Third Thursday

Posted on Friday, October 2nd, 2020

The prepared remarks of President Claude Brulé.

March 19, 2020

Good afternoon, everyone. Bonjour. Kwe.

It is so great to see so many of you here today, and it gives me great pleasure to introduce Algonquin College’s Third Thursday keynote speaker.

Françoise Gagnon is a leader and a fitting guest speaker to join us here — in our very own DARE District. As Naina mentioned, the DARE District is a space that represents Entrepreneurship. It’s a space that DAREs everyone to explore new pathways of innovation, it’s a space that fosters collaboration, and it is home to some of the latest technology, a Centre for research on Big Data, a Cybersecurity Centre, and more.

Our keynote speaker, Françoise Gagnon, is the only female CEO of a Canadian company, ADGA, active in the defence, security and enterprise computing sectors. The privately-owned firm, founded in 1967, is a major defence and security company in Canada with employees across the country. Since becoming its CEO in 2014, Françoise has seen the Ottawa-based company grow to more than 700 employees.

Françoise Gagnon has been described as one of the most powerful women in Canada’s corporate world. As ADGA’s leader, she has devoted herself to promoting gender diversity in both the company and the industry. She’s a role model and a trailblazer. At our most recent convocation ceremonies this past fall, it was my absolute privilege to recognize Françoise with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Studies.

We are so pleased to welcome Françoise to campus and hear her understanding of the importance of Connectivity in the workplace. Please join me in welcoming her to our College.


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