Patricia Lang
Patricia Lang’s leadership at Thunder Bay’s Confederation College has been especially effective in building community partnerships. Ongoing planning with governments, businesses, industries, and communities ensures the currency and relevancy of college programs and employment opportunities for graduates: this makes the college a key player in regional economic development. Since becoming the college president in 2000, five new centres have opened: an Aviation Centre of Excellence, a Forestry Centre, Centre for Applied Media Productions (CAMP), Negahneewin College of Academic & Community Development, and the Paterson Library Commons. She is currently championing a major renewal of trades and technology facilities and programs and a new Campus Master Plan.

Louise Thomas
Louise Thomas has an unwavering dedication to teaching and exciting people about Aboriginal culture. As the wife of the late Roy
Thomas, who celebrated the traditions and stories of the Ahnisnabae people through the symbolism and imagery of his paintings, Louise decided to pick up the torch once her husband passed on and has since established a welcoming climate of comfort and trust in her dealings with local artists and patrons at the Thunder Bay’s Ahnisnabae Art Gallery. Louise converted Roy’s studio into a gallery that showcases his and 140 other artists’ work, many Aboriginal, from around the region.

Keitha Robson
Keitha has been the general manager of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce since June of 1998. She facilitates the development of a positive business climate through leadership of a variety of services and programs for 765 chamber member businesses. She has a diverse educational background coupled with an extensive community volunteer portfolio. An active community volunteer, Keitha has served as the chair of the Special Events Committee of the Porcupine United Way, vice-chair of the Board of the Timmins Community Living Association, & member of the Board of Directors of the Timmins Museum.

Donna Hilsinger
Donna has 30 years experience as a successful business person in the hospitality industry in Sault Ste. Marie and is currently the general manager of Algoma’s Water Tower Inn, a 176–room full service hotel, Donna is a 2008 Influential Women of Northern Ontario
Award winner, chairperson of the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Management Board, president of the Algoma, past-president of the Algoma Art Festical Association, and chairperson of the Sault Trails Action Committee. She is a passionate believer in the city of Sault Ste. Marie as the best place to live and work.