Doctor Leanne Hedberg has been awarded a Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Inclusive Entrepreneurship and has rigorous research training in organizational sociology and a solid record of expertise in organizational behaviour and systems management. Following completion of a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA, USA), she earned an MBA in Ethical Leadership at Viterbo University (La Crosse, WI, USA). She worked as an assistant professor at Viterbo for four years, teaching core courses of organizational behavior and management, and providing leadership for the MBA program. As an MBA administrator, she created a one-year MBA program for international students, increasing enrollment by nearly 30%. She also created a university-wide service-learning program, engaging over 1300 hours of student service learning with over 40 non-profit organizations in the program’s first year.

In 2014, Leanne relocated to begin her PhD in the University of Alberta School of Business, which is world-renowned for research leadership and contributions in institutional theory and social movements. She was invited by two internationally-prominent scholars, Drs. M.Lounsbury and R. Greenwood, to complete her PhD in Strategic Management and Organizations under their supervision. During her PhD, she was awarded a Mitacs research internship with the Alberta Flavour Learning Lab – a community-based social innovation that brought numerous Edmonton institutions, including MacEwan University – to collaborate on a more just and equitable food system by stimulating Edmonton’s food economy and food-related social entrepreneurship. In this role, she facilitated and represented the Learning Lab, enabling her to build relationships with individuals and organizations working to build Edmonton’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem, and that will be central to her work as CRC.

Leanne brings considerable leadership experience to her nomination as CRC in Inclusive Entrepreneurship and to her role as Director of the Social Innovation Institute at MacEwan University. In the past two years, she has convened Edmonton’s non-profit and government leaders to collectively transform Edmonton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to be more inclusive, enabling more equity-deserving community members to engage in entrepreneurship as a pathway towards social and economic participation and equity. In addition to her university leadership roles, she has been Chief Operating Officer of a company (livingHR, Inc.) and President of a non-profit (Hillview Urban Agriculture Center). Further, Leanne maintains her credential as Senior Human Resources Professional (SHPR), one of the highest strategic HR professional designations in North America. She has extensive training in inter-cultural facilitation and a proven track record of fostering strong community and cross-sector partnerships, a capability that richly supports her research.

Joanne comes to the Foundation with over 30 years in the human services sector working with vulnerable populations within well respected Edmonton organizations. She has worked with a variety of initiatives involved in financial empowerment, food security, employability, housing and homelessness. Her favourite work involves collaboration, partnerships and innovative approaches to solving complex challenges. In addition to her professional connections, Joanne is most proud of being mom to two amazing boys, 5 and 9 years old. Her passions include photography, a new love of painting, and a strong interest in training and development.

Alphonse is the Executive Director of Francophonie Albertaine Plurielle (FRAP), a key leader in promoting the integration and support of Francophone newcomers in Alberta. He sits on several influential boards, including the Alberta Premier’s Council on Multiculturalism, the National Advisory Committee for Francophone Settlement (CCNEF), and the Executive Committee of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR).

Alphonse’s deep commitment to community service is evident in his roles as Chairman of the Board of La FRAP and President of the Réseau d’immigration francophone de l’Alberta (RIFA). His experience also extends to academia, where he has contributed as an adjunct and seasonal instructor at the Faculté Saint Jean and as a  research assistant at the University of Alberta. In addition, he has applied his expertise as a Field Services Analyst for Alberta Education, promoting educational development and support at the provincial level.

Barhet brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to community advocacy, particularly in promoting the health and well-being of equity-deserving groups. Originally from Eritrea, Barhet has spent most of her life as a settler in what is now known as Canada.

With over a decade of experience, Barhet has worked within various organizations and held roles focused on addressing inequities at both individual and structural levels. She prioritizes meaningful community engagement, facilitating complex dialogues with stakeholders, and influencing policy and program changes.

As the current Executive Director of the Centre for Race and Culture (CFRAC), Barhet is at the forefront of efforts to transform anti-racism education. Her work centers on creating inclusive spaces that champion cultural diversity and foster understanding across communities. Under her leadership, CFRAC is pioneering innovative projects that incorporate creative expression to break down barriers in understanding the effects of racism.

Beyond her role at CFRAC, Barhet is a prominent leader within the community. She serves as a Board Member of End Poverty Edmonton and the HIV Legal Network, co-chairs the CHABAC Network Steering Committee, and is the former Board Chair of the Alberta Association for Immigrant Serving Agencies.

Originally from Eritrea, Barhet currently resides in Edmonton and frequently spends time in Ontario with her family.

Vanessa is currently serving as the interim Executive Director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council (ESPC), where she has been a dedicated board member for six years. With over a decade of experience in supporting community-building initiatives and advocating for welcoming urban spaces across Edmonton, Vanessa brings a wealth of expertise to her role. As a human ecologist, she approaches problem solving from a person-first, context-driven perspective, recognizing the complexities of creating meaningful and lasting change. Her research spans topics such as social inclusion and resilience, spatial design for health and wellness, interplay between urban design and historical features, and designing for sustainable growth through community engagement.