Dr. Airini
President and Vice-Chancellor Thompson Rivers University
Dr. Airini is President and Vice-Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University (TRU), British Columbia’s first dual-sector research university. A scholar and senior leader with more than 25 years of experience in post-secondary education, she has served as provost, dean and national policy advisor, and is a Fulbright Scholar with more than 100 publications. She began her tenure as TRU's fifth president on July 1, 2025.
At TRU, Airini is advancing a clear position — technology fluency is foundational to student success, research excellence and institutional resilience. She is guiding the university’s responsible integration of artificial intelligence across teaching, research and operations, including the appointment of a Special Advisor on Artificial Intelligence to the President.
Under her leadership, TRU is strengthening its commitment to use-inspired research that serves people and communities — linking academic education, vocational training, applied research, technological fluency and regional partnerships to real-world challenges. TRU’s mission aligns with BCNET CONNECT’s focus on shaping a digital future grounded in public purpose.
Gitane de Silva
Strategist | Diplomat | Former Deputy Minister
Gitane is a respected public policy leader with executive experience at the provincial, national and international levels. She previously served as the CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator and as Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations.
Gitane is also a seasoned diplomat and a specialist in Canada-U.S. relations, having represented Canada in the U.S. three times, including as Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC during the first Trump Administration, and as Canada’s Consul General in Chicago. She was involved in the negotiation of several trade and environmental agreements, including the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement and the Canada Free Trade Agreement.
Gitane is now the Founder & President of the consulting firm, GDStrategic, where she shares her expertise as a sought after speaker and strategist who is known for her ability to explain complex issues in an accessible way.
Pamela Pelletier
Vice President & General Manager | Dell Technologies Canada
Pamela Pelletier serves as the leader of Dell Technologies Canada, where she sets the strategic vision and drives growth and performance across Public and Commercial Enterprises, a role she has held since May 2021. In this national leadership capacity, she has led transformative change, deepened customer partnerships, and energized teams to think bigger, move faster, and innovate with purpose.
A passionate advocate of inclusion, Pamela leads and supports initiatives that foster belonging, expand opportunities, and elevate diverse voices across the technology ecosystem. She is honored to serve on the board of Catalyst, a global nonprofit recognized for its leadership in building inclusive workplaces.
Pamela has a proven leadership track record and over 20 years of experience driving sales growth and career development in the technology industry. Her greatest passion is bringing people together and helping them to reach their full potential. She thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company’s reach.
Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree from Trent University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family; she is married and the proud mother of two boys.
Stephen Shedletzky
Leadership Strategist | Workplace Culture Expert | Author
Stephen Shedletzky—or “Shed” to his friends—helps leaders make it safe and worth it for people to speak up. He supports humble leaders, those who know they are both a part of the problems they experience and the solutions they can create, as they put their people and purpose first.
A sought-after speaker, coach, and advisor, Shed has led hundreds of keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership development programs worldwide. As a thought leader on psychological safety in the workplace, he supports leaders and organizations in all industries where human beings work. He is the author of Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up.
After years on a corporate track, Shed was introduced to and inspired by the work of Simon Sinek and, soon after meeting him, became the fourth person to join his team. For more than a decade, Shed has contributed at Simon Sinek, Inc., where, as Chief of Staff and Head of Brand Experience, Training & Development, he headed a global team of speakers and facilitators. Shed continues to speak and facilitate with Simon Sinek, helping to create a more inspired, safe, and fulfilled world. Shed graduated from the Richard Ivey School of Business with a focus on leadership, communication, and strategy. He also received his coaching certification from The Co-Active Training Institute. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two young children.