KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Kimberly LeBlanc, RN, PhD, NSWOC, WOCC(C), FCAN, FNSWOC
Kimberly LeBlanc is known globally as an innovative nurse leader. She is the current Academic Chair of the Association for Nurses Specialized in Wound Ostomy and Continence Canada’s (NSWOCC) Wound Ostomy and Continence Institute (WOC Institute), and an Advanced Practice and Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence nurse working with KDS Professional Consulting. Kimberly is the President (2024-26) of the Canadian Nurses Association. She holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Nursing from Queen’s University.
Gracia Kasoki Katahwa, RN, BScN, MAP
A clinical nurse holding a Master of Public Administration (ENAP), Gracia Kasoki Katahwa served as Mayor of the Borough of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce from 2021 to 2025. Leveraging her unique expertise in governance, she is dedicated to establishing innovative urban health solutions, where care models move beyond the hospital setting to become deeply anchored within communities. She is particularly focused on evolving nursing leadership toward roles as "systems architects." Through her speaking engagements and work, she aims to equip and inspire the nursing profession to fully engage in management and public policy, ultimately building a healthcare system that is both humanly and structurally sustainable.
Argerie Tsimiscalis, RN, PhD 
Argerie Tsimicalis holds two scientific appointments in Clinical Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Canada and Injury Repair Recovery Program, Montreal University Health Centre Research Institute (MUHC-RI). Further, Dr. Tsimicalis serves as the: Bone Axe Coordinator, Bone and Oral Health Research Network (RSBO); Co-lead of the Knowledge Mobilization Hub, Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium; National Collaborator, Pain in Child Health (PICH); and Mentor, Empowering Next-Generation Researchers in Perinatal and Child Health (ENRICH).
PANELISTS:
Lynne McVey, RN, BSc, MSc(A), FHCMgt
Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Director, Ingram School of Nursing
Lynne McVey was appointed Associate Dean and Director of the Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN) in McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, effective October 1, 2024. She holds the Flora Madeleine Shaw Chair in Nursing and is the founder of the Ingram School of Nursing’s innovative Executive Education program. A graduate of McGill University with a BSc in Physiology and MSc(A) in Nursing, and a Fellow of the Wharton Business School Healthcare Management Education Program at the University of Pennsylvania, she is recognized as one of the few nurses in Canada and North America to have served as a healthcare CEO. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held Executive leadership positions including CEO of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, President and CEO of the CIUSSS Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, where she successfully led a $1 billion health system through the COVID-19 pandemic, CEO of Santé Monde a not-for-profit organisation in international co-development.
A passionate advocate for healthcare innovation, mental health, patient experience, implementation science, and interdisciplinary collaboration, she has secured major investments in healthcare infrastructure, advanced patient-centred care, and championed nurse CEOs in healthcare governance. She currently leads initiatives designed to prepare nurses and other healthcare professionals for executive, CEO, government, and international leadership roles through education, mentorship, and coaching. Her educational innovations have been recognized nationally and internationally, including by Canada’s Chief Nursing Officer and in China. Her contributions have earned her numerous honours, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction in Health Award, the McGill Faculty of Medicine Alumni Global Impact Award, and the Top 50 Women We Admire in Montreal Award (2023-2025). A strategic, diplomatic, and humanistic leader, she remains dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems, fostering leadership excellence, and improving health outcomes for patients and communities.
Robin Karonhia:ke Guyer, RN, BScN 
Robin Lee Karonhia:ke Guyer is a deeply engaged dedicated healthcare leader and proud Mohawk community member from Kahnawake. After graduating from Trafalgar School for Girls in 2001, Robin pursued further education at John Abbott College, earning a DEC in Nursing in 2005, and went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at McGill in 2007.
For the past 20 years, Robin has built a meaningful and impactful career at Kateri Memorial Hospital Centre, taking on a variety of roles that reflect both clinical expertise and strong leadership. Beginning as a bedside nurse, Robin expanded into homecare nursing, later serving as an Inpatient Team Leader and Long-Term Care Manager. Today, Robin holds the position of Director of Nursing and Community Care, where she helps guide healthcare services and support the wellbeing of her community.
Robin is passionate about patient-centered care, mentorship, and strengthening healthcare systems within Indigenous communities. Her journey highlights the value of perseverance, education, and giving back—making her an inspiring voice for students exploring careers in healthcare.
Sydney Wasserman, RN, MSc(A), PhD(c) 
Sydney Wasserman is a Registered Nurse at the Montreal General Hospital Trauma Centre and a PhD candidate at McGill University's Ingram School of Nursing. After completing a Master's degree in Advanced Practice Nursing, she pursued doctoral studies focused on psychosocial oncology, digital health, and supportive care for individuals affected by cancer and their caregivers. Alongside her PhD, Sydney is completing her Primary Care Nurse Practitioner training at McGill through a combined NP–PhD pathway, integrating advanced clinical education with her doctoral research. Her work is driven by a commitment to advancing equitable, evidence-based care through clinical practice, research, and innovation.
Brigitte Ireson-Valois, RN, BScN, MiPH 
“I was drawn to the nursing profession for its versatility and contact with people. I completed my BScN at McGill University in 2008 and quickly started my career in the emergency department in Montreal. Since then, my career has been enriched by opportunities working across the globe in the humanitarian sector, completing my Masters of International Public Health at the University of Sydney, Australia and with Canada's
Indigenous peoples in Nunavik and in Kahnawà:ke. During these multiple opportunities, I saw first hand the impacts of climate change on populations and believe that nurses are in a unique and important position to make impactful change at all levels of the profession. I've been actively involved with the Canadian Association of Nurses for the Environment since 2023, and most recently, began my tenure as a Quebec co-representative on their Board of Directors.
Its not too late to make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of people and the planet.”
MODERATOR:
Royal Orr 
Royal Orr is a respected Canadian broadcaster, journalist, and community advocate with a long-standing commitment to public service and global health initiatives. Formerly a host with CBC Radio, including Cross Country Checkup and Daybreak Montreal, he has built a distinguished career in communications, storytelling, and community engagement. In recent years, Orr has been actively involved in international health and humanitarian projects, working alongside healthcare professionals and community organizations to support health education and capacity-building initiatives. His passion for connecting people through dialogue, education, and social action continues to inspire audiences and communities in Canada and abroad.