The Power of Connection

March 11, noon-1 p.m. MDT

Hear from UCalgary alumni and global influencers about the power of reciprocity, mentorship and networking in a virtual world.

Part of the 2021 Grow Your Career Conference.

The Power of Connection

Connecting across networks and platforms has never been easier, or has it? How do we build relationships and connect authentically in absence of in-person coffees and networking events? Hear from our lineup of UCalgary alumni and global influencers about the power of reciprocity, mentorship and networking in a virtual world. Come ready to meet other alumni and friends in a virtual speed networking mixer!  

Guests at this session will receive a free ebook, Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.


This webinar was on March 11, noon-1 p.m. MDT

Here’s what you’ll learn

How networking can help you navigate an unconventional path in reaching career goals

Building self confidence and mastering the art of interaction

How building genuine connections can lead to lasting business relationships

Session speakers

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Sarah Damberger, BA’13

Senior Consultant, Stack’d Consulting Inc

Sarah Damberger is a Senior Consultant with Stack’d Consulting Inc., a boutique management consulting firm with offices in Calgary and Edmonton.

Sarah Damberger is a Senior Consultant with Stack’d Consulting Inc., a boutique management consulting firm with offices in Calgary and Edmonton. Sarah graduated from the University of Calgary with a BA (Hon) in Communications in 2013 and is still involved on campus as a UCalgary Senator and through a number of other Alumni committees with the Faculty of Arts and UCalgary Alumni Board. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the National Board of Amnesty International Canada and is passionate about human rights, social justice, and helping non-profit organizations make an even greater positive impact on our community.   

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Shacarra Orr, BA’19

Paralympic Athlete and Development Associate, Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta

Shacarra Orr, UCalgary 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Communications Graduate. She competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and has continued working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Volleyball Canada following her retirement as an athlete.

Shacarra Orr, UCalgary 2019 Bachelor of Arts in Communications Graduate. She competed in the Rio 2016 Paralympics and has continued working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Volleyball Canada following her retirement as an athlete. Shacarra is an event coordinator and yoga teacher and has recently been admitted to City University's Masters of Counselling Psychology. Shacarra grew up in Jaffray B.C and spends her free time snowboarding, hiking, playing with her puppy and is happiest when on a beach.  

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Jessica O’Connell, MSc’16

Co-Owner, Grit Coaching, Olympic Athlete  

Jessica is a born-and-bred Calgarian who holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University ('12) and an MSc from the University of Calgary in Health and Exercise Physiology ('16).

Jessica is a born-and-bred Calgarian who holds a BS in Exercise Physiology from West Virginia University ('12) and an MSc from the University of Calgary in Health and Exercise Physiology ('16). While studying Kinesiology, she spent her extracurricular hours putting her sport science learning into practice as an athlete on the national track and field team. Jess competed in the 2016 Olympic Games in the 5000m, is a Canadian record holder, and has represented Canada internationally 15 times!  

She is currently training full-time in preparation for the next Olympics. Since graduation, Jess has utilized her kinesiology education by creating an online athletic coaching business called Grit Coaching with fellow University of Calgary alumni Faye Stenning, BKIN’12. Grit Coaching specializes in customized strength and endurance training programs through an online platform which allows for work with clients worldwide. 

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Ravina Anand

Social-tech Entrepreneur and COO of FLIK

Ravina Anand is a social-tech entrepreneur and the COO of FLIK, the first female-identifying apprenticeship portal. In a hyper globalized world, Ravina aims to advance women’s economic participation and help women from remote and underserved communities.

Ravina Anand is a social-tech entrepreneur and the COO of FLIK, the first female-identifying apprenticeship porta. In a hyper globalized world, Ravina aims to advance women’s economic participation and help women from remote and underserved communities. With experience in municipal politics and community advocacy, she promotes diversity by encouraging people to fight injustices and challenge stereotypes. On a global level, Ravina advocates for women and creates conversations around the trends and procurement for scaling social innovation situated in inclusivity, diversity, and equity. She has had the honour of speaking across North America to industry leaders, students, and creators about shattering expectations and breaking barriers.  
 

An autodidactic deep generalist, builder and innovator, Anand is passionate about the intersection of social good and technology. Pursuing an unconventional career path, her myriad of interests in technology, global health governance, and socio political philosophy, has led to a culmination of recognitions including the Diana Award, Top 30 Under 30, the President’s Medal, Global Changemaker, discussions with the President of Taiwan and the Earl and Countess of Wessex, collaborating with women’s Initiative for Gender Justice, the United Nations, and attending the Assembly of State Parties. She is an alumnus of March of Remembrance and Hope, NEXT 36, League of Innovators, and the European Innovation Academy. Ravina has received nominations for the Rhodes Scholarship, 3M Fellowship, and Yale-Fox Fellowship.  
 

Motivated by computational epidemiology, policy, and space exploration, Ravina is passionate to propel inclusive design thinking and innovation, sparked by her ambition to make life multi-planetary. 

Session facilitator

David Isilebo

Law student and Member of the Executive council of the Black Law Students Association - UCalgary Chapter

David Isilebo is a 2L law student enrolled at the University of Calgary after completing his BSc. in Environmental Science at the University of Alberta in 2016.

David Isilebo is a 2L law student enrolled at the University of Calgary after completing his BSc. in Environmental Science at the University of Alberta in 2016. Prior to attending law school, David worked as a research assistant for the multinational archaeological project “Stone Tools, Diet and Sociality” based out of the University of Calgary. He is a member of the Executive council of the Black Law Students Association - UCalgary Chapter and has helped organize numerous outreach and networking events for students interested in pursuing Law.


Register for more sessions at the 2021 Grow Your Career Conference

Three Stories Every Career Needs

The stories we tell ourselves and others is an effective way to help people understand who we are and how we can contribute as an employee.

Career Wellness

Join us for an invigorating session to tune in to where you are at right now and what you need in your life and career.

The New World of Work

Hear from UCalgary alumni and global influencers about the power of reciprocity, mentorship and networking in a virtual world.


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Proud partners

The Grow Your Career Conference is made possible through the generous and ongoing support of TD, an affinity partner of the UCalgary Alumni Association.