Spark Change with UCalgary Alumni Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, June 25

12 to 1 p.m., MT

Online (Zoom)

Free

A cartoon photo of lightbulbs growing on vines and various people climbing them.

Join UCalgary Alumni to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit!

With a focus on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial thinking, this career-development webinar will allow you to learn from the best. Join an incredible panel of alumni experts — including a dynamic leader of tech startups, an international recruiter and the owner and president of a Canadian Elite Basketball League team — as they describe the unique paths they carved out as entrepreneurs.

Gain insights from those who’ve turned their ideas into reality and use the opportunity to exchange knowledge, and perhaps even start something yourself!

A photo of Danielle wearing a black blouse while sitting on an orange couch

Director of AI & Cloud, PwC

In her current role, Danielle Gifford, MBA’20, partners closely with executive teams to integrate and roll out Generative AI enterprise applications across Western Canada. She is a dynamic leader with a track record of driving innovation and value-creation at the forefront of technology and strategic investments. Before joining PwC, Danielle spearheaded the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Talent and Experimentation Accelerator at AltaML, where she trained more than 240 individuals in applied AI methodology and led the development of 70 AI use cases across diverse sectors. Her impactful contributions at the Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies resulted in more than $250 million in equity value-creation through managing ventures in energy, agriculture, fintech and health.

A photo of Jane wearing a blue pinstripe blazer over a white shirt.

Managing Partner and Founder, Griffith Group Executive Search

A veteran search leader, Jane Griffith, BA’96, focuses on the recruitment of senior leaders in the academic, research, not-for-profit and broader public sectors. Prior to founding the Griffith Group, Jane worked at three global search firms as a partner and was the first in Canada to be named “Partner and National Diversity Leader.” She also founded Griffith Research, with clients in Australia, Dubai, Canada and the U.S. Jane is also an active board member and has supported many organizations including the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce, 30% Club Canada, and Informed Opinions. Jane founded The Council of Women Executives and currently serves as the executive director of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Association.

Jason wearing a black suit with a black tie.

Vice-Chairman & President, Calgary Surge 

Dr. Jason Ribeiro, PhD’24, is a father, community advocate and vice-chairman and president of the Calgary Surge Professional Basketball Club. A passionate corporate director and community volunteer, Jason serves on boards and committees within the Alberta Motor Association, Sport Calgary and EducationMatters. His latest venture, the Surge, is an extension of his passions for supporting young people, sport and recreation, and arts and culture. Jason is steadfast in his belief that the sport of basketball can bring people together and help build a Calgary that leaves no one behind.

Manager, Investor Services, Invest Alberta

Fay Qian, MBA’19, is an accomplished executive-search consultant and startup strategist with a passion for venture-building and program-development. Fay currently collaborates with teams nationally and internationally to strategically attract foreign direct investments and drive Alberta’s economic development. In her previous role as the manager for venture programs at UCalgary's Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Fay spearheaded program development, management and delivery, while actively supporting strategic community-engagement initiatives in the innovation ecosystem. Deeply committed to community engagement, Fay actively serves on the boards of directors at Lunchbox Theatre, the Calgary Corporate Challenge, and the UCalgary Alumni Association.