Alethea Bakogeorge (she/her) is a physically disabled access professional, fundraiser, and artist.

She is currently the Director of Development & Performing Arts at the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization. Prior to joining the NaAC, Alethea worked in fundraising and access for The Musical Stage Company, where in 2021, she became the first full-time Accessibility Manager to be appointed at a Canadian theatre company.

Alethea maintains an active acting career as a disabled voiceover and theatre actor. Some favourite credits include recurring as Mercedes Cohen-Davis on Lyla in the Loop (PBS Kids) and originating the role of Chrissie in Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live: King for a Day (US National Tour).

Alethea holds a BFA in Music Theatre and a BFA in Arts Administration from Viterbo University, as well a Professional Development Award in Leadership in Accessibility and Inclusion from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Alica Hall has been working at the intersection of art, communications and community development for over a decade.

As a leader with deep roots in the community, she has served as the Co-Chair of Pride Toronto, helping the organization expand its strategic and artistic infrastructure. She oversaw the expansion of the festival from 10-days to a month and led the development of the organization’s first strategic plan. Over the years, Alica has formalized her practice as a curator through community based spaces and partnerships.

Her curatorial practice is driven by a desire to explore identity and power, excavate lesser-known stories and a commitment to expand visual narratives surrounding the Black experience. In 2018, she took on the role of Executive Director at Nia Centre for the Arts, a Toronto-based charity that supports and showcases arts from across the Black diaspora in Canada. In her time at the Centre, she has curated their first Art Fair, doubled the operating budget and raised $12-million in capital funding.

In 2023, Alica opened the doors of the newly renovated Nia Centre for the Arts: a 14,000 sq. ft facility serving as Canada’s first professional, multidisciplinary Black arts centre. Located in historic Little Jamaica, the Centre is a gathering space for Black artists, young creatives and community to showcase, support and promote artistic traditions from Canada’s Black diaspora.

Andrea Boyd is a director, playwright and theatre educator; and the Artistic Director for the Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre.

In this role, her directing credits include The New Canadian Curling Club, The Adventures of the Little Girl and the Wind, The Goodnight Bird, Stage Kiss, Ben Hur and Burnin’ Love. She has also directed at The Grand Theatre, Theatre Lac Brome, Keyano Theatre and the University of Alberta.

She is responsible for creating FAST’s pandemic pivots: The Hobbit, and Robin Hood: The Great Escape, both of which she directed as promenade productions at Keppoch Mountain. Other writing credits include Hector the Spectre Steals the Show for Festival Antigonish Radio Theatre, Angel’s River, first produced by Live Bait Theatre, and Stalker: The Musical. For the Love of Gracie Gray was the recipient of the 2013 Write-On-Q Quebec Playwrighting Competition.

Andrea believes in creating theatre that speaks to the community and that is inclusive; that supports female artists and Canadian artists; and that can bring about transformation by encouraging empathy. She holds an MFA in Directing from the University of Alberta, where she taught for several years in the drama department. She is from New Brunswick but is now delighted to call Antigonish home.

Carlos migrated to Canada from Colombia in 1998. He attended York University where he received a BA in Psychology, a BA in Health Studies and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law.

Carlos joined the arts industry as part of the opening of the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts in 2009 and moved to St. Catharines in 2014 to begin his role at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, where he currently leads the finance, administration and ticketing services teams.

In 2023, Carlos was awarded with the 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award in the Niagara Region. Carlos is a lifelong learner and is passionate about equity and inclusion with a primary focus on opportunities for advancement and representation. He is proud to work in the arts industry, helping to shape the fabric and values of our community.

Courtney Ch’ng Lancaster is a Dora award-winning performer and theatre creator based in Toronto.

She has recently begun a three-year commitment as an Assistant Professor in York University’s School of Art, Music, Performance and Design, and is a founder and artistic leader of the theatre collective The Howland Company.

Courtney has previously held the position of assistant artistic director at Tarragon Theatre and was a resident artist at Soulpepper Theatre for seven years. She has performed across the continent on stage and screen, and has become increasingly known as a director, one whose work is often sweaty, bloody and physical. Her upcoming work includes directing and acting in the 2024 Shaw Festival Season.

In addition to a BFA in Acting, Courtney holds an MBA in Social Enterprise and is working towards an interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre, Education and Business.

Em Ironstar has served as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) since 2021.

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction) in Print Media from the University of Regina and co-founded the Articulate Ink Printmaking Collective in 2010.

Em’s extensive professional background includes roles such as Community Engagement Coordinator at the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, Communications Coordinator at SaskCulture, Administrative Assistant at the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils, and Bilingual Gallery Facilitator at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. In 2023, she completed the “Developing Effective Government Relations & Advocacy Strategies for Canadian Arts Organizations” course at the Ontario College of Art and Design.

Em lives in Regina, SK, on Treaty Four Territory with her wife. When not working or advocating for the arts, she tries to keep her artistic practice active by taking Polaroid photographs, doing digital drawings and the occasional linocut print.

Emily McMahon is a marketing and communications professional with a burgeoning career in the cultural sector.

She is passionate about Canadian storytelling and has worked in four provinces managing performing arts, visual arts, and film. Her experience includes roles at Confederation Centre of the Arts, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

She is a graduate of the Commerce program at Queen’s University where she specialized in marketing, international business, and world languages. Emily is an active volunteer who has helped plan and execute large cultural events such as the Canada Games and Atlantic International Film Festival. She has also served on the boards of non-profits that support culture, tourism, and youth engagement.

Emily was named one of the Top 30 Under 30 by Atlantic Business Magazine, featured on The Peak’s Emerging Leaders List, and received Fusion Charlottetown’s Arts and Culture Award. She recently acquired her Accreditation in Publication Relations from the Canadian Public Relations Society.

As Operations Director at the National Theatre School of Canada’s Monument-National Campus, Etienne is pivotal in redefining the venue’s purpose and preserving its historic value.

His strategic management ensures the venue’s continued relevance and prosperity, overseeing academic, commercial, financial, and architectural aspects.

Etienne’s tenure at Cirque du Soleil from 2004 to 2021 highlighted his leadership and project management skills. He led an international department, managing the planning and maintenance of touring infrastructures, contributing to the company’s success and profitability with projects like the mobile arena in Sanya, China.

Etienne’s career is marked by continuous growth and leadership, with a steadfast commitment to excellence. His significant contributions have left a lasting impact on the cultural and operational landscapes of the institutions he has served, defining his professional journey.

A devourer of stories, Fawnda Mithrush has kept herself busy for 15+ years in nonprofit leadership, collaborative projects, innovative and strategic programming, and event/project management.

She moonlights as a podcast producer, event host/moderator, and culture consultant. She enjoyed eight years as head bookworm and executive director of LitFest: Canada’s only nonfiction festival, and previously played general manager for Theatre Network and the Freewill Shakespeare Festival.

She has contributed arts reportage to the likes of EDify, Taproot, Edmonton Journal, Dance Current, ACUA Vitae and others. Most recently, she brought the first-ever Spiegeltent to Alberta, and established an industrial design competition in her work with Explore Edmonton to reimagine its annual summer fair, KDays.

Jenn Brown is a leader in the arts and has over 15 years of experience in the cultural sector, working with not-for-profit organizations across the province and advising groups internationally.

With a reputation for excellence and creativity in the field and a commitment to advancing equity in the sector, she is passionate about elevating artists and advancing Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique cultural landscape.

Jenn is proudly from outport Newfoundland and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from Memorial University (Grenfell Campus).

She now lives in St. John’s, where she serves as Executive Director of the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival – Canada’s longest-running women’s film festival championing gender equity in film since 1989.

Jennifer Rae Forsyth (she/her) is the Executive Director / CEO of the Alberta Museums Association (AMA).

A Vancouver born artist, independent curator, and museum professional, Forsyth currently resides in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), as a settler of Norwegian descent, on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Metis Nation of Alberta. Forsyth holds an MFA from the University of Calgary, a BFA from University of British Columbia, Diploma in Visual Arts from Camosun College in Victoria, and a Professional Certificate in Collections Management from the University of Victoria’s Cultural Resource Management Program.

Forsyth advocates for the rights of artists in Canada as a member of the Board of Directors for CARFAC Alberta and CARFAC National. She also maintains an active studio practice and collaborates and exhibits internationally. In 2022, Forsyth received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work in support of Alberta’s museum community.

Jocelyn Tsui (she/her) is a mixed-race Chinese Canadian theatre producer and performer based on unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory.

She is passionate about propelling the performing arts industry towards a more progressive and inclusive future, beginning by opening doors and implementing practices of care. In 2020, she co-founded The Parallel Project, a monologue writing workshop for emerging BIPOC playwrights, and she now co-leads the project as its Producer. She began her professional arts administration career with vAct (Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre) as the Producer of the MSG Lab (now the vAct Creation Lab), and she is now the Producer at Arts Club Theatre Company.

Jocelyn holds a Diploma of Musical Theatre from Capilano University and a Bachelor of Arts with a Double Minor in Biology & Contemporary Arts from Simon Fraser University. She sits on the Board of Camp Cue, a not-for-profit sleepaway summer camp for musical theatre youth.

Joshua Dalledonne is an artistic producer, programmer and director for live performance and community activations.

A believer in the transformative power of creativity, collaboration, and kindness he gathers artists and audiences to make the world a more welcoming place. An advocate and connector for equity-seeking artists and communities, he’s privileged to be the Associate Director Creative for Arts Commons and is deeply invested in supporting a programmatic vision that centres the audience – our community – in its ongoing investigation of its role and relevance.

Josh began his career with the UK’s Birmingham Repertory Theatre and while his work has been focused on cornerstone arts organizations in Calgary, he has been privileged to work across Alberta, Canada and internationally. A proud member of the Queer community, he volunteers his time with Calgary Arts Academy among others and recently married his husband Max – his partner in life, love, and adventure.

Julia Lafreniere is the 2023 recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal meant to highlight those who have dedicated themselves to the service of family and community.

She is an advocate for bridging cultural gaps and creating institutional understanding within colonial spaces. Julia is Michif and Anishinaabe from the Red River Metis community of Camperville. She is a tribal member of the First Nations community of Minegoziibe Anishinabe, located on Treaty 4 territory.

Julia is the Head of Learning, Indigenous Ways & Equity at the Winnipeg Art Gallery as a member of the executive leadership team where she has been professionally since 2019. Julia has made many presentations about her work across turtle island, a highlight being at the Metropolitan Museum of
Art in New York City.

She is invited to consult on projects regularly and was the project lead on a Canadian Museum Award winning initiative that saw historic artworks renamed in Ceremony by Indigenous Elders.

Melissa Novecosky is Certified Fund Raising Executive currently serving as the Director of Development at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

A graduate of the National Theatre School, she started her career as a stage manager, where she honed her craft on over 50 productions at theaters across Canada. Melissa invests her time mentoring emerging artists and imparting her knowledge as a stage management instructor at the University of Winnipeg. She is a member of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and previously served as a representative on Equity’s National Council, advocating for the interests of the stage managers.

Beyond her contributions to the performing arts, Melissa is the vice-chair of the board for Rainbow Resource Centre – Canada’s oldest, continuous running 2SLGBTQ+ resource centre. Rainbow is working to build a new Queer campus in Winnipeg that includes affordable housing for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors – the first of its kind in Canada.

Writer, director, dramaturg and artistic leader, Mieko is the Associate Artistic Director at the Citadel Theatre.

Previously she was in artistic leadership at Concrete Theatre for 31 years. Her award-winning films have screened at over thirty festivals including the Toronto and Vancouver International Film Festivals and Asian American Film Festivals in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Her plays have been translated into seven languages, and read at the HotInk Int’l Reading Festival at The Lark in NY, the Chekhov Int’l Theatre Festival in Moscow, the Pop Up Residency International Play Festival at the Arcola in London and been finalists for the 4 Play Series at The Old Vic, the Governor General’s Literary Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award, the City of Edmonton Book Prize and recognized with the Carol Bolt Prize and the Enbridge Award for Established Canadian Playwright.

This past fall, Mieko received the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist Award.

Natasha McEwen is a seasoned arts administrator with over 15 years of experience in the cultural sector.

She studied Drama, English, and Sexual Diversity Studies at the University of Toronto, and has a Master of Arts in Professional Communication from Royal Roads University. With a career focus on marketing and communications, Natasha has worked in media agencies, as a consultant, and in box offices and marketing departments of cultural institutions in Toronto, Vancouver and Wells, BC.

Natasha joined the VSO and VSO School of Music as Director of Marketing in 2021, leading their Covid recovery efforts. Transitioning to Chief of Staff, Strategic Integration in 2023, she now spearheads the coordination of strategy and policy across all staff functions. Natasha is not only a dedicated professional but also a committed advocate for community-based organizations, serving on multiple boards and nurturing the next generation of arts leaders.

Nelly Jourdain, originally from the Innu community of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, is dedicated to First Nations culture.

A graduate in business administration from the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC), she has devoted her career to serving her community within the Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam Band Council. With 14 years of experience, she has held key positions, developing reputable management and leadership skills.

As Executive Director of the Makusham Musique label, she is committed to promoting and celebrating the incredible talent within Indigenous culture and languages. Nelly is devoted to her culture and community, and her vision has seen her initiatives to secure a 5% quota for Indigenous creators on commercial radio realized.

With a master’s degree in music, Simon Ouellette is a cultural manager with a passion for classical music.

Having worked for the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal and Orford Musique, he is now Executive Director of the Orchestre symphonique de Laval. For him, a symphony orchestra is a vehicle for development and an important player in a healthy community. In recent years, Simon has worked on initiatives such as the OSM’s Virée classique and the implementation of the artistic residency program at Orford Musique. He also volunteers on the boards of various cultural and community organizations. A passionate and committed leader, Simon is convinced that collaboration is the way to develop strong, enduring cultural institutions.

Stash Bylicki is the Executive Director of Chor Leoni, a choral organization that strives to engage and enrich the world through the art of choral singing.

Under his leadership, Chor Leoni has grown to be one of the largest and most impactful choral organizations in North America with a live and digital artistic component, robust educational programming, a vibrant commissioning practice, and a deep-rooted connection with the community, all while maintaining worldwide excellence.

The organization reaches more than 30,000 patrons each year and strives to inspire the next generation of young singers through two free youth programs. Stash is also a singer and a voice actor and sings bass in Chor Leoni’s award-winning volunteer ensemble. He lives in Vancouver, BC with his wife and young daughter.

Su Ying Strang (she/her) is a cultural worker based in Sikóóhkotok—the Blackfoot name for the region in which Lethbridge, Alberta is located—on the traditional territories of the Siksikaitsitapi, or Blackfoot Confederacy.

Strang relocated to Sikóóhkotok in January 2022 after joining the Southern Alberta Art Gallery Maansiksikaitsitapiitsinikssin as the organization’s Executive Director. Strang first came to Canada in 2006 to attend the Alberta University of the Arts, and has been embedded in Alberta’s not-for-profit arts sector since 2010 as an artist, arts advocate, cultural worker, and volunteer.

Strang previously served as Director of The New Gallery in Mohkínstsis/Calgary, AB, providing leadership at this artist-run centre for nearly a decade. Her work prioritizes the thoughtful stewardship of artists’ practices, accessible programming for all audiences, and strong foundations for organizations through a people-centred and community-driven ethos.

Teresa Horosko is a driven and adaptable Operations Manager for Folk On The Rocks Music Festival in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

She has a proven track record of success in managing medium to large-scale community events including literature, film, and music festivals as well as holiday parades.

Outside of work, Teresa is a writer who is pursuing a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies with a particular focus on Canadian literature and film. When not at her keyboard for work or school, she can be found at the local movie theatre, catching a band’s performance, or reading while snuggling with her cat and dog.

Toyin Oladele is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator, consultant, and community builder, originally from Nigeria. With close to two decades of experience in the arts, she oversees the development, delivery, and evaluation of a range of programs, projects, and partnerships.

Toyin is the Founder and Executive Director of the Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation and serves as the City of Calgary’s Northeast Public Art Initiative amongst other projects. Toyin has supported and mentored over 150 professionals across Canada from diverse communities and backgrounds and produced and managed several performances and exhibitions representing minority performers and artists since she arrived in Canada 6 years ago.

She is an Executive MBA student at the Smith School of Business of Queens University in Kingston, Ontario and won awards which include Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada, Avenue Calgary 40 under 40, Top 25 EDIA Person of the Year, Global Women; Local Changemakers by Calgary Immigrant Women Association, CBC Special Black History Month recognition, Formidable Women 2023 and 2024 by CRIEC etc.

Toyin volunteers on the board of CARFAC Alberta, Contemporary Calgary, Calgary Young People’s Theater, Chromatic Theatre, and Global Fest.

Originally from Italy, Yumi Palleschi began her career as a concert pianist. Prize-winner of more than 30 national and international competitions, she has appeared on stages in Europe, North and Central America and Asia as a soloist, in chamber music formation and with orchestra.

After nearly twenty years as a performer, she decided to redirect her career towards arts management. Since then, she has held various positions, including being Market Development and Administrative Director of the theatre company Joe Jack and John, and Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager at Ballets Jazz Montréal. Currently Head of Artistic Projects at the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, she is responsible for organizing the summer festival La Virée classique OSM, developing innovative digital projects and programming for the venue Espace OSM.

An active member of the local community, Yumi has been on the Cultural Diversity Committee at the Conseil Québecois du Théâtre and is currently a board member of Playwrights’ Workshop Montréal.