Athena Leadership
Board of Directors

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.

stephanie setka | people experience coordinator
Secretary

Stephanie is the Secretary of Athena Leadership and is passionate about bringing organization, creativity, and connection to the work she does. With experience in the staffing and recruitment industry, she has developed strong administrative and communication skills and is proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Stephanie is fluent in English, Spanish, and French and holds a diploma in Creative Communications (Advertising) from Red River College.

She enjoys supporting teams, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the growth of women leaders in Manitoba.

Kayln Danco | Canadian centre for child protection
Director, events

Kayln Danco is a lawyer, community leader, and dedicated volunteer with a strong commitment to creating safer and more empowered communities. She serves as Senior Associate Counsel with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection in Winnipeg, where she has dedicated her legal career to addressing online child sexual exploitation. Kayln joined the Centre as an articling student in 2013 after completing her law degree at the University of Victoria.

Community involvement has been an important part of Kayln’s leadership journey. She has served as Treasurer and Chair of S.H.A.D.E. (Save Housing and Directed Empowerment), supporting community-based programming for newcomer women experiencing intimate partner or family violence. She has also served as Treasurer for the Grace & Nelly Project, an initiative focused on reducing poverty in rural Zimbabwe by empowering women and girls.

Kayln’s dedication to serving her community was recognized in 2021 with the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award.

As Director of Events with Athena Leadership, Kayln brings a thoughtful, community-centred approach to creating opportunities for connection, learning, and meaningful engagement.

Kelly Krakalovich | rrc polytech
Director, Communications

Kelly Krakalovich, a leader from Shamattawa First Nation, is known for her authentic and community-centered approach to business and marketing.

As the Program Coordinator for Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah at RRC Polytech, she channels her passion for entrepreneurship into creating accessible opportunities for Indigenous relatives, working to reduce systemic barriers and foster inclusive growth.

Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to uplifting her community, emphasizing simplicity, connection, and the power of collective strength to drive meaningful change.

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 a Preconstruction Lead at Bockstael Construction, working on development of non-profit, multi-family residential and commercial buildings in Winnipeg. 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 is a proud Winnipegger and has been an active member of her community throughout her career, also volunteering on the United Way Winnipeg Golf Tournament Committee and Friends of Engineering Board of Directors. She was recognized with the Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba Intern Award in 2022 and Winnipeg 150 Award in 2024.

Outside of work Katie enjoys staying active, travelling and spending time at her family cabin.