Trust Issues: Leading Authentically through Complex Change - Dr. Carrie Smith
Using the recent experience of leading University of Alberta's evolution in EDI to embrace the strategic goals of Access, Community and Belonging as illustration, this presentation will offer thoughts on the importance of creating genuine, authentic, and just spaces of engagement — from community building to governance processes to external partnerships — while navigating a complex, mediatized, and politicized environment. How do leaders continue to build trust across multiple audiences through good communications strategies when the stakes feel not only high, but deeply personal? Dr. Carrie Smith (she/her) is the inaugural Vice-Provost for Access, Community, and Belonging at the University of Alberta. She has previously served as Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts and as Department Chair. She is a Professor of German Studies with research spanning topics in critical university studies, feminist leadership practices, and digital feminism and activism. She is currently serving as President of German Studies Canada.

Communicating With Today's Students  - Candace Jacobs
As technologies evolve, student populations diversify, and expectations shift, how can universities effectively engage with post-secondary students? This talk explores the challenges and opportunities of communicating with Gen Z.  Candace Jacobs, MA, is the director of internal communications at Concordia University. She possesses 20+ years of experience in higher ed, notably in student recruitment and student communications. 

Communicating in Changing Times: Leading with Clarity, Compassion, and Impact - Dr. Jacqueline Wallace
In today’s rapidly evolving university landscape, internal and external pressures are accelerating the pace of change like never before. Effective communication isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about guiding transformation, fostering trust, and ensuring that people feel heard and supported. This talk will explore strategies for communicating change through both formal and informal channels, emphasizing the critical role of leadership, empathy, and an ethic of care in navigating uncertainty. 
Dr. Jacqueline Wallace is the Vice President of Communications, External Relations, and International Affairs at Polytechnique Montréal. She spearheads strategic change and transformation initiatives at Quebec’s oldest francophone engineering university, enhancing the student, faculty, and employee experience through innovative communication and engagement strategies.

Moderator: Johanne Pelletier (MA, ICD.D, PPCC) is Director, Public Engagement (Communications) where she creates opportunities to best position experts and researchers in front of a variety of publics. She has worked most of her career in universities, previously in roles in cultural policy, governance and communications. She also teaches storytelling to scientists and startups and is an award winning storyteller and published author.