Cilena Mathieu

Dr.James's Bio

Dr. James Makokis and Anthony Johnson are renowned as the trailblazing Two-Spirit team on the Amazing Race Canada. Their compelling victory in Season 7 brought pivotal gender, sexuality, and Indigenous issues to the forefront of national consciousness, reshaping societal perceptions. Distinguished in their individual capacities, they bring rich, diverse experiences and a profound depth of expertise to their advocacy efforts, championing the rights of First Nation and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Residing in Treaty 6 Territory, Edmonton, Anthony Johnson is dedicated to the resurgence of Traditional Cree Medicine practices in Kehewin Cree Nation. Together, they are a formidable force, advocating for systemic change and promoting equity and inclusivity. Their journey transcends the Amazing Race; it’s a continual stride towards societal transformation, galvanizing communities, and allies alike to dismantle prejudices and foster a more inclusive, empathetic world. Their narrative is not just one of triumph but a compelling call to action for unity, understanding, and relentless pursuit of justice.

Nicholas's Bio

Nick Ayre is the Team Lead of Business Development Geosciences at Strathcona Resources Ltd., a rapidly growing Calgary-based company specializing in oil and gas resource development in Western Canada. In his capacity of Team Lead, Nick oversees all Geoscience contributions with acquisition appraisals, regional evaluations, sustainability initiatives such as carbon capture, and Petrophysics.

Before working at Strathcona, Nick has been employed in both large and small Calgary based energy companies establishing multi-year exploration and development drilling programs, mentoring staff, acquisition appraisals, and divestment program.

In addition to his role at Strathcona, Nick has been actively involved with the Canadian Energy Geoscience Association (CEGA) where he served as the Conference Director overseeing all society conferences between 2021-2023, and co-chaired/advised CEGA’s annual Core Conference between 2020-2024. Nick’s roles at CEGA underscore his belief that organizing geoscientific events are critical for the promotion of geosciences to the general public, professional networking, and career development within the energy and geoscience communities.

Strathcona Resources Ltd.

Gillian's Bio

With a diverse background as a leader in the energy industry, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations, Gillian is a dynamic force known for forging connections, fostering collaboration, and driving social change.

Gillian is the Director, People and Community at Enhance Energy where she leads Indigenous Engagement, Community Engagement, Community Investment, and HR and is dedicated to shaping a future where CCUS solutions integrate seamlessly with social equity, effecting positive impact for people and communities.

Holder of an MBA, along with a certificate of Social Impact, from Queens University and a CPHR designation, Gillian serves on the Board of the Calgary Public Library, the Calgary Library Foundation, and Ask Her YYC. She is a Fellow with the Energy Futures Lab and coaches emerging leaders to have a seat at the boardroom table through Fora’s Rise on Boards program.

Gillian is a recipient of the Young Women in Energy Award and the Daily Oil Bulletin Rising Star Award, for her focus on social impact in energy. Through all of this, she balances her role as a mom of two young children, spouse of a Calgary Firefighter, is self-appointed foodie, avid world traveller and loves a hot cup of matcha.

Enhance Energy

Billy-Joe's Bio

Manager, Digital Technologies – ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips