Keynotes

Rachel (She/Her) is a recognized leader in privacy and information security, well-known on the Alberta speaking circuit. She is a passionate advocate for women in IT, fostering relationships and uniting diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. Rachel brings extensive experience and deep expertise in Cybersecurity and Privacy to the CyberAlberta team.

Her recent roles include serving on NAIT’s Cybersecurity Program Advisory Committee, also lecturing at NAIT, and acting as a privacy and technology law expert for private industry. Rachel has also served over 12 years with the Alberta Privacy Commissioner’s Office, more than six of which as their Director of Compliance and Special Investigations.

Curtis Blais (He/Him) believes the greatest threat to cybersecurity isn’t a zero‑day exploit. It’s a lack of leadership.

That belief is the through‑line of his work.

Yes, Harvard risk management at the top of his class.

Yes, a master’s degree in leadership.

Yes, multiple certifications and a published author in the field of cybersecurity.

But credentials don’t create movement. People do.

Curtis has spent his career operating in the space between the cubicle and the corner office, developing a perspective shaped by decades of watching what actually works and what quietly fails. He’s watched “leaders” by title who couldn’t inspire a coffee break and individual contributors with no authority move entire organizations through sheer influence.

Known for his ability to strip the complex away from both technology and human behavior, Curtis brings a rare blend of technical depth and disciplined leadership thinking. His work centers on a simple, often uncomfortable truth: leadership isn’t a rank. It’s a choice. Exercised by people who decide to take responsibility long before anyone asks them to.