Royal Podcast Ep. 7

The Chicks Who Click and Centro International Women's Day Six Minute Lowdown - Julita Vassileva, Monica Kreuger, Ginger Koolick, Andrea Menard, Janea Bellay-Dieno, Michelle Spezowka.
 

Show Notes  

On Wednesday, March 9th, Centro Office Lounge and The Chicks Who Click hosted the 6 Minute Lowdown in spirit of celebrating International Women's Day. This informal networking event was represented by local women from a variety of professional backgrounds. Here are 6 minute talks from 6 women who share their personal and professional experiences surrounding themes of development, community, leadership, independence and entrepreneurship.

The Centro 6 Minute Lowdown is a networking platform geared to engage the business community in dyanmic conversations.

SPEAKERS

Julita Vassileva (@julitav) is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Saskatchewan. She also holds the NSERC/Cameco Prairie Chair for Women in Science and Engineering. Her general research area is in studying mechanisms for making computer applications tailored to the needs of individual users and user groups. As a Chair, Dr. Vassileva works on developing programs and initiatives to make science more attractive to girls and aboriginal children. She has developed a successful science outreach program for aboriginal schools called "Science Ambassadors" that allows University students to spend 6 weeks in remote aboriginal communities helping teachers present science in an exciting way, with the goal to inspire a new generation of aboriginal scientists.

Monica Kreuger (@monicakreuger) is the Founder, President and Chief Visionary Officer of Global Infobrokers, home of the Praxis Group of Schools. The Praxis School of Entrepreneurship has helped over 750 entrepreneurs launch their enterprises in the past 20 years. The newly launched Praxis International Institute is helping high school students from around the world live and think entrepreneurially in an eco-village boarding school. Monica has received recognition at the local, provincial, national and international levels for the work she does in the community and for entrepreneurs; she takes pride in living in Saskatoon where she believes that all is possible!

Ginger Koolick (@gingerk) is an Interactive Business Consultant with 14 years of experience in the web/technology industry. She is a web developer, project manager and business analyst. Ginger is a thought leader and connector within the local technical industry organizing Saskatoon's annual BarCamp and LinkedIn Freelance Saskatchewan. She also co-hosts the Chicks Who Click Royal Podcast.

Andrea Menard (@andreamendard), a multi-talented Métis actor, singer/songwriter and screenwriter, is a gifted performer. She is a versatile, powerhouse, mesmerizing in her Gemini-nominated (Best Performance by an Actress) television starring roles, The Velvet Devil, Moccasin Flats and Rabbit Fall. She currently stars in Blackstone and has released three award-winning albums: The Velvet Devil, Simple Steps and Sparkle. She is working on two new albums and is having music orchestrated for symphonies.

Janea Bellay-Dieno is an independent Financial Advisor with JBD Financial Planning in Saskatoon. Prior to having her own investment practice, Janea had a successful career in sales and marketing in many international industries; Janea has worked in France, the United Arab Emirates and travelled extensively through Europe, Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Asia. Janea's experience and advocacy efforts for P.I.N.K.^TM[Protection, Investments and the Need for Knowledge] has provided her with a successful platform to empower women to make successful and informed financial choices. Janea spends her free time volunteering with various committees including the Saskatchewan Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs, READ Saskatoon, and the Business Professional Women's Club.

Michelle Spezowka (@shelka) is a marketing and communications specialist. After working for various national brands in Toronto and Vancouver for 12 years she returned to Saskatoon to build upon the experience of "community" that makes Saskatchewan a great place to work and live. Michelle is a self-employed marketing strategist; she publishes an online magazine community for women called Culcher and co-hosts Chicks Who Click Royal Podcast. Michelle volunteers on a regular basis and is passionate about meeting other women who want to help women succeed in business and in life.