The Ripple Effect: Mentorship Lessons from UCalgary Alumni

Behind every remarkable achievement by University of Calgary alumni is often a mentor who made a lasting impact. January is Mentorship Month, a time to celebrate these invaluable relationships, spotlighting the people who help shape futures and inspire success. 

This month, we asked some notable UCalgary alumni to share their stories — moments when mentorship opened doors, offered perspective or simply provided the encouragement needed to keep going. From career-defining advice to life-changing support, these reflections remind us of the transformative power of guidance and connection.

The Power of Belief 

Kate Wong, BN’12, current president and chair of the UCalgary Alumni Board of Directors, credits her mentor, Dr. Nancy Moules, BN’95, MN’97, PhD’00, with seeing something in her she didn’t yet recognize. From undergraduate studies to co-teaching as faculty members this year, Wong’s journey has come full circle under Dr. Moules’ guidance.  

“While we may think we know something, we can always understand it differently,” Wong shares. “That lesson has been invaluable as a nurse where people and experiences are always more complex than they seem on the surface and will continue to serve me as a researcher and educator.” 

Similarly, for Calgary Surge Vice-Chair and President Jason Ribeiro, PhD’24, mentorship came at a pivotal time in his life. He says his Master of Education supervisor at Brock University, Dr. Camille Rutherford, EdD, believed in him when he needed it most, propelling him to new personal and professional heights.  

“Camille emboldened me to think differently and not fear going against the grain,” Ribeiro reflects. “The allure of convention and conformity can often be strong, but achieving big things for the community requires the confidence to innovate.”

Resilience and Perspective 

Challenges are inevitable in any career, but the guidance of a mentor can provide the perspective needed to keep moving forward. UCalgary Law standout and instructor Wilma Shim, BSc’07, JD’10, recalls a mentor advising her to push through difficulties while keeping the bigger picture in mind.  

“One mentor said to me that there will be challenges in your career path, but keep pushing forward,” she says. “There are times when things are difficult, but I always try to keep things in perspective and remind myself of the ultimate goal. No one’s path is the same, and it’s important to enjoy the journey.” 

Lana Rogers, BA’08, founder and director of Gentle Lion, a marketing and communications company, draws inspiration from her clients and echoes this sentiment, adding that working with these business owners showed her the full spectrum of the good, the bad and the completely unexpected. 

“Collaborating with business owners that stretch across diverse industries has given me invaluable insights and a unique perspective,” says Rogers. “From startups to legacy businesses, I’ve had a front-row seat to their inner workings, learning and growing along the way.”  

This has also taught her the importance of self-care and self-reflection.  

“A leader must prioritize putting on their own oxygen mask first to truly support and uplift their team,” Rogers notes.

Jana Boyko, BA’16, BComm’16, owner and founder of All of Her Business and creator of Bedside Business Plan, credits UCalgary career advisor Carol Wert with helping her find her true path. Carol Wert with helping her find her true path. 

“I met Carol after my first semester of engineering when I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me, but I didn’t know where to go from there,” says Boyko. “She asked me, ‘If you could do anything in life, money and success guaranteed, what would you do?’ That question ignited a surge of passion and excitement within me.” 

Carol’s warmth and encouragement helped Boyko identify her true desires, setting her on a path that has shaped her into a business consultant and creator. 

Advocating for Potential 

Artist and Dinos Hall of Fame honoree Bonnie MacRae-Kilb, BPE’83, remembers Professor Emeritus Bill Laing of the Department of Fine Arts as more than a teacher — he was a mentor who profoundly shaped her artistic journey.  

“Bill believed in my potential and advocated for me, securing a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts that transformed how I viewed myself as an artist,” she recalls. His encouragement to trust her instincts and embrace her unique story gave her the confidence to combine her passions as both an artist and as a National Team Volleyball player. 

Olympic and World Cup speedskater Brooklyn McDougall, BSc’21, found her mentor in Steve Mesler, an Olympic champion in bobsleigh and co-founder of Classroom Champions. As an athlete-mentor for Classroom Champions, McDougall has learned how to connect the lessons of sport to create a “Champion Mindset” for students to utilize when handling stress, regulating emotions and setting goals.  

“These lessons push beyond just sport and influence the next generation of leaders,” she shares. “As I continue with my own journey through sport, and eventually life after sport, the lessons I have learned through volunteering with Classroom Champions will remain with me in my professional career.”

Lifelong Lessons 

Sometimes, our first and most influential mentors come from within our own families. Katrina (Kat) Kastner, BA’20, a Communications graduate and winner of The Amazing Race Canada Season 9 in 2023, credits her mother, Darlene Kastner, as one of her biggest inspirations. Darlene has held multiple roles at the University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval, including Business Operations Manager and Interim Director, and she currently serves as the Executive Assistant to Sheldon Kennedy and Client Services Specialist with the Respect Group. 

“My mom has been my guiding light throughout my career, showing me what it means to balance being a full-time working mom, wife, friend, and leader—all with incredible grace.” Says Kat, “while raising two daughters, she built a successful career in high-performance sport, always finding time to support not only me but also her professional team. She’s passed on invaluable wisdom, and even now, she’s still my first call whenever I face a professional decision. 

Kristy Archibald, BA’15, co-founder and director of Pedestrian, a digital creative agency, reflects on the many mentors who have influenced her career, particularly during her time at UCalgary. Lessons like learning to navigate the world through a critical lens with Dr. Mary Murphy or developing business acumen with the late Leo Donlevy, BComm’85, MBA’95, of the Haskayne School of Business, each mentor left an indelible mark.  

“Leo encouraged me to dig deeper and think more strategically,” Kristy says. “He wrote me the kindest reference, which ultimately led to me starting my own business.” 

Her journey also highlights the importance of informal mentorship. “Many mentors may never know the impact they had, but their lessons and examples continue to guide me,” Kristy adds. 

Chris Meginbir, BSc’07, president and head roaster of Alumni Built Business Devils Head Coffee, reflects on lessons learned during his time at UCalgary. 

“(Dr.) Greg McDermid (BSc’91, MSc’93, PhD), a UCalgary professor with experience in environmental consulting, taught a field study course in Kananaskis that mirrored the chaos I’d later encounter during my 10 years in the industry,” says Chris. “The mantra in the field was often ‘chaos is cash’ — too much work, too little time and a relentless focus on results.  

“While I didn’t align with that philosophy, the experience taught me to navigate high-pressure environments and helped shape my own, more thoughtful approach to work.” 

The Ripple Effect 

Mentorship isn’t just about receiving help; it’s about creating a ripple effect. Those who mentor today are building the leaders, innovators and changemakers of tomorrow. Mentorship is more than a relationship — it’s a legacy. This month, let’s celebrate the mentors who made us who we are and, together, continue to inspire growth, collaboration and a commitment to lifelong learning. 

We invite you to reflect on the mentors who’ve shaped your journey — and consider how you can be that person for someone else. Discover the transformative power of mentorship through Mentor Link, UCalgary Alumni’s platform for connecting students and alumni. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, Mentor Link is your gateway to meaningful connections that inspire, guide and transform.