Candice Paton

Lisa's Bio

Lisa Pollio | Program Manager, Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada)
Innovation Gallery (Saturday morning)

Lisa joined Energy Safety Canada (ESC) as a Program Manager in 2013, after six years of working in the oil sands region of Fort McMurray. Lisa learned valuable field experience as a Health, Safety and Environment Advisor and then transitioned to a Disability Management role. This hands-on knowledge allowed her to obtain the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.

Being part of the Training and Industry Development and Support teams at ESC has enabled Lisa to bring her expertise of our sector to the Careers in Energy group. An adventurer at heart, Lisa loves spending her free time in the mountains or travelling to different parts of the world with her family.

Careers in Energy

Dinara's Bio

Dinara Millington | Western Network Lead, The Transition Accelerator
Round Tables (Friday afternoon)

As the Western Network Lead at The Transition Accelerator, Dinara Millington is responsible for catalyzing the development and linkage of a network of strategically located hydrogen hubs across Western Canada. This work includes building and managing strategic relationships, identifying promising locations for new hubs in Western Canada, and developing systems of communication and knowledge sharing to link new hubs.

Dinara’s advanced knowledge of the energy industry and regulatory landscape, along with her technical and leadership skills have contributed to her almost 20-year energy career. In her previous role, Dinara was responsible for leading research programs, liaising with board and senior management, assisting in fundraising, and managing various committees.

Her effective communication skills and ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders are evidenced through publication of numerous research reports and appearances in articles and television interviews with local, national, and international media. Dinara holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from the University of Calgary.

The Transition Accelerator

Sam's Bio

Sam Effah | Canada Games Gold Medalist, Right to Play Ambassador, Amazing Race Canada Finalist
Keynote Speaker

As a native Albertan, Sam has speed. He represented Canada at 3 World Championships, 3 World University Games, 2 Commonwealth Games and was inducted into the 2021 Canada West Hall of Fame. Most recently, Sam was named co-Chef de Mission for the 2022.

As a volunteer, he’s an athlete ambassador with Right To Play and a past Classroom Champions mentor, where he focuses on using his platform to inspire the next generation of youth around the world.

In 2019 he was cast on The Amazing Race Canada Season 7 and placed second overall. 

Outside of athletics and in-office work, Sam loves to speak. He leads a strong stage presence, developed over the course of a ten-year career as a seminar speaker, workshop facilitator, and motivational presenter.

Learn More About Sam Effah

Elyse's Bio

Elyse Dzenick | Research Communications Coordinator, Future Energy Systems, University of Alberta
Innovation Gallery (Saturday 11:15-12:15)

Elyse Dzenick received her bachelors in communications from MacEwan University. She is an experienced communicator, having spent time in the agency and non-profit worlds. Her experience in performing arts, public relations and economic development lend a unique perspective to her communications work and related projects. She joined FES in December 2022. 

Future Energy Systems - University of Alberta