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Alumni

Calling All Leaders!

Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

 

The nomination period for our annual Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award is open from March 15th - April 30th, 2024. You do not need to be Leadership Saskatoon alumni to nominate someone, although the recipient does need to be part of the alumni. 

The award celebrates leaders who have made a significant contribution to Saskatoon and area, grown collaboration, supported inclusion and diversity, and continue to promote Leadership Saskatoon.  

Previous Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award winners include Jason Aebig, Kelley Moore, Bill Brooks, Betty Mutwiri, Nancy Lautner, and Laurie O’Connor.

The Nomination Form is available here and can be submitted to [email protected] by April 30th. We encourage you to nominate an outstanding leader and Leadership Saskatoon alumni so they can be recognized and celebrated!

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Class of 2023

Class of 2022

 

Alumni Reviews

With Leadership of Saskatoon I was able to identify my values, my strengths and what I need to work on as a leader. It gave me excellent tools to work with team building, personal awareness, and relationship building. Even though the program was done entirely via Zoom, I felt that the cohort showed-up and the lessons were very well explained and the material valuable.

 

Amanda Martins Barbosa, Class of 2021

Leadership Saskatoon challenged me most in learning more about who I am, what I need, and how I communicate with others. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to participate in Leadership Saskatoon and would definitely recommend the program.

 Jennifer Chadney, Saskatchewan Health Authority, 2019 Alumna

When I began Leadership Saskatoon, I anticipated it would help me in my new role as a leader within my organization. I also assumed that it would be similar in nature to other training sessions and PD experiences I’ve been part of. I quickly learned it was going to be so much more. It truly has been a journey of personal growth and has provided me with knowledge, insight and understanding that I’ve been able to readily put in to practice and that I am using every day in all facets of my life. Even more importantly, Leadership Saskatoon has been a gift that has helped me greatly develop my self-assurance and inner confidence. Leadership Saskatoon has truly been a transformative experience for me.

 

Brandy Pilon, Saskatoon Student Child Care Services Inc., 2019 Alumna

Ten months ago I didn’t believe I was a leader and questioned why I was asked to attend Leadership Saskatoon. I didn’t like being vulnerable and was unsure of myself, however, I was open and ready to grow. Today, I have a new appreciation for my cohort and have built relationships that I hope will last a life time. I actually embrace the uncomfortable and new situations because I have watched myself change and grow into a leader. Leadership Saskatoon helped me realize that I am a leader, that I am not alone, and gave me the tools to continue to grow on my leadership journey.

 

 Amber Neuls, City of Saskatoon, 2019 Alumna

This program made me a more confident leader. I was able to apply my newly learned skills on the job. Not only was this a benefit to me, it also had a direct impact on the development of my Team. It has resulted in a positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies Inc., 2018 Alumna

I am grateful for my experiences at Leadership Saskatoon, right from the very first meeting until the last day. Organizing a group of leaders within the community and allowing them the space to work on themselves openly and freely to become better leaders holds immeasurable value, not only for the individual, but for the community in which we lead.

 

Krystal Nieckar, OUTSaskatoon, 2018 Alumna

Leadership Saskatoon provided me an invaluable toolkit of resources, and the confidence to apply them in my professional and personal lives. More so, it provided me a network of like-minded individuals to share the journey with and relationships I will take with me far beyond graduation day. A truly special experience. 

 

Lindsay Arnott, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, 2017 Alumna

Class of 2022

Past Participants

 

Alumni Reviews

With Leadership of Saskatoon I was able to identify my values, my strengths and what I need to work on as a leader. It gave me excellent tools to work with team building, personal awareness, and relationship building. Even though the program was done entirely via Zoom, I felt that the cohort showed-up and the lessons were very well explained and the material valuable.

 

Amanda Martins Barbosa, Class of 2021

Leadership Saskatoon challenged me most in learning more about who I am, what I need, and how I communicate with others. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to participate in Leadership Saskatoon and would definitely recommend the program.

 Jennifer Chadney, Saskatchewan Health Authority, 2019 Alumna

When I began Leadership Saskatoon, I anticipated it would help me in my new role as a leader within my organization. I quickly learned it was going to be so much more. It truly has been a journey of personal growth and has provided me with knowledge, insight and understanding that I’ve been able to readily put in to practice and that I am using every day in all facets of my life. Even more importantly, Leadership Saskatoon has been a gift that has helped me greatly develop my self-assurance and inner confidence. Leadership Saskatoon has truly been a transformative experience for me.

 

Brandy Pilon, Saskatoon Student Child Care Services Inc., 2019 Alumna

Ten months ago I didn’t believe I was a leader and questioned why I was asked to attend Leadership Saskatoon. I didn’t like being vulnerable and was unsure of myself, however, I was open and ready to grow. Today, I have a new appreciation for my cohort and have built relationships that I hope will last a life time. I actually embrace the uncomfortable and new situations because I have watched myself change and grow into a leader. Leadership Saskatoon helped me realize that I am a leader, that I am not alone, and gave me the tools to continue to grow on my leadership journey.

 

 Amber Neuls, City of Saskatoon, 2019 Alumna

This program made me a more confident leader. I was able to apply my newly learned skills on the job. Not only was this a benefit to me, it also had a direct impact on the development of my Team. It has resulted in a positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies Inc., 2018 Alumna

I am grateful for my experiences at Leadership Saskatoon, right from the very first meeting until the last day. Organizing a group of leaders within the community and allowing them the space to work on themselves openly and freely to become better leaders holds immeasurable value, not only for the individual, but for the community in which we lead.

 

Krystal Nieckar, OUTSaskatoon, 2018 Alumna

Leadership Saskatoon provided me an invaluable toolkit of resources, and the confidence to apply them in my professional and personal lives. More so, it provided me a network of like-minded individuals to share the journey with and relationships I will take with me far beyond graduation day. A truly special experience. 

 

Lindsay Arnott, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, 2017 Alumna

Alumni Committee

Don Ravis Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

The award celebrates alumni who have made a significant contribution in the community, grown collaboration, supported inclusion and diversity, and continue to promote Leadership Saskatoon.

Current Winner : Laurie O’Connor – 2023

Leadership Saskatoon is thrilled to announce that Laurie O’Connor, a distinguished member of our alumni and community leader, has been honoured with the Don Ravis Alumni Award. This recognition serves as a testament to Laurie O’Connor’s outstanding achievements, remarkable contributions, and unwavering commitment to excellence and community leadership. 

The Don Ravis Alumni Award is one of the most esteemed accolades presented annually by Leadership Saskatoon to recognize exceptional accomplishments and service among our alumni. Each year, this award is bestowed upon an alumna who exemplifies the highest standards of professional success, community engagement, and dedication to fostering positive change in our community of Saskatoon and area. 

Laurie O’Connor’s leadership both within the Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre (SFBLC), within the community of Saskatoon, and across the country is exemplified by many of the Leadership Saskatoon beliefs, specifically “Leading is about inspiring, supporting, challenging and encouraging team members.” 

Over the course of the last 15 years, Laurie’s vision and leadership has created one of the most influential and innovative food banks in Canada. Recognizing the deep-rooted inequities that create the need for their services, Laurie has cultivated a team that is committed not only to the emergent needs of clients and the community but also to upstream factors that create and perpetuate the need for emergency food. 

“Leadership is a journey full of surprises and challenges, and opportunities. So many of those would have remained undiscovered were it not for my involvement with Leadership Saskatoon. These moments refuse to be forgotten and present a gift, the chance to lead. It’s a privilege I deeply appreciate”, Laurie O’Connor explained. 

“We are incredibly proud to call Laurie an ally, friend, and alumni of Leadership Saskatoon. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to addressing food insecurity, homelessness, poverty, and inequity are remarkable and demonstrate true leadership in our community”, said Kimberly Kroll-Goodwin, Executive Director of Leadership Saskatoon. “Laurie’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of a Leadership Saskatoon’s education, and we are honored to count her among our esteemed alumni.” 

Laurie was formally honoured during the graduation ceremony of Leadership Saskatoon and was presented the award by Don Ravis, community leader, philanthropist, and co-founder and long-time friend of Leadership Saskatoon. 

Previous Recipients of Don Ravis Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

 

2022 – Nancy Lautner

2021 – Betty Mutwiri

2019 – Bill Brooks

2018 – Kelley Moore

2017 – Jason Aebig

Cherry Insurance-Leadership Saskatoon Community Leadership Award

 

2017 – Namarta Kochar

2016 – Zeba Ahmed

2015 – Tom Kischuk

2014 – Milton Taylor

2013 – Dave Dutchak

2012 – Kirby Wirchenko

2011 – Om Kochar

2010 – Ayten Archer