Inspiring Leadership Forum presented by TD
Go Far, Together
Inspiring leadership Forum presented by TD — March 27, 2024
The University of Regina’s Inspiring Leadership Forum is a premier leadership development event that is focused on women — bringing people together from Saskatchewan and beyond to hear the inspirational stories of internationally renowned leaders, and to connect with colleagues and peers. In celebration of our 15th anniversary, the theme for 2024 is Go Far, Together. Drawn from the University of Regina’s tagline and inspired by a spirit of hope and compassion, it acknowledges that only through a collective spirit do we stand the best chance to succeed. Each of our 2024 featured speakers embodies that collective spirit in their own ways and are doing their part to change the world — and the role of women in it. "Our 15th annual Inspiring Leadership Forum will see us moving together in unison," says Pam Klein, Chancellor, University of Regina and Chair, Inspiring Leadership Forum. "We move together in unison, and in one direction —forward. We go far, together."
I always say, women who help other women lift all of us up. I think that Go Far, Together is the perfect way of thinking to help lift us all up, and move us forward. It's about the society we want to live in.
Meet our 2024 Keynote Speakers
Masih Alinejad
Masih Alinejad is an Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist who gained worldwide attention when she removed her hijab and posted a photo on her Facebook page standing proudly with her hair blowing in the wind. Described by The New York Times as "The woman whose hair frightens Iran", Alinejad wrote the widely acclaimed bestselling memoir, The Wind in My Hair, sharing her extraordinary story about living in exile, leaving her country, challenging tradition, and sparking change. In July 2022, Alinejad made news for surviving an assassination attempt while in her home in New York. She was named one of Time magazine's Women of the Year for 2023, and her commitment to human rights has won her the UN Watch’s International Women’s Rights Award, the AIB Media Excellence Award, the Swiss Freethinker Association’s Freethinker Prize, and the American Jewish Committee's Moral Courage Award among other honours.
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado
Silvia Vasquez-Lavado is a humanitarian, advocate, mountaineer, and explorer. In 2014, she launched Courageous Girls, a not-for-profit that helps survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking. Courageous Girls has had projects in Nepal, India, the United States, and Peru. In 2016, Vasquez-Lavado climbed Everest, and two years later completed all the Seven Summits, becoming the first openly gay woman to do so. Her memoir, In The Shadow of the Mountain, tells her remarkable story of heroism and community, one which awakens in all of us a lust for adventure, gratitude for the strong women in our lives, and faith in our own resilience.
Lisa LaFlamme
Lisa LaFlamme has been at the forefront of journalism for more than 30 years, traveling the globe, delivering breaking news, and bringing it back home to Canadians. The veteran journalist is the recipient of 12 Canadian Screen Awards, consecutive RTDNA awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award for broadcasting and journalism. In 2023, The Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television awarded LaFlamme with the Gordon Sinclair Award in recognition of her “exceptional body of work in broadcast journalism.” In addition to her many awards and honours, Lisa LaFlamme is also a recipient of the Order of Ontario and in June 2019, was named Officer of the Order of Canada.
What to Expect in 2024
The 2024 Inspiring Leadership Forum presented by TD promises to be a day of thought-provoking presentations and exciting networking opportunities. Above all, the Forum is about connection. Be a part of meaningful interactions inspired by the University of Regina’s new institutional identity – Go Far, Together.
Saskatchewan Leaders Panel
A special feature of the Forum is the Saskatchewan Leaders Panel featuring a moderated discussion with women leading in a variety of sectors.
Meet the Panel
This year, we’re pleased to present a discussion on the life-changing power of mentorship with Jen Dubois BAdmin’15, Owner, Miyosiwin Salon Spa; Susan Flett BAdmin’93, President and CEO, Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan; Charlene Gavel BAdmin’94, President and CEO, SaskTel; Celina Philpot, CEO, Conexus Credit Union; and moderator Bernice Richard, COO, Custom Agricultural Intelligence Inc.
Meet the Leadership Panel in our Inspire Me! blog post, The Power of Mentorship.
Agenda
7:30 a.m. |
Registration, breakfast, and coffee |
8:40 a.m. |
Webcast is live for Livestream attendees |
8:45 a.m. |
Conference opening |
9:05 – 10:05 a.m. |
Keynote Presentation and Q&A with Masih Alinejad |
10:05 – 10:35 a.m. |
Networking/Livestream break |
10:41 - 11:41 a.m. |
Keynote Presentation and Q&A with Silvia Vasquez-Lavado |
11:41 a.m. – 12:55p.m. |
Lunch and Networking/Livestream break |
1 – 2:05 p.m. |
Saskatchewan Leaders Panel: Mentorship Edition |
2:05 - 2:20 p.m. |
Inspiring Leadership Academic Fellowship presentation |
2:20 – 2:55 p.m. |
Networking/Livestream break |
3 – 4:00 p.m. |
In Conversation with Lisa LaFlamme |
4 - 4:10 p.m. |
Announcement of 2025 Inspiring Leadership Forum and keynote speakers |
4:15 p.m. |
Conference Closing and look-ahead to the U of R’s 50th Anniversary celebration |
Inspiring Leadership Academic Entrance Fellowship
Inspiring tomorrow’s leaders lies at the heart of the University of Regina’s Inspiring Leadership Forum. As our event has grown over the years, so too have our plans to increase support for young leaders.
The Inspiring Leadership Academic Entrance Fellowship — a four-year $30,000 scholarship — recognizes students who, through their commitment to academic success, volunteer activities, and community leadership, have demonstrated the potential to lead.
A portion of the event proceeds supports this Fellowship. The purchase of your 2024 Inspiring Leadership Forum ticket will help students achieve their academic goals at the University of Regina, and realize their dreams.
Meet this Year's Recipient
Telia Lafontaine is a first-year student enrolled in the University of Regina’s Faculty of Nursing. A high-achieving student, Telia has also volunteered her time to several not-for-profit organizations including St. John Ambulance, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and Regina Open Door Society, where she has helped welcome Syrian refugee families to Regina through their Welcoming Community for Newcomers program.
Following graduation from the U of R, Telia plans to pursue work as a registered nurse in rural Saskatchewan. “Small towns are still struggle trying to recruit, maintain and retain health workers because it is not an easy life,” Telia says. “But what I see in rural towns is strength of community, strength of family, and strong values. I look forward to learning new things, and being a part of a small community while helping others get through their medical challenges.”
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from mountaineering have been the opportunities to work as part of a team. When you’re mountaineering, you're not leading yourself. The goal is not for you to reach your end goal —the goal is for everybody to accompany you as far as they can.
Livestream Tickets Now Available
We’re thrilled to report that in-person tickets to the 2024 Inspiring Leadership Forum presented by TD are now sold out.
Livestream tickets are available for $95 (plus taxes) and include bonus access to a recording of all Forum presentations for 30 days following the event.
I believe that the time has come when we have to get together, and we have to stick together. We’re not just fighting for women and men who are fighting autocracies — we are fighting for democracy across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Viterra International Trade Centre at REAL District.
This year the Inspiring Leadership Forum is proud to present the following keynote speakers:
- Masih Alinejad, Iranian-American journalist and women’s rights activist.
- Silvia Vasquez-Lavado, Humanitarian, advocate, mountaineer, and explorer.
- Lisa LaFlamme, Award-winning broadcaster and journalist.
A complete agenda of the day’s events is available in the Agenda section above. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program will begin at 8:45 a.m. We expect the day to wrap up at approximately 4:30 p.m.
Yes, complimentary onsite parking at the Viterra International Trade Centre at REAL District will be available to all in-person participants.
Yes. The International Trade Centre is located entirely on one floor, with accessible push-button openers for doors and wheelchair accessible washrooms. Please advise us during registration if you have any other special requirements.
This map will provide directions for travel by Regina Transit via TransitLive.
For wheelchair accessible transit, visit Regina Paratransit.