The lineup of speakers for the International Women's Day Leadership Conference in 2026 has been announced. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

‘Powerhouse lineup’ of speakers for Women’s Day Leadership Conference

Dec 9, 2025 | 3:17 PM

The University of Lethbridge (U of L) has announced its list of speakers for an upcoming conference.

The International Women’s Day Leadership Conference is set to take place on March 11, 2026, at the U of L.

It aims to bring people together for a day of conversation, networking and inspiration for International Women’s Day.

Martha Mathurin-Moe, Vice-Provost of Accessibility, Belonging and Community at the university, says this event is about connecting and learning from inspiring people who have been change makers and leaders in their communities.

“We want to continue to shift the conversation around leadership and representation and celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women,” says Mathurin-Moe.

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One of the keynote speakers is Jully Black. She is a JUNO award-winning R&B artist, as well as an actress, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, philanthropist, and fitness guru.

Black is a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ2S+ community, and in 2022, founded the Jully Black Family Foundation, which offers scholarships to women.

The other keynote speaker is Dr. Malinda Smith, Associate Vice-President (Research EDI) at the University of Calgary.

She has a PhD in political science from the University of Alberta and multiple degrees from Western Michigan University, including an MA, MDA, and a BA magna cum laude in political science and criminal justice.

The theme for the 2026 conference is “Disrupting the Superwoman Narrative, Embracing the Power of Rest.”

It will examine how the superwoman archetype is not always empowering, but full of hidden expectations, unseen emotional and mental labour.

The keynotes and panelists will explore how to navigate opportunities, expectations and outcomes as women in leadership and community, stay grounded and authentic, and how rest and self-care is resistance.

A panel of prominent local leaders will share their insights. They include:

• Whitney (BMgt ’06) and Kirby Maronda – The Property Twins Real Estate
• Iitoomsaokaa’sii, Diandra Bruised Head (BSc ’17), Indigenous Learning and Impact, Manager, Iniskim Indigenous Relations, ULethbridge
• Jenn Schmidt-Rempel (BA ’93) – Councillor, City of Lethbridge

Tickets are limited and on sale now. Early bird pricing is in effect until Jan. 30, 2026. Exclusive sponsorships are also available until Feb. 13, 2026. For more information, visit go.uleth.ca/womensconference.