Executive Director

“I know first-hand the value of building relationships, strengthening connections and seeking out opportunities to collaborate from my experience as a new, queer Canadian establishing roots in this beautiful province. Inclusion, Collaboration, Empowerment; SQEP, I’m in!”

Originally from Indonesia, Egi chose to relocate to Canada to pursue love in 2009. Inclusion and human justice have been Egi’s greatest passions. In the span of his 15 year career in Canada, Egi has been working in the health, disability and sports sectors in various positions ranging from Office Manager to Interim CEO within community organizations supporting underrepresented groups.

Prior to venturing to Canada, Egi worked as an HIV and AIDS Counselor for the Provincial Ministry of Health in Indonesia, while completing his Bachelor of Pharmacy.

During this time, Egi founded and managed a non-profit LGBT-focused organization, conducting community awareness campaigns aimed at increasing awareness of issues related to sexuality, diversity and equality. This was challenging work given the religious and cultural context of his home country.

Egi is both excited and honored for the opportunity to become SQEP’s founding Executive Director and is eager to build strong connections with queer and trans entrepreneurs and professionals across the province.

Manager of Membership & Outreach

“Building and nurturing community is essential to achieving a common goal. By recognizing the power of community, I believe we can create spaces where queer professionals not only feel safe and supported but can truly thrive.”

Vada Mae Boyer is a passionate advocate for queer and Indigenous representation and community building. As a Two-Spirit entrepreneur and creative, they understand the challenges of navigating professional spaces as a queer individual. This drives her commitment to fostering a supportive network for queer people across Saskatchewan.

After moving to Saskatoon in the spring of 2019, Vada became involved with Pretty in Punk Fest, a non-profit music festival focused on amplifying women and queer artists within alternative music spaces, all driven by the PUNK ideology. When the festival went on hiatus during the pandemic, Vada didn’t slow down. They earned a diploma in Motion Picture Arts from the Recording Arts Institute of Saskatoon in 2020 and soon launched Vadeo Media. Through this venture, Vada has had the opportunity to work on film sets in various roles across Saskatchewan.

In early 2023, Vada stepped into the role of Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at CFCR 90.5 FM, Saskatoon’s community radio station. During her time there, they spearheaded new initiatives, built meaningful relationships, and worked to create an inclusive and supportive space for the Saskatoon community and beyond.

Now as the Manager of Membership & Outreach at SQEP, Vada is eager to channel their experience into building a stronger, more connected network for 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals. They are deeply committed to advocating for the well-being and success of the queer community across Saskatchewan.

Vada looks forward to hearing directly from you - the queer entrepreneurs and professionals of this province - about your needs and aspirations, and to working collaboratively to create resources and solutions that empower us all.

President

“The existing business organizations in Saskatchewan have been great resources for me when I was starting out, but now that I'm getting more established, I struggle to find other business owners who can empathize with the unique barriers I face as a queer and non-binary entrepreneur. I deeply crave a queer business community and hope to find it through this initiative.”

Originally from Yellowknife, NT, Jacq has over a decade of experience leading queer and trans non-profit organizations. They co-founded the Northern Mosaic Network, the only 2SLGBTQ+ human service agency in the Northwest Territories, and proudly served as the agency's first Executive Director. Jacq moved to Regina, SK in 2017 where they became the Executive Director of the UR Pride Centre for Sexuality & Gender Diversity.

In 2021, Jacq founded Ivy + Dean Consulting, where they currently serve as CEO & Principal Consultant, whose goal is to bring equity focused, queer-informed and accessible approaches to governance, leadership, and programming to small & medium-sized non-profits.

Vice-President of Membership • General Director

“I joined SQEP as I believe it is important for queer professionals and businesses to benefit from the mutual support of their peers. Living in the prairies as a queer person, finding people of like mind and purpose is not always easy. I hope that SQEP will become a wealth of resources for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

Braden (Brady) is an experienced educator, theatre artist, and counsellor privileged to work on Treaty Six territory in Saskatoon. His academic career began with a Bachelor's degree in Education, majoring in French and minoring in drama, from the University of Regina, before completing a Certificate in Musical Theatre Performance from the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC. Originally from Moose Jaw, Brady returned to Saskatoon to begin his career in Education, working in elementary and secondary schools for over a decade. He prided himself on being a staunch advocate and visible role model for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Saskatoon and area, both in his schools and through volunteering as an adult leadership mentor with Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan. As he continued to teach, Brady started to notice the skyrocketing incidences of mental health issues among queer youth in Saskatchewan schools and the lack of resources being provided for these students. He then decided to return to school and obtained a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Since then, he has developed a small private practice centred in Saskatoon and focused on providing queer-affirming mental health care to 2SLGBTQ+ people across Saskatchewan.

Treasurer • General Director

“As a queer professional I often feel like I can be the only one in the room. I am looking forward to being able to give back to my community and make professional and personal connections with other queer professionals who have felt the same.”

Mel grew up in the Craven, Sask area before moving to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan where she graduated with a B Comm. Saskatoon has been her home for most of the last 22 years.

As a Chartered Professional Accountant, Mel has significant financial leadership experience in the not-for-profit and charitable sector. Mel is passionate about giving back to the community and volunteering in causes that fit within her personal values. Currently Mel works at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Advancement where she oversees donation processing and funds held in trust by Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

General Director

“As a member of a largely traditional profession. I've seen first hand the difficulties that members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community can face in their professional lives and I hope that SQEP can be a driving force in allowing for more support and resources for those that face these barriers on an ongoing basis.”

Kole is a Funeral Director and Embalmer here in Saskatoon who is looking to become more involved in his local community and hoping to help in it's development.

Born in Surrey, BC. Kole is a fresh transplant to the beautiful province of Saskatchewan, where he now calls Saskatoon home. Having worked in communities in BC and Alberta, he's discovered his passion for volunteer work and giving back to the communities that have been kind enough to accept him.

He looks forward to being involved in the growth and ongoing support of the 2SLGBTQ+ community here in the land of living skies.

General Director

“As a queer medical professional, my journey is shaped by a passion for inclusive care. I'm looking forward to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals who share my commitment to inclusive and supportive businesses.”

Meet Kyle, originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, who embarked on his journey to Saskatoon in 2011 to pursue his residency training in Dermatology at the University of Saskatchewan. After completing his training across institutions like the University of Alberta and University of Calgary, Kyle returned to Saskatoon in 2016.

As the founder and Medical Director of the Saskatoon Dermatology Centre, he is deeply committed to patient care, with a special focus on 2SLGBTQ+ and gender affirming care. His passion for dermatology extends beyond the clinic walls; you might spot him paddle boarding on the South Saskatchewan River or planning his next travel adventure abroad.

Outside of healthcare, he's excited about his involvement with SQEP and is eager to expand his connections within the business community and among like-minded individuals to make a positive impact in Saskatchewan.

General Director

“Moving from Calgary to Regina, I really noticed the lack of community for queer people. I've always been someone who seeks out relationships and connections in business, so SQEP was an easy 'yes' for me.”

Jessica Pegg is a collaborative leader with a passion for entrepreneurship and empowering women in business. Her journey began in 2017 when she launched her own business, quickly learning the importance of strategic thinking, quality work, and fostering a growth mindset. With a degree in Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba and seven years of experience at Scotiabank, she has developed a strong understanding of business, financial operations, and the unique needs of entrepreneurs. She has used this knowledge to design and deliver a range of training programs, create strategic partnerships, and lead a remote team of six. Currently working at Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan as the Program and Growth Manager, while still operating her business, she is excited to bring her leadership skills, resourcefulness, and proactive approach to Saskatchewan. She looks forward to helping queer entrepreneurs and professionals thrive. She believes in creating an inclusive space where all have access to the support they need.