October 2, 2025 Calgary
Hello, Calgary! A special event in collaboration with the Canadian Women’s Foundation
You Get Me: Stories Of Finding Your People
We’re kicking off Generation Women Calgary with a truth we know in our bones: it takes a village.
Not just to raise a child - but to build a life, recover from heartbreak, launch a dream, or survive the chaos of everyday existence. Our storytellers are sharing the stories of the people who became their village—the chosen families, unlikely friendships, ride-or-dies, and soul-saving group chats that held them up when it mattered. Sometimes they found them by accident. Sometimes they created them from scratch. But always, these communities became more than just backup—they became belonging.
This is a night for anyone who’s ever found strength in numbers - and for those still searching, a reminder that your people might be closer than you think.
Team 20s - Farkhunda Muhtaj
Farkhunda Muhtaj is an Afghan-Canadian football luminary and social activist who unites the worlds of sport, education and humanitarianism. Farkhunda is Captain of the Afghanistan Women’s National Football Team and was the first player signed to the Calgary Wild FC as part of the Northern Super League. Her social activism work champions gender equality, anti-racism education, refugee and newcomer support and humanitarian relief through sport and physical wellness initiatives. Muhtaj is the Calgary Wild’s Community Ambassador and the Co-Founder and Director of the Scarborough Simbas, a non-profit organization that uses sport to help ease the settlement journey of refugees and newcomers to Canada. Off the pitch, Farkhunda is an ambassador for Right To Play Canada, Common Goal, Penny Appeal Canada, and Women for Women International. Muhtaj also serves on the Canadian Child Rights in Sports Advisory Committee, Canada Soccer’s Women’s Development Advisory Committee, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Sport, Physical Activity, Health & Wellness Program Advisory Body. Farkhunda is an incredible leader, brand and community ambassador, and speaker who brings her voice to stages, spaces, and platforms worldwide. Website LinkedIn Instagram
Team 30s - Lisette Xavier
Lisette Xavier is an award-winning singer-songwriter, nationally celebrated children’s entertainer, and trailblazing community leader. The host of CBC Kids’ 'Bestest Day Ever with My Best Friend' and the creator of the new digital series 'Fit Check with Lisette', where she connects with kids and families through fashion, fun, and self-expression. Lisette is a nine-time YYC Music Award nominee and the show’s first repeat host, and she has performed with icons like the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and on national stages including the Junior Junos. Beyond the spotlight, she is a passionate advocate for equity and belonging, using music, media, and storytelling to empower the next generation. Whether on stage, on screen, or in her community, Lisette Xavier embodies the belief that kindness is brave, joy is resistance, and what makes us different is what makes us unforgettable. Website Instagram
Team 40s - Lana Bentley
Lana Bentley is the executive director of the Women’s Centre of Calgary. A family therapist by training, Lana worked in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health portfolio of Alberta Health Services. More recently her focus has included family violence, women’s economic empowerment, and housing. An award-winning instructor, Lana teaches part-time at Mount Royal University. A strong believer in investing in your community, she sits on several boards including Youth Central Calgary, the Alberta College of Opticians, and the Black Heritage Committee at Heritage Park. In her spare time you can find her on the ski hill, cheering on the Toronto Raptors, or adding to her ever growing sneaker collection.
Team 50s - Mitzie Hunter
Mitzie Hunter is the President & CEO of the Canadian Women's Foundation. She is a dynamic, community-grounded trailblazer whose 30 years of leadership spans the nonprofit sector, private sector, and government. She was the first Black woman to serve as Ontario’s Minister of Education. She also served as Ontario’s Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Associate Minister of Finance. Mitzie is a respected advocate for women, girls, and gender-diverse people. She is known for her expertise in an array of issues, from women’s leadership to inclusive economies to sustainable neighbourhood and city building.
Team 60s - Brenda Beckedorf
Brenda Beckedorf is a respected ecosystem builder, strategic innovator, and passionate advocate for technology-driven business transformation. With deep cross-sector experience, she is known for cultivating collaborative networks that empower entrepreneurs, accelerate digital adoption, and drive sustainable economic growth. As Co-Founder and CEO of Society 5.0, Brenda leads a bold initiative focused on bridging the gap between traditional industries and emerging technologies. Through education, executive engagement, and implementation support, Society 5.0 helps businesses navigate digital transformation, foster innovation, and embrace the potential of AI and advanced technologies. Beyond her professional leadership, Brenda is a proud mother and grandmother, with a blended family of six children and four grandchildren (so far!). A dedicated outdoor enthusiast, she finds clarity and strength on the trail — hiking weekly across Alberta and BC. Her adventures this year have included the Grand Canyon and the Costa Rican rainforest, always pushing herself to go higher and harder. Brenda’s life blends family, nature, and purpose, anchored by a deep commitment to supporting Alberta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping the next generation of leaders build a more resilient, tech-enabled future. LinkedIn Twitter/X
Team 80s - Elder Linda Johnson
A Cree woman from Northern Manitoba, moved to Calgary, Alberta 27 years ago to be with daughter & grandchildren. 80 years old & going strong! My culture is central in everything I do.
