KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cheryl Alexander is a Mikisew Cree First Nation born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Looking at Cheryl’s life now it is hard to catch a glimpse of her life’s journey that brought her to this point and made her who she is today. We see an accomplished Aboriginal woman who walks comfortably in the world of business, while being a wife and mother of three children. Her academic achievements include a Masters Degree in Theocentric Counselling from Genesis Institute, a Bachelor of Business Administration from Athabasca University, and a Business Administration Diploma from Keyano College. While it is often assumed that Cheryl was never affected by the intergenerational impact of Indian residential schools, alcoholism, abuse, broken up families, the truth is quite different.
As a keynote speaker Cheryl provides glimpses into her past to show where she truly came from, and how like many others, was not exempt from the social barriers that Aboriginal People have faced and still face today. She shares with you her emotional and spiritual healing journey and how she chose to “Let Go and Move On”. Cheryl is a motivational speaker who seeks to inspire youth, women, men and her elders. She is an entrepreneur who strives to mentor and coach others, all while continuing her own learning. Her diverse professional and personal experiences, along with a dynamic personality have made Cheryl an engaging Master of Ceremonies, and an intriguing keynote speaker at many events.
/>Speaking Engagements
• 2015 NAABA Women In Business Luncheon One of three keynote speakers
• 2016 & amp; 2015 & 2014 Master of Ceremonies for RARA Ceremony
• 2014 Master of Ceremonies Paving Pathways to Success hosted by McMurray Girls Magazine, Girls Inc. and Bouchier Group of Companies
• 2013 Opening Greeting for RMWB Swearing in Ceremony
• 2013 Master of Ceremonies for Oilsands Banquet honouring the Athabasca Tribal Council’s 25th Anniversary
• 2011 Western Cities Conferences 2011 – Speaker Vibrancy of Aboriginal People
Accomplishments
• 2014/2015 Women of Inspiration Nominee in partnership with Syncrude and Girls Inc of Northern Alberta
• Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards (RARA) – Leadership Award 2011
• Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards (RARA) – Female Citizen of the Year 2011
• Named Top 40 Under 40 by Connect – Wood Buffalo’s weekly newspaper
Certificates
• Certificate for Advance Training in Mediating & Negotiating Family Disputes
• Leadership Wood Buffalo (LWB) graduate – Class of 2009
• Face to Face Leadership Training
Boards, Committees & Volunteer
• 2008 to Present- Wood Buffalo Wellness Society (Mark Amy Healing Centre) – Board of Director
• 2001 to Present- Tabernacle of Praise (TOP) – Youth Leader and Sunday School Teacher
• 2011 to 2014- Fort McMurray Airport Authority – Board of Director
• 2011 to 2013- NAABA Events Committee Member
• 2011- Summer Western Games 2015 Bid Committee Member
• 2009 to 2012- RMWB Regional Emergency Services Disaster Social Services Team
• 2008 to 2012- Community Futures Wood Buffalo Board of Director
• 2008 to 2010- Business Service Network Committee Member
• 2008 to 2010- Careers: RMWB Advisory Group Committee Member
• 2006 to 2009- Regional Aboriginal Recognition Awards Committee Member
• 2006 to 2007- Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association coach
• 2006 to 2007- NAABA Board of Director