Celebrating the Success of the L.A.U.N.C.H. Career Empowerment Conference
On behalf of the IIBA® Calgary Chapter, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Ola Ifidon, her incredible L.A.U.N.C.H. Conference team, and the Java Hope Foundation for hosting a truly outstanding event on September 7th. The conference was a celebration of individuals passionate about embarking on or advancing their careers in business analysis and related fields. It was inspiring to see such a rich lineup of expert speakers, including Marlene Barker Jaya Deep Tunuguntla, Sasha Aganova, John Brandwagt, and Akin Isinkaye, who delivered invaluable insights into the profession.
As an attendee, I gained so much from the experience—the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and absorb the wisdom shared by our esteemed speakers. The L.A.U.N.C.H. Conference was an uplifting and enriching event, reinforcing the importance of community and continuous learning in our field.
The Power of Mentorship
One key takeaway that resonated with me during the conference is the tremendous value of mentorship in our profession. Whether you’re mentoring someone just starting out in business analysis or seeking guidance from a more seasoned professional, mentorship is an opportunity for both personal and professional growth.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or a protégé, I encourage you to explore opportunities through the IIBA® Calgary Chapter's Mentorship Program. Mentorship isn’t limited to those in the same role—sometimes the most impactful insights come from someone in a different position or with a unique perspective. To get involved, please reach out to Achala Vinnakota at mentor@calgary.iiba.org and take the next step in fostering growth and knowledge-sharing within our community.