News Release Release Date: March 4, 2019 11:35 a.m.

University of Regina celebrates 10 years of Inspiring Leadership Forum

2019 marks the 10^th anniversary of the University of Regina's Inspiring Leadership Forum. The forum has become a premier, networking and leadership development event that provides an opportunity to hear inspirational stories from internationally-renowned women, all with remarkable stories to tell.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 6, 2019 (program begins at 9:00 a.m.)

WHERE: International Trade Centre, Evraz Place, 1700 Elphinstone Street, Regina

*As media access to the presentations is restricted, media representatives are invited to attend a brief interview opportunity with keynote speakers (excluding Jann Arden) as well as President Timmons starting at approximately 12:30 p.m. Those interested are asked to meet at the elevators near the registration desk prior to 12:30 where they will be escorted to a designated interview room.

The theme of this year's sold-out event is "Defying the Odds," reflecting the extraordinary challenges each of our speakers has had to overcome.

• Cheryl Strayed is the true-life inspiration for the movie "Wild" which starred Reese Witherspoon. In 1995, Cheryl dropped everything to embark on a solo, 1100-mile hike on the Pacific Coast Trail. Her book about that journey of self-discovery became a best-seller.

• Elizabeth Smart was just 14 when she was abducted in her hometown of Salt Lake City and held captive for nine months until her rescue by police. Today, she is an author, educator, lobbyist and advocate for child-safety legislation.

• Jann Arden is a gifted singer-songwriter and one of Canada's most beloved personalities. She was recently nominated for a Juno award for Album of the Year. Arden is also a broadcaster and an author who recently wrote about her mother's battle with Alzheimer's disease. She shared that journey with Canadians through her book, her speaking engagements and on social media.

• U of R graduate and well-known television host and journalist, Molly Thomas will emcee the event. New this year, Thomas will conduct a feature, sit-down interview with U of R President and Vice-Chancellor, Vianne Timmons.

Full Forum agenda:

7:30 a.m. - Registration and breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Program begins
9:15 a.m. - Keynote address by Cheryl Strayed
10:30 a.m. - Networking break & book signing with Cheryl Strayed
11:00 a.m. - Keynote address with Elizabeth Smart
12:15 p.m. - Lunch
12:30 Media access for interviews
1:15 p.m. - Interview with Dr. Vianne Timmons
2:30 p.m. - Networking break
3:00 p.m. - Keynote address by Jann Arden
4:15 p.m. - Closing remarks
4:30 p.m. - Book signing with Jann Arden

For more information please visit https://www.uregina.ca/external/inspiringleadership/

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