about us

Riya is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in technology commercialization, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She currently serves as the Associate Dean at the JR Shaw School of Business at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Throughout her career, Riya has held senior and VP positions at economic development organizations and five post-secondary institutions across Western Canada. She possesses expertise in board governance, technology transfer, and building strategic partnerships.

Riya holds an MBA from Queen’s University, a PhD in Physiology and Pathophysiology from the University of Manitoba, and an MSc from York University. She is also a certified corporate director (ICD.D).

In her personal time, Riya enjoys long-distance running, yoga, and hiking with her family in Edmonton’s River Valley.

Brenda Beckedorf – Visionary Leader in Innovation, Technology, and Ecosystem Growth

Brenda Beckedorf is a respected ecosystem builder, strategic innovator, and passionate advocate for technology-driven business transformation. With deep cross-sector experience, she is known for cultivating collaborative networks that empower entrepreneurs, accelerate digital adoption, and drive sustainable economic growth.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Society 5.0, Brenda leads a bold initiative dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional industries and emerging technologies. Through education, leadership engagement, and hands-on implementation services, Society 5.0 helps businesses navigate digital transformation, foster innovation, and embrace the potential of AI and advanced technologies.

Brenda also serves as Executive Director of Women + Wealth, a national nonprofit that provides a platform for women across Canada to share their journeys of success and inspire others through their stories. Through its International Women’s Day Galas, Women + Wealth celebrates the social, educational, economic, and political achievements of female leaders while fostering connection, empowerment, and growth.

In addition, Brenda is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Startup Canada, where she supports the national entrepreneurial landscape by strengthening access to resources, networks, and opportunities—particularly for women-led and underrepresented businesses.

Previously, she served as Vice Chair of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Interim Executive Director of the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC), where she played critical roles in strategy, governance, ecosystem development, and policy advocacy to support entrepreneurs across Alberta.

Earlier in her career, Brenda was the Executive Director of Alberta IoT, uniting stakeholders across government, academia, and industry to champion the adoption of emerging technologies—positioning Alberta as a hub for innovation. She also held a senior leadership role at Graycon Group, where she drove national business development and strategic growth initiatives.

Brenda’s contributions have earned widespread recognition, including the Universal Women Network Mentorship Award. Her leadership journey also includes roles such as Vice President of Calgary Women in Energy and Regional Director of AIoT Canada, where she consistently worked to create platforms for collaboration, education, and business success.

Grounded in purpose, community, and innovation, Brenda Beckedorf continues to be a catalyst for change—helping individuals and organizations harness the power of technology to build a more resilient and inclusive future.

Ildi has the rare experience of being a former clinic owner, leading a team of 22 staff members to become one of Canada’s top 20 clinics before selling the practice in late 2019. Ildi brings an intimate insider perspective of the daily challenges of owning and operating a clinic in a competitive market.

“I believe that focusing on the patient experience and using what you have are the pathways to becoming a profitable and uncopyable clinic.”
Her relentless drive to serve both her clients and her community has allowed IIdi to become a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Award
(2008), a multiple nominee for the BC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards, the 2019 Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Award (A.W.E.), a former member of Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and Founder of the Women in Leadership and Business Conference.

With these core values, vast experience and passion for learning and development, Idi’s mission is to free clinic founders from the mythical missing piece of must-have technology. Through private 1:1 and group coaching programs, Ildi supports clinic owners and managers to become in-demand clinics with a positive ‘everyone sells’ culture that keeps their team and clinic growing.

Alison has international experience at a senior management level in IT and business improvement.  Her expertise includes business transformation, driving business process improvement and performance led organizations.   She has depth and breadth of knowledge in strategic planning, acquisitions and divestments, and all aspects of IT including governance, management of information and cyber security.

Alison is passionate about promoting female leadership and is on the board of Women + Wealth focussed on governance and supporting their annual gala which is one of the most glamorous and inspiring events of the year.

Alison is also on the board of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO Canada) celebrating and empowering female entrepreneurs and awarding scholarships to students demonstrating early-stage entrepreneurship.

Alison has two daughters who are ambitious futurepreneurs and she enjoys skiing, hiking and biking with them. Alison enjoys international travel and is also a keen tennis and golf player.

Erin is a lawyer at the boutique law firm HMC Lawyers LLP. Erin’s practice primarily focuses on employment law, insolvency and commercial debt recovery. Erin believes in the importance in being engaged in the community. She is on the Boards of Women & and Closer to Home Community Services Society and regularly volunteers her time with other organizations.

Outside of the office, Erin enjoys being active, spending time with friends and family, and travelling.

Erin Gobolos is a seasoned business strategist and purpose-driven leader with a proven track record of tackling complex organizational challenges and delivering transformative results. She currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of ABC Head Start Society, where she leads early childhood education programming and family support across Edmonton.

Erin’s career spans senior leadership roles in the financial services, non-profit, and charitable sectors, where she has driven success in strategic planning, client experience, marketing, brand management, communications and government relations. Her efforts have consistently enhanced brand value, organizational performance, and stakeholder engagement.

Erin holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University, with concentrations in leadership, communication, and culture. She also earned graduate certificates in Values-Based Leadership and Professional Communication Management. She is guided by her leadership purpose to empower others to achieve their aspirations and potential.

Hannah Chorneyko is the Founder of Connected Events and Connected Creative , a full-service marketing and event management agency based in Edmonton. We have been working with the International Women’s Day Women + Wealth Gala since its inception in 2016. Hannah has a real passion for advancing gender equality, women’s empowerment and helping female business owners tell their story through strategic marketing and events such as the Women + Wealth Gala. Being involved in such an important and inspirational event alongside the rest of the Women + Wealth team has been an incredible opportunity.