What is EmployAbilities

We’re where ability meets opportunity.

What is EmployAbilities? Put simply, it’s where ability meets opportunity. Despite advances in workplace diversity awareness and promotion, many people still face barriers. The truth is that anyone can successfully obtain a job and enrich their workplace culture with the appropriate support and guidance.

That’s where EmployAbilities comes in.

EmployAbilities Board Directors

Catherine Lee-Hannley – Board Chair

Catherine Lee-Hannley has spent her career helping organizations find their voice and connect with the people who matter most to them. As a marketer,brand strategist and partner at Brand Marvel, she works across technology, health and safety, and the public sector, but it’s her community work that she holds closest.

As Board Chair of EmployAbilities, Catherine is passionate about creating a more inclusive Edmonton where everyone has the opportunity for meaningful employment. Giving back has always been a big part of her life, through volunteer leadership roles with the Advertising Club of Edmonton, IABC, IPAC, and United Way.

She believes the best organizations are built on genuine care for people, and that’s what draws her to the work EmployAbilities does every day.

Jenny Wang – Vice Chair

Jenny Wang is a lawyer at Dentons in Edmonton, where she advises on employment, labour, and intellectual property matters. Through her legal work, she has developed a passion in supporting inclusive workplaces and giving back to the community. Jenny serves as Vice Chair of EmployAbilities, helping advance opportunities for individuals facing barriers to employment. She also volunteers for the Edmonton Community Legal Centre and is a Section Executive with the Canadian Bar Association.

Janine Keller, CPA CMA – Treasurer

Janine received her B.Comm (Honours Accounting) from the University of Alberta in 2002, and her CMA (pre-CPA) in Alberta in 2004.

Janine has over 20 years of accounting experience, working for all sizes of companies, both profit and not for profit.

Janine is passionate about the work the Employabilities does, and hopes to help fulfill its purpose.

Tara Lyon – Director

Tara Lyon is proud to serve as a Director with the Board of EmployAbilities, bringing a strong combination of nonprofit and for-profit leadership experience to the organization. With over a decade of experience in Human Resources, along with a background in organizational leadership, operations, program development, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, Tara brings both professional expertise and a collaborative approach to her work. She currently serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through community connection, accessibility, and inclusive programming.

As someone living with an invisible disability, Tara also brings valuable lived experience and a personal understanding of the barriers, stigma, and misconceptions many individuals continue to face in workplaces and communities. She is passionate about fostering environments where people feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Tara strongly supports the mission, vision, and values of EmployAbilities and is committed to contributing her leadership, experience, and perspective to help advance meaningful inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunities throughout the community.

Dan Rude – Director

Dan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), having over 45 years experience, with the last 20 years being in Senior Executive positions as the CFO and CEO of the Association of Alberta Municipalities.   In these roles, Dan reported directly to numerous Board and administered the Audit and Finance Committee.   

Dan has also served on many Boards as a Director for both For-Profit and Not-for-Profit entities.   Dan retired in 2025 and values having the ability to serve as a Board of Director with EmployAbilities.

 

Maryann Everett – Director

Maryann is now retired, and actively involved in governance, advocacy, fundraising and program implementation with several Not-for-Profit organizations including BGCBigs, Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS), Volunteer Alberta, and the Alberta University Hospital Foundation. 

Prior to that, Maryann Everett was Assistant Deputy Minister of Workforce Strategies, responsible for leading the work of a large division developing policy and delivering programs focused on  growing a skilled workforce for the jobs of today as well as tomorrow.  In addition to ensuring employers have the tools they need to find the employees they require, she also worked with other ministries, the federal government and external Canadian and international partners to support the needs of newcomers, workers, employers and Albertans.

Maryann graduated from Dalhousie University with a Masters in Business Administration.  She completed a B.A. Honours in French from Carleton University; and a post graduate degree in International Development and Cooperation from the University of Ottawa.  She is in good standing as a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D).

Maryann started her career in international development and then joined the Government of Canada delivering programs and services for both Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Industry Canada.  She began working with the Alberta Government on Investment attraction from Europe and Asia; labour attraction, economic strategy, and Expo 2000 in Germany.  In 2007, Maryann became Assistant Deputy Minister overseeing a range of assignments from immigration policy and programs, labour market information and intelligence, justice services and workforce policy, strategy and programs.  In 2013, she established the new Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (JSTL) Ministry, which was renamed Labour in February 2016.

Maryann is married with two sons and lives in Edmonton, Alberta.

EmployAbilities: Mission, Vision, Values

What is EmployAbilities

Our Mission:

EmployAbilities empowers individuals with disabilities and employment barriers through skill development, education, and meaningful work, enabled by strong partnerships with employers, community, and government.

What is EmployAbilities

Our Vision:

To be the trusted leader advancing inclusive employment by strengthening communities, partnering with employers, and empowering people with disabilities and employment barriers to achieve their full potential through meaningful work.

What is EmployAbilities

Our Values:

At EmployAbilities, our values guide how we advance inclusive employment and strengthen communities. They reflect our commitment to being a trusted leader and to working alongside people with disabilities and employment barriers, employers, community, and government partners to support meaningful work and greater independence.

We are Trustworthy

We act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in everything we do. We are accountable for our decisions and actions, building trust with individuals, employers, partners, and the communities we serve.

We are Collaborative

We work alongside people with disabilities and employment barriers, employers, families, and community partners to achieve shared goals. Through strong, respectful partnerships, we create meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities.

We are Innovative

We embrace creativity, flexibility, and continuous improvement. By exploring new ideas and adapting to changing needs, we remove barriers and strengthen employment outcomes for individuals and employers.

We are inclusive

We value and respect people of all abilities, experiences, and perspectives. We are committed to creating equitable and accessible environments where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to thrive.

We are Compassionate

We lead with empathy, understanding, and respect. By listening carefully and responding with care, we provide support that honours dignity, builds confidence, and supports greater independence.

Want to learn more about EmployAbilities?

Give us a CALL or send us an EMAIL, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!

780.423.4106

employ@employabilities.ab.ca

Or get the process started by filling out the form below!

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