Join Us
Pioneering Women
St. Brigid's Day Business Luncheon
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 || 11:30 AM (MST)
The Ireland Alberta Trade Association, in partnership with the Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver, warmly invites you to our St. Brigid's Day Luncheon, celebrating Pioneering Women in business. Join Alberta's most successful business leaders and entrepreneurs for an inspiring panel discussion featuring three of Alberta's leading executives.
This exceptional panel includes leaders from tourism, finance, construction, and sports, who will share their stories of success, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their strategies for growing their businesses and careers. Attendees will gain valuable insights, learn from their experiences, and hear practical advice to inspire and empower fellow business leaders.
Our luncheon is a celebration of St. Brigid's Day, Ireland’s national day honoring women, innovation, and creativity. St. Brigid is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and generosity, and her legacy inspires us to recognize the contributions of women who shape our world today.
We look forward to celebrating with you and honouring the Pioneering Women leading the way in Alberta and beyond.
​We welcome you to join us for this special luncheon event on Wednesday, February 12th at the Fairmont Palliser Hotel, 133 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
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Registration and Networking: 11:30 AM
Luncheon and Presentation: 12:00 PM
Event Ends: 1:30 PM
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Tickets
Members: $75
Future Members: $95
Tables of 8: $700
Annual IATA Membership: $129
Limited tickets available

Presenters:

Courtney Dragani
Chief Growth Officer
The51
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As one of The51's earliest team members, Courtney Dragani has held several evolving roles with the organization. As Chief Growth Officer she focuses on scaling the business through strategic growth initiatives, business model development, and establishing key partnerships. She plays a central role in identifying opportunities for innovation, aligning teams with growth objectives, and creating new revenue streams.
With advanced education from the University of British Columbia in Strategy and UC Berkeley in Product Management, Courtney is skilled at driving community engagement and expanding The51’s influence across Canada’s investment ecosystem.

Alisha Reynolds
Chief Executive Officer
Tourism Calgary
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Alisha Reynolds joined Tourism Calgary as the President and CEO on June 3, 2024. Prior to her new role at Tourism Calgary, Alisha spent over seven years at Northland Properties Corporation, holding senior leadership roles in restaurant and hotel operations, as well as development throughout North America. She was part of the executive teams responsible for Sandman Hotel Group & The Sutton Place Hotels, Moxies, Chop, Shark Club, and Denny’s. At one point, she oversaw a portfolio of 23 hotels in Western Canada, including all facets from operations to sales, HR, marketing, and revenue management.
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Alisha’s professional background includes golf and country clubs, banking, and law but her passion lies in hospitality. Alisha holds Bachelor of Commerce and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management from Cornell University, and a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University. She currently serves as the Board Chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Alberta.

Lara Murphy
Chief Executive Officer, Calgary Wild FC
Co-Founder, Ryan Murphy Construction
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Lara Murphy creates spaces where people can thrive. As founder of Calgary’s only
women-owned construction company in Calgary, AB, Ryan Murphy Construction, her
focus has always been on championing belonging and innovation in the
construction industry. Through an inclusive workplace culture and focus on accessibility,
they’re breaking down barriers for women in construction and redefining what it means
to build with purpose.
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As CEO of the Calgary Wild FC, Alberta’s first pro women’s soccer team, she’s honored
to lead a group that represents the future of women’s professional sports in Canada,
and passionate about advancing opportunities for women and girls in sport. Today, she’s
focused on fostering excellence on the field, building community connections, and
creating a legacy for women in soccer.
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Committed to a thriving community as well, Lara sits on boards of impactful organizations, including SAIT and the Calgary Airport Authority. She previously was on the boards of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and YW Calgary, where her contribution led to the building of the YW Hub facility and Affordable Housing initiatives for women and families, for which she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.