Speakers
Keynote Speakers
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Session Speakers
CALL FOR PRESENTERS
We invite you to submit your proposal to present at the 21st Annual Contact Conference.
Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.
We invite you to submit your proposal to present at the 21st Annual Contact Conference.
Deadline for submissions is October 1, 2025.
Aaron Adair has been an educator for 23 years in K-12 and adult education. Currently, with the Saskatoon Industry Education Council (SIEC), he collaborates with his colleagues and community partners on career exploration and financial literacy programs for youth such as SaskMoney, employABILITY, Digitized, and various Spotlight on Careers events. Aaron also co-developed the Enough Already online training courses, Creating Harassment-Free Workplaces, and he recently led the creation of a youth-focused, blended learning entrepreneurship project—SaskMoney Start.
Prior to joining the SIEC, Aaron taught for 16 years with Saskatoon Public Schools where he developed a passion for maximising student engagement and facilitating practical professional learning. In the 2024-2025 school year, he has supported over 200 teachers around the province with the implementation of the new Financial Literacy 10 curriculum. Aaron has earned two graduate studies credentials: Master of Curriculum Studies (University of Saskatchewan) and Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design (Royal Roads University).
Brent Hills is the incoming Executive Director of the Saskatoon Industry Education Council, beginning May 4, 2026. Following a distinguished 32-year career with Saskatoon Public Schools, Brent brings a deep commitment to student success, community connection, and meaningful career pathways for youth.
Throughout a career that has spanned roles from teacher to Deputy Director of Education, Brent has remained dedicated to helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and pursue opportunities aligned with their passions. Known for a collaborative, relationship-centred leadership style, Brent is guided by a strong belief in the power of education, community, and partnerships to shape a healthy, vibrant society.
Brent brings extensive experience in program development, governance, and partnership building, along with a passion for expanding opportunities that connect education and industry. He is committed to building on SIEC’s strong foundation while advancing its strategic vision and impact across Saskatchewan.
Namarta Kochar is a collaborative executive who bridges professional leadership with a recognized dedication to community building and social inclusion. Through her various leadership roles, she works to create positive impact in both industry and the community.
Namarta is the CEO of Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan and holds roles in the community as a public representative on the Drug Advisory Committee of Saskatchewan for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and as a member of the TCU Place Board of Directors. Previously, she served as Chair of the City of Saskatoon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee. She has been invited as a guest speaker on various topics including women in leadership and equity, diversity and inclusion, and has been a sought-after master of ceremonies for significant events.
Her contributions have been formally honoured with several prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, among other honours. Namarta has also been recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s Women of Influence by SaskBusiness Magazine and a YWCA Saskatoon Woman of Distinction.
Dr. Norman Amundson is a professor emeritus from the University of British Columbia. He has worked in the career development field for over 40 years. During this time, he has published many books and articles. Most recently, he has co-authored Career Wayfinder: Discovering your career through delightfully practical projects. Most of his books and workbooks have been translated into multiple languages and are highly regarded in the Career Development field.
In his work, he emphasizes the importance of creativity, imagination, storytelling, dynamic action, metaphors, and hope. He has presented his work at many national and international conferences (in more than 30 countries) and has been recognized by many national and international professional associations for his leadership and contributions in the career development field.
Donnalee has led a wide range of national, provincial/territorial career and labour force development initiatives. She has represented Canada at the EU, edited an award-winning career magazine for youth, and has facilitated the development and implementation of several policy, service and organizational change frameworks for territorial, inter-provincial, and Pan-national bodies. She is a respected researcher who has authored many leading-edge reports featured in the Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, the Financial Post, CBC radio, and a CBC documentary on Generation Y. She is passionate about the career development field and works to bring its potential to the labour market and workforce development goals of individuals, communities, governments and organizations.
Laura Bence is the Director of Safety and Member Services at Service Hospitality, leading the delivery of safety programs and services that support member workplaces across Saskatchewan. She works closely with employers to build the capacity for effective and sustainable health and safety programs, while also championing initiatives that spotlight workplace safety for Saskatchewan’s young workers. Laura holds a Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and is a Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor through the Canadian Mental Health Association. She is passionate about making workplace health and safety — particularly mental health — practical, engaging, and accessible for all workers.
Roxanne Brass is the Team Lead for SaskJobs at the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training and has over 21 years of experience in various roles within the Government of Saskatchewan. Roxanne is a proven leader dedicated to excellence. Her collaborative nature allows her to work well with diverse teams.
Roxanne has a deep connection to SaskJobs.ca, having spent over a decade helping clients use the job board and supporting employers and job seekers with recruitment, skills training, and retention strategies. In 2017, she participated in a citizen-centred focus group for the National Job Bank/SaskJobs.ca partnership, and in 2019, she became the Team Lead.
Outside of work, Roxanne enjoys life on her acreage with her husband and their fur babies, Leo, Taco, and Lyla.
Elan Buan is an experienced researcher, strategist, and facilitator with over 25 years of work supporting economic development, workforce planning, and industry advancement across Saskatchewan and Western Canada.
Elan has extensive experience working across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her work spans research, economic development, and workforce development—with a strong focus on rural communities.
In 2025, Elan became the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC)’s first Manufacturing Consortium Manager for the province of Saskatchewan.
EMC is proud to support workforce development initiatives across Canada by helping manufacturers attract, train, and retain the talent needed to grow and stay competitive.
Through industry-driven programming, partnerships, and practical resources, EMC connects employers with workforce solutions that strengthen skills, improve productivity, and build long-term capacity in the manufacturing sector.
In Saskatchewan, EMC is helping elevate workforce development by working closely with regional manufacturers and partners to support skills training, workforce readiness, and career pathways that meet local industry needs – while contributing to a stronger national talent pipeline for Canadian manufacturing.
Elan is actively involved in her local community, serving in leadership roles with the Humboldt & District Chamber of Commerce, Carlton Trail College, and other organizations. She is also deeply committed to advancing reconciliation and supporting Indigenous economic development, ensuring that First Nations and Métis communities are meaningfully included in Saskatchewan’s future workforce.
Curtis Clements, BSc, BEng, BEd, MEd, has been with the Saskatoon Industry Education Council (SIEC) for eight years, implementating the CanCode program—an initiative that supports underrepresented students in developing digital skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer networking. Prior to this role, Curtis worked for five years as an Environmental Engineer and spent twelve years teaching high school. He is passionate about hands-on learning and enjoys sharing that passion with teachers and students across Saskatchewan.
Kira is eager to expand partnerships and strengthen advocacy for the settlement sector in Saskatchewan in her role as Bilingual Urban Coordinator. Born and raised in Saskatoon, she brings a deep connection to the province alongside a global perspective shaped by her academic, professional, and travel experiences.
Kira’s appreciation for multiculturalism developed through working and studying in diverse environments where she was consistently made to feel welcome. These experiences inspired her commitment to fostering the same sense of belonging for individuals and families new to Saskatchewan. While completing a degree in Political Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Kira spent a year studying at l’Université Robert Schumann in Strasbourg, France. During this time, she participated in a mock debate at the European Parliament—an experience that strengthened her interest in public policy, dialogue, and cross-cultural collaboration.
In 2018, Kira began her work in the settlement sector with Saskatoon Open Door Society, serving as a Volunteer and Program Coordinator. In this role, she supported newcomer integration initiatives, contributed to the Afghan Refugee Resettlement efforts, built meaningful partnerships, and played a key role in welcoming newcomers to the community. Her work reflects a strong commitment to collaboration, community-building, and responsive settlement services.
Proud to call Saskatchewan home, Kira also serves on the board of her local community association, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to civic engagement. Outside of work, she enjoys meeting new people and is always happy to strike up a conversation—especially if it’s about plants.
Bill Fahlman, BEd, UCCD(AU), has over 30 years of teaching experience focusing on the areas of Practical and Applied Arts, Career Education, and Science. This is Bill’s eighth year with SaskCode and sees SaskCode as a great ally to teachers who seek to incorporate coding, robotics, artificial intelligence, design and problem solving into their teaching.
Sherry Faris is the Program Manager at the Saskatoon Branch of SaskAbilities and oversees all Vocational, Recreation and Day Programming. She has over 15 years of experience in every aspect of supported employment. An innovative leader and thinker, Sherry leans on her background in psychology and philosophy to inform her person-centred approach. She is the program and creative lead of SaskAbilities interactive employment training resource, We Sell Donuts, An employment comedy of errors. In her spare time, Sherry enjoys time with her twin boys, long walks, and punishing workouts at the gym.
Ryan Fredrickson serves as the Provincial Director of Advocacy and Procurement at the Construction Associations of Saskatchewan, representing the Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, and Saskatchewan Construction Associations. Committed to enhancing the construction industry in Saskatchewan, Ryan collaborates closely with stakeholders to drive positive changes. With a tenure of 5 years at the Construction Association, Ryan brings a wealth of experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Operations Management and Human Resources. Before joining the Association, Ryan spent a decade working in various capacities for an excavating company in Saskatoon, building on a legacy of three generations in the construction field.
Andrea Fruhling is the founding director of Doubleknot Works, co-author of the recently published book Career Wayfinder: Discovering your career through delightfully practical projects, and an ICF-Certified Organizational Coach. Andrea is a Mentor Coach & Instructor for UBC’s Organizational Coaching certification program, and the developer and lead instructor for the 8-week Career Coaching Practitioner course at UBC. Andrea has the distinction of being the only certified expert trainer for the Hope-Action Theory and was instrumental in developing the Certification in Hope-Action Theory course, which has certified hundreds of career practitioners in the use of this theory. Andrea is a certified facilitator in the LEGO® Serious Play® Methodology, always embedding metaphor and creativity into all aspects of her work.
Rodelle grew up on a farm and started her first job as a metal fabricator in high school before earning her Bachelor of Commerce and MBA from the Edwards School of Business.
Her career began in Human Resources, working with companies such as Hitachi and Doepker Industries, where Rodelle later moved into senior leadership roles. Along the way, she earned her CPHR designation, became a Lean Black Belt, and spent years helping organizations build better teams and stronger systems.
Rodelle also taught university classes in HR and employment law.
After over a decade in HR, she made a big pivot. Rodelle left her role as VP, People & Culture, to start Hometown Homes, a custom design-build company in Saskatoon.
Today, she leads an award-winning business known for energy efficiency, quality homes, including the two most recent Hospital Home Lottery showhomes. Her business has earned national awards and numerous local awards, including Customer Choice Awards for the past 5 years in a row.
In addition to running Hometown Homes, Rodelle is still involved in HR through her consulting work with small businesses.
Bonnie Grove is the Senior Supervisor at SaskAbilities, Partners in Employment and a certified Supported Employment Practitioner. Her 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, combined with her background in counselling and psychology, inform every aspect of her approach. She is a best-selling author of fiction and non-fiction, including two novels and a forthcoming short story collection. She is a co-creator of the SaskAbilities employment skills video series, We Sell Donuts, An employment comedy of errors. When she’s not working or writing, Bonnie likes to read, hang out with family, and force herself to go to the gym.
Lori Hall is a project consultant with Career Enhancement Programs and Services in the Centre for Continuing Education at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Institute. Lori has been integrating Essential Skills for Success into training and learner development over the past decade, delivering employment programming to residents of Saskatchewan in a diverse, inclusive learning environment committed to innovative enhancement of fundamental workplace skills for success.
As Executive Director of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), Sareena works in Canada and internationally to strengthen the reach and impact of career development. With her team at CCDF, she moves from ideas to action in areas of public policy, research and development, capacity building and advocacy. Sareena has been instrumental in a wide range of strategic leadership initiatives in Canada and internationally, including the development of our field’s Competency Framework, Code of Ethics, and approach to national certification. She is Chair of the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy and is an active member of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ National Advisory Panel on Labour Market Information. In 2014, Sareena was awarded the International Gold Medal for Leadership in Career Development. Sareena lives, works, and plays (most of the time!) in Ottawa with her partner and a poorly behaved, but extremely sweet cat. Sareena can be reached at [email protected]
Evan Jamieson is the Director of Program Development at the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. He has several years of experience working in Alberta and Saskatchewan as a Construction Electrician, and is a Red Seal Journeyperson in that trade. As Director of Program Development, he manages all of the curriculum, assessments and supporting documents for trades training in the province. His team works with training providers and industry advisory boards to help deliver Red Seal training and assessments that incorporate relevant knowledge and skills for industry in the province. Additionally, the Program Development team provides quality assurance for trades training in the province and provides valuable information and reports to apprentices on their path toward journeyperson certification.
Tia Larocque-Graham is a proud nehiyaw iskwew from Waterhen Lake First Nation in Treaty Six territory and serves as the Director of Innovation at the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT). Based in Saskatoon, she leads pawâcikêwikamik: The Innovation Collective, Cree for “the lodge to support those who dream,” an initiative that brings together Indigenous knowledge systems, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies to support the next generation of Indigenous innovators.
Her work spans entrepreneurship, pathway development, and community-driven innovation, grounded in the belief that Indigenous peoples deserve to take up their rightful space in every sector. Whether it’s through business development, cultural programming, or tech-enabled initiatives, her goal is always the same: to empower Indigenous people to pursue their visions on their own terms. Through initiatives that weave culture, creativity, business development, and technology, Tia supports learners and communities in building confidence, strengthening capacity, and creating opportunities that reflect the full breadth of Indigenous knowledge, leadership, and possibility.
With a background in Psychology, an area she complements with Indigenous ways of knowing, Tia approaches innovation through a relational, community-centered lens. She is a lifelong learner committed to representation, inclusion, and opening doors for Indigenous peoples to forge their own paths. Outside of her work, Tia finds joy in raising her son, Koen, who inspires her commitment to building a future where Indigenous children see themselves reflected in every space they choose to enter.
Melanie Lavallee Usselman has been an educator for 29 years, beginning her career with Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools in the elementary grades before moving into middle years education. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, Treaty Catalyst Teacher, Learning Assistance Teacher, and teacher in a Grade 8/9 behaviour support program.
Since the fall of 2021, Melanie has been seconded to the Saskatoon Industry Education Council as a Mental Health Education Coordinator for the Mind Over Matters program. As part of this role, she facilitates and develops trauma-informed professional development for educators and community professionals. These sessions have been widely attended and consistently receive excellent feedback for their practical, neuroscience-informed approach and positive impact on professional practice.
Véronique Loewen is a senior communications professional with more than 25 years of experience shaping strategic narratives in complex, highly regulated environments. She is the owner of Verolingo Communications and previously oversaw communications, public relations and philanthropy at Orano Canada.
Véronique holds a master’s in applied languages and an MBA, the ICD.D corporate director designation, and multiple professional certifications in communication and English-French translation.
She currently serves on the boards of Saskatoon Co-op and Prairieland Park. A founder of Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan, and the Honorary Consul of France in Saskatoon, she is widely respected for her leadership, community service, and commitment to strong governance and inclusive communication.
Christine Marie is a Métis and Filipino mother of two, award-winning entrepreneur, sought after speaker and the Founder & CEO of Awāsis Boutique. Awāsis meaning “child” in Cree, reflects the heart of the brand: honouring Indigenous language, culture and identity through meaningful design. Along with creating partnerships that reflect reconciliation in action while ensuring these relationships are ethically and respectfully carried out.
While taking time away from teaching to be a stay-at-home mother, Christine drew on her background in Home Economics and Native Studies to explore a new creative path. What began as sewing a few bibs and aprons for fellow moms, sparked by interest on social media, quickly grew into consistent demand. After researching the Canadian market, Christine discovered there were no Indigenous-inspired apparel brands dedicated to babies and children in Canada. That gap became the catalyst.
Just four months later, Awāsis Boutique launched in February 2018 as an online shop. Within months, the brand caught the attention of customers across the country with multiple sell outs and retailers across Saskatchewan and Alberta, leading to early partnerships with various retail spaces. What started at a kitchen table and a sewing machine has since grown into a nationally recognised brand, earning Christine honours such as CBC’s Top 40 Under 40, SOAR pitch competition winner, YWCA Woman of Distinction, the WESK Indigenous Entrepreneur Award + more.
Today, Awāsis Boutique offers apparel and lifestyle goods for the entire family and their allies, Indigenous-designed for all. The brand has expanded to include bulk and custom orders, collaborative merchandise, guest speaking, and workshop services.
In 2023, Awāsis opened its first retail storefront in Saskatoon, and in 2025 faced the Dragons on Dragons Den, further amplifying its mission and reach. Representation matters. When you support Awāsis Boutique, you are not only investing in quality, thoughtfully designed products, you are contributing to Indigenous language revitalisation, cultural education and meaningful community impact. Through initiatives such as the Every Child Matters campaigns and collaborative fundraising efforts,
Awāsis Boutique has donated over $120,000 back into the community as of 2025. Supported by a growing team, the brand continues to create change, one product at a time.
Bryan is a community-minded business leader who co-founded 3twenty Modular, a leading design-builder of buildings using a modular process. Bryan has a decade of experience building collaborative teams with the goal of providing win-win relationships and fun projects for owners.
Bryan appeared on CBC’s hit TV show Dragons’ Den, where 3twenty successfully slayed the dragons, gaining W. Brett Wilson as a partner. Since then, 3twenty has built over 1000 buildings for educational, commercial, industrial, and residential market in all corners of Canada. 3twenty has built a reputation of innovation, trust, and collaboration.
Bryan is a graduate of the Edwards School of Business and is a CPA. Bryan is married to Carmen, a high school teacher, and is a proud father to Foster, Lincoln, Pearson and Tilly.
Nahanni Olson (B.A. (Hons), B.Ed.) is a member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. She has been an educator and advocate for Indigenous student success in urban settings and core neighbourhood school communities for the last 18 years, and currently is the Director of the BIRM Program through a partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Public Schools. Nahanni’s current role is to support the development, implementation, and expansion of the BIRM program in collaboration with USask and SPSD to support the post-secondary pathways of Indigenous youth in Saskatoon.
James Ouellette is a strategic leader specializing in partnership development and workforce initiatives for Indigenous agencies. With thirty-six years in human services, he combines deep community insight with practical strategies to connect employers and job seekers, strengthen collaborations, and drive sustainable workforce outcomes. As Senior Director of Employment & Strategic Initiatives and founder of i~Connect Consulting, James applies both traditional leadership principles and innovative approaches to build meaningful, results-driven partnerships.
David Potts-Schwinghamer grew up next to a potash mine and didn’t know anything about the careers mining offered or the vital role of mineral resources in Saskatchewan and beyond. Today, as Program Manager, Minerals Connected at the Saskatchewan Mining Association, David is passionate about sharing about the province’s mineral resources and the diverse, rewarding careers the industry offers.
David holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, blending business acumen with an educator’s perspective. Beyond work, David serves on the Board of Directors of the Lung Foundation of Saskatchewan and enjoys long hikes with his basset hound, Copper.
About the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA): The SMA is an industry-driven organization representing the mining and mineral exploration industry within Saskatchewan. SMA’s mission is to advance a safe, sustainable, and globally competitive exploration and mining industry in Saskatchewan that benefits all residents of the province.
Tristyn serves as the Lead for the Indigenous Student Employment Readiness Program. As a proud Métis woman, she deeply values the opportunity to celebrate her culture alongside friends and family. With a rich background as a middle-year classroom teacher, Tristyn has dedicated her career to working with Indigenous youth, finding great joy in helping them explore and embrace their cultural identities.
A graduate of the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teachers Education Program, Tristyn holds a Bachelor of Education and is driven by a passion for deepening her understanding of her Indigenous heritage. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Indigenous Education, furthering her commitment to both personal and professional growth in this field.
In her spare time, Tristyn enjoys canoeing, getting lost in a good book, and practicing her skills in beading—a craft that connects her more deeply to her cultural roots.
Dr. Monique Simair is a scientist-entrepreneur and innovation leader, currently serving as the inaugural Director of the Slogotski Hunt Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Saskatchewan. She is a two-time exited founder who built and led companies in the mining and environment sector including Maven Water & Environment, which was awarded Saskatchewan’s ABEX Business of the Year (2022). Trained as a biogeochemist, her work bridges science, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem solving. Her work has earned national recognition, including Eco Canada’s Eco Impact Award, Chatelaine’s W100, multiple business achievement awards, and USask’s Alumni of Influence Award.
Janvi Tuteja currently serves as the Saskatchewan Rural Coordinator at the provincial umbrella organization for immigration, where she provides comprehensive support to settlement organizations across the province. Her role focuses on fostering partnerships, coordinating resource sharing, and ensuring newcomers—particularly in rural and remote communities—have access to essential settlement services.
She has extensive governance experience, having previously served on the board of the India Canada Cultural Association (ICCA). She is currently a board member with both the Peoples Bridge Advocacy (PBA) and Crime Stoppers, contributing her leadership, community insight, and cross-sector perspective to support economic development, public safety, and community well-being.
In collaboration with the provincial government, she works on several strategic initiatives, including leading an international recruitment mission in September 2024 to India, the Philippines, and the UAE to attract skilled talent to Saskatchewan. She is also the provincial lead for the Temporary Foreign Workers project, overseeing strategies that support worker integration and retention.
An active community leader, she is deeply involved in organizing events with cultural associations across the province. Since 2016, she has served as the event planner for Saskatoon’s Annual Diversity Awards Gala. Her background also includes high-level experience as a mental health corrections officer, delivering youth empowerment workshops, advocating nationally on immigration and settlement policy, and contributing to GBA+ initiatives to ensure equity-informed programming.
