Yuliya holds a PhD in Medical Sciences with an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialization from the University of Alberta and was an active WCHRI member throughout the duration of her studies. She worked on a variety of pregnancy disorders and focused on the role of the placenta in the development of these disorders. After her graduation in 2022, she joined the CIHR- Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health as the Lead of Institute Programs. Currently, she is a Senior Business Partner at Alberta Innovates working on the Enabling Better Health through Artificial Intelligence file and supporting the Alberta Clinical Research Consortium file.

Amita Shariff brings over 30 years of experience in managing and delivering complex global implementations across various industries. Her expertise spans initiatives such as Electronic Medical Records and data repository integration in healthcare, Human Resources and Payroll systems, multiyear roadmaps for private and public companies, data warehousing and governance for insurance firms, authentication solutions, and business transformation in both sectors. She has defined governance strategies for portfolios exceeding $500 million, established and implemented PMOs for medium to large organizations, and has 20 years of expertise in recovering failing programs and projects. Amita has introduced impactful change management practices to clients globally, managed large-scale cybersecurity initiatives, and led portfolios, programs, and projects with teams of over 350 resources. Her extensive experience makes her a proven leader in driving successful outcomes in complex environments and now she is serving as Senior Director, Portfolio Management and Strategic Planning.

She focuses on creating empowerment and accountability management processes that engage and guide rationalized communities in developing self-managed communities, thereby activating opportunities with measurable results. Through her unique Leadership Development coaching approach, she helps underserved communities elevate growth and develop the necessary skills for accelerated progress. As an Agile Leadership Coach, she assists value-driven communities in identifying and solving the right problems to optimize their ROI and grow rapidly under pressure.

Collaborating with potential stakeholders and sponsors to identify and pursue higher achievements within the potential capacity of different marginalized groups is her core expertise. Cultivating trust and safety for stakeholders and community builders to co-create their relationships with their members for sustainable diversity and development to deliver higher results in a timely manner is her core value.

She has helped communities build a resilient culture by focusing on a growth mindset and performance improvement during times of change. Through her Accountability Management Approach, she supports them on a path to success, enabling them to manage uncertainty and ambiguity while making informed decisions that consider all internal and external factors.

She has designed a science-based business development model focusing on accountability management and personal and professional development to measure change and success through 25 behavioral indicators and 5 enablers for communities to identify higher member engagement and predict unpredictable factors while creating a healthy lifestyle.

Marcus Ewert-Johns is a senior leader with 25 years of experience working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. He has served in strategic advisory roles to foster innovation, build new organizations, and strengthen processes and teams. Marcus has led organizational renewal, change management, and strategic business transformation projects at Fortune 500 companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and complex government organizations.

Since 2016, Marcus has supported government efforts to train, employ, and settle refugees, leading to the establishment of NW Skills. Here, he supports companies in improving competitiveness and assists job seekers, including multi-barriered individuals, in achieving successful employment. Marcus has also led C-suite and VP-level peer coaching and mentoring groups to help business leaders navigate daily operational and strategic challenges.

Marcus is highly active in aligning business operations with corporate values, implementing performance standards, and developing growth plans. As a former auditor for government programs, he conducted evaluations to ensure value for taxpayer money. He advises policy and decision-makers on building better partnerships, improving outcomes, and simplifying service delivery. With extensive experience in diverse industries, including manufacturing, technology, telecommunications, transportation, natural resources, and consumer goods, Marcus has worked on projects in over 35 countries across Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Africa.

Community Energy Champion
Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC)
Sqwá First Nation

Slade is an Indigenous man from the Stóō (Stolo) Nation who grew up in Chilliwack within the Skwah community. He is now proudly collaborating with his community to support and contribute to their shared vision. Slade has enjoyed canoe racing since the age of 9, and he also expresses his passion for his community through songs and storytelling. He currently works with EPIC (Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities) and is a contributor to ICE (Indigenous Clean Energy). His mission is to help Indigenous communities gain a deeper understanding of the importance of clean energy and to support them throughout the process of empowerment and creating opportunities.