The University of Lethbridge is presenting a powerhouse lineup of international and local visionary female leaders for its 2027 International Women’s Day Leadership Conference.
“Every year, around International Women’s Day, ULethbridge hosts this popular event to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and leadership achievements of women,” says Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost, Accessibility, Belonging & Community at ULethbridge. “Our speakers will share their experiences leading with hope through complex times and how we all rise together when we build, innovate and create together.”
The fourth annual conference takes place March 10, 2027, and will shine a light on women who have been working to intentionally reshape workplaces and build stronger communities. The 2027 conference theme — When Women Rise Together, Communities Thrive — explores how when women support one another, lift each other up and make space for diverse voices and experiences, individual impact becomes collective change.
The keynote speakers include Dr. Waneek Horn-Miller (LLD ’22), Olympian and Indigenous health and reconciliation activist and Dr. Jessica Riddell, founder of Hope Circuits Institute and professor, Bishop’s University.
Horn-Miller is from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory near Montreal and the former co-captain of Canada's Olympic women's water polo team. She has worked with the Assembly of First Nations to develop their sport, fitness and health strategy. The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity recently named her one of Canada’s most influential women in sport. In 2022, Horn-Miller received an honorary degree from ULethbridge.
Riddell is a nationally recognized educator, public intellectual and higher education leader and the inaugural Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence at Quebec’s Bishop’s University. She’s the best-selling author of Hope Circuits: Rewiring Universities for Human Flourishing (MQUP, 2024) and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
There will be a fireside chat with the following alumni and community builders:
- Dr. Bernadine (Bernie) Boulet (BEd '88, LLD '25) Co-founder, Green Shirt Day
- Ashley Day Chief (BASc '14) Chief Operations Officer and Co-owner, AdvancedAg Inc.
- Karen Reid (BMgt '86) Chair, Board of Governors, ULethbridge
“Our alumni panel is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when women support, inspire and learn from one another. Our women’s leadership conference creates a ripple effect that extends beyond a single individual to strengthen our entire community,” says Helstein. “We are proud to bring these voices together to inspire the next generation of women leaders right here in Lethbridge.”
Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge’s Vice-President (Research) adds, “This annual conference celebrates women in leadership and how by challenging boundaries, inspiring curiosity, we all can spark moments of impact and lift each other up. By doing so, we create stronger communities that create spaces where people can live, learn, grow and contribute.”
Early bird-tickets are limited and on sale now for this annual one-day event. Early bird pricing is in effect until Jan. 15 and the registration deadline is Feb. 26, 2027. Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are also available until Jan. 29, 2027. For more information, visit go.uleth.ca/womensconference.