Board Member Biographies
Board of Regents
Biographies
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. He currently sits on the Board of Regents Governance and Community Relations Committee as Vice-Chair.
Lilith Bauer
Lilith Bauer was elected as the Staff Representative 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 started her employment with the University as a student, including a position with the University of Winnipeg Student Association, and has since been working in various administrative departments. Currently, she is the Program Manager for the Master in Management program in the Dean’s office of the Faculty of Business and Economics. She is focused on establishing programming and networking opportunities for BIPOC students as well as an Access program for Indigenous and inner city high-school students. She is also looking to raise awareness for sustainability issues on and around campus. Lilith has volunteered for various film and theatre projects and continues to enjoy Winnipeg’s vibrant and diverse arts scene in her free time.
Christopher Brauer
Mr. Christopher Brauer has been a faculty member in the Department of Theatre and Film at The University of Winnipeg since 2005, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Drama from the University of Toronto (1992) and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from York University (1994).
As an educator, Mr. Brauer teaches courses in acting and directing, incorporating a range of techniques with a specialization in the actor training methods of Canadian clown innovator Richard Pochinko. His academic and creative practice centers on directing, audition coaching, and classical text coaching.
An award-winning professional theatre director, Mr. Brauer’s work has been featured on stages across Manitoba, including the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Shakespeare in the Ruins, Theatre Projects Manitoba, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, Dry Cold Productions, and zone41. He has also directed more than a dozen productions for The University of Winnipeg.
In addition to his professional and academic achievements, Mr. Brauer has contributed extensively to the arts community through volunteer service. He has served on the boards of Prairie Theatre Exchange and the Manitoba Association of Playwrights, and was a member of the Artistic Director Search Committee for the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. He has been a longtime talkback facilitator for the RMTC and a regular volunteer with Shakespeare in the Ruins.
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 Committee as Vice-Chair and the Audit and Risk Committee as Chair. 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.
Brent Corrigan
Brent Corrigan is the past President of The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association. He obtained his Bachelor of Education at the University in 1979 and his Master of Education at the University of Manitoba in 2007. Mr. Corrigan retired in 2020 and was an educator and principal throughout his 41 year career. He previously volunteered with the Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba and the Winnipeg North New Democratic Party, among many other organizations. While in his position as principal, he also volunteered with the Technical Vocational Leadership Council, the Manitoba School Improvement Program and the Aboriginal Academic Achievement Committee. Mr. Corrigan was elected to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024.
Harleen Kaur Deol
Harleen Kaur Deol is the Vice President, Student Affairs of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) for the 2025–2026 academic year.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration at The University of Winnipeg and is an international student originally from India. Before being elected to her current role, she served as the UWSA Community Liaison Director for the 2024–2025 term, where she advocated for student engagement, inclusion, and well-being.
In addition to her leadership within the UWSA, Harleen has been actively involved in campus life. She has contributed to student-led initiatives through the Indian Students’ Association and served as a Sustainability Ambassador with the UWinnipeg Sustainability Office. Alongside her studies and student leadership, she also worked part-time as an office administrator.
Harleen is a dedicated student leader who brings a community-first mindset to her role. She is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds and ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed through approachable and responsive leadership.
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.
Kevin Freedman
Kevin Freedman is an alumnus of The University of Winnipeg, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Psychology (2007), as well as a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Leadership (2010) from Walden University. Since 2021, Kevin has served as Owner and President of The Governance Guru, a training and consulting firm specializing in governance for nonprofit organizations, school boards, and public agencies. He has also been an instructor in the Department of Business and Administration at the University since 2015.
Kevin has extensive governance experience, including a nine-year tenure on the Board of Assiniboine Credit Union (2012-2021) and served as a School Trustee for the Winnipeg School Division (2014-2018). His volunteer leadership spans multiple organizations such as the Manitoba Water Polo Association (Vortex Water Polo), YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, Greenpeace Canada, General Council of Winnipeg Community Centres, and Water Polo Canada. Recognized for his dedication to community service, Kevin is a recipient of the 2008 YMCA Canada Peace Medal, the 2014 Governor General’s Sovereign Medal for Volunteers, the 2019 Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award, and was named an Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Society (University of Winnipeg Chapter) in 2020.
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.
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 is the current Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents. Mr. Jones also sits on the Board of Regents Finance Committee as Chair. He looks forward to contributing his technical expertise.
Raymond Karasevich
Ray Karasevich was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024. He is an alumnus of The University of Winnipeg graduating from the Joint Master of Public Administration (MPA) program in 2003. Ray graduated with distinction along with receiving the Donald V. Snider Memorial Fellowship.
Ray currently serves as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC), a role he has held since 2023. He is leading the implementation of APC’s 2023 – 2027 strategic plan, community engagement strategies, and overall Park stewardship and commitment to operational excellence. This includes expansion of APC’s diverse visitation, programming, conservation efforts and positioning the Park as one of the leading natural attractions in North America.
Ray’s career includes more than two decades of senior leadership experience in higher education, economic development, and public service. Prior to joining APC, he spent eight years at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT), serving as its President and CEO from 2017 – 2022. During Ray’s time at MITT, the institution significantly expanded its post-secondary programs and enrollments and launched a cybersecurity centre of excellence and a new welding and advanced manufacturing centre. Other career milestones include serving as Secretary to the Council on Post-Secondary Education, Executive Director of Industry Workforce Development, and Director of Operations at the Manitoba Health Research Council (now Research Manitoba).
In addition to his formal appointments, Ray has served on numerous boards and committees, including as a current member of the Manitoba Opera Board of Trustees and past co-chair of the Manitoba Post-Secondary President’s Council. In addition to his studies at The University of Winnipeg, Ray holds degrees from the University of Manitoba (B.A. Adv) and Western University where he completed a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in higher education leadership.
Alan Saji Koshy
Alan Saji Koshy was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025 through the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA). He is the current President of the UWSA and a dedicated undergraduate student and employee. Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Applied Physics (2021–2026), Alan brings an interdisciplinary approach that combines analytical rigor with ethical inquiry. His leadership is driven by a commitment to student advocacy and community engagement. As UWSA President, he provides strategic governance for over 9,000 students, champions inclusive policies, manages budgets, and fosters collaboration between administration and students. His prior roles include Retail Service Coordinator, Events Coordinator, and Food Bank Coordinator at the UWSA, as well as UWinnpeg Recreational Service Attendant, UWinnipeg Student Ambassador, and Conservation Ambassador with Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS). Alan has contributed as a volunteer to Harvest Manitoba, CommUNITY 204, N7N Volunteers/Oman National Volunteers, Spartan Arabia, and the Young Communitarians of Indian Schools, where he was recognized for exemplary service. Some achievements include being elected UWSA President, receiving the Peter Miller Environmental Ethics Award, and being honored as a Young Communitarian of Oman in 2020. Beyond his leadership and service, Alan is passionate about creative writing, philosophy, environmental conservation, and team sports. It all reflects his dedication to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.
John Krahn
Dr. John Krahn is a distinguished alumnus of The University of Winnipeg where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1968. He also obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Manitoba in 1973 and completed post-doctoral training in Clinical Chemistry in Edmonton, Alberta from 1973-1975.
With over four decades of experience, Dr. Krahn has held senior academic and clinical positions across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, including as Unified Head in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatoon Health Region Academic Health Alliance. He also served in key roles at the University of Manitoba, St. Boniface General Hospital, and Health Sciences Centre.
A committed volunteer, Dr. Krahn has contributed to national and international professional organizations, including serving as President of the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists and Chair of the IFCC Committee on Clinical Laboratory Management. His community involvement includes coaching youth sports and serving on local boards in Niverville, Manitoba.
Dr. Krahn’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Winnipeg, and national honors for excellence and service in clinical biochemistry.
He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025.
Akshay Krishna
Akshay Krishna was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025 through the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (“UWSA”). He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science (Information Systems). Akshay works in the International Student Services department at the University as a Student Mentor, supporting new international students and organizing campus events. A committed volunteer, in 2024 he pitched and lead the first-ever university-funded Onam event in North America at the University, inspiring further cultural programming.
Akshay is the co-founder of HighFive, a student support app recognized by the UWSA, and Weaver (weaverlabs.ca), a startup supporting Manitoba founders through North Forge. He has been a finalist in multiple campus pitch competitions and received financial literacy training under Professor Rosalie Harms at North Forge. He has also contributed to a geospatial intelligence project with Zeta Aerospace.
Passionate about innovation, finance, and student empowerment, Akshay is dedicated to advancing equitable access to opportunity.
Jason Linklater
Jason Linklater is the President of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP). Prior to being elected President of MAHCP, he worked as an Orthopedic Technology Educator for Shared Health (1995-2022). Jason is Chair of the Manitoba Council of Health Care Unions, as well as a Director on the Boards of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, Manitoba Health Coalition, and National Union of Public and General Employees. He is a member of the Canadian Society of Orthopedic Technologists and the American Society of Orthopedic Professionals. Jason previously studied at The University of Winnipeg (1994) and the University of Alberta. He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024.
Jeff Martin
Dr. Jeffery William Martin is a leading Canadian physicist specializing in experimental nuclear and particle physics. He is a Professor of Physics at The University of Winnipeg, where he has taught and conducted research since 2004. Prior to joining the University, he held a postdoctoral position at the California Institute of Technology from 1999 to 2004.
Dr. Martin holds a PhD in Experimental Nuclear Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2000) and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics from the University of Manitoba (1995). He is The University of Winnipeg’s Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Fundamental Symmetries in Subatomic Physics.
His research focuses on fundamental questions in physics, including work as the Canadian co-spokesperson for the TUCAN EDM experiment at TRIUMF, a collaborative international project with Japanese partners aiming to measure the electric dipole moment of the neutron. His experimental work has taken him to major research facilities across Canada, the United States, Japan, and Europe.
Dr. Martin has contributed significantly to the Canadian physics community through leadership roles. He has twice chaired the Subatomic Physics Evaluation Section (SAPES) at NSERC (2021-2022 and 2017-2018) and served as a coauthor and committee member for the Canadian Subatomic Physics Long-Range Plans for 2017-2021 and 2022-2026. He chairs the Fundamental Symmetries Strategic Working Group for the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics and previously served as Vice-President on its Board of Directors.
Dr. Martin was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025.
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. She currently sits on the Board of Regents Nominating Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee as Vice-Chair. She looks forward to giving back to the University.
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.
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 current Past Chair of the Board of Regents. He also sat on the Advisory Committee on Presidential Search.
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.
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.
Tanis Ostermann
Ms. Tanis Ostermann was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025. She brings over two decades of experience in environmental management and corporate sustainability. Ms. Ostermann is the Principal and Founder of CanSustain Management Solutions Inc., where she leads organizational strategy and provides technical oversight for client projects. Her previous roles include senior environmental leadership positions at Manitoba Hydro and Standard Aero.
Ms. Ostermann holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (1999) and a Master of Environment (2012), both from the University of Manitoba. She is also a Certified Director (ICD.D) through the Institute of Corporate Directors and an Environmental Professional (EP) through the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board.
An active community volunteer, she currently serves as a Director with the Little Britain Community Club and represents Manitoba on the Sustainable Development Advisory Council under the Canadian Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada. She is the former Chair of the FortWhyte Alive Board of Trustees and has held advisory roles with the Province of Manitoba and the Standards Council of Canada. Ms. Ostermann also serves as a Director on the Board of the Manitoba Hazardous Waste Corporation.
Michelle Pereira
The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce Michelle Pereira as the new Chair of its Board of Regents and will serve a two-year term. Appointed to the Board in 2019, Pereira brings a wealth of leadership experience in governance, communications, and non-profit management to the role.
Pereira currently serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba. Previously, she was Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy at Habitat for Humanity Manitoba.
Michelle recently completed the Rotman ICD Board Dynamics course, which focuses on best practices in governance for the not-for-profit sector. She has also completed the Indigenous Insights Course offered by the University of Winnipeg and the Indigenous and Canadian Government Relations Micro-Credential, Indigenous Relationships, offered by RRC Polytech.
In addition to serving on the UWinnipeg Board of Regents, she will also be contributing her expertise as a member of The Winnipeg Foundation Board of Directors.
As Chair, Pereira looks forward to championing long-term financial stability and strong collaboration with the Province. She is inspired by the direction set out in the University’s new strategic plan, which will launch in the fall of 2025.
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 a practicing lawyer 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, a Senator on behalf of the Manitoba Law Students Association, and as the voting student member on the Senate Executive Committee of the University of Manitoba. 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.
Carmen Prefontaine
Carmen Prefontaine (she/her) was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024.
Carmen is very active in the Labour movement, where she is currently the 1st Vice-President of CUPE Local 500, the General Vice-President of CUPE Manitoba, and the Regional Vice-President for Manitoba on CUPE’s National Executive Board.
Carmen is a lifelong political activist, having volunteered on countless political campaigns for labour-friendly candidates at all three levels of government. She is active on the Executive Board of the Winnipeg Labour Council and on many committees within the labour movement. She is also an active CUPE member facilitator, engaging with and helping to mentor future union leaders.
Pavlina Radia
Dr. Pavlina Radia is the Provost and Vice-President, Academic at The University of Winnipeg. She was previously Dean and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, Associate Dean, and Professor in English Studies at Nipissing University, where she was also the co-founder and director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Arts and Sciences. Her focus is on interdisciplinary research, teaching and learning excellence, Indigenous achievement and success, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Toronto. She also earned a Certificate in Human Rights for Education Professionals from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University. She is a member of the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada (SWAAC). She served on the Executive of the SWAAC and was a member of the SWAAC Subcommittee on EDI. Dr. Radia has been a life-long advocate of social justice, human rights, and inclusive leadership.
Dr. Radia’s publications include 2 monographs, 2 co-edited monographs, numerous chapters, over 20 articles in scholarly journals, keynote presentations, and other creative collaborations. Dr. Radia is the author of Nomadic Modernisms and Diasporic Journeys of Djuna Barnes and Jane Bowles: “Two Very Serious Ladies” (2016) and Ecstatic Consumption: The Spectacle of Global Dystopia in Contemporary American Literature (2016). With Drs. Sarah F. Winters and Laurie Kruk, she also co-edited The Future of Humanity: Revisioning the Human in the Posthuman Age (2019). Her publications include a chapter on war memorials and postmemory in Mobilities, Literature, Culture (Palgrave) and a chapter in Modernist Objects (Clemson University Press). She also contributed chapters to DeLillo and the Arts (Edinburgh University Press) and Posthumanist Modernism (Brill). Dr. Radia also co-organized several international conferences, including The Future of Humanity (Nipissing University, 2016) and The Hunger Artist: Food and the Art Double Dialogue Conference (University of Toronto, 2010). She was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2023.
Kat Roberts
Kat Roberts is a current student at The University of Winnipeg where they are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Inner-City Studies. They are currently self-employed working on a contract basis for a variety of non-profits within Winnipeg to support research, advocacy, grant writing, and policy development. Prior to their current role, they worked as a Housing First Case Manager for West Central Women’s Resource Centre and a Community Support Worker for Turning Leaf Community Services. Kat is a member of the Steering Committee for Make Poverty History Manitoba (2022-2024), and is a member of the Right to Housing Coalition. They were appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024.
Matt Schaubroeck
Matt Schaubroeck is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Leverage Point Consulting, a firm that aids companies in terms of their sustainability and economic impact. Previously he was Chief Operating Officer at PremiseHQ Saas Inc. and Co-Founder of ioAirFlow. Matt is a Director with Peg City Co-op and an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for North Forge East. He has a Master of Business Administration from the Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in French Studies and Politics from The University of Winnipeg. He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2024.
Anuraag Shrivastav
Professor Anuraag Shrivastav is a dedicated academic and accomplished researcher currently serving as a Professor at The University of Winnipeg. Appointed to the Board of Regents in 2025 by the Senate, he brings a wealth of academic, scientific, and community experience to the role. Professor Shrivastav holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours), a Master of Science, and a PhD from Banaras Hindu University. Following his doctoral studies, he completed a prestigious CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Saskatchewan.
His professional career includes extensive experience in academia and research institutions. He began as a Research Associate at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by a position as a Senior Research Associate at CancerCare Manitoba. At the University, he has progressed through academic ranks from Assistant Professor to his current role as Professor. He also serves as a Senior Adjunct Scientist at CancerCare Manitoba, a position he has held for over nine years, contributing significantly to cancer research in Canada.
In addition to his academic and research commitments, Professor Shrivastav has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He has served on the boards of the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association and the India Canada Cultural Association in Saskatoon, and has volunteered at Siloam Mission in Winnipeg. His leadership roles include serving as General Secretary of the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association.
Professor Shrivastav's work has been widely recognized. He was a finalist for the SABEX Award for Innovation (2012) in Saskatoon and received a City Council Citation from the City of New York for his contributions to cancer research. At the University, he has been honored with the Exceptional Merit Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Jonathan Webber
Jonathan Webber is an accomplished executive and experienced board director with a strong background in finance, human resources, and corporate governance. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Sawatsky Group of Companies, a role he has held since 2017. Prior to this, he was the organization’s Chief Financial Officer from 2009 to 2017, where he played a key role in financial oversight and strategic planning.
Mr. Webber holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), and holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
In addition to his executive leadership, Jonathan has extensive board experience. He currently serves as Vice Chair of Thunder Bay Hydro Corporation (2025-present) and as a Director with Synergy North (2019-present). His previous governance roles include serving as Director of the Liquor, Gaming & Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (2020-2022), Director of the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Corporation (2018-2020), Treasurer of CPHR Manitoba (2018-2020), and Chair of the Bravestone Centre (2013-2019).
Jonathan's commitment to community and professional service was recognized with the CPA Manitoba Community Service Award in 2017. His professional and volunteer experience reflects a deep dedication to leadership, accountability, and ethical governance.
He was appointed to The University of Winnipeg Board of Regents in 2025.