Athena Leadership is operated by an annually elected Board of Directors. The board consists of current members with diverse industry background, experience and education, and community interests.
Athena Leadership
Board of Directors
2025-2026
mERISSA kING | uNLOCK cOMMUNICATIONS
President
Originally from Newfoundland, Merissa King has proudly called Winnipeg her home since 2018. After working nearly 20 years in the marketing and communications field with a variety of organizations in Newfoundland, Ontario and Manitoba, she’s now the owner and principal consultant of her own communications consulting practice, Unlock Communications.
Merissa is an active member of the Winnipeg community, having volunteered with the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (The Welcome Place’s refugee family matching program), Friends of the Harte Trail and the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS). She enjoys being connected to the business community as a member of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce and she’s thrilled to be on the Athena Leadership board to help empower its members to make a positive impact in the community.
In addition to consulting, Merissa enjoys creative writing, reading historical fiction, gardening, cross-country skiing and spending time with her husband, Stephen, and two dogs, Loki and Marty.
samarah mcrorie | the winnipeg foundation
Vice President
Having been born and raised in Manitoba, and as a University of Winnipeg alumna, Samarah remains a proud Winnipegger, continually inspired by Manitoba’s spirit of generosity. As a member of the Community Generosity team at The Winnipeg Foundation, she works with various stakeholders to help support “a Winnipeg where community life flourishes for all”.
Alongside her professional work, Samarah is passionate about volunteering, including serving on the planning committee for the Winnipeg Women’s Conference.
In her spare time, Samarah enjoys a good art project, indulging in a binge-worthy series, and being in nature, especially with her family, including her two dogs, Annie and Bennet.
KELLY KRISTIN | RRC Polytech
Secretary
Kelly Krakalovich joins Athena Leadership as the newly elected Secretary of the Board, bringing a rich background in marketing, not-for-profit work, and entrepreneurship. With over five years of experience, Kelly has led impactful marketing campaigns and launched innovative ventures,
showcasing her strategic vision and industry acumen.
Her commitment to social causes is evident through her pivotal roles in various non-profits, where she has driven successful fundraising initiatives and forged strong community partnerships. Kelly's leadership qualities shine in her ability to create inclusive environments that amplify diverse voices.
At Athena Leadership, Kelly’s unique blend of skills will greatly contribute to our mission of empowering women. Her strategic insights and dedication to service make her an invaluable asset to our team. We are excited to welcome Kelly and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our organization
ERIN SPARROW | THE DUFRESNE GROUP
Treasurer
Erin Sparrow, CPA, CBV is Director, Corporate Development at the Dufresne Group. She is passionate about digging into problems and finding unique solutions using her 10+ years of experience in strategy, business planning, accounting and finance. She is an active member of the community, jumping on volunteer opportunities that help support the next generation of leaders in Winnipeg.
Erin is excited to put this experience to work to support Athena Leadership in achieving its goals.
Outside of work, Erin keeps busy chasing around her two daughters, squeezing in a good book or reality tv show when she gets the chance. She loves to cook and is passionate about the food scene in Winnipeg, and is always looking for a great restaurant recommendation.
madison moore | manitobah
Director, Communications
Bio Coming Soon
Carly nicholson | MFL Occupational Health Centre
Director, Scholarship
Carly Nicholson is the Executive Director of the MFL Occupational Health Centre, a non-profit Community Health Centre committed to promoting and protecting worker health through prevention, education, and care. At the helm of strategy and operations, Carly oversees the organization’s finance, HR, programming, policy, and fundraising efforts—wearing many hats to drive its mission forward.
With roots in politics and communications, Carly began her advocacy journey as a Peer Counsellor at the Women’s Health Clinic, later serving as Board Co-Chair. She now brings her passion for equity and justice to her role as Treasurer of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba, an abolitionist organization that supports and advocates for women navigating the criminal justice system.
Carly joined Athena in 2024, drawn to its values-driven mission and dynamic network. As Director of Scholarship, she’s excited to contribute to its bold philanthropic goals and help grow its impact.
Outside of work, Carly enjoys coaxing her garden to life, experimenting in the kitchen, and hosting excellent parties.
katie moist | bockstael construction
PAST PRESIDENT
Katie Moist, P.Eng., is Project Manager at Bockstael Construction, managing construction of multi-family residential and commercial buildings in the Winnipeg area. Previously, Katie worked as a Municipal Engineer with KGS Group after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 2019.
Katie has been an active member of the engineering community since starting in the Faculty of Engineering. She is currently an active member on the 30 by 30 Provincial Steering Committee, and the Vice Chair of Friends of Engineering. Katie received Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba’s Intern Award in 2022 in recognition for her impact to the profession. She is also an active volunteer in the community, holding positions with Athena Leadership and The United Way Winnipeg. In her free time, Katie enjoys staying active, travelling and spending time at her cabin.