Athabasca University proudly celebrates students, alumni, researchers, and supporters who are making an impact like no other in communities near and far
At Athabasca University, we’re surrounded by an incredible community of students, researchers, and alumni who are making a real impact—right here in Alberta, across Canada, and around the world.
This International Women’s Day—and every day—we’re thrilled to celebrate the bold thinkers, trailblazers, and changemakers who are shaping the future and inspiring us all.
Improving access to primary care
Kayla Cheung (Master of Nursing – Nurse Practitioner '22) became one of Alberta’s first nurse practitioners to open their own clinic when she launched Harmony Family Health Clinic in St. Albert in September 2024. In doing so, she is working to address an ongoing challenge for Albertans in need of timely access to high-quality primary care.
“There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from the community—people were excited for us to open and continue to appreciate what we have to offer,” Cheung said.
Serving community through volunteerism
Lilian Amaka Okocha (Master of Business Administration '15) knew from an early age she wanted a better life for herself—and for others. Growing up in Nigeria, the youngest of seven children, Okocha worked hard to provide for herself, including working on a farm to help pay for her school fees.
The AU MBA grad and Alumni Award winner has advocated for others through volunteerism in her community. Now, she is providing leadership training through her own company and helping others realize their highest contribution.
“I want to help those who are struggling, because I struggled, and I could barely get any help,” she said.
Enhancing education for Indigenous communities
As president of Kenjgewin Teg, Beverley Roy (Master of Business Administration '09) is working to improve educational opportunities for First Nations students in northern Ontario. The post-secondary institute opens doors to advanced learning for students and adults who otherwise might not choose to leave Manitoulin Island to attend a college or university campus.
"I'm a total believer of lifelong learning. That's what we advocate and share with our communities and our public," says Roy.
Flourishing in research and Indigenous collaboration
Cultural anthropologist Dr. Janelle Baker is part of an ongoing collaboration with Bigstone Cree Nation on sakâwiyiniwak (Northern Bush Cree) experiences with traditional food contamination in northern Alberta.
Baker, an associate professor in AU’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was recently appointed a Future Flourishing Fellow, joining an elite group of researchers from across Canada and the world.
“This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to think not only widely in philosophical ways, but also in practical, applied ways,” she said.
Creating safe, inclusive workplaces
Dr. Angela Workman-Stark has dedicated her career to safe and inclusive workplaces. As a former RCMP chief superintendent, she oversaw the RCMP's response to widespread reports of gender discrimination and harassment.
As Canada Research Chair in Rights-Based Organizational Development, her research explores factors that contribute to more inclusive workplaces.
“Creating an environment in which people can speak up, ask for help, admit mistakes, or bring forth tough challenges is incredibly important,” she said.
Read about Workman-Stark's research
Using data to protect Alberta’s drinking water
Anthea Sargeaunt (Master of Business Administration '13) co-founded 2S Water to ensure drinking water safety by using data to detect toxic metals.
Combining a passion for science and entrepreneurship, she has been recognized as Startup Alberta’s most promising startup entrepreneur for her impactful work.
“It's a human rights issue to address water safety. We're very excited to be doing just a small part of that-a needed work.”
Supporting survivors of human trafficking
Linea Xaysana (Master of Counselling '23, Bachelor of Professional Arts, Criminal Justice and Corrections '07) has spent much of her career working for change to end human trafficking, first with government and now through her own startup foundation, HERizon Healing Society. A proud Métis woman, her goal is to provide provides barrier-free mental health and healing services and supports to survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
“This work is so important, because lives are on the line every day and we need to work collaboratively to ensure we aren't missing anything or anyone.”
Tackling health inequities for Indigenous Peoples
Michelle Monkman (Master of Nursing '23) has made it a lifelong goal to improve the health of people in Indigenous communities.
Monkman, a registered nurse from Kinosao Sipi Cree Nation, has spent two decades serving Indigenous populations in urban and rural Manitoba.
“I feel proud as a First Nations woman to be representing my nation. This was part of my whole desire to want to go to school,” she said.
Access and the democratization of education
Laurie Wang (Master of Business Administration '23) keeps busy between her day job as vice-president overseeing Legal Aid Alberta's marketing, communications, and human resources teams, volunteering, and raising three children.
She credits her success to the flexibility that AU’s MBA program offered.
“I really believe in the democratization of education and information and access," she said. "That's something that we wouldn't have had before, especially as working women with busy families. The ability to give that access to everybody is huge.”