"Harmony in Growth: Balancing Health, Wealth and Self " seeks to inspire women to pursue a harmonized approach to personal and professional life, illustrating how the integration of health, wealth, and self-awareness leads to a more empowered, fulfilled existence.

The theme explores strategies that empower women to achieve their goals across these crucial areas. It highlights innovative approaches to personal development, such as lifelong learning and self-reflection practices; financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunities; as well as wellness through accessible healthcare, mental health support, and lifestyle balance.

Through real-life stories, actionable advice, and community support systems, this theme aims to guide women toward achieving their full potential in every aspect of their lives, fostering an environment of growth, resilience, and balance.

TEDx StrathconaWomen 2024 Showcase

Glenda Sheard, a motivational speaker, communications coach, podcaster/radio show host, and author, embodies a multidimensional entrepreneur.

Glenda speaks to inspire, connect, and motivate. She brings compassion to the stage and connects with her audiences by sharing how to engage others using her three C’s: community, communication, and compassion. Presenting at various speaking events, including keynotes, workshops, and coaching seminars, Glenda strives to captivate her audiences with authenticity, passion, and a bit of humour.

She hosts her own podcast on living life to the fullest and produces two online radio talk shows. Her guests discuss various topics related to enriching communities.

Glenda’s mission is to empower community leaders to connect with intention, communicate with empathy, and listen louder.

Glenda Sheard

Host

Speakers & Performers

Embark on an empowering voyage with Dr. Marie Gervais as she navigates the depths of career trauma, illuminating the path to emotional liberation and professional renewal. In her captivating talk, Dr. Gervais unveils the hidden wounds that often linger beneath the surface of our professional lives, offering profound insights into their impact and the journey toward healing. Drawing upon her extensive experience as CEO of Shift Management Inc., she guides audiences through transformative techniques aimed at unlocking personal growth and navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.

Dr. Gervais's expertise in managerial training and organizational development serves as a beacon of guidance, providing individuals with the tools and strategies needed to overcome workplace distress and thrive amidst adversity. Through her visionary approach, she empowers individuals to reclaim their sense of purpose, resilience, and fulfillment in their careers.

Join Dr. Gervais on this exhilarating journey as she shares practical wisdom, real-world anecdotes, and actionable steps for embracing change, fostering resilience, and ultimately, transforming career challenges into opportunities for growth and success.

Marie Gervais, PhD

Harriet Tinka stands as a beacon of empowerment, earning titles like "Super Woman" and "Powerhouse Role Model" for her extraordinary achievements and unwavering commitment to positive change.

From her endeavors as a bestselling author to her triumphs as a Toastmasters World Champion semi-finalist, Harriet's journey is a testament to resilience and determination.

At the helm of Empowered Me Inc., she passionately drives her mission to inspire and uplift women globally, earning prestigious honors such as the YWCA's Women of Distinction award.

Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Harriet's mantra, "The Next Step Warrior," fuels her mission for a more inclusive world. Her call to action: strive for purpose, drive meaningful change, and never settle for the status quo.

Harriet Tinka BBA, CPA, CMA, CCP, DTM, B.Msc

Dr. Yuliya is a trailblazer in the field of women's health, armed with a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the prestigious University of Alberta. Her groundbreaking research at the Women's and Children Health Research Institute has shed light on crucial aspects of pregnancy conditions, with a particular emphasis on unraveling the mysteries of the placenta and its profound impact on maternal and child health.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Yuliya is a passionate advocate for women's health and career advancement. Her dedication extends beyond the laboratory, as she actively engages with her community to support women in their personal and professional growth journeys.

Yuliya Fakhr PHD

In the face of life's greatest challenges, Andrea emerged as a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Balancing the roles of motherhood, wife, and teacher, she confronted the unimaginable pain of loss. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, Andrea chose a path of transformation. Through dedication and determination, she not only reshaped her body but also nurtured her spirit, discovering the profound impact of self-care and wellness along the way.

Now, Andrea shares her inspiring journey with audiences, weaving together humor, authenticity, and practical wisdom. Her message is universal: by prioritizing self-love and embracing wellness, we unlock the keys to a happier, healthier life. Whether addressing mothers, educators, or professionals, Andrea's words resonate deeply, challenging listeners to break free from limitations and embrace their fullest potential.

With her unwavering commitment to helping others thrive, Andrea proves that from the ashes of adversity, true strength and beauty emerge. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, self-love, and the pursuit of personal growth. She offers empowerment and fitness advice on her social media platforms using the handle @fit.wonder.womom

Andrea Misho

Dr. Suzie Bergman

Dr. Suzie Bergman is a researcher and devoted dental practitioner, passionate about improving healthcare outcomes for patients. She has three decades of experience spanning clinical care, post-doctoral education, research, advocacy and infrastructure for patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD’s).

Dr. Bergman is a Selection Chairperson, Advisor, Honorary Program Faculty Member, and Fellow of the TMJ Foundation’s online fellowship program, FTMJF. She lectures internationally as a tenured instructor for McGann Postgraduate School of Dentistry and Progressive Orthodontic Seminars.

Dr. Bergman is a visiting scholar at Oregon Health Science University in the department of Neurosurgery, where she is a co-investigator in research surrounding the differential diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia and TMD’s.

Lillah Penddah is a founder, a public speaker, and a podcast host. Her company AFRO FACTS, creates educational tools played as games and workshops that assist people with increasing their awareness concerning Black History and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

As a public speaker in the DEIB space, she advocates for the minority experience by helping people get comfortable to have the conversations needed to bring about meaningful change using the AFRO FACTS educational tool she founded.

Her podcast, "The Conversation Is The Relationship", sheds light on the minority experience and creates the safe space needed to acknowledge missteps, hear different perspectives, and learn through the lens of other people's experiences.

Lillah Penddah

Crystal Bowen

As an ADHD and autistic leader with over 10 years of learning design, 12 years of public speaking on various DEI issues, and a lifetime of lived neurodivergent experience, Crystal brings a unique perspective on how neurodiversity inclusion impacts opportunities to thrive in the workplace and learning environments.

As the founder of Delta Learning Solutions, Crystal trains on the skills, knowledge, and attributes needed to navigate neurodiversity with confidence.

She creates custom tools and solutions needed to achieve neuro-inclusion goals.

Sydonne Warren

Originally from Jamaica, Sydonne Warren migrated to Canada at the age of three with her mother and aunt. Growing up in Northeast Calgary, she demonstrated a versatile skill set in sports, music, and drawing, ultimately graduating from James Fowler High School. Fueled by her passion for drawing, Sydonne pursued Architectural Technology at SAIT after graduation, focusing on refining her artistic abilities, especially in portraiture.

In 2019, Sydonne sought further artistic growth at the Alberta University of the Arts, immersing herself in mural painting within Calgary's vibrant artistic community. Drawing inspiration from her Caribbean roots, her art features bright contrasting colors influenced by pop art, abstract expressions, and geometric abstraction, exploring subjects ranging from the female figure to fully abstract compositions.

Establishing a paint and sip company in 2021, Sydonne remains unwavering in her commitment to mural painting and teaching, drawing inspiration from life experiences and eagerly anticipating opportunities to contribute significantly to the artistic landscape while mentoring emerging artists and fostering the next generation within the artistic community. Her journey embodies a harmonious blend of diverse influences, personal growth, and a dedicated commitment to both her craft and the broader artistic community.

Amida Eto is a skilled and passionate dance instructor. Born amidst the vibrant dance culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Drawing upon her rich cultural heritage and driven by an unwavering belief in the therapeutic and expressive benefits of dance, she immersed herself in diverse dance forms before embarking on her teaching journey.

With over four years of teaching experience in Edmonton, she has established herself as a respected instructor, guiding students of all ages and skill levels. Her expertise encompasses modern, traditional, and contemporary African dance and holds a certification as a Zumba instructor, where she combines her dance expertise with high-energy fitness routines. Her lessons foster a welcoming and supportive environment where students can explore their creativity and achieve their full potential.

As an instructor, Amida's approach is inclusive and empowering. Through her performances, Amida showcases the beauty and versatility of dance while also using her platform to promote cultural understanding and social harmony. Amida's passion for dance extends beyond the classrooms. She works with individuals of all backgrounds, collaborating with community organizations in Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, St. Albert, and Red Deer.

Those collaborations have brought the joy of dance to countless individuals, inspiring them to embrace their own unique expression. She actively seeks opportunities to make a meaningful impact in her community. By working with children, adults, and the elderly alike, she demonstrates that dance has the power to ignite joy, connect individuals, and foster a sense of belonging.

Amida Eto

Edmonton Based International Award winning songwriters, Sugar and Spice(Shelly Dubois and DanitaLynn) have been experiencing success since their first release in 2019.

These experienced artists have toured extensively as solo acts opening for big-name artists and playing stages such as Calgary Stampede, Merritt Mountain, Music Fest, and more.

Their talents have garnered them individual nominations for the Country Music Alberta Association. As a duo, they have received nominations with the Josie Music Awards based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Each year since 2019, they have received nominations for Song of the Year and Duo of the Year. Their single, A Different Kind of Rush recently won them an award for Country Song of the Year on October 22, 2023, at the Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ol Opry.

Sugar & Spice