2026 International Women's Day Leadership Conference
Disrupting the Superwoman Narrative, Embracing the Power of Rest
REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 2025!
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Science Commons Atrium
University of Lethbridge
Parking Information (Ticket price includes parking in Lot N. Please display on dash.)
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The University of Lethbridge is pleased to launch its 2026 International Women’s Day Leadership Conference under the theme Disrupting the Superwoman Narrative, Embracing the Power of Rest. This year’s theme centres on creating courageous spaces for critical conversations with change-makers in the community.
This is an opportunity to discuss topics not usually raised in the course of daily conversation, yet are a necessary part of expanding knowledge and inquiry, on campus and beyond. As an institution committed to engaging with and serving all our internal and external communities, we commit to being a champion and contributor for southern Alberta. We strive to create spaces that continuously inspire curiosity and excitement for everyone.
Join us for a day filled with insights, conversation and networking opportunities that will uplift, ignite and inspire.
Conference Agenda - March 11, 2026
| 9 a.m. | Check-in, registration and breakfast |
| 9:45 a.m. | Dr. Dena McMartin, Vice-President, Research | Welcome and Introductions |
| 9:50 a.m. | Staah’tsi’naims’skaa’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under the Sky, Catherine Hunt | Elder Prayer and Blessing |
| 9:55 a.m. | Karen Reid, Board Chair | Greetings from ULethbridge Board of Governors |
| 10 a.m. | Dr. Digvir Jayas, President and Vice-Chancellor | Greetings from University of Lethbridge |
| 10:05 a.m. | Opening Keynote: Jully Black, Canada's Queen of R&B Soul, multi-Juno award winner |
| 11 a.m. | Lunch and Networking Break - Photo with the Artist |
| Noon | Wellness Pause: Breathe, Stretch and Energize |
| 12:15 p.m. | Leadership Panel - Lethbridge Leaders and Change-makers |
| 1:15 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 1:30 p.m. | Closing Keynote: Dr. Malinda Smith, Associate Vice-President (Research EDI), University of Calgary |
| 2:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks – 2027 Keynote Speaker Announcement |
The University of Lethbridge seeks to build ongoing relationships and partnerships to elevate this event and highlight the impact of corporate philanthropy within our community. If this aligns with your strategic vision, we would love to partner with you!
Thank you to all our valued sponsors! Please watch for next year's opportunities.
OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Jully Black, Canada's Queen of R&B Soul, Multi-Juno Award Winner
Jully Black will talk about the complexities of navigating social activism and community organizing as a Black artist. She will share insights on staying grounded, taking care of oneself and remaining authentic while working for change.
Jully Black is a Canadian Icon and Global Star, dubbed Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul with a record-breaking success as an award- winning singer, actress, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and fitness guru. A multiple Juno Award winner and Canada’s Walk of Fame inductee, Jully is a platinum-selling artist named one of ‘The 25 Greatest Canadian Singers Ever’ by CBC Music.
She has performed alongside global icons like Elton John, Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Black Eyed Peas, Jessie Reyez, Paris Richards and Drake. Furthering her role as a positive change agent, Jully launched in 2018 the 100 Strong and Sexy fitness challenge, and in 2020, she introduced The Power Of Step, a successful Step Aerobics and Personal Transformation Coaching practice with global reach. She is also a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community and in 2022, she founded the Jully Black Family Foundation, offering scholarships to help women pursue education.
Lethbridge Leaders Panel
Whitney (BMgt '06) and Kirby Maronda – The Property Twins Real Estate
Whitney (BMgt '06) and Kirby Maronda lead a dynamic team of realtors dedicated to providing exceptional service. They have consistently been recognized as Top Producing Realtors as well as being voted the Best of the Best for individual Realtors and team for multiple years. The Maronda twins are not only committed to real estate but also to giving back to their community, actively participating in numerous organizations and fundraisers.
Iitoomsaokaa’sii Diandra Bruised Head (BSc '17), Indigenous Learning and Impact, Manager, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge
Iitoomsaokaa’sii Diandra Bruised Head is Kainaikii, and a graduate of Lethbridge Polytechnique (RRM ’16) and the University of Lethbridge (B.Sc. Enviro Sciences, '17).
She is pursuing a Master’s in Conservation Leadership at the University of Guelph, integrating her Western education with her Blackfoot values and exploring the intersection of human leadership and environmental health. Her work focuses on building a strong case for trans-boundary, landscape-scale rematriation of Iinnii / buffalo through ecological corridor networks and implementing a hoof-to-ground model within Siksikaitsitapi Sao’aohkiohtsi Blackfoot territory.
Jenn Schmidt-Rempel (BA '93) - Councillor, City of Lethbridge
Jenn Schmidt-Rempel (BA '93), a lifelong Southern Albertan and entrepreneur, was elected to Lethbridge City Council in 2021. Her career includes publishing Lethbridge Living magazine for a decade, partnering with several restaurant franchises, and now co-owning a communications and marketing consulting firm.
She has served on the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Board, Police Commission, Chinook Arch Regional Library Board, and chaired Economic Development Lethbridge. A passionate supporter and advocate of Lethbridge, Jenn's work is dedicated to sustainable growth, innovation, and community belonging. She is a firm believer that leadership thrives when we embrace rest while emphasizing the balance between action, authenticity, and renewal.
CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Dr. Malinda Smith, Associate Vice-President (Research EDI), University of Calgary
Dr. Malinda’s talk will explore the concept of the “glass cliff,” drawing on her research to examine how this dynamic affects opportunities, expectations, and outcomes faced by women in leadership, especially those who are racialized.
Dr. Malinda Smith is a distinguished scholar and leader with a PhD in political science from the University of Alberta and multiple degrees from Western Michigan University, including an MA, MDA, and a BA magna cum laude in political science and criminal justice. At the University of Calgary, she is a member of the Senior Leadership Team as the inaugural Associate Vice President (Research-EDI).
She serves as Co-Chair of the President's Task Force on EDIA, Chair of the Dimensions EDI Executive and Steering Committees, and Lead on the CFREF-One Child Every Child Equitable Pathways Accelerator and Equitable Pathways Council. Her research focuses on equity, anti-racism, pluralism, and hidden figures in the Canadian academy. Dr. Smith is the co-author, editor and co-editor of eight books and numerous articles.
Our Hosts
Dr. Dena McMartin
Vice-President Research, University of Lethbridge
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.
Dr. Michelle Helstein
Provost and Vice-President Academic, University of Lethbridge
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.
Martha Mathurin-Moe
Vice-Provost, Accessibility, Belonging and Community, University of Lethbridge
Martha Mathurin-Moe, originally from Saint Lucia, West Indies, is the Vice-Provost of Accessibility, Belonging and Community 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.
We can't wait for you to join us at this wonderful conference!
Please reach out to our Accessibility, Belonging and Community Office with any questions: belonging@uleth.ca.