Power UP North!

Sara Hurtubise founded Lakeland HR Solutions in 2017, where HR Professionals work with local organizations of different sizes and industries to meet their Human Resources needs.

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Sara brings over 15 years HR experience, and passion to supporting Local Organizations and their leaders in building engaged workplace cultures. 

Cliff Turner is an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist at ATB Financial, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout Alberta. His passion lies in supporting entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges and changes they encounter throughout all stages of their business journey.

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Cliff has been a part of the small business ecosystem since 2005. He has founded and operated two business ventures, helped design and operate a medical supply mission effort in eastern Europe and worked with a national small business advocacy group to support Canadian small businesses. Now, as an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist for ATB Financial, Cliff functions as a thinking partner, guide and connection to resources for small businesses. With a strategic and creative approach, he helps entrepreneurs deal with the challenges their business must face and the opportunities before them.

Jason was born and raised in northern Alberta and has spent his entire life in the region. He has spent the last 25 years of his career working in and for companies that support the Oil & Gas industry.

Although he enjoyed a successful career in Oil & Gas, he always knew that there was something more he wanted to do with his experience. Jason's passion lies in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed using his extensive knowledge of industry to guide and advice. He believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed and is committed to helping others achieve their goals.

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When not working Jason enjoys spending time with his two teenage daughters coaching their activities and relaxing at the lake.

Juanita Marois is the CEO at Métis Crossing, and a proud citizen of Alberta’s Métis Nation. Juanita considers herself privileged to lead the exciting expansion of not only Alberta’s, but also Canada’s, first major Métis cultural destination.

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Juanita earned her MA degree in sustainable tourism development from the University of Alberta where she continued as a lecturer for 2 years in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation.

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Her experience has expanded from a front-line practitioner, to a planner, researcher and consultant. She has had unique opportunities to participate in socio-economic development, Indigenous tourism, and community investment projects that now feed her collaborative approach to Métis Crossing.

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In June 2021 Juanita was appointed as a member of the Travel Alberta Board of Directors, and in 2023 she joined the Board of the new Alberta Métis Investment Corporation. Also in 2023, Juanita has been recognized by the Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s 50 Business Changemakers.

is the visionary entrepreneur behind Golden Thread Consulting, a premier business management and personal development consulting agency. With a mission to empower both individuals and businesses to achieve their highest potential, Daru offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to address diverse challenges in today's dynamic marketplace.

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With over a decade of experience garnered from his tenure at the third-largest supply chain company globally, Daru brings a wealth of practical knowledge and insights to his consultancy practice. Armed with a Master's degree in Business Management, he combines academic rigour with real-world acumen to deliver tangible results for his clients.

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Driven by a commitment to excellence and a profound belief in the transformative power of strategic consultancy, Daru Pretorius continues to leave an indelible mark on the business landscape, one client success story at a time. With Golden Thread Consulting, he remains steadfast in his mission to weave together the threads of success for both businesses and individuals alike.

Ryley Hawkeswood is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Co-operatives First. He is from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, in Treaty 6 territory, and holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Studies from the University of Saskatchewan. During his studies, Ryley was a Research Assistant for a team researching housing security and homelessness in rural and remote communities. With Co-operatives First, Ryley helps guide groups to create co-ops, mainly in rural and Indigenous communities across Western Canada.

With nearly 15 years working in corporate communications and media production at Portage College and 10 years of previous experience with video production, Jaime has honed skills in managing internal and external communications, public relations, strategic branding, and video production. As the Manager of Corporate Communications at Portage College, she leads a team to develop corporate publications, coordinate media relations, and manage the college's brand platform. Her extensive background in video production includes working in broadcast television, creating videos, managing production studios, and developing multimedia content for various platforms. She has successfully executed video projects from conception to completion, enhancing institutional visibility and engagement. Her career is characterized by a commitment to innovative communication methods, fostering connections, and leveraging multimedia to tell experiential and informative stories

Diana Gonzalez is a Digital Media Strategist with Lakeland Today, a part of the Great West Media family. With over 12 years of experience in the creative industry, Diana brings a blend of strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit to her role.

Prior to joining Great West Media, Diana was the driving force behind her own successful ventures – a video production studio and an advertising agency. These experiences developed her skills in managing high-budget projects, overseeing P&L, negotiating pricing, cultivating business relationships, and nurturing top talent. Her expertise covers the entire project lifecycle, from the initial spark of client engagement to the final polished deliverable.

Diana's leadership extended beyond the creative realm; she served as the administrative and operational heart of her companies, ensuring their financial health and long-term growth.

As a Digital Media Strategist, Diana continues to leverage her background to craft innovative campaigns and drive meaningful engagement in today's ever-evolving digital landscape. Her strategic insights and creative vision have consistently driven positive results, establishing her as a leader in the digital media landscape.

Dolan Bogus is a Procurement Outreach Team Lead at Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC). With over 20 years of Federal Procurement experience. Dolan leads a team of outreach officers in Western Region (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North West Territories and Nunavut) who work to support smaller and diverse businesses in selling to the Government of Canada and travelling along their bidding journey. Located in Edmonton, Alberta he has held numerous positions within federal procurement, ranging from the purchase of goods and services, business and policy support, to the design of workload management and risk assessment systems for procurement officers across Acquisitions Branch within PSPC.

Since joining the Portage College team in January 2023, Lori has embarked on a new epoch as a Professional Instructor, driven by a conscious intention to inspire and lead change for future leaders in today’s ever-evolving economy. With a rich background that spans from Office Administration to Executive HR Director roles, Lori’s diverse career has earned her the title of the original "Gig Worker." Her extensive experience as a performance management specialist and management consultant across Canada and abroad fuels her passion for continuous learning and improvement. Lori embraces each opportunity to guide others with the same light she finds in her own heart. As she reflects on Rumi’s words, “If the light is in your heart, you will find your way home,” she expresses her deep gratitude to Lac La Biche and Portage College for welcoming her home.

 retired Senior Banking Executive and Community Leader with 23 years experience in the financial services industry. With leadership experience across retail banking, commercial banking, wealth management, marketing, finance, operations and strategic planning.  Currently engaged in my retirement career as a College Instructor in the Business Department. Providing formal business training to our next generation of Business Leaders and supporting local businesses in our communities with corporate leadership training and strategic planning advisory services.