It is important as leaders that we should not be afraid to tell our stories as well as celebrate our successes and failures. Too many times, women and individuals who are racialized, trans, queer or those with disabilities have had to shrink to fit themselves into spaces and places that were not built for their bodies or stories. This inaugural conference is the first of many institutional forums that is keenly focused on fostering welcoming spaces of belonging for all voices as well as the possibility and celebration of our excellence as women/trans/queer or two-spirit individuals.   
 
The conference is also about bridging the University, community, and its alumni network. This event will formally establish the ULethbridge Inspiring Leaders Forum for knowledge sharing, innovation, celebration, empowerment, and access for the Lethbridge community.  This year’s conference will focus on the importance of representation, safety, sponsorship and trust. The speakers will delve into how to become a successful leader in a highly complex and rapidly changing space and share key leadership advice or insights on staying true to one’s values, story and identity. This day is a celebration of success of community and solidarity but also of support in how one can navigate failures.  The University has brought together an impressive group of leaders, change makers, innovators and educators to uplift, challenge and inspire. 

 

Dr. Dena McMartin is the Vice President, Research at the University of Lethbridge and a leading researcher in rural and agricultural water management. She is both a Professional Engineer and Professional Agrologist who works extensively with industry, community, and government partners to address emerging priority issues relating to water quality and quantity. For more than 20 years, she has partnered on active solutions to characterize and remediate Athabasca Oilsands process water and she currently serves on the International St Mary and Milk Rivers Study Board of the International Joint Commission. Dena also contributes to several national and regional engineering, science and innovation boards focused on integrating diversity into science and engineering research and technology development. As the ULethbridge VP Research, Dena has responsibility for the collective effort of creating opportunities to advance innovation and impact of academic research, scholarship and creative arts.
Learn more about Dena here.

 

Dr. Michelle Helstein, appointed Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at the University of Lethbridge, has a wealth of experience as a researcher and senior administrator. Formerly the Interim Deputy Provost, she plays a pivotal role in President Dr. Digvir Jayas’s leadership team. Since 2003, Michelle’s ULethbridge career has seen her take on increasingly significant roles, including overseeing Academic Advising, the Indigenous Student Success Certificate and Cooperative Education, and acting as Associate Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. Her impactful research challenges perceptions of sport and popular culture, exploring their intricate connections to broader social, political, and economic processes while focusing on the representation of female athletes. Recognized for her work, Michelle actively supports student research and graduate education at ULethbridge.  
Learn more about Michelle here.

 

Martha Mathurin-Moe, originally from Saint Lucia, West Indies, is the Vice-Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Lethbridge. With a diverse academic background, including a BA from Universidad Central de Las Villas, Cuba, and an M.Ed. from the University of Regina, she is currently a PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction. With a rich professional history spanning roles in banking, finance, human resources, and international education, Mathurin-Moe is a 2016 recipient of the University of Regina's President’s Award for Service Excellence. As a values-based leader, she advocates for inclusive learning environments, promoting representation for students of all backgrounds. Passionate about equitable workplaces, she brings expertise and dedication to her role. Outside of work, Martha enjoys cooking, reading, and travelling with her partner Jared.