Two Women Who Went First: Indira Samarasekera and Martha Piper

Indira Samarasekera and Martha Piper were the first female presidents of two of Canada’s largest and most respected research universities and directors of some of the nation’s largest market cap companies. Throughout their careers they faced challenges, took risks and embraced new opportunities, all while having the nerve to lead.

Join Chancellor Peggy Garritty for an intimate conversation with U of A president emerita Indira Samarasekera, and Martha Piper, president emerita of the University of British Columbia, as they speak about their new book, Nerve: Lessons on leadership from two women who went first. They will share personal and professional stories, offering guidance for leaders of every age and at every stage of their career.

This event is presented in partnership with LitFest, Canada's Original Nonfiction Festival.

SPEAKER(S)

Peggy Garritty, University of Alberta Chancellor - Moderator

Peggy Garritty was elected the 22nd Chancellor of the University of Alberta in March 2020. For more than ten years, Peggy served as Chief Reputation and Brand Officer at ATB Financial. She owns her own consulting company and holds two degrees from the University of Alberta – a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Master of Arts degree in Sociology.

Indira Samarasekera, ’16 DSc (Honorary)

Indira Samarasekera served as the first woman president of the University of Alberta. She is a director of Magna International, TC Energy and Stelco, and has served as a director of the Bank of Nova Scotia. An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Martha Piper, ’06 LLD (Honorary)

Martha Piper served as the first woman president of the University of British Columbia and has been a director of the Bank of Montreal, Shoppers Drug Mart, and TransAlta Corporation. An Officer of the Order of Canada, she was born in Lorain, Ohio, and lives with her husband, William Piper, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Registration

Registration is open until the event start time.