International Women's Day Webinar: The Moment that Changed Everything

Keynote Speaker

Executive Chair, Calgary Wild FC

Deanna Zumwalt is a visionary business leader and UCalgary alum driving transformative change in Canadian women’s sports. As the executive chair of Calgary Wild FC, she has played a critical role in the 2025 launch of Canada’s first professional women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League. Deanna brings deep entrepreneurial and leadership experience from a distinguished career in finance and energy, culminating as president and CEO of Coril Holdings Ltd. 

A passionate community leader, she serves on multiple national boards and advisory councils. In 2025, she received the Haskayne School of Business Management Alumni Excellence Award.

Journalist, CBC News

Rosa Marchitelli is nationally recognized and renowned for her investigative reporting. She is the co-host of CBC News’ investigative segment Go Public and Canada’s consumer watchdog primetime program, Marketplace, where she has built a reputation for asking tough questions and holding companies and individuals accountable. Originally from Calgary, Rosa earned a BA in English from UCalgary and a Bachelor of Applied Arts in journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto. 

She began her career in Calgary before moving on to serve as CBC Vancouver’s news anchor, reporter and producer. Today, she continues to work as a national correspondent while co-hosting Go Public, shining a light on issues of public interest. Rosa’s reporting has earned multiple accolades, including a National Radio Television Digital News Association Dave Rogers Award for her short feature Failure to Protect, a Gabriel Award, and recognition as a Jack Webster Awards finalist for Best News Reporting of the Year.

President, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland

Jennifer Thompson has led a shift in how the many aspects of Calgary’s history are shared and interpreted. Guided by a deep commitment to social justice, equity and the arts, Jennifer is shaping The Confluence into a vibrant cultural hub that uplifts diverse voices, centres Indigenous and community perspectives, and strengthens public connection to place. Jennifer’s career spans the public and non-profit sectors in Canada and U.S. She spent more than a decade with The City of Calgary, including senior leadership roles in arts and culture. 

Jennifer serves on the board of directors of Alberta Theatre Projects and BUMP Festival, and is a strong advocate for community-led cultural institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Wilmington University, a Master of Business Administration from UCalgary, and a Professional Certificate in Governance and Public Policy from the University of Victoria.   

Anila is a pragmatic community advocate and executive leader. As an expert in non-profit management and a builder of high performing organizations with inclusive and equitable spaces, her expertise is the basis for a parallel career as a public speaker and presenter. Anila brings lived experience, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the community. Anila has earned many accolades including a UCalgary Alumni Award, Top 40 Under 40, Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada and 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Most days you can find her in her garden with her mom and puppies, out with the wild horses, mentoring youth or spending time with her martial arts family.