Workshop Speaker: Judi Hess

Judi took on the role of CEO at Copperleaf in August 2009, which in 2016 was named the 17th Fastest-Growing Software Company in Canada and the Emerging Tech Company of the Year in BC. She began her career as a software developer at aerospace and defence company MDA and spent 14 years there before joining Creo Inc. in 1995. She rose to become president in 2002, a position she held until Creo was acquired by Eastman Kodak for just under $1 Billion USD in 2005. During her 4 year tenure at Kodak, Judi was a general manager and vice president within the graphic communications group, a corporate officer and vice president of Eastman Kodak, and head of Kodak Canada. In 2017, Judi was recognized as an Influential Women in Business by BIV, an award celebrating B.C.’s most outstanding business women. Judi holds a Honours Bachelor of Mathematics Degree With Distinction – Dean’s Honours List from the University of Waterloo, was a René Descartes Scholar, and is an avid downhill skier.

Workshop Facilitator: Cheryl Kristiansen, P. Eng.

Cheryl brings diverse expertise in project management, engineering innovation and leading transformative change in the SETT workplace. She has a degree in Mechanical Engineering, hands-on experience in alternate fuels technology, and senior leadership success in the oil and gas sector. As Managing Director of the Mitchell Odyssey Foundation, Cheryl developed a network of schools across BC with innovative programs that motivate and inspire high school students to pursue STEM careers. As Project Manager with SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology), Cheryl led the MakePossible mentoring project to advance women (www.makepossible.ca). Cheryl is a certified Kaset Facilitator for quality service and created the "Wild About Science" Odyssey symposium for educators. She has delivered a variety of training workshops across Canada, including MakePossible Diversity by Design workshops at UBC, SFU, BCIT, TRU, UNBC and various industry events.