Please join us as CATA WIT Forum's Ottawa Chapter launches its Mentorship Pillar on October 30, 2007. Whether you have a mentor or would like to be a mentor, the interactive panel discussion including Laraine Kaminsky, Executive Vice President of Graybridge Malkam, Julia Elvidge, President of Chipworks, and Cathy Reid, Executive Director of iSisters Technology Mentoring is sure to provide you with a better understanding of the power of mentorship. The distinguished panellists will provide insights into mentorship, cross-cultural and diversity mentoring, and will share their mentorship experiences and how mentors and mentees alike can benefit from mentorship.

Date: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (light lunch and networking included) Location: Brookstreet Hotel, Kanata Program Agenda: 11:30 a.m. Lunch and Networking 12:00 p.m. Welcome & Introductory Remarks 12:05 p.m. Laraine Kaminsky, Executive Vice President, Graybridge Malkam 12:20 p.m. Julia Elvidge, President, Chipworks 12:35 p.m. Cathy Reid, Executive Director, iSisters Technology Mentoring 12:50 p.m. Questions and Answers 1:05 p.m. Closing Remarks 1:10 p.m. Networking Fee: $35 Members, $40 Non-members, $30 Students Register: Register online at http://www.catawit.ca/chapters/ottawa/events/register.asp or by calling Muriel Debroy at (613) 236-6550

Sponsors

Meet our panelists:

Laraine Kaminsky is an energetic and engaging speaker and facilitator, and a recognized leader in the fields of global diversity, cross-cultural awareness, and language training, mentoring and consulting. Her experience makes Laraine a well sought after speaker and trainer on the importance of intercultural and diversity effectiveness. Her powerful insight into human behaviour, allows her to facilitate effective personal interactions with persons from diverse cultures.

Laraine focuses on diversity, cultural, and generational issues and how they impact on organizational effectiveness and inclusiveness. She works with management teams to help them and their organizations adapt to the realities of diversity in the ever-changing world of work. She also advises, mentors, and educates leaders and team members on effective team leadership. Laraine’s contribution and commitment to her field of expertise has been recognized through her nomination as a finalist for the Women’s Business Achievement Award.

Laraine’s finely honed ability to communicate the complexities of cultural communication is best demonstrated in her writings. She has authored many articles relating to diversity and cross cultural communication in publications including; Profit Guide, Ottawa Human Resources Professionals Association Newsletter, HR Professional Magazine, and ExportWise Magazine. Laraine has given presentations at the Association of Career Management Consulting Firms International Conference, The Meeting Professionals International Conferences, ASAE Annual Meeting; and the International Monetary Fund Washington; Greater Rochester Diversity Council Conference, and the Summit on Leading Diversity to name a few.

Laraine has lived on three continents and worked in over 20 countries. As a new immigrant in Canada, Laraine worked for many years as an adult educator. In 1989, she launched her own consulting firm as a venue for organizations to develop the linguistic and cultural competencies of their diverse workforces, in order to excel in an increasingly global economy.

Laraine takes a well-rounded approach to expanding her own competence, and draws from life experience, study and research, and travel – in particular, she enjoys exploring a culture from the seat of her bicycle!

Julia Elvidge, President, Chipworks

Julia Elvidge has more than twenty years experience in the advanced technology sector including prior positions with companies such as LSI Logic and MOSAID Technologies.

Julia joined Chipworks in 1994, and was instrumental in growing Chipworks from a one person consulting company to over 125 full time dedicated professionals with a world wide customer base that recognizes Chipworks as an innovative technical services company that provides high value technology knowledge. Headquartered in Ottawa, Chipworks has offices in Korea, Japan, Poland and Taiwan, with representation in Israel and other semiconductor and microelectronics technology centres.

She has held increasingly senior management positions within Chipworks; from Director of Competitive Analysis, IT and R&D to Vice-President of Marketing and Sales. Julia has held the position of President since 2003.

Through Chipworks, Ms. Elvidge is currently associated with the following organizations:

• ITAC Board member
• Member of LES for 8 Years
• Member of Mindtrust CEO

Cathy Reid, Executive Director, iSisters Technology Mentoring

Cathy Reid received undergraduate degrees from Carleton University, her Education Degree from the University of Ottawa and has additional qualifications in special education. She completed her Executive MBA at the University of Ottawa in 2007.

Cathy is a founder and the Executive Director of iSisters. She was the primary onsite teacher from 2001 until 2005. Additional focus currently includes supporting the completion and launch of iTeachnology, our online learning initiative and managing a multi-year research study for the Canadian Council on Learning.

Cathy co-founded, r2etc, an education technology consulting firm who help bridge the gap between business and education as well as providing technology professional development for educators. (www.r2etc.com)

Cathy is a passionate community member and volunteer who believes strongly in equality and providing access to education as a vehicle to promote and build healthy and happy families and communities. She sits on the board of directors of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa and is a proud graduate and supporter of Leadership Ottawa.