As associations seek to develop resilience, perseverance and innovation in a changing world, it can be invaluable to hear from trailblazers who can offer an open mind and a new perspective.

Join us on August 5 for a powerful webinar with Bobbie Racette, Founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus, as she shares her story of overcoming adversity as an Indigenous, LGBTQ+ woman. Along with Jennifer Attersall, Senior Director, Client Engagement at Destination Canada, Bobbie will:
- share the turning points that shape resilient leadership
- explore how overcoming adversity can fuel innovation
- identify strategies for growth and navigating challenges
- demonstrate the value of fostering a culture of belonging

Participants will walk away with a new understanding of how to shift perspectives, overcome self-doubt and leverage adversity as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Learning Objectives:

- share the turning points that shape resilient leadership
- explore how overcoming adversity can fuel innovation
- identify strategies for growth and navigating challenges
- demonstrate the value of fostering a culture of belonging

Participants will walk away with a new understanding of how to shift perspectives, overcome self-doubt and leverage adversity as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Meet the Speakers:

 

Bobbie Racette

Founder and CEO, Virtual Gurus

Through Virtual Gurus, Bobbie Racette has revolutionized the way companies find and connect with diverse, top-tier remote talent. Proudly Métis-Cree and unapologetically Queer, she champions inclusivity, equity and opportunity for marginalized communities. Recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year Special Citation and Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year, Bobbie is proof that resilience, grit, and a bold vision can break down barriers—and reshape industries.

 

Joel Walton

Senior Director, Business Events Strategic Initiatives, Destination Canada 

Joel Walton is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for Business Events at Destination Canada, where he supports efforts to position Canada as a global leader in impactful, inclusive, sustainable, and Indigenous-supported business events. With a background in destination marketing—including a tenure as Chief Marketing Officer for Northwest Territories Tourism—Joel brings deep expertise in strategic planning, destination development, and place-based storytelling. His work focuses on fostering meaningful connections between people and places, aligning business events with Canada’s key economic sectors, and contributing to a global narrative of openness, knowledge-sharing, and belonging. 

Sponsors

Accessibility

ASAE is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants. We strive for full access to the activities of these events based on an awareness of participants' needs and appropriate planning. Please refer to the ASAE Meetings Accessibility Policy. Accessibility accommodations relating to mobility, hearing, vision, or other areas may be provided.

We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations be made as early as possible, and well in advance of the event via the registration process. Onsite requests will be accommodated to the best of our ability; however, available resources may be limited. Please email Learning & Meetings to request specialized accommodation for this program.