LLC 2023 Presenters

2023 Speakers to be Announced Shortly

 

The 2022 conference has an amazing roster of speakers ready for you! Please click on the presentations to learn more about our presenters, moderators and panellists!

Keynote Speaker - February 12, 11:00 a.m.

Noelle Montcalm - Doing the hurdle event at the OlympicsNoelle Montcalm is a proud alumna of the University of Windsor and Lancer Track and Field. "As a kid, I had high ambitions, I still do. But I never could have dreamed what emotions would come with being a two-time Olympian. The journey, the process, the hurdles (always the hurdles) to overcome, all add up to one amazing experience to be so very grateful for," she says. Montcalm works as a Registered Nurse at the University of Windsor. She is particularly interested in health promotion practices and education. In this exciting talk, you will have the opportunity to learn how to navigate the challenges of meeting your goals which is something that aligns well with her favourite quote: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill.

Concurrent Sessions - February 12, 1:15 p.m.

Leading the Voices of Undergraduate Research Experience

Carol Adu-BobieCarol Adu-Bobie (panelist) is a second-year Outstanding Scholar and Odette School of Business student investigating the effects of technology on financial performance with Dr. Brent Furneaux. Adu-Bobie volunteers as the communications officer for Ambassador Baptist Church, where she produces content to inform the church community about upcoming events.

 

 

Sydney FuerthSydney Fuerth (panelist) is a fourth-year student in the Communication, Media and Film program at the University of Windsor. Fuerth actively pursues her passion for directing documentaries and making short films. In her second year of university studies, she created a documentary on Steve Marks, a local species at risk reptile specialist. The documentary is an opportunity for the public to learn from a specialist with thirty-four years of experience. Among her takeaways from the project, she learned that Marks went from fearing reptiles to educating others on why reptiles are important to our region.

 

Anumita Jain is a second-year Outstanding Scholar in the Behaviour Cognition and Neuroscience program studying the effects of natural extracts on neurodegenerative diseases with Dr. Siyaram Pandey. Along with being actively involved in research, Anumita enjoys being involved in her community. Anumita is an Integrative Biology department representative on Science Society and the Founder and President of STEMxPolicy - a student-led organization within the Faculty of Science that is focused on bridging the gap between Science and Policy by educating, engaging, and empowering STEM students to become leaders in policymaking. 

 

Samuel JokodolaSamuel Jokodola (Moderator) is a graduate student at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Education from Oyo State, Nigeria. Jokodola obtained an undergraduate degree in counselling education from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. He has professional experience organizing and leading counselling programs in internally displaced person camps and juvenile homes. 

 

Leadership in Sport

Owen Bravo (moderator) is enrolled in the University of Windsor’s Master of Human Kinetics program and is specializing in the Sports Management stream. Bravo works as a member of the Event Staff for the Windsor Lancers.

 

Taiye AkintolaTaiye Akintola (panelist) is a fifth-year student in economics at the University of Windsor and is a defensive lineman for the Lancer Football team. When asked what he loves most about being a Windsor Lancer he says that it’s the “sense of brotherhood and family and the opportunities for all-round development as a person and athlete.”

 

 

Mckay ColombeMcKay Colombe (panelist) is a year 3 student in the Concurrent French and Education program. Colombe plays 3rd base on the fastpitch team. When asked what she loves most about being a Windsor Lancer she says “being a Lancer student-athletes provides me with an opportunity to represent my school and allows me to be more involved within the school community. I am grateful for the friendships I established through the fastpitch team.”

 

Jade SampingJade Samping (panelist) is enrolled in the University of Windsor’s Master of Human Kinetics program. Samping is a Midfielder on the Women’s Soccer team. When asked what she loves most about being a Windsor Lancer she says, “it’s the feeling of family within the Lancer Community.”

 

Student Leadership 

Yahaya AlphonseYahaya Alphonse (moderator) - Yahaya Alphonse is a master of political science student specializing in international relations and global politics at the University of Windsor. Alphonse has extensive experience in student union leadership and has participated in Model United Nations conferences during his undergrad at Algoma University. Currently, he works as a Leadership Competency Coordinator at the University of Windsor.

 

 

Linden CrainLinden Crain (panelist) - Linden Crain is a fourth-year honours business administration student specializing in marketing and minoring in political science. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Linden founded Coffee with Crainer, a live show focused on providing emerging leaders with advice from successful industry professionals. Aside from his regular interviews, Linden enjoys actively volunteering for various boards in Windsor-Essex. He currently serves as a Director on the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce and Amherstburg Community Foundation and is also a member of Invest Windsor-Essex’s Young Professionals Advisory Committee.

 

Jeremiah Bowers (panelist) is a 4th Year political science student, a youth advocate, and a community builder. He works as a Projects Assistant in the Office of the Vice-President Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. He previously served for three years as President of the UWSA, where he championed initiatives for universally accessible and affordable education. As a past Chair of the National Black Students’ Caucus, and now as a Board member and the Secretary of The Black Council of Windsor-Essex, his advocacy work has centred on Black liberation, dismantling racial inequities, youth empowerment, and student leadership development. Having a green matcha frappe at his side, he aims to create a safer and positive future where young people feel empowered to reimagine and pursue endless possibilities for themselves.

 

Jasleen DayalJasleen Dayal (panelist) serves as the President of the University of Windsor Students' Alliance (UWSA) and is an undergraduate student studying political science. Leadership and governmental student activity are some of her passions as she works to establish and maintain positive relationships with campus and community partners. Her work focuses on supporting an optimal experience for undergraduate students at the University of Windsor! 

 

 

David PitawanakwatDavid Pitawanakwat (panelist) is a third-year law student in the Dual J.D Program and President of the Shkawbewisag Student Law Society. He is a tri-citizen of the United States, Canada, and Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. David currently lives in Waawiiyaataanoong (Detroit) where he leads the Detroit Indigenous Peoples Alliance, a political advocacy group that helps navigate urban Native issues.

 

 

Pronunciations - Translations

Shkaw-bae-wii-suk, Ceremonial helpers

Bii- da- wa – na -kwit, approaching cloud

Wii – Kwem – Kong, Bay of the beavers

Waa- wii – yaa -taa- nong, place where the water curves around

 

Concurrent Sessions - February 12, 2:15

 

The Dark Side of Leadership: The Impact and Mitigation of High-Conflict Persons
 

Dr. E.M. (Ted) VokesDr. E.M. (Ted) Vokes
With a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, one of Dr. Ted Vokes’ best accomplishments to date is bridging psychological theory with business application to transform organizations. His practical leadership and managerial experience include serving as Second-in-Command of an Air Force officer candidate training school, as Executive Director for a mental health centre, and as Executive Partner of his own consulting practice. Ted is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Windsor and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Psychology and Odette School of Business in various graduate programs at the Centre for Executive and Professional Education. He also works as an Instructor with the Corporate and Professional Development learning division of St. Clair College.

 

Dr. Amir Reza Talaei has a B.Sc. in Industrial Management, an M.A. in General Psychology, and Ph.D. in Applied Social Psychology (specializing in Industrial-Organizational Psychology). Prior to becoming a Partner with the E.M. Vokes, Ph.D. & Associates Practice, he held a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in the Psychology Department at the University of Windsor. He currently teaches in the Masters of Management Program at the Odette School of Business. His main interests and expertise revolve around personality in the workplace (with a focus on ‘personality derailers’ or ‘the dark side’ of personality), leader and employee counterproductive work behaviours, motivational processes, change leadership, and organizational neuroscience.

 

Anjni Vokes, B.A. (Hons), M.C.P.M. has over seven years of consulting and managerial experienceShe has a bachelor’s degree is in Psychology from the University of Windsor and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from St. Clair College. She has facilitated over 200 learning labs in support of leadership development and organizational change objectives. Her expertise lies in Power and Culture Analyses, detecting and managing High Conflict Personalities in the workplace, and Career Planning and Advancement. She also teaches Leadership & Team Development at St. Clair College.

 

Jason (Jay) Koorneef, B.A. (Hons), Dip, (Hon) has over two decades of business management and consulting experience spanning several continents. He has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Windsor and a Tourism and Travel (High Honours) diploma from Seneca College.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Diana SarkisDiana Sarkis currently works as a Sessional Instructor at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor and in Continuing Education at the University of Windsor. She teaches courses at the Master of Business (MBA), Master of Management, Master of Engineering Management (MEM) and the undergraduate program in the Management and Labour areas. Diana operates as an HR Consultant, where she partners with organizations throughout Canada to provide expertise in compensation, training and development, recruitment and outplacement services. She previously worked in the field of human resources in a full-time capacity in various sectors, including manufacturing, professional services and the broader public sector. Through her employment experience, Diana has gained extensive experience in labour relations, recruitment, training and development and strategic human resources practices. Diana completed a Master of Industrial Relations (MIR), a specialized advanced degree in human resources and labour relations, at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Diana also holds a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation through the Human Resources Professional Association. She has served the HR community as the Chair of the Human Resources Professional Association of Windsor. 

 

Moneeza Sami is a third-year business student at the Odette School of Business and is currently completing her second co-op term at the University of Windsor Continuing Education. She holds multiple leadership positions such as the Human Resources Director at Odette Commerce Society and the co-founder/President of a student club called The Wellness Impact, which aims to promote healthy eating and awareness of eating disorders. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, evident by her roles as Co-Vice President of the UWindsor Mental Health Association, and as Youth Ambassador at the non-profit organization Anxiety Canada. Moneeza has also built her leadership skills through extensive volunteer work. She has regularly participated in the Volunteer Internship Program at the University of Windsor, where she has volunteered for organizations such as Pozitive Pathways Community Services and the Canadian Mental Health Association. 

Leadership and Personal Connection

Mike Akpata - Mike served for 21 years with the Windsor Police Service and as a Senior Constable Akpata was assigned to the Investigations Branch where he served as both an Arson and Fraud Investigator. Mike has had a diverse career with the Windsor Police Service which has seen him assigned to a number of different units. For 4 years he was the Ontario Police Memorial Sergeant Major and was the Windsor Police Honour Guard Sergeant Major from 1998 to 2015. Mike retired from the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserve with 26 years of service. As an infantry reservist, he served in Afghanistan in 2007 with 2 RCR where he received both the Taskforce Commander’s Commendation and the Area Commander’s Commendation. In 2014 Mike ran and was elected to the position of Councilor for the Town of LaSalle. He was re-elected to his second term of council in October of 2018 and holds this position currently.   

Concurrent Sessions - February 12, 3:30

How the Power in Community Empowered Me

Teshyla Bailey is a community organizer, facilitator, and mentor dedicated to creating safe spaces for young women and girls. Teshyla is the founder of the grassroots organization Sis To Sis Toronto, which aims to support the personal development of Black and racialized women through community-informed programs and initiatives.

As a facilitator, Teshyla works with a range of organizations and individuals to deliver workshops, training, and education materials on youth engagement and community development to strengthen organizational and individual capacity. Her love for seeing young people win, despite life’s challenges, continues to motivate her throughout her work

Avoiding Burn-Out in the Early Stages of Your Career

Natasha E. FeghaliNatasha E. Feghali is an award-winning Canadian for her philanthropy in the community and dedication to education and the community. She is the recipient of the 40 Under 40 United Way/ Leadership Windsor-Essex Award 2018, the Sovereign Canadian Medal in 2015 and the Odyssey Award University of Windsor 2018. She is a notarized speaker, MC and facilitator for many events and learning opportunities both in Canada and globally. Natasha is a 2x graduate from the University of Windsor with extensive expertise in Second Language Education, Leadership and ICT in the classroom.

Finding Your Inner Lancer

Mike McMahonMike McMahon (presenter) - Mike is the Assistant Fitness and Sport Conditioning Coordinator at the University of Windsor. He has worked as a personal trainer, a rehab specialist, a fitness manager, and a general manager in local fitness facilities. Mike has ten years of experience as an instructor at St. Clair College in their Fitness and Health Promotion program.

 

 

Zoe Kepran - Zoe is the current Forge Supervisor and a third-year sport management student at the University of Windsor. She has taught fitness classes, led events in the Forge and works in the community to promote health and fitness. Zoe is also the Program Manager of a sailing school with an aquatic leadership background.

 

On-demand presentation

Lancer Leadership Journey: Men's Hockey

Ryan BarbosaRyan Barbosa (presenter) – Ryan Barbosa is a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor, majoring in Sport Management. Barbosa is the assistant captain of the Windsor Lancers hockey team and is an alum of Michael Power/ St. Joseph High School. As a student-athlete, he has been able to be an active participant in campus teams, activities, and clubs.

 

 

Mel MelconianMel Melconian (presenter) – Mel is a fourth-year student in the Odette School of Business, specializing in finance and minoring in economics. Melconian is from Toronto and is active in University of Windsor organizations/clubs and local initiatives.