Board Member Biographies

Board of Regents

Biographies

${name} Mac Balacano

Mac Balacano was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023. Mac is a Sustainability and ESG professional with 15+ years of diverse sustainability experience in the insurance, telecommunications, retail, and manufacturing industries at several of Canada's leading organizations. He is also a university postgraduate level educator with 5+ years of experience teaching various business and sustainability courses. Mac volunteers extensively in the community and has 10+ years of service as a Board Member of numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations, including serving as Board Chair, Board Vice-Chair, and Chair of several committees. Mac is currently the Manager of Sustainability at Wawanesa Insurance. He is responsible for the creation of Wawanesa’s corporate sustainability strategy and sustainability team. Mac is currently leading the execution of the sustainability strategy, which is focused on climate change. His profile also includes facilitation of cross-functional collaboration with various internal stakeholders on the development of sustainable products and services, integration of ESG into investments, the creation of a sustainable procurement program, various resource reduction initiatives, the development of waste diversion and sustainable transportation programs, communications strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Mac is a University of Waterloo alumnus with a co-op Honours degree in Environment and Business and a minor in Human Resources Management. He is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), an Environmental Professional (EP), and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP). Mac is also an instructor at The University of Winnipeg through the Professional, Applied and Continuing Education Program.

Lilith Bauer

Lilith Bauer was elected to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2022. She is an alumni of the University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre and Film. Lilith has been an academic scheduler at The University of Winnipeg since 2019. She was previously employed with the University as a student from 2005 to 2009, including the University of Winnipeg Student Assocation from 2007 to 2009 as well as Student Financial Services from 2012 to 2019. Lilith has volunteered for various film and theatre projects, performances and events, including internal University events for students. In her spare time, she enjoys Winnipeg’s vibrant and diverse arts scene.

${name} Madison Carver

Prior to obtaining her 4-year BSc in Biochemistry, Madison sat on The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents for the 2019 and 2020 school years as a student Regent. Through that position she served on The University of Winnipeg Senate as a Regent representative, the 2019 Chancellor Search Committee, the Advisory Committee on Presidential Search, the President’s Advisory Committee on the Vice-President, Research and Innovation Review and the Governance and Community Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Orientation, Training, and Evaluations that produced the current guidelines for the Board of Regents. During her term she noticed that the UWSA appointed seats on the Board were often vacant, and spearheaded changes to the UWSA by-laws in an effort to increase UWSA representation on the Board. Ms. Carver is a 2019 recipient of the Undergraduate Student Research Award through NSERC. She currently works as an Insurance Associate and Case Manager at National Bank Financial.

${name} Grant Christensen

Grant Christensen was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2021. Grant currently sits on the Board of Regents Finance and Audit and Risk Committees. He is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Grant also obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Manitoba and completed the Certified General Accountants Program of Professional Studies. He was previously awarded with Fellowship and Life Membership (2013) by the Certified General Accountants Association in recognition of contributions to the accounting profession. Throughout the years, Grant has held various executive positions including President and CEO of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals, Chief Operating Officer of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba, Chief Executive Officer, of the Certified General Accountants Association of Manitoba, Director of Education, of the Certified General Accountants Association of Manitoba and President of Windfalls West Ltd.. A portion of Grant’s volunteer background includes sitting as Treasurer on the CPHR Board of Directors, Chair of the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Selection Committee, Vice-Chair on the Manitoba Immigration Council, President of the Canadian Society of Association Executive, Manitoba Chapter and as an Economics Instructor through the CGA Program of Professional Studies.

${name} Brandon Christopher

Brandon Christopher is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at The University of Winnipeg. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Master of Arts, and PhD in English at Queen’s University. He is also currently working towards obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at The University of Winnipeg. Brandon is the President of the Canadian Society for the Study of Comics (2022 to present), and a former member of the executive of the Canadian Association of Chairs of English (2018-19, 2021-22). Brandon is also the current President of Dive Manitoba (since 2022), having served as a board member since 2019. In his spare time, he also volunteers with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre as a talkback moderator (2012 to present). Brandon joined The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023 and sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee and The University of Winnipeg Senate.

${name} Ruth Dickinson

Ruth Dickinson has worked as a Business Administrator for 34 years, with 20 years at Reflections Dental Health Centre, where she is currently the Practice Manager. Ruth obtained a Bachelor of Arts Honours (Classics) in 2018 and Bachelor of Arts (Geography) in 2015, twice earning the Chancellor's Gold Medal for the highest standing. From 2010 to 2020 she also worked as a UW tutor, lab demonstrator, marker, invigilator and teaching assistant. She also attended Niagara College obtaining a Dental Assisting Diploma in 1989. Ruth served for two years as President of the UW Alumni Association, and is currently the Executive Committee Advisor for The University of Winnipeg Golden Key Chapter honors student group. Ruth was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2020, and also sits on the UW Senate. She is co-organizer of New Directions in Classics, a public lecture series out of the UWinnipeg Classics Department. Ruth was awarded the UWinnipeg Dr. and Mrs. Roderick Hunter Scholarship for her volunteer work. In 2023, Ruth received the St. John's Ambulance Life Saving Award, presented by Anita Neville, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba.

${name} Ryan Eyford

Dr. Ryan Eyford is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at The University of Winnipeg, and chair of the Joint Master’s Program in History. He has been a faculty member at the University since 2010, and is also a graduate of the University where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History (2001). Dr. Eyford is a member of The University of Winnipeg Senate and is chair of the Senate Curriculum Committee (2023-2024).

${name} Jens Franck

Jens Franck is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Biology at The University of Winnipeg. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (Genetics) at the University of Alberta and his PhD in Biology at Dalhousie University. Dr. Franck previously worked at the University of Chicago and Stanford University as a postdoctoral research fellow in molecular biology research. He has been a United Way Ambassador since 2019 and a volunteer at the Immaculate Conception Drop In since 2015. In his spare time Dr. Franck is an avid hockey player and enjoys camping and canoeing on the lakes of Manitoba and Ontario. He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2021 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Governance and Community Relations Committee. He also sits on The University of Winnipeg Senate.

${name} Gabriel Freider

Gabriel Freider was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023. He is an Officer in the Canadian Sea Cadet program, and is currently attending the University to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree in Economics. Gabriel has previous committee involvement including acting as a business strategy delegate for the JDC West Case Study Competition, and currently volunteers as a board member with The University of Winnipeg Campus Conservatives. He currently sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee.

${name} Barb Gamey

Barb Gamey is a co-founder of Payworks, one of Canada’s largest national providers of Payroll, Human Resource, Time and Absence Management solutions located in Winnipeg with ten regional offices and over 300 employees across Canada.

Barb is dedicated to community involvement: she sits on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Board of Directors, the Business Council of Manitoba’s Board of Directors, the TELUS Manitoba Community Board, the UM Properties Board and served as United Way Winnipeg’s 2018 Campaign Chair. Barb is the Chancellor of The University of Winnipeg and sits on the board for The University of Winnipeg Foundation. She is an ongoing supporter of numerous other community and charitable organizations.

${name} Romona Goomansingh

Romona Goomansingh is an alumni and third generation graduate of The University of Winnipeg. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (4 year) in Sociology, being given a Student of Distinction designation. Dr. Goomansingh also attended the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Masters of Education, and received her Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of Toronto. She is an educator at McNally Robinson Booksellers of Winnipeg as well as an instructor for the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Education. She is a freelance writer and features the topics of food, diversity and Hindu faith as well as local businesses in Winnipeg; her writing appears regularly in The Winnipeg Free Press/The Free Press. She is also an author. During 2021, Dr. Goomansingh published her first book which is about Winnipeg. Dr. Goomansingh has been engaged with various volunteer and community organizations for years and has been involved with promoting arts and culture through numerous Indo-Canadian communities in Winnipeg. From 2015 to 2019 she was appointed to the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council by the Province of Manitoba, Status of Women Division. Dr. Goomansingh currently serves as the Representative for the University of Toronto Alumni Group (Winnipeg Chapter). She was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2019 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Nominating Committee as Vice-Chair.

Jonathan Henderson

Jonathan Henderson is a current student at The University of Winnipeg. He is currently in his second term as Vice-President, External Affairs of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. Jonathan has a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Conflict Resolution Studies. He currently sits on The University of Winnipeg Senate Student Appeals Committee and Indigenous Course Requirement Committee. He is the Co-founder of Healing Together which is a men’s healing circle that has met every Sunday since the Spring of 2019. Jonathan also volunteers with the Mama Bear/Bear Clan on walks through the community and participates in various community rallies such as MMWIWGS, Orange Shirt Day, Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate. He has won various academic awards and scholarships and was on The University of Winnipeg Deans list in 2020. Jonathan was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2020 and sits on the Board’s Governance and Community Relations Committee.

${name} Yemisi Igbosanya

Oluyemisi (Yemisi) Igbosanya was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2022. She is currently training as a Finance and Accounts Payable Officer at Indigenous Services Canada. She was previously a Collections Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency, where she reviewed and analyzed corporation accounts, trust accounts, GST/HST, payroll and personal income tax accounts to establish filing reporting and payment deficiences. Previous to that, she was the Coordinator, Wealth Operations at IG Wealth Management Inc. (August 2019 to January 2022) and Assistant Branch Manager, Consumer Banking and Business Development at Zenith Bank PLC, Nigeria (January 2006 to April 2019). Yemisi obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from the University of Lagos, Nigeria in 2004. She also obtained her Master’s Degree in Strategic Planning from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University in Scotland in April 2019 and a CFA Investment Foundations Certificate in October 2020 from the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute. She previously volunteered at The Redeemed Ministries, Youth and Children’s Department/Project Fund raising from January 1998 to April 2019, as well as the Association of Black Conservatives, Canada (Manitoba Chapter) from September 2020 to date.

${name} Stefan Jonasson
Stefan Jonasson is the Editor of Lögberg-Heimskringla, a newspaper serving the Icelandic community in North America. Stefan is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg where he graduated from the Collegiate and completed his Bachelor of Arts, receiving the University Gold Medal in Religion. He also earned a Masters of Divinity, receiving the Governor General’s Gold Medal. He was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2015 where he continues to envelop in the rich discussions, overall governance, principles and inspiring overviews of the University as a whole. Stefan is also an ordained Unitarian Minister and held various positions over the years such as Director of Growth Strategies and Large Congregation Development, Unitarian Universalist Association (Boston); Director for Large Congregations, Unitarian Universalist Association; and District Executive for Western Canada, Unitarian Universalist Association. He is an avid volunteer and is currently president of the Icelandic National League of North America and a board member for the St. James Scholarship Foundation. This past year Stefan was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon for his service to journalism, religion, and the Icelandic Canadian community. He is the current Chair of the Board of Regents.

${name} Richard Jones

Richard Jones is Vice-President, Information Services Infrastructure and Governance at Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Corporation. His portfolio covers Corporate Technology, Service Management, Architecture and IS Risk. Mr. Jones sits on the Board for the Manitoba Childrens Museum and has previously volunteered his time working with United Way of Winnipeg. He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2020, and sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee as Chair. He looks forward to contributing his technical expertise.

${name} Tomiris Kaliyeva

Tomiris Kaliyeva is a current student at The University of Winnipeg. She is the President of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association. Tomiris is enrolled in her fourth year of studies at the University and is working towards obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Conflict Resolution Studies. While she was the previous Customer Services Manager for Mobile Tech Lab (February 2022-January 2023), she currently holds the position of Social Media Coordinator and Curator for the company (January 2023-May 2023). Tomiris previously volunteered with UNESCO as Club Director (2016-2020) and currently volunteers with the Manitoba All Shepherd Rescue (2021-present). She was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023.

${name} Liz Kulyk

Liz Kulyk is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg where she studied Public Relations and Marketing. She is also a former instructor through the Professional, Applied and Continuing Education Program. Liz studied Political Studies through the University of Manitoba. She is the Assistant Vice-President, Media and Public Affairs at Canada Life. In her role, she manages and executes all proactive and reactive external communication activations, specifically pertaining to earned media. Liz provides strategic guidance and counsel to senior leadership on all crisis communications activities, and supports the global organization on all shareholder and investor related communciations. In her spare time she volunteers with the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (2021 to present), the Southwest Ringette Association as a volunteer coach (2021 to present), and Operation Red Nose (2012 to present). She has also previously volunteered with the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, sitting on the Awards Judging Committee (2012 to 2017). Liz was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2022.

${name} Kathleen McCandless

Kathleen McCandless is a Partner with Pitblado Law, working in the field of civil litigation. She is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg where she obtained her Bachelors of Arts in 1999, with a major in Psychology. She also attended the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws in 2006. Ms McCandless was the recipient of the University Gold Medal for the highest standing in the Bachelor of Laws program. She was a Council Member of the Manitoba Bar Association from 2011 to 2017. She is also a member of the board of The Laurel Centre Inc., where she has served as Chair, as well as Counsel on the Executive Committee. Ms McCandless was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2020 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Audit and Risk and Nominating Committees. She looks forward to giving back to the University.

${name} Craig McGregor

Craig McGregor was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2021 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee. He is an alumnus of The University of Winnipeg where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology in 1976 while being named on the Dean’s Honour List. Mr. McGregor obtained intermediate levels of French Language proficiency through the Government of Canada in 1990. He is currently the Manager of Operations at ML Design & Construction Inc. Mr. McGregor has over 40 years of HR management experience with the Government of Manitoba and Government of Canada. Some of his experience includes, a Staffing Officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Transport Canada, Air, Chief of Staffing for Employment and Immigration Canada, Senior HR Programs Manager for the Manitoba Federal Council Secretariat, founding member of the National Managers’ Community, HR Director for several Manitoba government departments, and a Corporate Policy & Program Advisor for the Civil Service Commission of Manitoba. Upon graduation from the University of Winnipeg, he served for a short time as a Tactical Land Combat Infantry Officer with the Canadian Army Reserve. He currently volunteers as a member of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Senate and has previously served for 16 years with the St. James-Assiniboia School Division as a School Trustee and as Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. McGregor was the recipient of the Head of the Public Service Award – Excellence in Service Delivery - Collaborative Working Relationships Category – awarded by the Clerk of the Privy Council – 2002.

${name} Greg Messer

Greg Messer is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg, where he obtained a double major in Administrative Studies and History in 1985. He also attended the University of Manitoba where he completed the Public Sector Management Program in 1993 and the Human Resources Program in 1996. Mr. Messer worked for the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba for 30 years. In his last 18 years, he spent his career overseeing the case management division, both at a manager and director level. In an operational management role, he was required to perform key functions related to human resources, budgeting, performance management, customer service to stakeholders, along with decision making based on The Workers Compensation Act and Regulations. He recently served on the Kirkfield Westwood Community Club Board, as both a sports director and on the executive team as the Vice-President of Facilities. Mr. Messer was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2020 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Audit and Risk Committee.

${name} Bruce Miller

Bruce W. J. Miller is the Team Lead, Partnerships Role for the Indigenous Peoples Resiliency Fund, an Indigenous-led effort to respond to urgent community needs while taking a long-term view on building on community resilience. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with his Bachelor of Recreation Studies in 1999. Mr. Miller enjoys volunteering in sport, education, and the philanthropic sector. Mr. Miller has been a member of the Board of Regents since 2017. He is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents and Vice-Chair of the Governance and Community Relations Committee. He also sat on the Advisory Committee on Presidential Search.

${name} Todd Mondor

Dr. Todd Mondor is The University of Winnipeg's tenth President and Vice-Chancellor. His term runs from April 1, 2022 through June 30, 2027.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology from The University of Winnipeg, and went on to attain both a master’s degree and doctorate in cognitive psychology from the University of Waterloo. He subsequently completed an NSERC post-doctoral fellowship at McGill University and the Montreal Neurological Institute before moving to Mount Allison University as a professor in its Psychology Department.

Dr. Mondor returned to Winnipeg in 1999, joining the Psychology Department at the University of Manitoba where he taught courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, supervised numerous student research projects and theses, and maintained a productive, award-winning research program in auditory perception and cognition. Prior to joining The University of Winnipeg he held a number of academic leadership positions at the University of Manitoba including Deputy Provost, Vice-Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies, and Head of the Department of Psychology.

${name} Inga Johnson Mychasiw

Inga Johnson Mychasiw was elected to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023. She has worked at The University of Winnipeg for 14 years in various positions in the Student Services Department. For the last 10 years, Inga has served as Director and then as Executive Director of Student Support Services where she oversees Academic and Career Services, Accessibility Services, Student Counselling Services, Student Central and UWinnipeg’s campus-wide orientation. She graduated from the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work Degree and Certificate in Adult and Continuing Education. Inga has recently begun volunteering with Folklorama and has previously volunteered for several years with the University of Winnipeg United Way Fundraising Committee, the University of Winnipeg Pride Committee and the Women’s Health Clinic as a community education volunteer. She was also the 2018 recipient of the Robin H. Farquhar Award for Excellence in Contributing to Self-Governance.

${name} Michelle Pereira

Michelle Pereira was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2019. She is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba. Ms. Pereira completed the Rotman ICD Board Dynamics course in March 2023 that focuses on good governance practices in the not for profit sector. Michelle and her golden retriever, Finn are volunteers with the St. John's Ambulance pet therapy program visiting personal care homes, corporate events and grieving communities. Ms. Pereira looks forward to making a positive impact on the Board of Regents. She currently sits on the Board of Regents Governance and Community Relations Committee as Chair.

${name} Evan Podaima

Evan Podaima was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2021. Evan currently sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee. He is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg where he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration. Evan also obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Manitoba. He is currently employed as an Articling Student at Holloway Thliveris LLP, specializing in commercial and construction litigation. Throughout the years, Evan has spent his time volunteering with multiple organizations including, St. John’s Ambulance as an advance medical responder, the Golden Key Academic Honour Society and as a Senator on behalf of the Manitoba Law Students Association as the voting student member on the Senate Executive Committee. Evan has been the recipient of the Student of Highest Distinction, the Academic Proficiency Scholarship, the James G. Oborne Scholarship, and the Buhler Business and Administration Major Scholarship at The University of Winnipeg, and as the Faculty Selected Outstanding Student at the University of Manitoba. He was also on the Dean’s Honour List/Pitblado Scholar. Evan looks forward to giving back to the University that helped instill his love of learning.

${name} Pamela Sersun

Pamela Sersun was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from The University of Winnipeg and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant. Pamela is a Finance Manager with Postmedia Network Inc. She is also the former chair and a former member of the South Winnipeg Family Information Centre. Pamela is currently on the Manitoba-Northwest Ontario Provincial Board of PEO - Philanthropic Educational Organization. Her areas of expertise include managing employees and managerial accounting.

${name} Laura Sokal

Dr. Laura Sokal is a Professor in Education at The University of Winnipeg. She obtained her Bachelor of Education (1985), Master of Education (1991) and PhD in Educational Psychology (2000) at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Sokal joined The University of Winnipeg in 2000 and has since served as Associate Dean and Acting Dean of Education before returning to her role as a faculty member. She has also served on the New Directions Board of Directors in several executive roles continually since 2011. Dr. Sokal is a United Way leader. She sits on the United Way Committee, as well as an advisory board for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Dr. Sokal has also been involved with and sat on numerous Senate committees. She has been awarded funding from SSHRC several times, has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and three books, and has been recognized with an award for teaching excellence. Dr. Sokal was elected to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2021. She currently sits on the Board of Regents Governance and Community Relations Committee and also sits on The University of Winnipeg Senate.

${name} Shanna Sterling

Shanna Sterling was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2016. Ms. Sterling received a Business Administration Diploma from Assiniboine Community College and obtained her designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified General Accountant (CPA, CGA). She previously worked for the Federated Insurance Company of Canada as the Director of Finance where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Accounting and Payroll Department and the management of financial reporting and compliance. She has volunteered for the past 15 years as an annual SuperWalk participant for Parkinson Canada. For the past four years Ms. Sterling has worked for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as a Business Analyst for Nutrition and Food Services and Regional Laundry Services. She is responsible for inter-facility invoicing of goods and services, statistical reporting, capital project accounting, and financial accounting and reporting. She currently sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee as Vice-Chair and the Audit and Risk Committee as Chair.

${name} Cory Sul

Cory Sul is a dentist and the owner of Rivertrail Dental Centre and Funzone. He graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Doctor of Medical Dentistry and was inducted for Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the International College of Dentists. Dr. Sul was the President of the Dental Regulatory Authority in Manitoba from 2018 to 2019. He was the Treasurer for the Manitoba Dental Foundation from 2015 to 2018, and was a founding board member at the University of Manitoba for the Dental Alumni Association from 2008 to 2012. He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2019 and currently sits on the Board of Regents Governance and Community Relations Committee.

${name} Dorothy Young

Dr. Dorothy Young was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2019. She is an alumni of The University of Winnipeg where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in 1975. She also attended the University of Manitoba where she obtained her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1978, her Masters in Educational Administration in 1992, as well as her PhD in Educational Administration in 2011. From 1967 to 2006 she worked as a teacher, administrator and assistant superintendent in the St. James-Assiniboia School Division. Dr. Young has an extensive volunteer background which includes the Canadian Education Association Board of Directors, volunteering at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, as well as being a guest lecturer in the Faculty of Education at St. Boniface University (2012 to present) and Red River College (2001 to 2016). She has been the Scholarship Committee Chair of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority (Education) Beta Chapter since 2011 and is a Life Member in both The Manitoba Teacher’s Society and the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents. She has received the Dr. J. M. Brown Award for outstanding contribution to teacher education in Manitoba from the Faculty of Education of the University of Manitoba in 2004 and the Paul Harris Fellow Award for vocational excellence from the Winnipeg-Assiniboine Rotary Club in 2005. Dr. Young currently sits on the Board of Regents Audit and Risk and Governance and Community Relations Committees.