, and she is the author of the Mindful Mornings Journal.

Lauren Van Ewyk

CEO, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance Inc., Courtright, ON

Sunday Special Session

Presentation title • Rural Watch: Because No Farmer Stands Alone

If your job brings you into regular contact with farmers, or anyone in the ag industry this training is for you. Participants gain practical, realistic skills to navigate tough conversations and respond in ways that are supportive, respectful, and helpful. This hands-on, discussion-filled, case-study-rich workshop will equip participants with the skills needed to tackle the hard conversations.

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Family Fusion: When Love is a Choice

Family is not always cushy and easy. Our lives and businesses are complicated, which means that our family relationships can also be complicated. Join Lauren, as we learn how to communicate clearly, set boundaries when needed, and communicate our needs in a way that ensures our businesses and families can thrive.

Lauren Van Ewyk is an engaging speaker, 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.

Lauren and her husband raise sheep in southwestern Ontario and are the owners of Cedarview Farm Store and Bakery. 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, and owner of Wellspring Counselling Services, Lauren is passionate about equipping entrepreneurs to lead well, dream big, and strategically place themselves in line for success.

Ebony Verbonac

Partner, Western Agribusiness Leader, KPMG LLP, Lethbridge, AB

Plenary Speaker

Presentation title • Building a more resilient food system in Canada

Presentation overview: Ebony will explore the key themes from KPMG’s latest research, highlighting how Canada’s food sector can strengthen resilience, embrace innovation, and adapt to shifting economic and environmental pressures. Ebony’s deep industry insight and practical, client-focused perspective make this session a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to better understand the future of Canadian food systems.

Ebony is a Tax Partner, and Office Managing Partner at KPMG’s Lethbridge office. She has over 20 years of experience serving not-for-profit organizations and private company clients in southern Alberta. Ebony is also the Agribusiness Sector Lead Partner for KPMG offices in the western region of Canada. She is highly engaged in the Lethbridge business community and in Alberta’s agricultural sector. She is a regular author for Alberta Beef magazine and has been published in The Western Producer. Ebony provides support for tax and tax-related issues. In addition to having a Chartered Professional Accountant designation, Ebony is a Chartered Business Valuator and focuses a portion of her time working with businesses on benchmarking and business valuations.

Jenna Will

Lawyer, Rath Law Office, Medicine Hat, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Succession Planning – Part 2

Workshop overview: A thriving farm business requires as much strategic planning as it does daily management. With impending retirements and rising land values, pro-active customized successio planning is your best tool to minimize tax liabilities and maximize wealth transfer. Please join our excellent panelists with first-hand knowledge of bridging the gap between building wealth and passing it on.

Having grown up on a farm near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Jenna understands the unique issues in Southern Alberta and appreciates farming and ranching culture as well as proud family legacies.

Jenna graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Law in 2014, and was called to the Bar in July 2015. She has been practicing law at Rath Law Office in Medicine Hat, Alberta since September 2016. Jenna is also a registered mediator and arbitrator.

Jenna practices in a variety of areas of law, including family law, civil litigation, real estate, corporate law, life planning (wills, personal directives, and powers of attorney), and estate administration. She especially enjoys assisting her family farming clientele navigate and formalize their succession plan in a meaningful and professional manner, specifically tailored to each client’s unique business structures, operations, family dynamics, and circumstances.

While she is not at work, Jenna enjoys giving back to the community. She actively volunteers with the Community Legal Clinic, and is currently a Board Member of the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, as well as the Former Secretary of the Cactus Country 4-H District. Aside from working and volunteering, Jenna enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their four children.

Darlene Wilson

Senior Manager Corporate Brand and Communications, AFSC, Lacombe, AB

Workshop Speaker

Workshop title • Better Career, Better Human

In a world of technical expertise, the most valuable professionals aren’t those with the best hard skills, they are those with the best human skills. Learn how to leverage curiosity, communication, and courage to elevate your career and show up as better human—one who can intentionally stay in the tough kinds of conversations we find ourselves in today. Bonus: Take home resources that you can use right away.

Over the past 25 years Darlene has enjoyed working in both private and public sectors, including experiences in communication, leadership, strategic planning, education and training, and community engagement. Wherever she is, she’s focused on helping people find better ways to work together – which has led her to deliver training and workshops on a range of topics.

Darlene’s background includes a Master of Arts Degree in Communication and Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University (Spokane); certifications as a facilitator (ICA Professional Facilitator Program), a change management practitioner (PROSCI), and an IABC Communications Management Professional (CMP).

As a galvanizer, positive disruptor and raging generalist, she’s excited to take on new challenges and opportunities— particularly those that offer connection, learning and growth. This summer, that includes heading to Oxford, England, for a week-long adult summer school course!

Darlene is a huge basketball fan (Go Raptors! Go Zags!), has always cheered for the Oilers, and loves time with her husband and adult kids, traveling, singing, and going to the gym.