Mandatory Events
Opening Ceremonies: Making Yourself Proud
Thursday, March 11, 2021
5:00 - 6:30 PM MST | 7:00 - 8:30 PM EST
The opening ceremonies will include a Welcome Address from our Co-Chairs. Our keynote speaker, Bindu Cudjoe, will welcome the delegates and talk about “Making Yourself Proud.” Join us as we celebrate the first ever virtual NEW Conference!
Bindu Cudjoe
Senior Vice President, General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
CWB Financial Group
Bindu Cudjoe is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for CWB Financial Group, leading teams responsible for managing legal and regulatory compliance risks and investigations across the group and is a key driver of CWB’s equity, diversity and inclusion activity.
She is a mother of three, active in her professional and local communities and is currently director, Vice Chair and chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Oakville Community Foundation, founder of the Fearless Women Giving Collective, director of the global board of the Association of Corporate Counsel, director of the National GC Network, vice president and director of Women General Counsel Canada Network and a founding member of the Ryerson Law & Business Advisory Council. She is also a member of the advisory board for Alexa Translations. A frequent speaker in Canada and the U.S. on issues of innovation in the legal industry, legal operations and equity, diversity and inclusion more broadly, Bindu was named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine in 2016 and a Lexpert Rising Star: Leading Lawyers under 40 in 2014.
Board Basics with DirectHER
Sponsored by the Evelyn Miller Fund
Friday, March 12, 2021
5:00 - 6:00 PM MST | 7:00 - 8:00 PM EST
This one hour version of DirectHer Network's "Board Basics" webinar will help participants understand how gender parity impacts boards, how and why boards function and how they can start thinking of their future on boards!
Evelyn Miller was born and raised near the small East Alberta town of Alliance. She went into the Canadian army after High School, and her first real world job as
as a bookkeeper in the business of a family friend. She was not satisfied with the job and decided to attend the University of Alberta, where she was one of six someone to graduate from her Commerce Class (1950). After graduation she went back to her former employer and told him she now had a university degree. He was very proud of her accomplishment. She asked if he had a job for her and se said he did — the same one as before!
Some of the qualities that many of you at this conference have, and will develop, were exemplified by Evelyn. She was unique, stubborn, and and independent free spirit. She was devoted to family and friends, and had a passion for fashion.
Evelyn passed away in November 2011. She was a tremendous influence in the live of many. The Evelyn J. Miller Legacy Fund was created by her family to help continue to influence lives, especially those of women striving for success and recognition in business and life
Chantel is a former, some may say recovering lawyer, turned self-proclaimed governance geek. Driven by the desire for greater inclusivity and accessibility in the world of governance, Chantel founded two organizations: DirectHer Network and BoardWell.
DirectHer Network is a not for profit aimed at broadening the number and types of women that consider themselves "board candidates" through inclusive governance education. BoardWell is the only online governance platform that enables boards to come together, in a cost-effective way, to define their role, align their governance choices and maximize the value they bring to an organization.
Chantel Cabaj
Founder of DirectHer
Sinem is an articling student at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP’s Calgary office for the 2020-2021 articling term. She acts for clients in both disputes and transactional matters with a particular interest in securities and corporate law.
Growing up all around the world (5 countries before the age of 25), Sinem considers herself a global citizen. Today, her network reaches all around the world, spanning various industries. When she’s not working, you'll find Sinem traveling to a new country, hiking Alberta’s beautiful trails, reading, or watching the latest movie.
Sinem Ersoy
Articling Student
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Bailey is a Partner in the Valuations, Forensics and Litigation Support Services group in Calgary. Bailey draws on more than a decade of experience in forensic and investigative accounting and litigation support to help her clients deal with complex and sensitive situations.
Bailey Rivard, CPA, CA·IFA, CBV, CFE, CFF
Partner
Valuations, Forensics and Litigation Support Services
Annabritt is a partner at Shores Jardine LLP and specializes in administrative law. In this role, she advises boards, tribunals and regulatory bodies on procedure and the carrying out of statutory authority. Because of this work, Annabritt understands firsthand the importance of developing and engaging a diverse set of voices in decision-making conversations. She is excited to be part of DirectHer and the space it helps facilitate for female voices in Alberta.
Annabritt Chisholm
Partner
Shores Jardine LLP
Jill is a proud Edmontonian and a partner at Weir Bowen LLP. She practices in the areas of Wills and Estates, Personal Injury, Estate Litigation and Real Estate. She is a dedicated member of several local non-profit Boards and professional associations. Jill loves her community and is happy to be able to assist others both in her profession and as a volunteer.
Jillian Gamez
Partner
Weir Bowen LLP
Books sponsored by:
Closing Ceremonies
Saturday, March 13, 2021
5:00 - 6:00 PM MST | 7:00 - 8:00 PM EST
The closing ceremonies will include a quick recap of the events that occurred in NEW’s first ever virtual conference. There will be raffle prizes to be handed out, a “Thank You” Speech by the Co-Chairs of NEW, and one last social event to celebrate newfound friendships and lasting memories.