Workshop Speaker: Leigh Wall

Leigh works as a Student Recruitment Specialist at VCC, as well as an Apprentice Truck and Transport Mechanic. A drastic career change from legal administrator to apprentice truck and transport mechanic has empowered her and given her a passion for encouraging other women to break through barriers in non-traditional roles. As a natural progression and out of a love for where she trained, Leigh became a student recruitment specialist with the Vancouver Community College, where she shares her enthusiasm with others every day. A female ambassador for the trades, Leigh also speaks regularly on the importance of diversity in the workplace. In her spare time, Leigh is a dedicated volunteer - she and her senior dog form a therapy team with St. John Ambulance, and she cares for rescued cats and kittens through VOKRA. 

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.