We’re bringing you an exciting line-up of keynotes to share their knowledge and experiences at Cannexus25!
Cross-Cultural Communication and Diversity Expert
An Indo-Canadian daughter of first-generation parents, Varughese says her cultural background allows her to find “the best of both worlds” and shed light, knowledge, and, most importantly, universal humour into the changing workplace. Her highly entertaining, interactive and practical keynotes leave attendees inspired to think, behave, act and communicate with intention.
For 15 years, Varughese worked with immigrants in her roles with the Province of Alberta’s immigration office. She also ran her own successful relocation and settlement firm. Varughese draws from her experiences as an entrepreneur, mother, daughter, wife, sister and friend when delivering keynotes on diversity and inclusion — topics that resonate with her both professionally and personally.
Varughese has been named one of “Canada’s Top 10 Notable Speakers” by Ignite Magazine for her ability to break down barriers and create a comfortable, inclusive and fun space for attendees. She was the face of diversity, literally, having been chosen to participate in Dove’s campaign for Real Beauty, representing beauty in diversity.
The past-president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (Calgary), Varughese is a contributing writer for the Human Resource Institute of Alberta’s Network magazine, Calgary Real Estate News and Home to Home magazine. She was also profiled in Alberta’s Venture Magazine.
Licensed Professional Counselor & Professor at Walden University
Dr. Kevin Glavin, a Licensed Professional Counselor and educator, brings over 20 years of expertise in counsellor education and supervision to his role as the founder and CEO of “Create Your Why,” a company offering career counselling, coaching, training and consulting services. Kevin also serves as core faculty at Walden University, teaching graduate courses in mental health counselling.
Throughout his career, Kevin has held leadership positions including president of the Ohio Career Development Association and Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Employment Counseling. His research and insights have been published in 17 peer-reviewed articles in professional journals focused on career counselling and vocational psychology. Kevin's expertise has been sought after globally, leading to invitations to present at various conferences and workshops.
Under the guidance of Professor Mark Savickas, the pioneer of Life Designing for Career Construction, Kevin has emerged as a thought leader in the field. Together, they established Vocopher: The Career Collaboratory, a website offering free career instruments and educational resources, which has served over 45,000 users across more than 100 countries since 2004.
Kevin's contributions have been recognized internationally; most recently, he was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Educator of Career Professionals Award by the Asia Pacific Career Development Association.
Indigenous Studies Professor & Award-winning Author
Niigaan Sinclair is Anishinaabe from Peguis First Nation and a Professor at the University of Manitoba, where he holds the Faculty of Arts Professorship in Indigenous Knowledge and Aesthetics in the Department of Indigenous Studies. He is the award-winning author of the national bestseller Wînipêk: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre (McClelland & Stewart, 2024) and was co-editor of Manitowapow: Aboriginal Writings from the Land of Water (Highwater Press), - the book voted by Manitobans in the “On the Same Page” competition as the top book to read in 2012. Niigaan is a multiple nominee of Canadian columnist of the year (winning in 2018) and is a featured member of the Friday "Power Panel" on CBC's Power & Politics who was recently named to the “Power List” by Maclean’s magazine as one of the most influential individuals in Canada. He is also a former secondary school teacher who won the 2019 Peace Educator of the Year from the Peace and Justice Studies Association based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.