GSU 2025 Connect & Conquer
Keynote Speakers
Catrina Russell
Catrina is a Geoscientist and museum educator with a demonstrated history of working in museums and educational institutions. As a skilled individual in Science and Heritage interpretation, Catrina also has experience and knowledge with Geoscience, STEM education, Planetary Science, Communication, and Design. In addition to strong leadership abilities with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. Currently, Catrina is the coordinator for UNESCO Global Geopark with STONEHAMMER.
Dr. Xiomara Sanchez
Xiomara Sanchez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering and the D.C. Campbell Chair for Highway Construction and Pavement Research at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). She has been working in pavement engineering for over 20 years. She immigrated from Colombia in 2011 and completed her doctoral degree at the University of Waterloo. Her main research interests are sustainable pavement processes and the use of recycled materials in road construction.
Dr. Valerie Reeves
Val Reeves is a Teaching Professor with the Department of Chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. A multiple-teaching award winner, she earned a BSc with Honours in Chemistry and a PhD in Forestry from UNB. At the time of her studies, there were only two female faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Faculty of Forestry, and upon joining the chemistry department, she was the only woman professor. Val is enthusiastic about chemistry and an inspiring professor who truly cares for her students.
Maryam Monsef
Maryam Monsef, Founder and CEO of ONWARD, is an acclaimed international speaker, facilitator, and strategic advisor. A lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment, she inspires audiences with practical tools to thrive in all aspects of life. As a former Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Maryam advanced transformative policies, earning recognition as a global influencer on gender equality by Apolitical. Balancing her professional achievements with motherhood, she is passionate about fostering a world where women and their families thrive.