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Alumni Reviews

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 Alum

Vulnerability is what sets apart exceptional leaders from the average ones.

 

 Kristen Howell, Senior Manager Consumer Fuels, Saskatoon Co-operative Association Limited, 2024 Alum

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 into 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 Alum

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 Alum

I never felt like I was in the wrong room.

 

 Josh Ahenakew, HR/Admin, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, 2024 Alum

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 positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies Inc., 2018 Alum

I feel my mentor was just written in the stars as a match up! She really helped me see things from a different point of view and challenged me to grow personally and professionally. I’m forever grateful for her investing her time in me.

 

Diane Mourot, Team Lead, Tykes & Tots Early Learning Centre, 2024 Alum

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 Alum

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 Alum

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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 positive individual growth, directly impacting our organization in a great way! 

 

Tammy Fleming, WBM Technologies, 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

Presented by PINTER & Associates Ltd.

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 Sharlene Duquette with Alumni Committee Chair Dave Troesch

Sharlene Duquette – 2026

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.

Leadership Saskatoon is thrilled to announce that Sharlene Duquette has been honoured with the 2026 Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award – Presented by PINTER & Associates Ltd. This recognition serves as a testament to Sharlene’s outstanding achievements, remarkable contributions, and unwavering commitment to excellence and community leadership supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in Saskatoon and area.

Community is central to Cosmo Industries’ mission, and Sharlene’s leadership has set the tone by modeling this commitment in both vision and practice. Over her 35-year career at Cosmo Industries, including 11 as Executive Director, Sharlene has worked diligently to improve conditions not only within Cosmo’s walls but also throughout the broader community it serves. She has successfully fostered meaningful connections within Saskatoon’s business community and across a broad spectrum of community and industry partners, developing strong and intentional partnerships that allow Cosmo to provide valuable services while expanding opportunities for meaningful work.

Sharlene has dedicated her career to supporting adults in a community of belonging where all abilities are celebrated, both within and outside of Cosmo. “What makes Sharlene’s role truly unique is her ability to operate simultaneously as the CEO of a profitable social enterprise – delivering household recycling services as part of the City of Saskatoon’s recycling program – and as an Executive Director leading a mission-driven community organisation,” writes her Award Nominee. “She balances business acumen with compassion, guiding her internal team while ensuring high-quality support for more than 400 adults with intellectual disabilities—always with care, dignity, and empathy.”

A Class of 2014 Alum, Sharlene has been a strong advocate for Leadership Saskatoon’s role in shaping the organisation’s future – the flagship program being a key component of Cosmo’s ongoing leadership development and succession planning. Having actively supported and encouraged other leaders to take the Leadership Saskatoon program, five of Cosmo’s senior leaders are now Alumni as well.

Sharlene was formally honoured during the Graduation Ceremony of Leadership Saskatoon in June 2026, and was presented the Alumni Award by Bennet Awume and Nyamaa Jalbuu of PINTER & Associates Ltd, both Alumni themselves. “At its heart, our work is about people; safety, stewardship, and the long-term well-being of the places we call home,” says Bennet Awume, CEO. “We see this award as a natural extension of that same belief that strong leadership builds resilient communities. PINTER is proud to support the Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award and to recognize individuals who continue to make meaningful contributions to Saskatoon through their leadership and service. Sharlene’s legacy lives on in the building she helped renew, in the communities Cosmo now reaches, and most of all in the staff and participants whose lives are better because of her commitment, compassion, and talent.”

Having recently announced her retirement, Sharlene shares, “I am so thankful to do what I have been able to do for a long time. I leave with a million memories, and Leadership Saskatoon certainly played a major role in my success.”

Previous Recipients of Leadership Saskatoon Alumni Award

 

2025 – Ali Abukar

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