Our Team
Introducing Event Professional of Manitoba's Board of Directors. Our board is an eclectic group of individuals with a broad range of expertise in the events industry. Through EPM, the board has three goals in common: to help connect members, promote businesses & drive education.
Janet L. Harder (TCP, EVC)
Immediate Past President
A lifetime Career dedicated to providing Hospitality…
Janet brings two decades of executive management experience in roles responsible for the oversight of numerous hospitality venues in all aspects, including design, construction, staffing, entertainment, event production and solid execution. Certified in Event Management. Janet has enjoyed working with and learning with such notable organizations as The Met by Canad Inns, Club Regent Event Centre, Fort Garry Hotel, Applebee’s, Pizza Hut and Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon. At the same time, there is always something on the side…opportunities while raising two strong boys allowed her to connect as a family with a family-owned restaurant and a few summers working at the Gimli Race Track as a Race Tower Operator … Service knowledge diversity is key in guest service.
Born stateside from a proud Manitoba Heritage, Janet has always enjoyed our sense of community. In addition to her position as Director of Events and General Manager for The MET – she is an active volunteer for Volunteer Manitoba, Past President of EPM, Board Member for the Manitoba Country Music Assoc, and continues to take every opportunity to connect, lead, help and give back.
Kari Horyshen
Programs Co-Chair
A Red River Hotel and Restaurant Management grad, Kari followed her career path into a successful career as an executive in the hotel industry. After many years in the hotel world, she returned to college several years later to graduate with a Business Administration Diploma from SIAST and then Kari jumped at an opportunity to work in the event industry. That opportunity led her into the rental business, where after learning the ropes, she launched her own company, Beyond the Lounge, one of the city’s most unique and popular event rental firms.
Kari is looking forward to the experience of being on the EPM Board of Directors, meeting all current and prospective members and getting more involved in the local event community.
Brenda Gorlick
Programs Co-Chair
Director/choreographer Brenda Gorlick has designed over 250 productions nationwide and has been a member of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Banff Centre of Performing Arts Company and the Stratford Festival.
She has gained a reputation as being the “Flash Mob Queen” of Manitoba, creating events ranging from 1/2 time shows to the Pan Am Games. As performer/choreographer, Brenda has appeared in numerous stage productions from coast to coast - her talents may be seen in Manitoba-made indies, made for TV dramas and feature fiIms.
Brenda serves as Associate Artistic Director for Winnipeg Studio Theatre and helms the StudioWorks Academy program for emerging musical theatre artists. She also initiated and instructs the Musical Theatre Dance program for the University of Winnipeg. Artistic achievements include a Winnipeg Theatre Honorary Award “Evie” for Theatre Educator, YMCA-YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award, Rainbow Stage’s Wall of Fame and WST’s Award of Excellence.
She is extremely proud of her work with the Manitoba Arts Council’s Artists in Schools program, Manitoba Possible’s ”All Abilities Dancers” and her continued alliance with the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) as a Board Member.
Stacy Wyatt
President
A strategic and driven professional, Stacy has built an award-winning career in events. Her passion for creativity is equal to her belief that the power of human connection is something we can harness to create a lasting and positive impact on our planet.
Stacy is a part of the dynamic leadership team at the University of Manitoba, where as Director of Events & Special Projects, she pilots the execution of events and forward-facing initiatives that advance the University's goals and philanthropic priorities. In addition to her role at UM, Stacy is the Founder and Publisher of Canadian Special Events Magazine, where she spearheads dynamic industry initiatives such as CSE Live (The Show for People Who Plan Events) and the Canadian Event Awards.
A strong advocate for professional development, Stacy has volunteered on various industry initiatives and boards, including ILEA Vancouver, ILEA Canada, CAPS Canada and is currently on the executive for Event Minds Matter and EPM.
Throughout her career, Stacy has been recognized for her work with seven international event awards, the Senecan of Distinction Award by Seneca College, several CCAE Prix de Excellence and CASE awards, and In 2021, she was named one of the Top 250 Event Professionals in Canada by BizBash.
Nicola Starin
Membership Co Chair
A board member of EPM for many years, Nicola brings her vast experience and expertise to the EPM planning table. As Membership Co-Chair, she will be working to build the EPM membership and encourage local MB-based event profs to get involved in the growing EPM community.
In her busy role as Senior Manager, Events & Fund Development at CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, Nicola excels as a philanthropic healthcare leader with experience working to raise funds and awareness to support research, patient experience and clinical trials. She is an expert strategist, exceptional planner, team leader, negotiator and manager who has consistently delivered and met or exceeded the Foundation’s annual campaign goals.
Karen Brooks Earley
Programs Co-Chair
bio coming soon
Kerri Hiebert (TCP, EVC)
Membership Co-Chair & Interim Secretary
Kerri is an MTEC Certified Event Coordinator, Red River College Graduate and Small Business owner. She has been operating her own event and association management company for over 15 years and has extensive experience coordinating events for not-for-profits, associations and companies. Her event coordination work has involved planning International Conferences, Academic Conferences, Galas and Award Events, Golf Tournaments, Fundraising Walks, outdoor events, educational courses and meetings of all sizes. Her working motto has always been “I am not a multi-tasker – I am an efficiency tasker”. Outside of work you can find Kerri walking her dog, hiking, camping and fishing or on a golf course; or in the winter planning or looking forward to her next beach vacation. Kerri volunteers for Guts and Roses a charity raising funds for Crohn’s Colitis and IBD and the Inaugural Stars Classic Golf Tournament.
Stephanie Ponce
Communications Co Chair
Stephanie is a Certified Wedding Planner through WPIC and is currently the Sales & Events Coordinator and Wedding Specialist for The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre by Canad Inns. She brings 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry; throughout the years she’s transitioned from Banquet and Restaurant management roles to Sales and Event Coordination Services. Aside from The MET, Stephanie is also one of the Event Coordinators for multiple properties with Canad Inns, tailoring a variety of Corporate and Leisure events to the personal tastes and budgets of her clients, while managing and exceeding expectations.
