Alice Reimer is a successful technology entrepreneur and dedicated community leader and mentor. She co-founded Calgary-based Evoco, leading the innovative SaaS firm from initial concept through to a 2012 acquisition. Evoco’s technology became the standard construction management system for global retailers including Walmart, Home Depot, and Staples. Most recently, Alice was the CEO of Chaordix, a pioneering software leader in the crowdsourcing and open innovation space, with global clients including LEGO, Procter & Gamble, KPMG, and IBM.

Dr. Emma Towlson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary, based in the Computer Science Department and collaborating with the Complexity Science Group and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. She is a network (neuro)scientist who believes complex systems science is at the heart of understanding our interconnected world, and the organisms that share it. Dr. Towlson completed her postdoctoral training at the Center for Complex Network Research at Northeastern University. She received her PhD from the University of Cambridge (2015), and holds a Masters in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Warwick (2011). She is invested in bringing transdisciplinary approaches to broader audiences and educational settings. Dr. Towlson is part of the Homeward Bound network, a value-driven global leadership program that aims to change the narrative around leadership and promote the impact of women in science on decisions that shape the future of our planet.

Dr Deborah Kurrasch is a Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Calgary and a Scientist in the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Dr Kurrasch’s research is focused on characterizing the genetic programs that govern hypothalamic development and how exposure to environmental chemicals changes these programs using zebrafish, mice and human brain organoids as model systems. Her lab also developed a novel drug screening platform to uncover therapies for children with refractory epilepsy. Their lead repurposed drug entered clinical trials at Alberta Children’s Hospital and her team is commercializing a novel compound for the treatment of refractory epilepsy through her company, Path Therapeutics. Her work is/has been funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Brain Canada, among other private foundations.

Dr Kurrasch received her PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from Purdue University and conducted two postdoctoral fellowships, one at the University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and one at the University of California – San Francisco. Dr Kurrasch has received various awards for her scholarly work and supervision of graduate students, most recently receiving the Peak Scholar in Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Knowledge, 2018.

Nicole Janssen leads AltaML’s service business and is active in the entrepreneurial community. Nicole is also co-founder of Janalta Interactive Inc., an online media company. Nicole’s background includes starting Stratus Holdings Inc., a private real estate investment firm, and prior success as a real estate broker. Nicole is passionate about community and currently serves as a board member of Innovate Edmonton. Nicole previously served as a director for Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta & NWT for over 5 years, including 2 years as Chair. Nicole holds a B.Comm. in international business from the University of Alberta.