Seated, left to right: Susan Horodyska, Alison Kirkland, Pat Sargeant, Cindy Ruth, Michele McClymont Standing, left to right: Heather Stephens, Angela Hilland, Colleen Walmsley, Sandra Altner, Maurice McCarthy, Linda Mayor, Cathie Clement

The Staff

The Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba is the home away from home for 12 knowledgeable, dynamic and skilled women who work in a variety of capacities. Each day they draw on their experiences and education to guide and assist Manitoba women fulfill their dreams of business ownership.

Read on to learn more about each of the Staff.

Sandra Altner, CEO
A seasoned entrepreneur originally from New York, Sandra owned a women’s clothing boutique before completing her MBA and starting The Management Exchange, a management consulting firm that was the first in Winnipeg to offer the Self-Employment Program (SEP). The Management Exchange specialized in strategic and market planning. In 2000, Sandra was awarded the Women Business Owners of Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Contribution to Community category. She is a fellow of the Canadian Association of Management Consultants and is past president of the Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Manitoba.

Cathie Clement, Client Services, Administration

Cathie’s gifts of organization, problem solving, attention to detail and exceptional customer service are put to use every day at the Centre. She joined the team in October 2009 and her ongoing quest for productivity and performance enhancements through technology applications are perfectly aligned with the Centre’s strategic goals. Cathie’s own entrepreneurial experience makes her the perfect first point of contact for our clients. A committed volunteer, she is passionate about the inclusion of women and children in all aspects of life.

Angela Hilland, Business Advisor

An experienced business professional with an entrepreneurial approach, Angela has been involved with a wide variety of organizations and industries, including custom manufacturing, software based technology, hospitality, retail, and real estate development and management. She has developed a broad base of knowledge in several functional areas, including financial and human resources management, strategic planning, information technology, marketing, and business development. Angela holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree with a major in Marketing from the University of Manitoba, and earned her CGA designation in 1999.

Susan Horodyska, Client Services, Technology

Susan brings a wealth of administrative experience to the Women’s Enterprise Centre. Prior to joining the Centre, she worked for many years in the arts and culture industry where she gained tremendous knowledge in client service and the operation of not-for-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Winnipeg and is working toward her diploma in Fine Art  from the University of Manitoba. Susan’s keen eye for detail and artistic sense are put to the test in her role as the Centre’s website administrator. Since joining the Centre in 2008, her entrepreneurial spirit has been showcased by her ability to manage many roles and undertake the duties that keep the Centre running smoothly.

Alison Kirkland, Manager, Client Services
Alison has worked in the communications field for the past 15 years. A graduate of the University of Manitoba with a BA in Economics and a Bachelor of Human Ecology in Clothing and Textiles, she fulfills her passion for communications and her love of the business world in her role at the Centre. In 2008, Alison received her APEC-IBIZ Certificate in Small Business Counselling. She continues to take on occasional freelance writing and editing projects.

Linda Mayor, Loans Administrator and Data Base Management
Linda’s financial background is long and varied and has included jobs from Vancouver to the Maritimes. She worked in accounts payable and receivable for an electronics firm before spending 20 years with a major Canadian bank. A skilled database manager, Linda tracks information relating to women entrepreneurs in Manitoba and can seemingly generate reports at the press of a button.

Maurice McCarthy, Business Advisor

An accomplished entrepreneur who has worked in a variety of industries, Maurice is also a skilled business advisor who holds the internationally recognized APEC-IBIZ certificate in Small Business Counselling. He has a wealth of experience and wisdom in the area of entrepreneurial development and business management. Maurice spent 10 years as Industrial Commissioner at CDEM (le Conseil de développement économique des municipalités bilingues du Manitoba) where he worked closely with entrepreneurs at the startup and expansion stages, and with rural communities to foster economic development. He is fluent in English and French and holds an MBA from the University of Manitoba.

Michele McClymont, Business Advisor
Michele holds Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree with a double major in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Manitoba. She began her career in business development and marketing at one of the world’s largest market research firms where she specialized in global research. Prior to joining the team at the Women’s Enterprise Centre, Michele worked for a local branding firm where she had the opportunity to interact with start-up businesses and large corporations. She received her APEC-IBIZ certificate in Small Business Counselling in 2009 and is a Board Member for the Canadian Marketing Association.

Cindy Ruth, Manager, Finance and Administration
Cindy began her career as a high school business teacher in rural Manitoba but then turned her attention to accounting and completed her Advanced Certificate of Accounting at the University of Manitoba. Over the years she has worked in a variety of businesses and for a number of years ran her own accounting services practice. In addition to her work in finance she enjoys helping clients gain an understanding of their bookkeeping in one-on-one sessions and by facilitating seminars such as “Shoe Boxes are for Shoes”.

Pat Sargeant, Special Projects and Governance Officer

A member of the team since the Centre opened in 1994, Pat has extensive experience in human resource, organizational and administrative management, strategic planning, board governance, project management, event planning, and customer and client service support. Pat is a graduate from the University of Manitoba's Certificate Program in Human Resource Management and is responsible for the development of the Centre's organizational procedures manuals and human resource policies and procedures. She shares her HR knowledge and experience with clients in one-on-one meetings and through the delivery of seminars related to human resource planning and recruitment.

Heather Stephens, Loans Manager

Heather has enjoyed a varied career in banking and finance. After obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce, Honours with a major in Finance from the University of Manitoba, she gained lending experience with
the Bank of Nova Scotia. Over the years she has continued to upgrade her skills by taking a variety of courses.  To enhance her communications skills, she joined Toastmasters and was her club’s President in 2004. She became a CTM (Competent Toastmaster) in 2006. In 2008, Heather received her Fellowship with the Canadian Securities Institute and APEC-IBIZ Certificate in Small Business Counselling.

Colleen Walmsley, Business Advisor

Colleen is a very experienced entrepreneur. Following graduation from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce, Honours degree with a major in Marketing, she entered the world of business ownership in the coffee industry where she operated a successful cafe on Corydon. For more than eight years, she managed all aspects of the business including product/service development, human resources, operations planning, and inventory management. After selling her business, she became a valuable resource for other entrepreneurs who drew upon her expertise and experience for the operation of their own businesses. Colleen joined the Women’s Enterprise Centre team in 2008 and as a skilled seminar facilitator and one-on-one advisor, continues to assist Manitoba’s women entrepreneurs.     

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