The Board

DEB KONDYSAR

PRESIDENT

Deb has always had a love for the arts from theatre and live music, to dancing and literature. In her spare time she is an aspiring writer and avid reader. She is excited to join the SkirtsAfire board and help promote this amazing festival.  

LANA ANDERSON

VICE PRESIDENT

Lana is delighted to be working with the SkirtsAfire Board, bringing her background in organizational development to support the Festival’s growth. Having a love for the arts, she’s inspired by the talented Festival volunteers and staff who are dedicated to showcasing amazing women artists. Lana is proud to join such a remarkable team.

CATHERINE MCMILLAN

DIRECTOR

Catherine has been a professional visual artist since 1984 and creative expression has always been the driving force behind her life and art. Over the years, she has travelled internationally as a street caricature artist, taught art journaling/mixed media workshops and successfully ran her own art studio/café. With her focus now on painting full time, Catherine also enjoys working part time as the Exhibitions and Marketing Director at VASA (Visual Arts Studio Association) of St. Albert.

Catherine is thrilled to join the SkirtsAfire board and is very excited to contribute to the creative growth and exposure of women in the arts.

WENDY SMEREKA

TREASURER

NALLELY ALCOCER

DIRECTOR

Nallely is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher. She enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures and traditions.

She was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. In 2011, she set off on an adventure and moved to Beijing, China where she worked at an international school as a teacher and academic coordinator.

Nallely moved to Edmonton in 2016, and soon after, she and her husband welcomed their baby daughter to the world. Nallely and baby had an amazing experience doing Yoga in the Art together at SkirtsAfire Festival, and she felt drawn to be more involved with the organization. Nallely feels fortunate to live with her family in such a positive city with so many exciting opportunities. She is excited to be a SkirtsAfire board member and contribute to making a difference in the community.

CLAUDIA FARNER

SECRETARY

I have joined the Board of Directors of SkirtAfire because I am a big believer in women empowering women and supporting each other in our journeys. I want to give back to the community at large and especially in a function and organization of women. I enjoy our festivals and the variety we can enjoy. I like being involved in organizing events and running fundraisers.

I bring to the board my positivity, organizational skills, creativity and capability of problem solving, I believe in challenges & opportunities. I have been involved in various boards of non-profits in the last 20 years and involved in event planning & fundraising whether it is a smaller event or a larger event with diplomatic corps. I have an administrative background and enjoy behind the scene or in the spotlight.

I look forward to learn more about the Arts Community in Edmonton and its different genres by being actively involved and contributing. I enjoy serving the community.

Some interesting facts about myself: I grew up in Switzerland and came to Edmonton 20 years ago. I have 30 years experience in International Trade / Customs / Logistics and am a Certified Customs Specialist. I was heavily involved in the cultural aspect of the Swiss abroad and besides other important functions, for a few years giving out scholarships to choral students (no I am not a singer), I love to read books of various authors and themes and belong to a book club, a nice lane swim to relax. My biggest passion by far though is food & nutrition. I love to teach cooking classes & create meal plans for busy people & picky eaters. I see myself as being an educator for holistic living. I am Certified in Holistic Nutrition guiding people to health & wellness through food & lifestyle choices.

TREVA SWICK

DIRECTOR

Treva is thrilled to be involved in the vibrant space(s) of SkirtsAfire Festival and takes great pleasure in being part of supporting women in the arts. A current MA student in the History of Art, Design and Visual Culture (HADVC) at the University of Alberta and background in the retail sector assist in the collaborative energy of the staff and board for making things happen.

SHELLY BECK

DIRECTOR

Originally from Manitoba, Shelly calls Edmonton home after living here for over 30 years.

Married with two adult children and two dogs, Shelly enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with family and friends. Her career has predominantly been in the public sector in the Human Resources field. She looks forward to learning about the theatre community and contributing to the Board in a meaningful way.

LILLI CHEVRIER

DIRECTOR

ZOE VERHEES

DIRECTOR

CRYSTALINE CONNELL

DIRECTOR