Women’s organizations. . . . have come into being as an expression of women’s inherent desire to make life easier for someone, and the world a better place to live in.
Nellie McClung, Activist, Suffragette
Personal Diaries
The Enbridge Famous 5 Leadership Luncheon Series in Edmonton pay homage to the prairie tradition of making the world a better place for everyone. Women gather to inspire, motivate and dream with one another. During a delightful lunch, at the Hotel Mac Donald, they hear speakers who exemplify the Edmonton tradition of honour, integrity, dedication and service in business, academics and community service. Listening to the best of the best empowers and inspires women to perform in their communities, to make life better for their family, their community and their world.
Our series begins in 2008 with luncheons Jan., March, May, September and November. Let us continue the Tradition of The Famous 5.
Speaker for March 25, 2010
Alice Major
Alice Major was Edmonton’s first poet laureate, from 2005 to 2007. As an avid writer, she would write poems on subjects from potholes to hockey playoffs during that time and served as an ambassador for her art form.
With roots in Scotland, Alice grew up in Toronto before moving west to work on a weekly newspaper called "The Caribou". She came to Edmonton in 1981 and has made her home here ever since.
Alice has travelled internationally to perform her poems from Australia and Britain as well as performing across Canada. Her eighth poetry collection, "The Office Tower Tales," won the prestigious Pat Lowther Award (for a book of poetry by a Canadian woman) and the Book Publishers Association of Alberta’s Trade Book of the Year Award. Her ninth collection, "Memory’s Daughter," is being published in spring 2010 by the University of Alberta Press.
Alice is past president of the League of Canadian Poets and the Writers Guild of Alberta, and also past chair of the Edmonton Arts Council.
Speaker for January 28, 2010
Cathy Olesen
Please take time to attend the January 28th luncheon and hear the exciting story of Cathy Olesen, Mayor of Strathcona County. This woman has been surrounded by politics since birth. Cathy will share with you some of her early political stories. She has some humorous stories to share - you might even find out how the color of a shirt can, to some, make a difference in politics.
Who was instrumental in inspiring this woman of vision? At a young age Cathy Olesen was determined to play a part in making the world a better place. Join us on January 28th to find out her vision and what community changes or programs have been top of mind for her. What remains at the top of her priority list today? She will likely even share with us one or two stumbling blocks she had to face on her journey.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cathy attended the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a major in Political Science and a minor in Economics.
Cathy moved to Calgary in 1982 and commenced work as a Planning Technician at the Energy Resources Conservation Board. In 1988 she had her first child and devoted the next six years to full time parenting during which time she moved to Sherwood Park. Then at the age of 34 decided it was time to represent the interests of her community in municipal politics. Cathy was elected Councillor for three terms with successful elections campaigns in 1995 and 1998, followed by a return to office by acclamation in 2001 in Strathcona County's urban and rural ward 4.
The next step in her journey was candidate for Mayor. Cathy Olesen was first chosen by the residents of Strathcona County to be Mayor on October 18, 2004. The residents reaffirmed their confidence in her leadership on October 15, 2007. During this time she has overseen numerous major developments and initiatives in her Community, Alberta's Industrial Heartland, and the Capital Region.
As Mayor, Cathy sits on many boards and committees including: Vice-Chair of the Capital Region Board (CRB), Chair of the CRB Governance Committee, member of the CRB Land Use Committee, member of the CRB Advocacy and Communications Committee, and the Alberta Industrial Heartland Board of Directors.
Cathy is married to Rex Adam and together they parent four young adults.
What is next on the journey of Cathy Olesen? Come to the luncheon and find out, enjoy a nice meal at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, network with others, and hear the message of Cathy Olesen, a key leader within our region.
Speaker for November 5, 2009
Bernie Kollman
Bernie Kollman is vice president for IBM’s public sector division in Alberta, representing one of IBM’s largest client groups in Canada. As IBM Edmonton’s general manager, she provides executive leadership to IBM’s 1,000 employees in Edmonton and also represents IBM in the community. With more than 22 years of experience working in the information technology industry, Bernie has developed creative business solutions that leverage public and private sector partnerships.
In 2006, she was recognized as one of 'Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People' by Alberta Venture magazine and in 2007, she received a "Global TV Woman of Vision" award. Bernie has an honours of business administration degree from the University of Regina. She also completed the public executive program at Queen’s University, as well as a six-month IBM professional certification program that included three weeks at Harvard Business School.
On a community level, Bernie has promoted diversity in IT and led various charitable and fundraising initiatives. Bernie is currently Vice Chair, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce; Chair, CIPS Women in Technology; Co-Chair, Centre for Advanced Studies Alberta; Chair of the Gold Medal Plates Olympic fundraising dinner for 2008 to 2010; Glenora Rotary Member, United Way Campaign Cabinet (2007 Chair) and member of the Great Kids Awards Selection Committee.
Bernie is married to Dr. Brian McPherson and enjoys golf, travel, reading, cycling, cross country skiing and tap dance.
Speaker for September 19, 2009
Marie Stelmach
Marie Stelmach has always been an active member in her community and an
avid believer in the 4-H program. All of her children were involved in
the Lamont 4-H District and Marie held executive positions with the
Andrew 4-H Beef, Andrew 4-H Multi, and the Mundare 4-H Beef.
In addition, Marie has also held executive positions with the Lamont
Further Education Council, the Andrew Library Board, and she is still
active in the Andrew/Willingdon/St. Michael Crime Watch Association and
the Andrew Lions Club.
In her role as wife of Premier Ed Stelmach, Marie has enthusiastically
accepted various positions with numerous boards. For a listing of
boards please go to http://premier.alberta.ca/biography/Marie_Stelmach.cfm.
Above all, Marie is dedicated to her family of four adult children and
two grandchildren that she and her husband are very proud of, and to
supporting their church. Marie and Premier Ed Stelmach are members of
the St. Michael/Krakow Church Choir and Marie is Vice President of the
Krakow Ukrainian Parish Council.
Marie loves spending time with her family, gardening, reading and being
involved in programs that promote the family network and support for
young people today.
Marie was born in Lamont, Alberta on July 17, 1952 as the youngest of
four children. She married Edward Michael Stelmach on August 11, 1973.
Together they raised their four beautiful children on the family farm
that they still live on today near Andrew.
Speaker for May 28, 2009
The Honourable Iris Evans
Iris
Evans is Alberta’s Minister of Finance and Enterprise. She has
been MLA for Sherwood Park since 1997, and has held several
portfolios during her 11 years with government, including Municipal
Affairs, Children’s Services, Health and Wellness and most recently
Employment, Immigration and Industry.
As
Minister for Finance and Enterprise, Ms. Evans will focus on ensuring
Alberta continues to be globally competitive, developing
and implementing policies to stimulate scientific research in
Alberta, working to help Alberta businesses be more productive and
competitive, and strengthening the government’s long-term fiscal
position. Other priorities include phasing out health care premiums.
Ms.
Evans’ career to date comprises numerous highlights such as
creating legislation to support children with disabilities and
enhance child welfare, introducing a framework to improve health care
policy and serving as the government’s lead international marketer
and promoter of Alberta as a prime destination for immigration and
investment.
Before she was elected as an MLA, Ms. Evans had
a successful 18-year career in municipal politics and was reeve of
Strathcona County, Alberta’s third largest municipality. She
graduated
with distinction as valedictorian of the Holy Cross Hospital nursing
class
and instructed piano at the Regional Conservatory in Calgary.
Ms.
Evans lives in Sherwood Park, where she is very active in the
community. She serves as honorary volunteer chair for breast cancer
research fundraising and provides support for the newly established
Collective Kitchen in Strathcona County. Ms. Evans’ three sons, three
daughters-in-law, and
five
grandchildren are the joys of her life.
Speaker for March 5, 2009
Patti Hill
Psychologist
and educator, Dr. Patti Hill was born in Alberta, and
earned her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta in 2000. In 1985, Dr.
Hill joined the professional team at ecsi, ltd. providing consulting
services to hospitals, school boards, government departments, and
private individuals and agencies across western Canada. Dr. Hill has
taught in Alberta and California. She is a teacher , a certified
teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing, a registered psychologist, and
a former principal and post-secondary instructor. Students at the
University of Alberta, Grant MacEwan Community College, Pembina
Consortium and Red Deer Community College have benefited from Dr.
Hill’s expertise.
Dr. Hill has mentored more than thirty graduate students from the
University of Alberta’s Deaf Education and Educational Psychology
programs, City University and Yorkville University. She has supervised
numerous Provisionally Registered Psychologists completing their
residency hours. Dedicated to serving her profession, Dr. Hill served
as President of the Alberta School Psychologist Association. In
addition, she has served as a contributor to the Premier's Council on
the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
Currently, Dr. Hill is the co-owner and Director of Professional
Services at ecsi ltd., working with schools, families and government
agencies to design and support programs and interventions for special
needs children and students.
Patti is also active in the community, volunteering with the Lung
Association, the Red Cross, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta,
the Alberta Breast Cancer Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, and Lions
Clubs International. Dr. Hill was the founding chair of the Lions
Villages of Greater Edmonton Society, which provides barrier free
living to seniors with financial or physical challenges. For the past
eight years, she has served as a Director on the board of the Lions Eye
Bank Alberta Society, helping steer this association partnership with
Alberta’s Health Authorities. Dr. Hill’s further accomplishments
include her role as the first female Chair of the Lions Eye Research
Institute of Northern Alberta (2002-2003), first woman to be president
of the Edmonton (Host) Lions Club, and first woman Governor of the
Lions Clubs of Northern Alberta and NT. Dr. Hill worked with the
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce to establish the Lions Clubs of Edmonton
as the presenting sponsor of the annual Bright Nights program, a
program that raises funds for the School Lunch Program and the Edmonton
Food Bank.
For her outstanding leadership and contributions to the community, Dr.
Hill was nominated as Woman of the Year in 2002. Most recently, Dr.
Hill became the first Canadian woman to be elected Director on the
Lions Clubs International Board of Directors, and only the fifth to
serve in that capacity worldwide. Dr. Hill’s passion for enhancing the
development of leaders across USA and Canada is evident through her
professional work and her volunteer activities. She has been invited to
speak on leadership and mentoring across Canada, and the USA, as well
as in Hong Kong, India, and Japan. Her volunteer work has been
recognized by Lions Leaders from Korea, Sri Lanka, USA, and Canada.
Dr. Hill’s interests include travel, reading, gardening, photography,
youth empowerment, neuro-cognitive functioning, and mentoring. Her
husband, Greg is also a dedicated volunteer. They have two children,
Jessica and Pieter.
Speaker for January 22, 2009
Linda Hughes
Linda Hughes is the 19th Chancellor of the University of Alberta.
She has been a leading figure in Canadian media for over twenty years
and continues to be one of Canada’s 
most
influential communicators and advocates for education.
Ms. Hughes was the first woman in Canada to hold the position of
publisher of a major newspaper. She began her career in journalism upon
graduation from the University of Victoria (1972 Honours BA) when she
was hired by the Victoria Daily Times. In 1976, she joined the Edmonton
Journal and a rapid progression of newsroom management positions
followed, including City Editor (1981) and Editor-in-Chief (1987). In
1992, she was named Publisher and President. In 2003, she became
General Manager, Alberta Region, for CanWest Media Works. She retired
in 2006.
She has served on the boards of the National Newspaper Awards, the
Journalism Foundation of Canada and the Committee to Protect
Journalists. In 2007, she spent two months as a volunteer in the
Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, helping a daily newspaper to prepare for
its role in a new democracy.
Deeply committed to her community and to post-secondary education, she
is currently the Chair of the Mayor’s Committee to End Homelessness in
Edmonton and serves on the boards for the Edmonton Community Foundation
and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. She is a founding member
of the NorQuest College Foundation and a former chair of the board of
the United Way of the Alberta Capital Region. She was a member of the
board of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
from 2002 to 2008.
Linda Hughes resides in Edmonton, Alberta.
Speaker for November 20, 2008
Wendy Schneider
Wendy Schneider has been
involved with youth in agriculture, the Canadian beef industry, and
agriculture at Northlands for many years. Wendy
resides on a purebred Red and
Black Angus farm just east of Edmonton, AB with her husband Howard and
their children. Northline Angus is a family run livestock operation.
Wendy and Howard began their business in the Canadian livestock
industry 26 years ago. Over that time they have developed an elite herd
of Red and Black Angus cattle, marketing their genetics to
international, national and local buyers. The cattle operation has
always strived to produce top end genetics that are sought after by
industry professionals worldwide. They have achieved excellence in the
Canadian livestock industry, being honoured with many prestigious
awards and accomplishments for their contributions. Wendy began
volunteering with Northlands 14 years ago. Since then she has become
the director responsible for agriculture and currently serves as vice
director in charge of agriculture. In the past few years Northlands has
developed some of the agricultural industries most groundbreaking
livestock events and programs. Through leadership, and a vision for the
future, Wendy along with the staff and other countless volunteers at
Northlands has turned these innovative ideas into successful projects.
These inventive agricultural programs have provided real and invaluable
marketing options to agricultural producers and helped to educate and
positively inform the surrounding urban population about the realities
of agriculture. Youth in agriculture initiatives have always been a
priority for Wendy. It stems from her belief in the power of youth and
a true passion for agriculture. Wendy has been involved in many boards
and committees - working towards building a foundation for young people
involved in agriculture through specific programs and events. Her most
recent and ambitious project is chairing the Green Hectares committee.
The Green Hectares project is a monumental step towards giving youth
involved in agricultural tools and support that are needed to secure
their future. The Green Hectares committee is dedicated towards
creating a sustainable future for young farmers. Through dedication,
leadership and a lifelong belief in agriculture, Wendy has helped to
stake out a positive future for today’s farmers and the next generation
of agricultural enthusiasts. Her commitment to her community and to her
industry is truly inspirational.
Speaker for September 25, 2008 is
Ruth Collins-Nakai, MD, MBA, FRCPC, MACC
Pediatric and adult congenital cardiologist Ruth Collins-Nakai — known
as “Dr. Ruth” by her patients — was born in southern Alberta. She
graduated from the University of Alberta medical school in 1972, and
after interning at McGill,
returned to Alberta to pursue pediatric training. She did her
cardiology fellowship at Harvard University, and completed an MBA in
1998.
In 1977 Dr. Collins-Nakai joined the faculty of the University of Alberta, serving in various academic positions, including Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry. She was highly regarded as a mentor and professor, earning the honour of Teacher of the Year (Pediatrics) in 1988 and 1997. In addition to establishing the Heritage Pediatric Cardiology Program, precursor of the current Western Canadian Congenital Heart Program, Dr. Collins-Nakai introduced ultrasound of the heart, helped establish an infant heart surgery program, and was the first to perform many innovative interventional catheterization procedures in Western Canada. In 2001 she left her academic position at the University of Alberta to divide her time between clinical practice and health care consulting.
Always willing to serve her profession, Dr. Collins-Nakai has worked at provincial, national and international levels in such roles as President of the Alberta Cardiovascular Society, Commissioner on the Premier’s Commission on Future Health Care for Albertans, President of the Alberta Medical Association (first woman), Chair of the Board of Governors of the American College of Cardiology (first woman and first Canadian), the President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (first woman), President of the InterAmerican Society of Cardiology (first woman) and as one of the founding members of the Governing Council of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research . She as President of the Canadian Medical Association in the years 2005-2006, only the fourth woman in its 140 year history. Professionally, she has worked on national projects ranging from physician resource planning, and health care financing in the country, to federal-provincial surveillance systems. In 2001 the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences awarded her its Distinguished Achievement Award for promoting cardiovascular education and research throughout the world and in 2005 was recognized as one of Alberta’s 100 Physicians of the Century. In 2007 she was awarded the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Lois E. Hole’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The energy, compassion, intellect and leadership Dr. Collins-Nakai generates are not confined to Medicine. She has been a strong supporter of the need for education and science in Alberta and has worked to increase research funding overall in the province and in Canada. She has encouraged and helped young entrepreneurs, and through her work on the Board of Management of the Alberta Science and Research Authority, has helped to promote a knowledge-based industry in the province. She contributed to an action research project on Women in Leadership, the results of which were released publicly in early 1999. She routinely mentors and supports young people from a variety of fields. Whether chairing a committee for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or serving a major charity such as the Muttart Foundation in its quest for better lives for children and a more effective charitable sector, or in her role on the Board of Governors for Grant MacEwan College, Ruth contributes to her community.
Dr. Collins-Nakai’s personal interests include the outdoors, golfing, skiing, reading and traveling. Her husband, Dr. S.S. (Nick) Nakai, retired from cardiovascular–thoracic surgery practice in 2001. They have two grown children, Natasha and Sunil.
Our Next Speaker for May 29, 2008 is
Eveline Charles, Founder/CEO
EvelineCharles™ Salons • Spas
Eveline Charles is the CEO and founder of EvelineCharles™ Salons •
Spas. With a daring, fresh and business-minded
approach to the salon and spa
industry, Eveline Charles quickly became one of the most recognized
names in the Canadian salon and spa industry.
In the beginning, Eveline’s strong work ethic and flare for fashion lead her to begin cutting hair professionally in 1974. Ten years later, she opened her very first salon. In true entrepreneurial spirit, Eveline seized the opportunity to be at the forefront of the day spa movement; in 1995 Eveline expanded her salon to include a full-service day spa. With great brand recognition in place, Eveline opened a second salon and spa in the West Edmonton Mall in 1998. Eager to expand further into Calgary while developing and trade-marking several product lines, Eveline stepped out from behind the salon chair to focus entirely on developing her business. With nine locations and an EvelineCharles Academy to train future professionals, Eveline is still keen to expand her brand into new cities and markets.
Driven by the words of her favorite poem, “Think big and your deeds will grow” (The Winner), Eveline Charles has grown her privately held business from a one woman operation to a multimillion dollar corporation bearing her name, EvelineCharles™ Salons • Spas.
Awards for Eveline Charles
Canada’s Most Powerful
Women: Top 100 presented by Scotiabank Group and the Ricahrd Ivey
School of Business 2007
Profit Magazine, Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs 2007 (26), 2006 (31), 2005
(36), 2004 (48)
Global Salon Business Awards, Global Salon Entrepreneur of the Year
2006, 2004
Junior Achievement Alberta Business Hall of Fame, First Female Inductee, 2003
Consumer’s Choice Awards, Business Woman of the Year 2002
Alberta Venture Magazine,
Marketer of the Year 2001
Speaker for March 13, 2008
Karen Percy Lowe
Karen Percy Lowe
Karen Percy Lowe was born
in Edmonton, Alberta and currently resides in her home town. During a
competitive downhill racing career that
started at the age of twelve,
she had raced against the best skiers on the toughest slopes in the
world. All of her hard work and training came to fruition during the
1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, when she became only the second double
medal winner in Canadian Olympic alpine skiing history, capturing
Bronze medals in the downhill and super giant slalom events.
Karen was a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, 1984 thru 1991, two time Olympic Bronze Medalist in the Calgary Olympics 1988, and a silver medalist in the FIS Alpine Ski World Championship Downhill in Vail, Colorado 1989.
Two years after carrying the Canadian flag and leading her teammates into McMahon Stadium for the closing ceremonies, only 23 years old and at the ascent of her career, Percy retired. She met Kevin Lowe, then an Oilers defenceman, at a charity softball game hosted by Wayne Gretzky in Brantford, Ont., married in 1990, has four children, the youngest is nine; the oldest 16.
Karen is an active fundraiser for numerous charities including The Ronald Macdonald Children’s Charities, ABC Compassion House Foundation, the Zebra Foundation and Go Centre. She sits on the Board of Trustees for Waterkeeper Alliance, dedicated to help keep Canada's water clean for future generations
Karen is a member of the Order of Canada, Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Our First Speaker for Jan 31, 2008 is
The Honourable A. Anne McLellan, P.C.
The Honourable A. Anne
McLellan, P.C. joined Bennett Jones LLP in its Edmonton office July 4,
2006. Ms. McLellan provides strategic advice to the firm and its
clients.
On May 12, 2006 she was appointed Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the University of Alberta in the newly established Institute for United States Policy.
She serves on the Board of Directors of Nexen, an independent, Canadian-based global energy company, Agrium, a global producer and marketer of agricultural nutrients and industrial products and a major retail supplier of agricultural products and services and Cameco, the world's largest uranium producer. She also sits on the Board of the Royal Alexandra Hospital Charitable Foundation, the Community Outreach Committee for the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and is Chair of the Friends of the Legal Resource Centre, an organization that promotes access to justice.
Ms. McLellan served four terms as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre from October 25, 1993 – January 23, 2006.
She served as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and as the first Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness in the government of the Rt. Hon. Paul Martin (December 2003 - January 2006). In addition to her ministerial duties, she chaired two Cabinet committees: the Operations Committee and the Public Health, Security and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Ms McLellan served as Minister of Health (January 2002 – December 2003), Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (June 1997 – January 2002) and Minister of Natural Resources and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (November 1993 – June 1997).
From 1976 to 1980, Ms McLellan was an assistant professor of law at the University of New Brunswick. In 1980, she was appointed associate professor of law at the University of Alberta. She served as associate dean of the Faculty of Law between 1985 and 1987 and as acting dean from July 1991 to June 1992.
Ms McLellan has also served on the board of directors of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Alberta Legal Aid and was Vice-President of the University of Alberta's Faculty Association.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Law degree from Dalhousie University and a Master of Laws degree from King's College, University of London. Ms McLellan was admitted to the Bar of Nova Scotia in 1976.