Register for the 2026 International Women's Day Leadership Conference

The University of Lethbridge International Women's Day Leadership Conference is an intentional space for empowerment, innovation, and knowledge sharing, providing greater access to the Lethbridge community. This annual one-day celebration of success and solidarity is pivotal in bringing together a diverse audience to learn from world class leaders, researchers, scholars, and creatives who will inspire and uplift the change leaders of tomorrow.

Jan. 30, 2026: Early Bird Ticket Deadline

Mar. 4, 2026: Final Registration Deadline 

Conference Agenda

9 a.m.    
Check-in, registration and breakfast (morning networking)

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

• Whitney (BMgt '06) and Kirby Maronda – The Property Twins Real Estate
• Iitoomsaokaa’sii Diandra Bruised Head (BSc '17), Indigenous Learning and Impact, Manager, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge
• Jenn Schmidt-Rempel (BA '93) - Councillor, City of Lethbridge

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   

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