Welcome to #IWD2026

Genevieve Giguere is a Principal at S2 Architecture and Managing Principal of the firm’s Calgary studio. With over 20 years of experience, Genevieve focuses on educational institutions, emergency services, residential mixed-use, hospitality, and senior care. She believes in actively engaging with project participants, communities, and user groups to ensure that buildings have a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives. Genevieve’s profound personal sensitivity and collaborative approach make her an excellent team player. She is committed to design excellence and superior client service, and her ability to work collaboratively and inclusively has contributed to the success of many projects.

Build Together Keynote Speaker

Kerri is Vice-President, Park Development and Major Projects at the Calgary Stampede, where she leads the strategic oversight and tactical delivery of the organization’s Park Development Masterplan. Since 2018, she has overseen transformative projects that are reshaping Stampede Park, including Stampede’s Sam Centre, the 17th Avenue Extension and Stampede Station upgrade, the introduction of new Stampede Park entry features, and the $500 million expansion of the BMO Centre at Stampede Park, Western Canada’s largest convention centre. Currently leading the development of the North Infield Suites designed by S2 Architecture and Populous, Kerri brings design and project delivery expertise to complex development projects. Kerri is a registered Architect with AAA and a certified PMP.

Build Together Keynote Speaker

Lourdes is a Canadian entrepreneur and Urban planner, with a Masters in Environmental Design, who has founded a diverse array of companies in Urban Planning, real estate, hospitality, and food security. An award winning entrepreneur, she has been recognized as Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, recognized by L’Oreal Paris, received the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation medal, is a Distinguished Graduate from the University of Calgary, and a UCalgary Alumni Arch Award recipient.

She is the Founding Partner at Hive Developments an Urban Planning consultancy and Co-Founder & CEO of Knead Technologies, a software company that works to reduce food waste and quantify carbon offsets. She is a board director for several Calgary based organizations related to city building, affordable housing, and social justice.

Build Together Panelist

Carma Holmes, is the Alberta North Division Manager for Buildings Engineering and the National Practice Lead for Buildings at Associated Engineering. She has over 25 years of progressive engineering experience in structural design and project management. Starting in high school, Carma’s interest in construction developed into a passion for architecture and engineering. She has since grown into a senior role at Associated. Carma has worked with many municipal, Indigenous and industrial clients throughout her career and is known for her collaborative and responsive approach to project delivery. She served as a Director on the Associated Engineering Group Ltd. Board from 2015 to 2024. Carma was a member of the City of Edmonton Design Committee from 2018 to 2021 as the APEGA Representative and was Vice Chair for her last two years. Carma is also an active champion for women in science and engineering. In addition to being a mentor and a sponsor at Associated, Carma volunteers with the University of Alberta’s WiSER Mentorship Program.

Build Together Panel Moderator

Vera Ilnyckyji is a transformational leadership and business coach who helps women solopreneurs and founders create a genuine, confident, and fulfilled life through their business. Prior to launching her coaching business in 2022, Vera enjoyed a 25-year corporate career where she provided collaborative leadership to build and implement marketing campaigns and initiatives, as well as drive employee engagement and organizational culture. Today, she’s known for her grounded presence, intuition, and powerful blend of mindset and business tools. Vera believes we’re not meant to be on this journey alone which is why she’s committed to uplifting others through the power of community.

When she’s not working, Vera loves spending time in the mountains where her soul gets revived through hiking, skiing and biking. Her other passions include personal development, spirituality, weight lifting, health and wellness, travelling, reading, and taking walks with her partner, Kevin, and their dog, Ellie.

You can learn more and connect with Vera at her website, createyourbestchapter.com.