Applications are now closed for the 2025-2026 Cohort. Thank you for your interest in Leadership Saskatoon.

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Alumni Reviews

With Leadership of Saskatoon I was able to identify my values, my strengths and what I need to work on as a leader. It gave me excellent tools to work with team building, personal awareness, and relationship building. Even though the program was done entirely via Zoom, I felt that the cohort showed-up and the lessons were very well explained and the material valuable.

 

Amanda Martins Barbosa, Class of 2021

Leadership Saskatoon challenged me most in learning more about who I am, what I need, and how I communicate with others. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to participate in Leadership Saskatoon and would definitely recommend the program.

 Jennifer Chadney, Saskatchewan Health Authority, 2019 Alumna

When I began Leadership Saskatoon, I anticipated it would help me in my new role as a leader within my organization. I also assumed that it would be similar in nature to other training sessions and PD experiences I’ve been part of. I quickly learned it was going to be so much more. It truly has been a journey of personal growth and has provided me with knowledge, insight and understanding that I’ve been able to readily put in to practice and that I am using every day in all facets of my life. Even more importantly, Leadership Saskatoon has been a gift that has helped me greatly develop my self-assurance and inner confidence. Leadership Saskatoon has truly been a transformative experience for me.

 

Brandy Pilon, Saskatoon Student Child Care Services Inc., 2019 Alumna

Ten months ago I didn’t believe I was a leader and questioned why I was asked to attend Leadership Saskatoon. I didn’t like being vulnerable and was unsure of myself, however, I was open and ready to grow. Today, I have a new appreciation for my cohort and have built relationships that I hope will last a life time. I actually embrace the uncomfortable and new situations because I have watched myself change and grow into a leader. Leadership Saskatoon helped me realize that I am a leader, that I am not alone, and gave me the tools to continue to grow on my leadership journey.

 

 Amber Neuls, City of Saskatoon, 2019 Alumna

This program made me a more confident leader. I was able to apply my newly learned skills on the job. Not only was this a benefit to me, it also had a direct impact on the development of my Team. It has resulted in a positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies Inc., 2018 Alumna

I am grateful for my experiences at Leadership Saskatoon, right from the very first meeting until the last day. Organizing a group of leaders within the community and allowing them the space to work on themselves openly and freely to become better leaders holds immeasurable value, not only for the individual, but for the community in which we lead.

 

Krystal Nieckar, OUTSaskatoon, 2018 Alumna

Leadership Saskatoon provided me an invaluable toolkit of resources, and the confidence to apply them in my professional and personal lives. More so, it provided me a network of like-minded individuals to share the journey with and relationships I will take with me far beyond graduation day. A truly special experience. 

 

Lindsay Arnott, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, 2017 Alumna

Class of 2025

Class of 2024

Class of 2023

Class of 2022

Past Participants
Alumni Events

Alumni Reviews

With Leadership of Saskatoon I was able to identify my values, my strengths and what I need to work on as a leader. It gave me excellent tools to work with team building, personal awareness, and relationship building. Even though the program was done entirely via Zoom, I felt that the cohort showed-up and the lessons were very well explained and the material valuable.

 

Amanda Martins Barbosa, Class of 2021

Leadership Saskatoon challenged me most in learning more about who I am, what I need, and how I communicate with others. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to participate in Leadership Saskatoon and would definitely recommend the program.

 Jennifer Chadney, Saskatchewan Health Authority, 2019 Alumna

When I began Leadership Saskatoon, I anticipated it would help me in my new role as a leader within my organization. I quickly learned it was going to be so much more. It truly has been a journey of personal growth and has provided me with knowledge, insight and understanding that I’ve been able to readily put in to practice and that I am using every day in all facets of my life. Even more importantly, Leadership Saskatoon has been a gift that has helped me greatly develop my self-assurance and inner confidence. Leadership Saskatoon has truly been a transformative experience for me.

 

Brandy Pilon, Saskatoon Student Child Care Services Inc., 2019 Alumna

Ten months ago I didn’t believe I was a leader and questioned why I was asked to attend Leadership Saskatoon. I didn’t like being vulnerable and was unsure of myself, however, I was open and ready to grow. Today, I have a new appreciation for my cohort and have built relationships that I hope will last a life time. I actually embrace the uncomfortable and new situations because I have watched myself change and grow into a leader. Leadership Saskatoon helped me realize that I am a leader, that I am not alone, and gave me the tools to continue to grow on my leadership journey.

 

 Amber Neuls, City of Saskatoon, 2019 Alumna

This program made me a more confident leader. I was able to apply my newly learned skills on the job. Not only was this a benefit to me, it also had a direct impact on the development of my Team. It has resulted in a positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies Inc., 2018 Alumna

I am grateful for my experiences at Leadership Saskatoon, right from the very first meeting until the last day. Organizing a group of leaders within the community and allowing them the space to work on themselves openly and freely to become better leaders holds immeasurable value, not only for the individual, but for the community in which we lead.

 

Krystal Nieckar, OUTSaskatoon, 2018 Alumna

Leadership Saskatoon provided me an invaluable toolkit of resources, and the confidence to apply them in my professional and personal lives. More so, it provided me a network of like-minded individuals to share the journey with and relationships I will take with me far beyond graduation day. A truly special experience. 

 

Lindsay Arnott, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, 2017 Alumna

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Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

The award celebrates alumni who have made a significant contribution in the community, grown collaboration, supported inclusion and diversity, and continue to promote Leadership Saskatoon.

Pictured: Award Winner Ali Abukar with Board Chair Willie Birss

Current Winner: Ali Abukar – 2025

Leadership Saskatoon is thrilled to announce that Ali Abukar, a distinguished member of our alumni and community leader, has been honoured with the 2025 Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award. This recognition serves as a testament to Ali’s outstanding achievements, remarkable contributions, and unwavering commitment to excellence and community leadership in the settlement sector, fostering meaningful connections between newcomers and long-standing residents, Indigenous communities, and local organizations.

The Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award is one of the most esteemed accolades presented annually by Leadership Saskatoon to recognize exceptional accomplishments and service among our alumni. Each year, this award is bestowed upon an alumni who exemplifies the highest standards of professional success, community engagement, and dedication to fostering positive change in Saskatoon – and in Ali’s case, across the province as well.

Ali has dedicated his career to empowering immigrants and refugees, significantly enhancing newcomer integration and community engagement in Saskatoon. Under his leadership as Executive Director of the Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS), the organisation has expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships, and introduced innovative programs that foster inclusion and equity. His advocacy work and cross-cultural bridge-building have made a lasting impact across the settlement sector, both locally and provincially.

Described as a ‘compassionate and visionary leader’, Ali has cultivated a strong, values-driven team culture and empowered staff to lead with purpose. He has played a key role in multi-agency partnerships focused on refugee resettlement, mental health support, and employment initiatives, resulting in coordinated efforts that deliver greater impact and foster community resilience. A refugee himself, he ensures that newcomer voices are included in program development and community planning. His efforts extend to promoting inclusive hiring practices, supporting underrepresented groups, and advancing Reconciliation through partnerships with Indigenous communities. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Thoughtful and soft-spoken, Ali’s inclusive approach empowers diverse voices and strengthens community cohesion across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. Ali actively contributes to professional networks like SAISIA (Saskatchewan Association of Immigrant Settlement and Integration Agencies), influencing provincial strategies for integration.

An Alumni from 2017, Ali continued to give back through Leadership Saskatoon’s Program Committee, and now encourages and supports SODS staff and others to journey through the program. “Ali lives the values of Leadership Saskatoon as a steadfast advocate for inclusion and diversity and as a community bridge-builder between newcomer communities, Indigenous groups, various levels of government, and other local service providers,” said Jolene Zidkovich, Executive Director of Leadership Saskatoon. “He continues to promote the transformational journey of the Leadership Saskatoon Program, and we are so proud to call him alumni, and see him recognised in this way.”

Ali was formally honoured during the Graduation Ceremony of Leadership Saskatoon in June 2025.

Previous Recipients of Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

 

2024 – Sharon Clarke

 

Previous Recipients of Don Ravis Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

 

2023 – Laurie O’Connor

2022 – Nancy Lautner

2021 – Betty Mutwiri

2019 – Bill Brooks

2018 – Kelley Moore

2017 – Jason Aebig

Previous Recipients of Cherry Insurance-Leadership Saskatoon Community Leadership Award

 

2017 – Namarta Kochar

2016 – Zeba Ahmed

2015 – Tom Kischuk

2014 – Milton Taylor

2013 – Dave Dutchak

2012 – Kirby Wirchenko

2011 – Om Kochar

2010 – Ayten Archer