Governance

Meet the Board

Learn about our Board Members.

David Arthur

With an educational background in Engineering and Education, Mr. Arthur has a passion for STEM and for helping to make sure the next generation is prepared for the future of work. His board experience includes director-level roles for the past 12 years, including the Chair of the Board of one of the largest NPOs in Alberta. He enjoys volunteering and has done so for many years. Currently he a member of the organizing committee for the Enbridge Tour of Alberta for Cancer.

Mr. Arthur is the father of 2 grown daughters, one of whom is an educator. He enjoys cycling, painting, the outdoors, travel and time with family. He has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and a Bachelor of Education in Physics and Mathematics. He is a Tax Partner at Deloitte LLP in Calgary

Brent Bieber

Mr. Bieber is an experienced entrepreneur and finance professional. Mr. Bieber is currently the CoCEO and Co-founder of NuVessl Inc. whose mission is to enhance health and wellness through the application of its patented nanotechnology. Prior to founding NuVessl Inc., Mr. Bieber worked for over
10 years in private equity and investment banking.

Mr. Bieber holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario and a B.Mgt. from the University of Lethbridge.

As the father of four school aged children, Mr. Bieber is passionate about education and ensuring all children in the community have access to quality programs that are engaging and forwardthinking. Besides spending time with his family, Mr. Bieber enjoys triathlons, CrossFit and reading, mostly non-fiction.

Carolyn Chin

Chair

With an educational background in Public Administration (BPA) and an MSc in Public Relations, Carolyn Chin is passionate about international development, social justice and education issues. Her professional experience in the non-profit sector includes working with the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Red Cross, and international non-governmental organizations, although she is an entrepreneur at heart.

A past recipient and ongoing volunteer with the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program, Ms. Chin is also involved with different educational committees and her church’s board of directors. She is a proud parent of three high school aged children, and also enjoys the outdoors, hockey, travel, and spending time with friends and family

Dee-Ann Radford

As a clinical scientist and consultant in the field of Medical Physics, Ms. Radford Evans has collaborated with physicians, nurses, and academics and has presented her clinical work and research internationally.

She has trained graduate students, coordinated academic programs, and does science outreach to help kids access quality STEM programming. She has held various positions on sports and education boards and committees.

Ms. Radford Evans holds a BSc in Physics from the University of Calgary and an MSc in Medical Physics from the University of Texas. She currently works in the Medical Physics Department at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

Michael Mcintosh

Michael McIntosh is the founder of Denim & Smith Barbershops and since 2003 has also run a boutique Human Resources consulting company that supports the energy industry.

As founder of Denim and Smith Barbershops, Mr. McIntosh is responsible for the overall growth and success of the chain. Prior to 2003, Michael served in senior commercial and corporate leadership positions within the oil and gas marketing and trading sector. Mr. McIntosh has a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of Calgary and lives in Calgary with his two daughters.

Rebecca Ostrikoff

With a background in science and music and years of experience working with international schools in unique locations with unusual challenges she is an avid problem solver and passionate advocate for education.

Ms. Ostrikoff has a B.SC. with Advanced Major from St.Francis Xavier University and has completed an apprenticeship in Musical Instrument Repair.

Having held positions on school, sports, and community outreach committees around the world she is a firm believer in teamwork, inclusivity, and the importance of community. She has run after school activities on subjects including STEM, music, problem solving, and life skills.

The mother of two tweens who keep her grounded and constantly learning, she enjoys reading, travel, creating, and scuba diving. Having recently returned home to Canada after 18 years abroad with her husband and kids she is excited to contribute to this new school and community

Kees De Ridder

Kees de Ridder has a general corporate practice with a focus on intellectual property as an Associate, Patent Agent with Bennett Jones. As a registered patent agent and lawyer, he supports clients with the commercialization and patenting of their technology. His experience also includes assisting Canadian and foreign clients on a broad range of matters, including privacy, cybersecurity, licensing, and IP-related transactions.

Mr. de Ridder has a keen interest in digital technologies, specifically decentralized financial systems, computer-implemented inventions, and data protection. Before law school, he was a computer programmer in the political and medical industries.

Mr. de Ridder serves as chair of the board of the Canadian Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Community (SOGIC) Alberta Section.

Raman Sawhney

Raman Sawhney is a Reservoir Engineer-In-Training and the Business Development Manager at FRACMOD, an oil & gas Centre of Excellence that provides subsurface consulting services.

After graduating from Queen’s University with a Chemical Engineering degree, she began her career with Bankers Petroleum working in Albania, and later spent time in Management Consulting at PwC.

Ms. Sawhney is also the Founder & Executive Director of Apar Initiative, a non-profit organization that works with youth in Alberta to develop STEM & Leadership capabilities. She enjoys volunteering with several organizations locally including her role as the Acumen Manager with Young Women in Energy, as an Ambassador with the United Way Calgary & Area, and on the Business Development committee with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) Canada.

Valerie Veneziale

With an engineering background and a love for collaboration and teamwork, Valerie is a Development Manager with Baytex Energy Ltd. She has spent the last 20 years in the energy industry working in technical, business and strategic areas at various organizations. She is passionate about increasing STEM opportunities and accessibility in both school and the workplace.
Valerie has a degree in Chemical Engineering (BASc) from the University of Waterloo.
Actively involved in the lives of her two teenage daughters, her family spends most of their free time biking, skiing, playing music or at basketball games. She is also a huge fan of the musical arts and has been a board member of the Amici Strings Programs and a volunteer at school and community events.