Jaeson Cardiff

Rory's Bio

With a background in energy security, Rory uses an interdisciplinary approach to navigate the complex regulatory and commercial ecosystem of project development. Since it’s inception, Rory has helping shape and propel Varme’s mission forward. His role within the company includes government engagement, policy strategy, business development, and grant writing.

Varme Energy

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

Bryan's Bio

Bryan Helfenbaum is the Vice President of Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates, where he oversees programs in Clean Technology and Advanced Hydrocarbons with key initiatives in hydrogen, CCUS, digital energy, bitumen beyond combustion, and others. Before joining Alberta Innovates, he spent 20 years in technical, business, and innovation roles in the private sector.  Bryan has taught courses at the University of Calgary and worked on innovative community residential development projects.  

Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Waterloo and an MBA from Calgary.

Alberta Innovates

Dante's Bio

Dante is a communications professional with nearly half a decade of experience in foundational communications, digital media, and public relations. He specializes in developing early stage clean technology companies and first-of-a-kind projects. 

Dante currently serves as the communications lead for Carbon Upcycling Technologies, a carbon and waste circularity company and recognized Global Clean Tech 100. His primary focuses are brand management, stakeholder relations, and strategic communications.

Carbon Upcycling