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Executive Council
February 12, 2014

Encouraging an Innovative Economy

Provincial Government Supports Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn Sessions

Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn sessions will begin this month as part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting women in leadership through outreach and professional development initiatives.

“The Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn sessions provide a great opportunity for women in different regions across the province to hear first-hand the experiences of Newfoundland and Labrador women leaders. The keynote speakers are women who are tremendous leaders, and by sharing their stories, will provide others with valuable learning opportunities.”
- Honourable Joan Shea, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

The four professional development sessions will feature prominent Newfoundland and Labrador women leaders. Biographies of the keynote speakers can be found in the attached backgrounder. Below is information regarding the sessions which will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the following dates:

Date Location Keynote Speaker
February 21, 2014Clarenville Inn, ClarenvilleIris Petten
March 7, 2014Mount Peyton Hotel, Grand Falls-WindsorAnne Whelan
April 11, 2014Greenwood Inn, Corner BrookAnastasia Qupee
May 9, 2014Hotel North, Happy Valley-Goose BayAnne Whelan

The Provincial Government continues its support for women and funds organizations such as the Women’s Centres, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women, and the Regional Coordinating Committees against Violence under the Violence Prevention Initiative.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

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Media contact:

Sara Norris
Program, Policy and Communications Analyst
Women’s Policy Office
709-729-6225
saranorris@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Ovations Leadership Lunch & Learn Keynote Speakers

Iris Petten
Iris Petten has served in many leadership roles. Ms. Petten is a business leader with more than 20 years of experience at a senior executive level in the fishing industry. She has corporate board experience in industries such as fishing, education, logistics and transportation. She also finds time to give back to the community through her volunteer activities. Ms. Petten takes on every role with a view to learn and grow through dedication, commitment, and determination while at the same time never losing sight of her integrity.

She currently serves as Chair of Memorial University’s Board of Regents, and is a Corporate Board Member of Canada Post Corporation, and Canship Ugland Ltd.

Anne Whelan
Anne Whelan started early as an entrepreneur, with a business hosting kids birthday parties when she was in her teens. Leveraging an entrepreneurial spirit with a Master of Business Administration from Memorial and work experience ranging from community economic development to consulting with the Irish Training and Employment Authority, Ms. Whelan leads Seafair with enthusiasm, energy and a diversity of experience that helps drive the corporate vision and mission.

In addition to her role at Seafair, Ms. Whelan has completed the Director’s Education Program at the University of Toronto, and is a current board member of Newfoundland Power, Newfoundland and Labrador Oil Industry Association, Atlantic Provinces’ Economic Council and the Argentia Management Authority. She was awarded the NLOWE Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards in 2013, and the Royal Bank of Canada Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (Growth Category) in 2010. Ms. Whelan has been named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEO’s for the last three years, and in 2013 was awarded a Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to the development of home care quality and services to children.

Anastasia Qupee
Anastasia Qupee is an Innu woman from Sheshatshiu, Labrador. Ms. Qupee is a mother of three and a grandmother of one. She was the first Innu woman chief in her community, serving two terms from 2004 until 2010. She also served as a board member on Innu Nation, Labrador Grenfell Regional Authority and is involved in a number of joint businesses. A strong advocate of health living, she always makes a point of doing things to take care of herself to avoid illness and to provide a good balance between work and home life. Ms. Qupee is currently working as Human Resources Director for the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation.

2014 02 12                      3:40 p.m.

 
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