Speakers - Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies

View 2026 Draft Conference Schedule Here

Carmen Andrew

Carmen is the Director of Rural Programming with Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. The Alberta Agricultural Societies Program is one of the main projects in her portfolio, in addition to the Ag-Info Centre, Agri-News and other key agricultural recognition programs like the Century Farm and Ranch Award and Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Carmen is based out of the Stettler office, resides in the central Alberta village of Delburne and is active with her community and family.

Tim Carson

Tim Carson has been involved with his local Ag Society in Redwater for more than 20 years as both staff and a volunteer. His involvement there led into the role of Director on the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Board of Directors for 2 years which was then followed by 2 years as President.

He has since stepped off of the Board and been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the association for over 10 years.

Jason Roy

Jason combines a friendly approach to technology with a deep understanding of what community groups need. With over two decades in the tech world, he has been creating tools that are simple to use and really make a difference.

At FrontDoor+, which he co-founded, Jason’s passion is to make event organizing a breeze, especially for volunteers and agricultural societies. He is dedicated to providing solutions that help your events run smoothly, ensuring that technology feels like a helpful neighbour, not a hurdle. His Mission – to make every interaction with tech as straightforward and rewarding as possible.

Marty Stevens

CFCW Sales Manager & National Ag Specialist

Born & raised in rural Alberta.

35 years experience at 840 CFCW.

Helping clients standout with limited budgets and rotating committee members.

Has attended every Rodeo, Fair, Parade and Dog & Pony Show in the CFCW listening area… and even remembers a few.

Tannis Baker

Tannis brings her knowledge and experience of over 15 years working in beverage-alcohol to the culinary tourism industry at Food Tourism Strategies (FTS), an Alberta-based consulting firm with a passion for growing and sharing the local food scene. Tannis was appointed Executive Director of the Alberta Culinary Tourism Alliance in 2014 as a result of her leadership and deep experience in food marketing, wine and spirits, sales and education fields.

In 2015, Tannis was named 50 Most Influential Albertans by Alberta Venture Magazine. Previous to this, Tannis was project lead of market research on Food Marketing & Policy at the University of Calgary, and was Brown-Forman’s Director of Business Development for Western Canada. She is a sessional instructor for the hospitality program at Olds College, and sits on the Advisory Committee for the program. Alongside her FTS partner Rheannon Green, their programs have been nominated for and won several awards, including an Alto Award for Collaborative Marketing, and a Canadian Tourism Award for Best Culinary Experience.

Marc Haine

Marc Haine is a customer and employee experience strategist, keynote speaker, and author who helps organizations keep people engaged without adding more work.

With over 30 years of experience in hospitality, retail, and leadership, Marc understands the real pressures faced by boards, volunteers, and frontline teams. He is the author of Lights! Camera! Action!: Business Operational Excellence

Through the Lens of Live Theatre and, known for practical, people-first sessions that use plain language, humour, and real examples, Marc hosts a YouTube channel with over 280,000 downloads. Marc’s focus is simple: help organizations work better together and keep good people involved.

Billi Miller

Billi J. Miller is a Canadian writer, photographer, and speaker who celebrates the magic of rural life. Since trading city living for a prairie farm in 2010, she has spent 15 years capturing the heart, pride, and resilience of rural communities.

The author of four books—including the acclaimed Farmwives series—her work shines with honesty, humour, and heart, documenting stories that often go unseen. Her writing and photography have been featured in publications across North America, and through her books, freelance work, and speaking, she inspires others to see the beauty in where they come from—and where they’re going.

Billi lives on a mixed cattle and grain farm in east-central Alberta with her husband and two daughters.

Joel Cowley

Joel Cowley was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Stampede on September 1, 2021. Prior to taking on his current role, he spent 15 years with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, including seven years as president and CEO.

His experience also includes serving as the president of Angus Genetics Inc., working in the International and Foodservice Divisions at Certified Angus Beef LLC, serving as an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at Michigan State University, and coaching the livestock judging team at Texas A&M University.

He holds an M.B.A. from Michigan State University, a M.Sc. in Animal Science from Texas A&M University and a B.Sc. in Animal Science from Colorado State University.

Jesse Schewchuk

Jesse Schewchuk is a multi-award-winning television producer, keynote speaker, and bestselling author with more than 20 years of experience in media and storytelling. She is the Founder and CEO of Modern Muse Media and the Founder of The Menopause Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for women navigating major life transitions.

After experiencing early-onset menopause, burnout, and serious health challenges, Jesse chose to speak openly about what many women feel—but rarely say out loud. Her work helps women understand what’s happening in their bodies and minds, without shame or blame.

Jesse’s sessions are honest, practical, and deeply relatable. She combines real-life stories with simple tools that help women protect their energy, set boundaries, and let go of guilt. Her message is clear and empowering: taking care of yourself isn’t weakness—it’s leadership.

Eileen Kotowich

Farmers’ Market Specialist, Food Science & Development Section
Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation - Government of Alberta

Eileen Kotowich is the provincial farmers’ market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and has worked with farmers’ markets since 2004. She works closely with the market managers, boards, sponsors and vendors to help clarify the Guidelines, and provide coaching on conflict resolution, market rules, bylaws and regulations. She sits on the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association board of directors as a non-voting ex officio advisor, helping them to achieve their goals as the voice of Alberta farmers’ markets. When not on a boat fishing in the summer, she can often be found visiting our approved markets throughout the province.

Vince Brennan

Vince is a Life Director with Quinte Exhibition and was the Livestock Committee Chairman and 4-H Regional Championship Show Chairman for many years. Vince is a past 4-H member and has been a 4-H leader for over twenty-five years.

He is an Ontario 4-H Past President, serving on the Ontario 4-H Board of Directors from 2000 to 2004.

He was awarded the ‘Agri-Food and Communities Volunteer Recognition Award’ by the University of Guelph in 2004 and the ‘Syngenta 4-H Ontario Arbor Award’ in 2005 for his many years as a 4-H volunteer. In 2014, he was inducted into the Quinte Agricultural Wall of Fame.

Vince was involved in the local Jersey and Holstein Breed Associations and served as Chair, International Marketing Committee, for Jersey Canada for several years.

He has been an Official Dairy Judge for over 40 years and has judged several national and state shows in Brazil and Colombia, South America, and the Royal Ulster Show in Ireland.

Vince has been the County Administrator of the Hastings Federation of Agriculture for the last 12 years and is currently on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture policy review committee

Since 2015, Vince has been the Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies. In November 2024, Vince was awarded the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions' highest award with the "ROLL of HONOUR", and in February 2025, Vince received the "King Charles III's Coronation Medal for his significant contribution to Canada for his leadership and outstanding achievement over the years.

Monika Warring

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Monika Warring and I have been with the Government of Alberta for a little over 8 years. About 3 years ago I joined the Rural Policy and Programming Section as Grant Program Support. I process the Agricultural Societies Annual Grant and Annual Return applications and assist with the review of Bylaws.

Those are just a few of the many ways I am available to assist agricultural societies. I can be found in the Stony Plain Office of Alberta Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development. An original Eastern transplant I have lived in Alberta for over 30 years and currently live in the Lac Ste Anne County.

Melanie Harty

Melanie Harty is a CPA and certified Family Enterprise Advisor with Doane Grant Thornton LLP. She helps business owners build their family legacy and successfully transition their businesses to the next generation. Melanie assists with specialty tax work, farm succession, corporate reorganizations, and amalgamations.

Melanie leverages her broad experience to guide businesses and non-profits through their tax planning initiatives, estate and succession planning, accounting, auditing, and financial management. She has worked with clients across various industries, including agriculture, construction, oil and gas, retail, and family businesses.

Prior to joining forces with Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Melanie was a managing partner at BVA LLP and, before that, spent time working on her family farm. This experience allows her to provide clients with a real-world perspective for their businesses.

Kryssie Thomson

Kryssie Thomson is a third-generation fair leader who has lived it all as a volunteer, a board member, and a community builder. She knows the reality behind the midway lights: the binders that go missing, the volunteers who run on fumes, and the legacy that risks being lost when knowledge walks out the door.

Through her work with Fair Systems that Work, Kryssie cuts through the noise with no BS, humour, and tools that actually make a difference. She shows fairs and exhibitions how to capture hard-earned wisdom, honour the people who came before, and hand the reins to the next generation with confidence rather than chaos.

Mary Dawn Eggleton

With 25+ years in mental wellness, Mary Dawn Eggleton brings experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive. Over the past 7 years, she has taken on leadership roles, guiding teams and building programs that foster resilience, mental health, and strong community ties.

Mary Dawn is passionate about creating spaces where people feel connected and supported. At home, Mary Dawn is a proud parent of four, actively involved in their interests—from BMX racing to competitive show jumping. Surrounded by laughter and adventure, her life reflects her values of connection, growth, and authentic living.

Shaharyar Ahmad

Robin.Guide

Shaharyar Ahmad leads growth & partnerships at Robin, an SMS communication platform built for event organizers who need to reach attendees instantly. Working with agricultural societies, festivals, and conferences across Canada, Shaharyar helps organizations turn communication from a cost center into a revenue stream.

Shaharyar works extensively with Alberta's agricultural fair community, understanding the unique challenges of running traditional, high-attendance events with volunteer-driven teams. His approach focuses on practical results over technology hype, helping fairs generate new revenue while actually improving (not complicating) their operations.

Before Robin, Shaharyar ran a creative consultancy called Afters, bringing different and creative experiences to attendees at events (covering music, art, and dancers from different scenes).

When not building a business, you'll find Shaharyar backpacking across the globe, reading fiction, and playing sports.

Brittany Miller

Brittany Miller is a dynamic social media & marketing consultant, speaker, and educator who empowers businesses and personal brands to navigate the complexities of social media with simplified, actionable strategies.

Since founding her consultancy and speaking business, Brittany has partnered with diverse industries—including healthcare, finance, travel, hospitality, non-profits, municipalities, and personal branding—guiding them through their digital marketing journeys. With over a decade of experience, she has transformed the online presence of more than 100+ clients worldwide, helping them shift from scattered and inconsistent to cohesive, memorable, and engaging—driving significant growth in visibility and audience engagement.

In her high-energy keynotes and training sessions, she combines storytelling, firsthand experiences, and impactful visuals to create clear roadmaps for standing out online. She also pulls from the latest trends and insights in the marketing world to help businesses & industries understand what works and where to adjust for maximum impact.

As a prolific content creator, Brittany shares insights on effective social media strategies and personal branding, consistently delivering value to business owners and service providers. Known for her engaging teaching style, she equips audiences with tools and practical strategies that yield measurable results, leaving them inspired and ready to elevate their online presence.

Ian Hill

Humanitarian, Business Leader, Award Winning Social Innovator, Professional Development Pioneer, and World Record Breaker; these are some of the words often used when referring to Ian Hill.

Today, Ian is CEO of the National Grassroots Media Corporation and its family of networks. These Digital TV networks reach into 87% households across Canada and the US, as well 4.1 billion mobile devices around the world.

Currently, Ian is attempting to set his 2nd world record by becoming the oldest man to play NCAA Division 1 college football in the US. This effort is to bring light to the alarming suicide rates in our communities. He just finished playing at Antelope Valley College in Lancaster California where he was the starting Longsnapper.

Ian is also known for his humanitarian effort, “Let Them Be Kids”, of which he is the founder and volunteer CEO. This initiative built 168 playgrounds, skate parks and fitness parks across Canada and the World Leisure Congress named the Let Them Be Kids program one of the foremost innovative social leisure programs in the world.

The National Council for Community and Justice and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, recognized Ian for his commitment to positive change, by naming Ian Humanitarian of the Year. Canadian Business legend, Harry Rosen, presented Ian with the Alder Business Leaders award, and he was nominated for the Prime Minister's “Social Innovator of the Year Award.

Karen Bergland

Karen says she has horticulture in her DNA. Growing up on Vancouver Island, her whole family gardened together. Karen is an Olds College grad, with a Diploma in Vegetable Production. For more than 30 years Karen’s community of Stony Plain has benefited from her horticultural skills- running a horticulture maintenance business, volunteering with the Stony Plain Horticultural Society, teaching a comprehensive school horticulture program, and exhibiting at local fairs. Karen also has a passion for photography. She takes photos at every fair she visits.

In 2016 Karen became an accredited horticulture judge through the Alberta Horticultural Association. As a board member, she took on the responsibility for coordinating the AHA Judging Program in 2019. Working with bench show convenors, Karen has enjoyed meeting amazing volunteers, travelling throughout Alberta, sharing experiences with fellow judges, and hearing many people’s gardening experiences and challenges. Karen is keen to share with you what she has learned.

Kevin Halliday

Kevin Halliday is a transformation coach, speaker, and podcast host who works with men to help them think clearly, live stronger, and stay connected—to their families, their work, and their communities.

Kevin’s journey is grounded in lived experience. After years of carrying extra weight, unhealthy habits, and quiet pressure, he made a decision to change how he lived and showed up. That decision led him to rebuild his health, his mindset, and his purpose—eventually becoming a natural bodybuilding champion and a respected voice for men navigating midlife and leadership.

Colin Gosselin

Colin is the Sr. Project Coordinator for the Rural Programming Section at Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. Colin has been focused on the agricultural societies program for the last several years and has been involved with rural affairs more broadly for over 15 years. He “keeps it rural” with his wife and two children in Lac Ste. Anne County an is based out of the Department’s Stony Plain field office.

Marcus Weber

Landview Drones

Markus will be entering his 12th season with ag drones this year, and the “future tech” he once imagined is now everyday farm gear. From weed ID and cattle locating to full-field spraying, drones have exploded in capability.

Heather Karst

Heather grew up on a mixed beef and grain fam in southern Saskatchewan before completing her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. She has then spent almost 22 years in Agriculture lending in Saskatchewan and Alberta. 10 ½ years at RBC, just over 3 years at AFSC, and the last 8 ½ years with Servus.

In her spare time, she likes to read a good book or spend time walking her 2 dogs. She loves the outdoors and camping, as well as hanging with friends and family. When time and money allows, she loves to travel, and explore new places and cultures.

Adam Wolfe

Adam is a Senior Wealth Advisor with over 13 years of financial industry experience. He is a designated Certified Financial Planner® and Registered Retirement Consultant®.

Born and raised in the Red Deer/Innisfail area, Adam has strong ties to the community. Adam's family owned a small business in Innisfail which developed his passion for helping local small business and rural communities.

He started his career with Servus Credit Union after graduating from Red Deer College with a Diploma in Finance. In his time with Servus, Adam has been recognized with the President's Award of Excellence and is a 5-time participant in Aviso's Advisor Recognition Program. Adam lives in Red Deer with his wife and 2 children and is a long-suffering supporter of the Calgary Flames. In his spare time Adam enjoys playing Slo-pitch, travelling with his family, and spending time whipping up a meal for family and friends.

Winston Gamache

Winston joins AWES with expertise in horticulture, agroecology, and agroforestry. He has a passion for all things gardening especially perennial crops and tree fruit crops. He loves exploring the ways trees and human systems interact and planning resilient systems.

With a background in biochemistry and biology, years of experience in horticulture, and perspective from being raised on a farm, Winston helps to support our shelter belt and agroforestry projects as well as our extension work.

Penny Lees-Smith

Penny Lees-Smith is a highly respected insurance professional with over 22 years of industry experience and is licensed across Canada as a commercial insurance broker. She is a key member of the All Insurance Ltd. Drayton Valley team, where she specializes in providing tailored insurance programs for a wide range of sectors, including:

• Tourism & Outfitting insurance programs

• Transportation and fleet risks

• Oil & Gas contractors and service providers

• Faith-based churches & Christian schools

• Non-profit and charitable organizations

• Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability

Penny’s leadership and service extend far beyond the insurance world. She has been deeply involved with Kin Canada for over 30 years, serving in numerous leadership roles—including being elected National President in 2013. Her outstanding dedication has earned her multiple national awards for service and contribution.

She is also passionately committed to her community. Penny has been actively involved with her local Royal Canadian Legion, contributing to veterans’ support and community initiatives. She also served on the Board of the local Safari Club International (SCI) chapter, supporting responsible conservation, habitat stewardship, and the outdoor heritage community.

Penny brings unmatched experience, heart, and professionalism to every client relationship. Her ability to understand the unique risks of specialized industries—combined with decades of community leadership—makes her a trusted advisor to individuals, businesses, and organizations across Canada. Penny is married to Brian Smith, is the proud mother of three sons, and a very proud grandmother of six grandchildren.

Leanne Niblock

Executive Director, Alberta SPCA

A "forever farm kid" from northwestern Alberta to the helm of one of the province’s most respected animal welfare organizations, Leanne Niblock’s journey has been a long and winding one. Her story is one of purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment to the creatures who share our world.

Raised among horses, cattle, and the loyal companionship of cats and dogs, Leanne’s connection to animals was forged early and deeply. Her formative years in 4-H taught her not only how to care for livestock, but how to lead with empathy and integrity, values that have shaped every chapter of her career.

Leanne’s professional path began in broadcast journalism, where her agricultural roots gave her a unique edge. As an agriculture reporter in Lloydminster, she brought rural stories to life with authenticity and insight. Her journalism career culminated with a national role covering Alberta and Saskatchewan. But her calling extended beyond the newsroom. Transitioning into strategic communications, Leanne continued to champion causes close to her heart, most notably, helping launch the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, a milestone that underscored her dedication to animal health and education.

Her leadership journey reached a new pinnacle in 2023 when she was appointed Executive Director of the Alberta SPCA, only the fourth person to hold this role in the organization’s 65-year history. With this position, Leanne now steers a province-wide mission to ensure every animal is treated with dignity and compassion. Her impact is not confined to boardrooms or policy papers. In her personal life, Leanne has fostered over a dozen rescue dogs, understanding firsthand the ripple effect of opening one’s home to an animal in need. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: when you foster one, you save two.

Leanne brings a systems-thinking approach to the complex challenges facing animal welfare today, from economic hardship and climate displacement to the evolving needs of communities across Alberta. Her vision is bold: to position the Alberta SPCA as a thought leader, driving innovation and collaboration across the sector.

Max Fritz

Max brings a unique suite of skills from an extensive business background. His previous senior positions and working with agricultural societies and fairs at the community, regional and national levels have created a passion for advocating for Alberta’s world class landscape, the critical fabric of rural communities and the people that care for it so well. He is approachable and a perceptive individual who enjoys working with organizations in building realistic strategic solutions that advances their relevance and purpose; this blends well in his current leadership position with a regional land conservation organization where he has the pleasure of safeguarding the beauty of our natural landscape in partnership with ranchers and farmers that share those same values.

Celina Caesar-Chavannes

Celina Caesar-Chavannes is a visionary leader at the intersection of neuroscience, leadership, and social transformation. Currently a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at Queen’s University, her research explores how cognitive and emotional processes influence leadership, decision-making, and self-actualization. She applies these insights through The Awakened Leadership Institute (TALI), which she founded in 2024 to equip individuals and organizations with neuroscience-backed strategies for authentic leadership, fostering self-awareness, well-being, and transformation.

A trailblazer in politics, Celina served as the Member of Parliament for Whitby, where she held key roles, including Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Minister of International Development. Her fearless advocacy for mental health, equity, and social justice earned recognition from O (Oprah) Magazine, Chatelaine, and numerous national and international platforms.

Celina’s academic credentials include an Executive MBA from the Rotman School of Management, an MBA in Healthcare Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. She is also a certified health and meditation coach. Before entering politics, she founded Resolve Research Solutions Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neurological conditions. Her best-selling memoir, Can You Hear Me Now? (Random House Canada), and her contributions to various publications cement her expertise in leadership, diversity, and social change. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered talks at the United Nations, Harvard University, and other global forums, sharing insights on neuroscience, leadership, and social justice.

Celina has received numerous accolades, including Chatelaine Woman of the Year and the Mental Health Parliamentarian Award. Through her work, she remains committed to

transforming lives, fostering inclusivity, and restoring our collective humanity with joy.

Through her PLAY for Leaders framework, Celina redefines “play” as a serious leadership

capacity grounded in neuroscience. Centered on Purpose, Learning, Authenticity, and Yes, it helps leaders build clarity, adaptability, and trust—restoring creativity and resilience in times of change.

Perry Cramer

Perry Cramer has been in the insurance industry for 16 years, getting his start as a State Farm Agent while attending college.  He grew up in Red Deer and eventually moved to Edmonton to study business at MacEwan University.  After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Commerce he joined Foster Park Brokers as an Account Executive and Partner.   Foster Park Brokers was acquired by NFP Canada in 2021 and has since grown to over 1,000 employees across Canada. 

Currently based out of Edmonton, Perry and his team offer a broad and cost effective insurance solutions for all types of businesses.  While specializing in Agricultural Societies, Perry also insures other non-profits, political associations, farms, and other private businesses.  Perry also serves as the board treasurer at the Strathcona Christian Academy and volunteers as a hockey and ringette coach.  He currently lives on an acreage outside of Ardrossan with his wife and three kids and enjoys playing hockey in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.   

Clifton Lofthaug

Clifton Lofthaug is the President of Great Canadian Solar Ltd.

Patricia Thomson

NFP Canada Corp

Having worked alongside Perry Cramer for over 14 years, I bring a wealth of experience in supporting Agricultural Societies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Together, we’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges these organizations face. Our shared expertise has enabled us to specialize in providing strong and economical insurance programs tailored specifically to Agricultural Societies.

Sydney Jerome

Sydney Jerome is a MacEwan University Professional Communications graduate with years of experience in Edmonton’s fast‑paced nighttime economy, managing some of the city’s high-volume venues.

Born in Ontario and raised in Alberta, she now works with AAAS through Best Marketing Co., where she loves supporting volunteers because they are generous, kind people who make their communities thrive.

Sydney has always had a passion for people, whether creating memorable experiences in hospitality or helping communities share their stories. As a lifelong horse girl and rodeo fan, she blends that love of connection with her passion for animals, storytelling, and agriculture to help organizations showcase their impact across the province.

Miki Stricker-Talbot

Executive Director, Volunteer Alberta

Miki Stricker-Talbot believes in co-creating futures where people, communities, and whole systems thrive. Based on Treaty 6 lands in Edmonton, she serves as Executive Director of Volunteer Alberta and as a Network Steward with the Alberta Nonprofit Network. Working alongside a brilliant and passionate team of changemakers, Miki helps nurture the conditions for communities of connection and wellbeing through volunteerism and civic engagement. Her work is grounded in curiosity, care, and a belief that systems can — and should — work better for everyone.

Miki's career has wound through public service and the nonprofit sector, with experience in the arts, event production, policy development, systemic design, social innovation, and complex project management. Miki is co-founder of the U.N.I.C.O.R.N.S. (the United Network of Innovative Change Agents Organizing to Realize New Strategies), a global network for public sector innovators, and of the Calgary Fringe Theatre Festival Society. She has been recognized as an Avenue Top 40 Under 40 alumna, a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader, and recipient of both the Alberta Centennial and the King Charles III Coronation Medals.

An unabashed optimist, Miki is a jewelry maker, volunteer in her community, and collector of half-read books. Most importantly, she is the mom of two amazing humans who help her (un)learn more about the world every day.

Rochelle Nieuwenhuis

Community Co-Researcher

Rochelle loves the feeling of bare feet in mud, the sound of soul-stirring wind or coyotes in the distance, and the beauty of highbush cranberries and bane berries as they grow and change. She comes from multiple worlds – the academic world of mathematics, microscopes, spreadsheets, and data; the non-profit world of drop-in centres and frontline workers trying to create thriving community with people experiencing homelessness and poverty; and the family-lineage-world of Dutch settlers in rural farming communities.

Working at InWithForward, Rochelle has worked on community-based research and design projects on topics ranging from housing affordability, child welfare, developmental disabilities, encampments, grief and loss, and community care. She’s curious about learning & practicing what it means to have deep social connections that bind us together as humans. How do we build networks of care that are reciprocal and dignified rather than falling into “giver-vs-needy” dynamics? How do we live out ideas such as solidarity, doing with not for, agency and dignity, restorative practice, kinship, freedom and belonging, and healthy team cultures?

Fun fact: Rochelle has attended clown school and can occasionally be found as her clown Bella Donna at festivals in Edmonton!

Darcie Sabados

Doane Grant Thornton

Darcie Sabados is a CPA and Partner specializing in tax at Doane Grant Thornton LLP. She assists clients with corporate reorganizations, estate and succession planning, and tax planning.

As a compassionate professional, Darcie is dedicated to delivering exceptional service and advice to clients. Her passion lies in collaborating with clients to optimize their tax solutions, enabling them to succeed. The sense of fulfillment derived from helping clients achieve their goals is truly rewarding for Darcie.

After achieving their CA designation in 2007, Darcie decided to specialize in taxation by completing the CICA In-Depth Tax program from 2007 to 2010. She continued their studies in taxation by completing CPA Canada's In-depth tax issues for the owner-managed business course during 2012 and 2019.

Laura Rackel

Servus Credit Union

Laura Rackel is the Market Director for Servus Credit Union’s Commercial and Agricultural Cash Management team, bringing over 27 years of experience in the banking industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Crop Science, providing her with a strong foundation in both agricultural operations and financial strategy.

In addition to her leadership role, Laura is a mother of three and a small‑-scale agricultural producer in Parkland County. Her deep roots in agriculture and hands‑-on experience as a producer uniquely position her to support Alberta’s business and farming communities with practical, informed financial solutions.