AltaLink & Women+Power present Women leading ‘the charge’: The Double-Bind Dilemma

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AltaLink & Women+Power present
Women leading ‘the charge’: The Double-Bind Dilemma

Research on the double-bind dilemma outlines how gender stereotypes create a no-win situation for women leaders that results in them being seen as competent or likeable, but rarely both. These gender stereotypes can harm men employees too, when masculine traits become the default expectation for the behaviour of all employees.

Join AltaLink & Women+Power for a panel discussion on the double-bind dilemma to hear real stories of how leaders have experienced and navigated these challenges and are paving the way for the next generation. Learn more from AltaLink about how increasing awareness of stereotypes in the workplace can help to create an inclusive and equitable culture.

Event details:
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Time: 5 p.m. doors open; 5:30 p.m. panel discussion; 6:30 p.m. networking reception
Venue: The Atrium at Trolley 5 (upper level), 728 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta

Theme: Women Leading the Charge: The Double-Bind Dilemma

Agenda:

5 p.m.: Doors open
5:30 p.m.: Panel discussion
6:30 p.m.: Cocktail and networking reception

Speakers & bios

Johanne Picard Thompson, Executive Vice President, Corporate Services, AltaLink

Johanne is a graduate from the University of Toronto’s Engineering Science Program and Queen’s University Master of Business Administration program. Prior to joining AltaLink, Johanne held senior executive roles in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors. At Shell Canada she was the General Manager, Oil Sands Growth Operations, and oversaw operations, commissioning and startup planning for expansion projects. At Celestica she was the Senior Vice President of Canadian Operations, responsible for multiple production facilities and more than 40 production lines.

Other notable career highlights include serving on the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's (NAIT) Advisory Board for the Shell Manufacturing Centre and receiving the Globe and Mail’s recognition as one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 for her leadership in growing Celestica’s Canadian Operations. Johanne also received the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Engineering 2T5 Mid-Career Achievement Award recognizing alumni who have earned respect within the profession and within the broader Canadian community. Johanne is the Board Chair of Women+Power.

Mandeep Sandhu, Director, Internal Audit & Enterprise Risk Management, AltaLink

Mandeep currently serves as the Director of Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management for AltaLink. Prior to joining AltaLink, she has had experience working in the oil and gas industry in various financial reporting and internal audit roles. Mandeep graduated from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary in 2007 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. She obtained her CPA designation in 2009 while articling at KPMG LLP.

Mandeep is passionate about risk management and governance and strives to build strong workplace relationships that contribute to a positive employee culture.

Outside of work, Mandeep’s two young children keep her very busy with many extracurricular activities and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys running and is planning her second full marathon, hopefully at an overseas destination.

Kathy Edillon, Director, Security & Information Services Capital Project Delivery, AltaLink

Kathy Edillon joined AltaLink in 2012 and has held various managerial roles in Finance. In 2022, she transitioned to IT, where she now serves as the Director, Security & Information

Services Capital Project Delivery. Prior to joining AltaLink, Kathy held finance and accounting positions at Deloitte and Britt Land Services. Kathy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo and has her CGA designation.

Kathy is a strong advocate for creating a positive workplace environment volunteering for United Way, participating in Calgary Corporate Challenge and any other activity that builds community. She is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Outside of work, Kathy is married and the proud mother of two teenaged daughters, aged 13 and 15. She and her family lead an active lifestyle, enjoying hiking, running, skiing, and traveling together.

Aaron Tang, Manager, P&C, SCADA and Telecom Engineering, AltaLink

Aaron Tang joined AltaLink in 2014 as a professional engineer having gained experience in tech and engineering design in his early career. At AltaLink, Aaron progressed through roles within project management, overseeing Telecom and Transmission line projects. Aaron was also seconded to AltaLink’s sister company BHE Canada as their Senior Operations Manager for two years overseeing day-to-day operations, maintenance, and compliance for the Montana Alberta Tie Line. He is currently the Manager of P&C, SCADA, and Telecom Engineering within AltaLink and is a leader for the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Asian and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Schulich School of Engineering with a minor in Sociology. He has also completed his Master of Business Administration from Haskayne School of Business. Aaron enjoys giving back to the engineering community through the mentoring of engineering students at the University of Calgary.

When not at work, Aaron and his spouse Nilima expend any remaining energy looking after their eight- and five-year-old sons. With any remaining time, Aaron is avid car enthusiast and enjoys the tranquility of golf.

Robin Boschman, Moderator

Robin has more than 15 years of experience in external relations in the energy and utilities sectors. Robin’s experience involves leading communications teams and strategies in private, public and global organizations spanning investor relations, reputation management, strategic planning, branding and marketing, crisis communications, media relations, stakeholder relations, community engagement and employee communication.

Robin has a Bachelor of Applied Communications in Public Relations from Mount Royal University (MRU) and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary. She has taught post-secondary courses at MRU and SAIT and is on the board of directors of the Battery Metals Association of Canada.

Host or Publisher Women+Power